issue 50 2019 Doing things for and from Tasmania One hundred plus: Law and Engineering’s big birthdays You rock, Alumnimagazine Mr Richardson!

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I met a Tasmanian exchange What was the most important student in Poland and he said relationship I made at university? ‘Just come’. I came for a year I went to Jane Franklin, Ted lived – and I’m still here! across the road … we married – Uta (BArch 1998) in 1974. – Helen (BA 1972)

Opportunities Do I still keep in touch with I used to work about 60 ISSUE 50 to get involved friends I made at the University? … hours a week, every week of Yes I definitely do, and it’s my four years at university … Volunteering not just on LinkedIn, it’s also It was one of my favourite times face-to-face. of my life. utas.edu.au/alumni/get- – Nicole (BAppSc in MLS 1992, – Peter (BAgrSc Hons 1967) involved/volunteering M.Med Sc 2006, Grad Cert Mgt 2010) It is important to remember the Mentoring Being part of a relatively need to build connections and This program matches students small but tight-knit law school create a community around you, with alumni on the basis with lecturers, staff and students to stay true to your purpose and of shared interests, degree of such a high calibre was a understand the importance of background or industry: highlight of my time at the relationships to success. University. – Jodie (BCom 1997)` utas.edu.au/students/careers/ – Melissa (BA/LLB Hons 1988) mentor/alumni

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02 — Alumni 2019 CONTENTS

CONTENTS

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08 10

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16 19 38

LEAH’S LAW THE HEART OF HOBART 04 Welcome 06 Care provided by the Riawunna 12 The values that underpin the 05 Kate Robertson Centre helped smooth the road ahead University’s move to the inner city 06 Leah’s Law for Indigenous lawyer Leah Cameron 08 Tyler Richardson 10 Dr Lila Landowski 12 New campuses YOU ROCK, MR RICHARDSON! DESIGN DYNASTY 16 Design dynasty 08 Teacher Tyler Richardson balances his 16 The Floyd family continues to make 18 Tim Walker classroom duties with his role as the a mark on Tasmanian architecture via 19 The Hedberg lead singer of a punk band the Northern Transformation Project 20 AUV dives deep 21 Unearthing our convict past 22 Wicking’s Island Project SCIENCE SUPERHERO ONE HUNDRED-PLUS 23 War stories 10 A slimy encounter with a fish as a 38 Law and Engineering celebrate 125 24 Alison Watkins youngster put Dr Lila Landowski on years and more than a century, 25 Brad Hilder the path to discovering her passion respectively 26 Tasmanian devils 27 Graduation ceremonies 30 International receptions 33 Ellias Saidin 34 Public lectures and forums 35 University dinners 38 Law anniversary 40 National recognition Cover image: Chris Crerar

03 Teaching, researching and partnering in a place-based way We have enormous capacity across a generation through our teaching, our research, the creative output we produce and the partnerships we form. The University educates a great proportion of the State’s population, from teachers and nurses to engineers and artists. How well we

Mitch Osb equip our students for Tasmania’s future will in turn shape how well

o educated our children are, how rne healthy our community is, how well we run our farms and so on. We don’t just prepare students for WELCOME careers, but increasingly we support their reskilling, up-skilling, and The University of Tasmania was Tasmania’s distinctive sources of advantage preparedness to engage successfully founded to serve an entire State challenges are that are needed to generate in a global society throughout their and its people, and we remain our challenges: wealth, services and infrastructure lives. The more we understand how the only university specifically Vice-Chancellor required to support a decent quality and what we teach contributes to for our society. Professor of life. Tasmania – and, as a result, similar Rufus Black. Regional areas such as Tasmania communities elsewhere – the Against that backdrop, place takes have to deal with the challenges greater the impact we will have. on particular importance. It was the of complex social disadvantage In Tasmania, tailoring education theme of being ‘Place-based and left by the disruptive impact of in distinctive ways for our place ISSUE 50 globally connected’ that emerged as the global economy, which has and its people is key. We need central to our staff conversations, seen work and opportunity leave to be accessible to more people which informed our new Strategic the State to locations with lower in more places by operating a Plan, released in July. labour or input costs, and greater regionally networked model; to In a regional setting as distinctive economies of scale. build an endowment fund to ensure as Tasmania, place shapes a While for some in Tasmania these that cost is not a barrier to higher university’s mission and its delivery. are relatively buoyant times, the education for any Tasmanian; But being place-based can be part University’s task is to look to these broaden our offering by continuing of our approach to education, considerable long-term challenges. to develop a suite of pathways rather than something we do for Our population is ageing. In tailored to people’s needs, such Tasmania alone. We can apply it many parts of our community as short-courses and associate wherever we operate. Critically, it we have poor social and health degrees; and deliver those more means attending to the needs of the indicators. We have challenges flexibly, to accommodate the fact communities and people that we are with our underlying measures of that, already, more than half our working with, and asking how does economic competitiveness, such as students are not school-leavers. the place we are working in shape productivity. The ways our research can shape what we do. Central to our place-based the State have the ability to offer Today education, knowledge mission is the ability to work in insights and creative productions and creative endeavour are critical partnership with the community, that change our understanding to future social and economic industry and government to of the nature of Tasmania itself. wellbeing, and even more so in solve the complex problems Virtually every part of the University a regional island setting with a underlying these issues and to can contribute to those new and small population. In a world where create a prosperous, inclusive and evolving understandings, from our globalisation favours large, globally- sustainable future for Tasmania, historians, sociologists and lawyers connected metropolitan areas, providing a global model for to our economists, climatologists, regional economies will always communities with similar challenges ecologists and epidemiologists. have to work harder to find the elsewhere. Our place-based focus insists that we remember that many of Tasmania’s social difficulties are We are strategically placed to do vital grounded in economic disadvantage. things from Tasmania for the world We must, therefore, work both to support the creation of quality jobs

04 — Alumni 2019 welcome

and provide the education to make such as health and education. largely comes from where our them accessible. As we think about These university partnerships history of excellence and place these social challenges, we have should be characterised by both a converge. The ability to make a the capacity for our research to commitment to collaborative work contribution of that scale has been discover innovative solutions to and the essential preservation built upon the relationships and deliver public and community of a truly evidence-based and resources that come from being part services and, critically, to build independent perspective. of larger research or government capability in communities to lead and industry ecosystems in fields the solutions themselves. Being place-based and such as agriculture, Antarctic We will forge place-based contributing from Tasmania science, fisheries, forestry, maritime partnerships to tackle complex If part of our placed based mission engineering and training, medical social and economic challenges is to be the university for Tasmania, research, and in minerals discovery in an integrated way; providing we are strategically placed in and processing. the education students need to the world to do vital things from participate in and help create Tasmania. Many of the University’s Being placed-based and sustainable those parts of the economy that research strengths are built on The finite qualities of islands provide good incomes and secure our rich and complex history, our remind us that ecologically employment. We need to create remarkable location – with its and socially we need to be a regional competitive advantage proximity to the Southern Ocean sustainable place; we must work for key sectors and new businesses and Antarctica – and our wondrous with ecosystems, not against them, through the industry problems natural environment. and the definition of a community we solve; and by fostering a In terms of global impact, the provided by our island’s watery start-up community to develop a University has done very well boundaries reminds us that we pipeline of new, rapidly growing, in producing a significant body must work together. Tasmania globally competitive but locally- of important research over an has environmental values that based enterprises. extended period. We aim to are of global significance and, as As Tasmania’s sole university, strengthen and build on that, islanders, we have obligations of we have a unique ability to work in focusing on areas of research stewardship. As we think about partnership with government and where we have a defensibly that stewardship and the broader community to deliver public services distinctive advantage, which task of being sustainable, we are guided in our thinking by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the recognition that our Introducing Kate Robertson job is to find our way to create a model where prosperity, inclusivity, the environment and social and Recently appointed Executive Director of Advancement, Kate Robertson says technological progress advance she’s looking forward to building sustainable and meaningful relationships together, not in tension. with alumni, donors and other stakeholders in her new role. We are fortunate in having I am delighted to be joining underlying passion for building engaging with you on those great defining strengths as a the University of Tasmania relationships and working things that matter most to university. However, our challenges at a time of critical focus on together to advance a cause. you. That’s easy to say, and to deliver our mission are very real. addressing the needs of the Nothing can be more important harder to do! However, I am While there are great challenges, State, and playing my part than investing time, energy and optimistic that this can be they are inspiring a boldness in in shaping the University to resources in education; it is the achieved by working together us. We look around the world one that serves its community very basis for a civilised and to create an environment that at other small societies like ever more closely. I subscribe prosperous community. enables you to connect more Scandinavia, Switzerland and strongly to our mission to do I have enjoyed meeting easily with each other, the Iceland, and we see places where things for Tasmania and from many of you; I look forward to University and the State, in the measures that matter – from Tasmania. It was this that continuing this over the coming ways that are meaningful wellbeing to inclusivity – lead the attracted to me to the role, months with those of you that to you. world. We aspire to be an integral not to mention the compelling are based in Tasmania as well In the meantime, thank you part of creating the next model for aspect of living and working as interstate and further afield. for the warm welcome I have that sort of society. So, it is our in Tasmania itself. I welcome your feedback on received, for your interest in mission to see Tasmania as a place My past career has how we can best support you. shaping the University’s role in that is a model for the world of a taken in roles in the arts and I am keen that we move the community, and all the very sustainable, prosperous and education both in the UK quickly to becoming an helpful recommendations for inclusive society. and (since 2013) in Australia. organisation that is better exploring this very special What connects them all is my at listening, responding and State that is Tasmania. – Professor Rufus Black, Vice-Chancellor

05 Care provided by the Riawunna Centre helped smooth the road ahead for this award-winning Indigenous lawyer Leah’s law: seeking a better outcome for her mob By Ruth Dawkins

Because of Her, We Can! Leah is the founder and Marrawah Law team has put what lawyers were,” she said. Principal Solicitor of Marrawah into practising law the right “I was acutely aware, There can be few women who Law, a Cairns-based practice way, not the easy way,” she however, of how Aboriginal embody this NAIDOC Week providing legal services in the said. people were treated by theme as wholeheartedly areas of native title, cultural “We are ensuring we don’t society, law enforcement as University of Tasmania heritage and commercial law. just give our clients a voice: we and the courts through my graduate, award-winning The firm is only the second let them speak through us in family’s experiences. It was this ISSUE 50 lawyer and proud Palawa in Australia to be certified by accordance with their laws and background that ingrained in woman Leah Cameron (BA/ Supply Nation as a majority customs, on country.” me the desire to get a better LLB 2006). Indigenous-owned, controlled Marrawah Law is founded outcome for my mob. It wasn’t and managed legal practice. on the philosophy of providing until I was receiving tutoring Since graduating in 2006, comprehensive, accurate and from a University of Tasmania Leah has received several culturally appropriate advice to graduate, Diana Sargent, in accolades including Tasmanian First Nations clients in relation high school that I worked out Young Achiever of the Year to personal, government and who lawyers were and that it Award in the category of business interests. was possible for me to become Trade and Career Achievement Although Leah’s decision one.” (2008) and National Indigenous to establish Marrawah Law Starting university was a Legal Professional of the Year was prompted by her early daunting challenge for Leah, Award (2016). days as a lawyer, dealing but the combination of care Most recently, she was the with Indigenous clients provided by the Riawunna first recipient of the inaugural in circumstances that she Centre and the friends she Queensland Law Society First describes as ‘heavily laden made in the Law School Nations Lawyer of the Year with injustice, bullying and left her with many happy (2018), an honour that she intimidation’, her determination memories of her time as an believes reflects the work and to advance the interests of undergraduate. ethos of her entire team. First Nations peoples was first “Riawunna provides amazing “It was such an incredible informed by her experiences as support for Aboriginal students honour to receive this award. a young Palawa woman. studying at the University,” she It reaffirms the hard work the “Growing up, I didn’t know said. “The hike up the hill was

… an outstanding leader who will no doubt inspire other young women to take up law as a way of creating change for the betterment of our [Indigenous] communities

06 — Alumni 2019 THE Riawunna Centre

Palawa perspective: Award-winning lawyer Leah Cameron says: “Growing up, I didn’t know what lawyers were. I was acutely aware, however, of how Aboriginal people were treated by society, law enforcement and the courts.”

Brisbane – and doubled its practice size. In addition to her work through Marrawah Law, Leah is a regular contributor to the National Talk Black radio program, a mentor to young Indigenous businesswomen, and a director and deputy chairperson of a not-for-profit social housing provider. Despite this gruelling professional schedule, Leah says she and her husband, fellow alumnus and law graduate Thomas Cameron, try to get back to Tasmania at least once a year. “Whenever I return home, I do like to spend time in places that mean a great deal to my family such as Oyster Cove and Bicheno,” she said. “These places really ground me and give me a renewed focus in life and in business.”

S Described by Gimuy UPPL Walubara Yidinji elder and IE D Associate Professor at Central Queensland University Henrietta Marrie AM as “an worth it [Riawunna was then “I look back very fondly at moustache, and we managed outstanding leader who will based in Hytten Hall above my time at the Law School to get it!” no doubt inspire other young Churchill Avenue]. During the and the fun I had. One of my Professional life for Leah women to take up law as course of my study, I became favourite memories was in my is busier now than it has ever a way of creating change part of a really close-knit second year competing the been. In the past few months, for the betterment of our friendship group. We helped ‘Scav Hunt’. One of the items Marrawah Law has recently communities”, Leah Cameron is each other through the ups on the list was hair clippings taken over two other legal indeed an inspiration. and downs of studying and life. from Premier Jim Bacon’s practices – in Cairns and Because of her, we can.

07 teacher Tyler Richardson is riding the wave of Balancing his classroom duties with his role as the lead singer of a punk band Inspired by The Godfather An offer the Luca Brasi star could not refuse By Tahnia Creedon

When the University of The band has since toured “The journey since has been Tasmania’s 2018 winter Australia again – a two month- so wild, from having zero round graduands took centre long marathon at the beginning expectations of success for ISSUE 50 stage, Tyler Richardson’s of this year under the banner Luca Brasi to getting to do stage looked a little different. The Clothes I Slept In Across what we do is crazy.” The Bachelor of Education Australia – and are now Although Tyler missed (Applied Learning) 2018 planning a return visit to the his graduation ceremony graduate and Luca Brasi UK in September and October. – he was performing in lead singer was then touring It’s been a long road, literally, Sydney – he officially finished Australia with the increasingly for the 30-year-old, who has his degree in January and has popular punk band, promoting discovered that the adage been teaching full-time at “I was 17 when I started my their fourth studio album Stay ‘never say never’ holds true. Taroona High School in metal apprenticeship – I left Year 12 to sold-out crowds. “I always thought university and woodwork – when not to begin it,” he said. might be part of my future, but touring the country. Tyler’s “I think my biggest never had any real sense of university journey started five motivation into uni was doing what I’d like to do,” he said. years ago after the qualified a lot of FIFO work and never “Honestly, in high school boilermaker-welder wanted really feeling like it was for me. I never, ever would have a change from a FIFO (fly-in “I’d always hoped I had thought I’d become a teacher. fly-out) life. something to give, and I love working with kids, and it just fell into place from there. “I spoke to a University of Tasmania counsellor about my options as an ex-tradie and Stay ’til the wheels about what I’d need to do to fall off: Luca Brasi become a trades teacher. Jill kicked off its Stay Downing was amazing and she national tour in has been there for me ever Launceston. The band since.” will return there in Between playing live gigs all November for ’Til over the world, and studying – the Wheels Fall Off, a three-day music sometimes in the back of a tour festival they have van – Tyler said graduating was curated since its made possible because of the inception in 2014. course flexibility.

08 — Alumni 2019 KA REN

BR OW N

“ It’s been pretty full-on, but I nspired by who met a grisly fate – is to find which path is best for I think a lot of people have so those who juggle experiencing unprecedented you,” he said. much on too and still make many roles: demand, something Tyler said “I’m inspired by those who it work,” he said. “I did a lot ‘Mr Richardson’ was never part of the plan manage to juggle so many via correspondence and that with Grade 7 when the band formed at roles, be it having a family and MDT students definitely helped. Without that St Helens in 2009. “Luca Brasi working full-time, or those at Taroona High flexibility, I would probably was never meant to be a thing who tour the world constantly, School. have not been able to study at all – my mate Busby and trying to do what is right and at all.” I were mucking around and are fearless.” Despite its humble writing some acoustic songs at Despite the band’s growing beginnings, Luca Brasi – the parties,” he said. success, the Scamander-raised, band took its name from a “It formed a life of its own punk rock star, high school character in The Godfather after that with some other teacher’s mantra is simple: mates joining the band. We “Be nice to people; it’s an never really had a plan at the easy way to feel good.” Between playing live gigs time, and it’s only been in the last few years that things have all over the world, and got so serious.” studying – sometimes in the Tyler’s advice to others considering taking the plunge back of a tour van – Tyler into university studies? “Get said graduating was made yourself set up and understand possible because of the what studying will require, spend some time with course flexibility University course counsellors

09 A slimy encounter with a fish when she was in grade four put DR Lila Landowski on the path to discovering her passion The sticky moment that inspired a science superhero By Tahnia Creedon

ISSUE 50 Dr Lila Landowski (BMedRes Hons 2009, PhD 2014) “I’d recently heard about shark She had contended with had a light-bulb moment when she was seven, liver oil capsules having healing an environment of significant thanks to fish slime. Fast forward more than 20 properties (which turns out not family hardships, juggling carer years and the 31-year-old is now one of the leading to be true after all), but I thought, responsibilities with studies, and neuroscientists and lecturers at the University of ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if I could find coping with bullying. Tasmania, recently anointed by Australia’s Chief some kind of fish extract that could “The science is always worth Scientist as a National Science Superhero. help people’.” it, but it’s hard to justify suffering,” As it turned out, the natural she said. “Winning that award A further accolade came in protein that Dr Landowski proved gave me a sense of validation November when she was named could regenerate nerves in the skin at a really important time in one of two 2018 Tasmanian Young during her PhD studies is found my life.” Poppy Science Award-winners. in fish. “It’s funny to see things Dr Landowksi’s communications It’s been an impressive journey come around in full circle and find skills have since been recognised for the Moonah-born resident, that my very naive idea came to nationally, with her selection by who has achieved much since her fruition,” she said. the ABC in May for a 2019 Top 5 years growing up in a housing In a CV heavy with outstanding science media residency. commission home and attending achievements, the passionate She looks back on her University the local public schools. science communicator and of Tasmania student days as a The self-confessed ‘old soul’ advocate is most humbled by her positive experience thanks to is proof that hard work and 2015 Premier’s Young Achiever of inspiring lecturers. determination can take you all the the Year Award. Starting her university journey way, and that includes a PhD in For Dr Landowski, winning the studying a Bachelor of Marine and neuroscience. award made the challenges she Freshwater Biology, she switched “I knew I wanted to be working encountered on her journey to the new Bachelor of Medical in therapeutic development at the “worth it”. Research, followed by Honours in age of seven, it was a very specific moment,” Dr Landowski said. “I was at a grade-four school Looking down the microscope and camp, and I caught my first fish. As I was holding up the fish, I seeing that we may have achieved noticed its cloying slime sticking to the impossible was mind-boggling my fingers.

010 — Alumni 2019 SCIENCE

w is the learning and memory centre, often stops working effectively when someone has dementia. Not only can’t they remember what they did five minutes ago, they lose track of where they are in space and time.” With no cure for dementia in the foreseeable future, Dr Landowski said the research indicated the disease could be present up to 20 years before the symptoms begin. Today Dr Landowski is a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Professor David Howells, who she attributes her success to. And her research focus has shifted from peripheral neuropathy to stroke. With stroke being the second leading cause of death in Australia, Dr Landowski is part of a

K 14-member Stroke Research Unit a ren headed by Professor Howells. B r

ow “The Royal Hobart Hospital

n Research Foundation has funded us $450,000 for three years to figure out how to improve the success of stroke research,” Dr It’s such a privilege to get to Landowski said. spend a day … figuring out While no two days are the same in the lab, Dr Landowski feels lucky how to solve problems to do what she does. “There’s no such thing as an Medical Research and a Doctorate people with dementia and their Dedicated: average day. Today I spent part of in Neuroscience. carers. Dr Lila the day writing a paper and making Dr Landowski’s research It is here that Dr Landowski, Landowski is one a figure using Adobe Illustrator,” career highlight was during her alongside some of the State’s of the leading she said. PhD studies in 2013 when she brightest minds, is studying the neuroscientists “We have to do a lot of art in and lecturers at discovered that a natural protein number-one cause of death in science, such as making images the University of could regenerate peripheral nerves women (and number-three cause or illustrations for papers to Tasmania. in the skin. of death in men) in Australia. communicate an idea. “Looking down the microscope “People don’t realise that “Today I’ve also spent time in and seeing that we may have dementia kills. They often think the lab troubleshooting one of our achieved the impossible was mind- of it as a condition where you experiments. boggling,” she said. become forgetful,” Dr Landowski “It’s such a privilege to get After completing her PhD at said. to spend a day thinking about the Menzies Institute for Medical “Let’s consider that the brain problems and figuring out how to Research, Dr Landowski trained controls everything we do, solve them. It’s just pure joy when at the Peripheral Nerve Division whether we’re thinking about you do solve them; there’s no of the Mayo Clinic to cement her it or not. When a person has better feeling in the world.” status as an emerging leader in the dementia, neurons in various Away from work, Dr Landowski field of peripheral nerve injury. parts of their brain break down spends most of her time spreading At the same time, she was and die, affecting how well those science over her social media recruited to teach and coordinate regions can do their job. pages and ABC radio in a way neuroscience units at the Wicking “As the disease spreads to other that’s as engaging and accessible Dementia Research and Education parts of the brain, you lose the as possible. Centre in Hobart, which is at the ability to perform basic functions, She also loves fishing and forefront of translational research such as speaking or swallowing. playing music in her friend’s folk- and support for issues confronting “The brain’s hippocampus, which pop group Gnarlhünd.

011 The values that underpin the University’s move into the heart of Hobart By Elaine Stratford

Iconic setting: Staff I n step with previous decisions to establish new K&D Warehouse site, a recent acquisition, and be and students will campuses at Inveresk in Launceston and West anchored by a central library and public space on work within an area Park in Burnie, the University has committed to the former Webster building site and carpark. about the size of the developing a campus in the heart of Hobart over Sandy Bay campus the next 10 to 15 years. The University will act as a steward for the and become part of existing Sandy Bay campus land into the future, something larger than The University Council’s decision in early April knowing that it has an important part to play in the ourselves. followed a period of conversation and consultation life and future of Hobart. with staff and students and feedback from key stakeholders. In the following article, staff member Professor Elaine Stratford explains why she is optimistic The campus will run from the University’s original about the possibilities that this inner-city move home at the Domain, along Melville Street to the will present:

ISSUE 50 C hris C rer a r

012 — Alumni 2019 New campuses

I number among those residents the city support helpful change in of Hobart and staff members how we walk around the city or use who are excited by possibilities small wheeled devices, multi-modal that will open up as our campus public transport, and park-and-ride? changes over the next 10 years. Secondly, how - right now - can What changes might there be we prepare for the years to 2080 in the role of our 100-hectare and for the transport innovations Sandy Bay campus and how might that might arise between now and

we collaborate with others to Edd then? Indeed, how can we lead ie

contribute to Hobart’s city centre? Sa innovations in transport that are f a

Importantly, my excitement is ri suited to this place and our people, k grounded in those possibilities v and ‘small’ cities more generally? that are ‘both-and’, rather than After all, transport requires that ‘either-or’. we also think about medicine, law, This transformational change has Trailblazer: The interaction, which tends to diminish engineering, planning, psychology, my support for several reasons – CBD as viewed differences and build trust. economics, and so on; about health none of them watertight or without from the Medical gains from walking, or changes flaw – but all of them worth airing Science Precinct, Vital and sustainable community to road rules, or road design, or and considering. Those reasons can which was The second of the University’s city plans, sense of safety and officially opened best be framed in relation to the values is about nurturing a vital and belonging, and transport costs in December University’s five values: sustainable community. Honouring and gains. 2013. that value means caring about Shared purpose community and, because our Creative possibilities The first of these values is that purpose is to produce knowledge The questions I raise above speak we create and serve a shared and promote learning, it means to the University’s third value, purpose to produce knowledge and being committed to innovation. which is to confidently foster promote learning over the whole Think about the changes we are creative possibilities involving of the life course, for the benefit likely to experience over the next our people’s skills, talents and of individuals and society. Think 25 years. We must prepare for innovative ideas. medicine, engineering, pharmacy, profound change. Think transport, If we are to think about our social work, music, literature, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, University and our city not just computer science, mapping, law DNA sequencing, enhanced across years, but generations, we … the list is extensive, and it is humans, radically new ways of have to value thinking, embrace changing over time as knowledge working and getting paid, and risk, and be prepared to work and learning change. Each deserves climate change. And those are just experimentally. That means us facilities that are fit-for-purpose the tip of the iceberg. having the confidence to ‘fail so that really useful knowledge is Take one example from the list responsibly’ and learn without produced and learning is sound – above – transport. At present in fear of retribution. Let me be clear inspired, even. Hobart we walk, jog, skate, scoot, here. I do not mean ‘fail’ in the Many benefits can flow from use wheelchairs, bike, drive all sense of not meeting performance creating such facilities in the city. manner of vehicle, and catch buses, expectations: we must try our One of the most important of Ubers, and taxis. The University’s best. I mean ‘fail’ in the sense of these is that staff and students move into the city opens an ‘be unsuccessful in accomplishing will work within an area about the outstanding collective chance to a purpose’. Lack of success in this size of the Sandy Bay campus and avoid a retreat into some kind of sense is temporary - a phase in become part of something larger defensive posture concerned with learning. Yes, there will be times than ourselves. We will have new traffic congestion and parking. when we fall short of purpose for a opportunities to give back to the Instead, the move invites us both time, but the University is a learning city and the State by engaging pose at least two questions. organisation and we can and must in work-integrated learning that First, by better using what expect it (and us) to make good on better suits the needs of potential we already have in the way of those moments. employers. Such kinds of learning infrastructure over the years to exist now – but proximity matters 2040, how can the critical mass of The strength diversity brings and tends to create chances for people that the move will provide in The fourth of the University’s values honours diversity and the strength, resilience, and creativity that it If we are to think about our University and brings. Part of the work we need to our city not just across years, but generations, do to ensure diversity is to create

C a welcoming, caring, and inclusive hris we have to value thinking, embrace risk, and environment. C rer There is much to value at Sandy a r be prepared to work experimentally Bay – heritage, environs, sense

013 practice discussions that address As the University moves parts of its key challenges we face as a people. Sandy Bay operations to the central Imagine how much more readily we will be able to engage in face- business district, it can make substantive to-face conversations that matter contributions to liveability when we step out of buildings, walk a few blocks, and meet with each other to talk about what is needed and what is possible. Imagine if some of our different functions were collocated, and we found new ways to mix higher education, government, non- government, and private sector priorities and talents? It should be said that none of this precludes the absolute necessity that we also get out across the regions of the State outside Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie. But we know that when people from the regions come to the capital, our being in the city may afford more ready

C opportunities for engagement than hris does our location in Sandy Bay. C rer a r Final thoughts As the University moves parts of its Sandy Bay operations to the of place, and community values and it is crucial that each of us N ew horizons: central business district, it can among them. But as someone who maintains an open mind, an open Melville St, make substantive contributions to has worked there for more than heart, and trustworthy and reliable with the City liveability. It can support the City’s ISSUE 50 20 years, in several roles, I know channels of communication while Apartments community vision. It can foster first-hand that many of the buildings such agreement gains form and pictured, will vitality and the viability of certain form the spine of are now unsuited to the kinds of substance. enterprises, and attract investment the new campus. learning, teaching, research and in a range of enriching activities, engagement that can and should Collaboration vital for success events, and facilities. It can enrich the lives of Tasmanians and The fifth value at the centre of the undergird diversity, participation, others. Yes, we could rebuild the University’s operations focuses on intergenerational accessibility, campus as such. To do so would asking each of us to collaborate, safety and security, connectivity serve limited ends. I, for one, aspire to question and reflect, and to between ground-floor activities to more for the organisation, the respectfully challenge ourselves and and streets, comfort, environmental State, and its people. each other. This value reminds us integrity, economic viability, and The shape of what is to come that listening to, engaging with, and design flair. in Sandy Bay will be decided involving others are practices vital Thus, the University can help in consultation with many for success. to refresh the democratisation stakeholders, and the University A move to the city can enhance of higher education, not least by Council has made clear its the first of these, collaboration, removing particular – often spatial commitment to care for that campus and foster the other habits. I have and psychological – barriers, and land well into the future. Imagine never believed that universities are nurture a learning city in a learning the social good that can come from ivory towers. Most of my colleagues State. There is risk – the need to innovative partnerships with private, are well-connected to professional embrace uncertainty. There will be government, and non-government associations, network with ‘failures’ from which all will learn, sectors to enhance that site. Think government, non-government, and and learn more and more quickly if more varied education and training private sector personnel, and forge retribution and polemic are denied facilities, innovation and incubation local, national, and international a space at the table. I, for one, think hubs, more childcare, healthcare, working relationships. At the same such outcomes are worth backing. affordable green-star housing, time, there is no doubt that we enhanced leisure and recreation seem impenetrable to many of services, and environmental those we most seek to serve. amenity. So, another important benefit of Elaine Stratford is a Professor in the The shape of what is to come in a city move will come in the form Institute for the Study of Social Change and a member of the University of Tasmania Built a city centre of about 200 hectares of newly energised collaborations, Environment and Infrastructure Committee has yet to be agreed in detail, not least in research and policy or of Council.

014 — Alumni 2019 New campuses

Bold vision: Pro Vice- Chancellor (Launceston) Professor Dominic Geraghty at Inveresk.

details. The waterfront site of West Park will be complemented by a campus that reflects the rugged Bass Strait coastline and rich

SC landscapes. O TT

G At Inveresk, new buildings will be E L

ST sympathetic to the well-preserved O N industrial heritage. The development will also extend across the North Esk River to a health science and research hub as Inner-city well as student townhouses. The move has inspired a curriculum shake-up, leading to campuses to increasing numbers of regionally- distinctive, place-based courses transform the that leverage local strengths. “We want to be providing the North and NW workforce that’s required for these regions,” Professor Geraghty says. By Shantelle Rodman A development application for Stage 1 of the Inveresk precinct, encompassing the library and The State’s North and North-West In July, Infrastructure Australia student experience building, and are on the brink of an exciting new identified the project as a national a footbridge linking the site to education era. priority – an investment that will the city, has been submitted to reap significant community benefits. Launceston City Council. A bold vision is being pursued by Collectively, more than “Because we’re staging the the University, aimed at improving $300 million has been allocated to build, it means the vast majority educational outcomes and construct purpose-built teaching, of the work will be undertaken by revitalising regions. research and student facilities at Tasmanian construction workers The Northern Transformation sites where the University already and Tasmanian contractors, so this project will see new campuses built has a presence. is going to inject as much of that in the centres of Launceston and Modern technology will support money as possible directly into the Burnie. blended, contemporary learning. local economy,” Professor Geraghty They’re expected to create The redevelopments will also says. vibrancy and prosperity while create an environment where The DA for West Park has already fostering a culture of community education, business, industry, and been approved by Burnie City learning at West Park and Inveresk. the community can intersect. Council, with construction expected “The whole idea is to create “We want to give people who to start this year. vibrant spaces that are inviting would not normally consider “This is a significant boost for to the community, and inspire university a soft landing when they the local economy,” he says. “The people to consider studying at get here, with the hope that they developments at West Park and university,” says Pro Vice-Chancellor go on to be life-long learners,” Inveresk are among the biggest (Launceston) Professor Dominic Professor Geraghty says. infrastructure projects to be Geraghty. Designs for both precincts undertaken in the North of the “Participation in higher education embrace historic and environmental State.” by people in these regions is The Northern Transformation significantly lower than the national project is a partnership between average. It’s only 20 per cent in the We want to be providing the University, local, State and North and less than 15 per cent in federal governments. the North-West, so having easily the workforce that’s accessible campuses is an important required for these regions strategy to try and increase Design concepts and project updates can be participation.” found at utas.edu.au/northern-transformation

015 the Floyd family continues to make a mark on Tasmanian Architecture via the Northern Transformation Project A dynasty br anches out into campus design

By Tahnia Creedon

Three generations of Floyd men The firm is part of the University MArch 2011) works at Philp have left their mark on Tasmanian of Tasmania’s $300 million Northern Lighton in Launceston, Harold (BE architecture since the 1950s, Transformation Project team NavArch 2013) is a naval architect through the firm Philp Lighton and as such is helping to design employed by Incat in Hobart. Architects, and that’s not about Burnie’s new campus to be built With more than 35 years behind to stop. at West Park. him at the firm, Andrew said he still Andrew Floyd (BA EnvDes 1979, learns something new every day. GDipArch 1982) is co-director “Architecture is as much about of the Hobart and Launceston- people, and experiences with based firm. His father, Alan, was a people, as it is about the buildings,” founding director at the firm and Andrew said. “As architects, we’re now Andrew’s sons Thomas, 30, really lucky. We’re the people that and Harold, 27, are continuing the can translate people’s dreams and ISSUE 50 architectural family dynasty. ideas into reality.” While Thomas (BEnvDes 2009, For Thomas, it’s the opportunity

‘Really lucky’: Inside the Launceston office – from left, Kelsie Youd (MArch 2016), Paul Morrow (MArch 2015), Andrew Floyd (co- director) (BA EnvDes 1979, GDipArch s

a 1982), Thomas Floyd r a h rh (MArch 2011) and

od Anthony Dalgleish es (BArch 2003).

016 — Alumni 2019 Architecture

Innovative: microbreweries, before tackling Blue Derby Pods projects for the Ontario Ride is a three- Government in Toronto. day mountain During his time in Canada, biking experience Thomas saw that the use of large in Derby. timber elements was common, which Tasmania is now starting to embrace. “Wood-rich buildings is something that the University is promoting too,” he said. “There are so many sustainability benefits using wood, and the amount of timber we have available to us in this State is enormous. “One of the key focal points for the Northern Transformation Project is to incorporate the use of timber as much as possible.” The Northern Transformation Project is No stranger to large-scale a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity … That’s projects, including the current Launceston General Hospital why it’s so exciting and why everyone women’s and children’s precinct, wants to get it right Thomas believes getting the new university campuses right is vital for the North-West and Northern to develop quality design solutions However, the two generations communities. while engaging with a wide range of had polar-opposite experiences “The Northern Transformation stakeholders that keeps the average studying at the University. “I studied Project is a once-in-a-lifetime working day fulfilling. a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental opportunity to build a new “The thing I enjoy most about Design at Mount Nelson, and the university for the next 60-200 architecture is the teamwork and room we were in had no windows,” years,” he said. working together to solve clients’ father Andrew said. “I started out “That’s why it’s so exciting and problems,” Thomas said. using a wooden T-square, drawing why everyone wants to get it right. “I also enjoy engaging with lines with ink and pencil. Then “It’s about rejuvenating and multiple stakeholders and being we moved onto parallel motion revitalising our community through able to do that final walkthrough machines and plastic film. We would education. when the job is done.” put different information on each “The key design principles The firm offers work placement layer to make a drawing – you’d for this project are community, opportunities for University of often end up with five-six layers.” aesthetic, function, technology and Tasmania students to help them Son Thomas was part of the first distinctiveness.” gain invaluable experience. cohort to study at the new School The internationally renowned While architecture is in their of Architecture at Inveresk, and he John Wardle Architects (JWA) is blood, Thomas and Harold say they Bold design: believes that state-of-the-art building the principal consultant for the each came to their own realisation The student still influences his work today. Northern Transformation Project as students that this was the right centre at “I understand the benefit of and is partnering with three career path. Newnham. having a new building to study Tasmanian practices founded and in, one that’s at the forefront of run by alumni: Philp Lighton, 1+2 architectural design,” he said. Architecture, and Room11. “The impact it has on you carries Theirs is a partnership that through with everything you design will see new campuses built at and how you think about things West Park in Burnie and Inveresk moving forward. in Launceston, a collaboration “I enjoyed learning how to use the between the University and local, state-of-the-art equipment, such as State and federal governments. laser cutters and CNC routers – and “We are really lucky in Tasmania,” a lot of that has come through our Andrew said. “A lot of mainland architecture now.” firms just do one building type – After completing his Bachelor that’s all they do. I’ve said working of Environmental Design and in architecture in Tasmania is a Masters in Architecture, Thomas bit like the tagline of TV series went overseas. He worked in The Goodies – we do anything, the Rocky Mountains designing anytime, anywhere.”

017 AS chief executive and artistic director of we are constantly on the move.” the London Philharmonic Orchestra, ALUMNUS Tim has had to overcome some Tim Walker is working on the world stage significant challenges during his 16 years at the LPO, not least the closure of Royal Festival Hall for From Gluck at two seasons, and a cut in Arts Council funding of 40 per cent after Glyndebourne to the Global Financial Crisis. Most recently, the UK’s decision to leave Bond on a barge, the European Union has led to a degree of uncertainty in the arts Tim’s marvellous sector. “Brexit will no doubt cause musical journey problems, but it is difficult to know exactly what they might be yet,” Tim By Ruth Dawkins says. “We are used to touring all over the world, so I expect that the procedures will become similar for our closest neighbours soon.” Tim describes London as one of classical music’s capital cities – home to major agents and music What do the London Olympics, a Gilbert and Sullivan overture when publishers, five concert halls for the soundtrack to The Hobbit, we passed the Savoy Theatre.” orchestras and five symphony and the 800th anniversary of In addition to the special events, orchestras, two opera orchestras Magna Carta have in common? which have also included an Indian and myriad chamber orchestras They’re all projects that have program for the visit of the Prime – and he encourages musicians benefitted from the expertise Minister of India to Wembley on this side of the world to look of alumnus Timothy Walker AM Stadium and a concert for the NBA beyond their borders. (BA Hons 1976, DipEd 1977). at the O2 Arena, Tim is responsible “Young players in Australia should, for the orchestra’s annual perhaps, liaise with those who ISSUE 50 As chief executive and artistic residencies and tours. have moved to positions overseas,” director of the London Philharmonic These include the orchestra’s he says. “It is always important Orchestra since 2002, Tim has residency at the 2800-seater Royal stamp to broaden one’s horizons and worked on so many high-profile Royal Festival Hall, the Proms at of approval: aspire to work with the very best projects he finds it hard to choose the Royal Albert Hall, and four Below, Timothy companies in the world.” a favourite. months at Glyndebourne Festival Walker receives That said, he is excited at the “There have been highlights Opera, in the heart of the Sussex an Honorary prospect of The Hedberg in Hobart, Membership every year,” he says. “I enjoyed countryside. There is also extensive which will combine teaching, of the Royal the process of producing all the travel abroad: between 30 and 50 research, practice and performance College of Music national anthems for the Olympic concerts each season, which Tim from His Royal spaces in one community hub. Games in 2012 and putting the describes as “a bonus albeit on a Highness the “This is such a groundbreaking orchestra on a barge for the tight schedule. There is usually only Prince of Wales initiative,” he said. “I am very pleased Queen’s Jubilee Pageant on the one concert in a city per night, so in 2014. to see it happening.” River Thames. We played music appropriate to the buildings we passed going down the river, so it was a James Bond theme outside MI6, a Coronation Anthem when we passed Westminster Abbey, and

It is always important to broaden one’s horizons and aspire to work with the very best companies in the world S UPPL IE D

018 — Alumni 2019 ARTS COMPLEX

enable students to complete the full creative cycle of forming a concept, developing that concept to completion and then taking it to the audience through performance or recording. Staff and students will share the Hedberg with the Theatre Royal and will be a short distance from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s Federation Concert Hall, the University’s School of Creative Arts and Media, the Medical Science Precinct, the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. L I M

IN The Hedberg is designed by AL A Liminal Architecture in partnership RCHITECT with the Singapore-based architecture practice WOHA and U RE Arup Acoustics and Theatre and is linked to the iconic Georgian Theatre Royal building via a NEW ARTS glass walkway. Three larger foyers – on the ground, first and third COMPLEX IS ALL floors – will serve the theatre’s main auditorium. The University’s ABOUT CREATIVE space in the building includes COLLISIONS the Recital Hall, the Salon, large ensemble rooms, multiple small By Peter Cochrane practice rooms, music tech spaces, a state-of-the-art recording suite, a café and a large computer lab. A university-wide incubator The Hedberg is a partnership Breaking down Located on the corner of Collins for multi-disciplinary creative between the University, the State barriers: Above, and Campbell streets, the project practice, research, partnerships Government and the Theatre the $110 million sits within the former district of and engagement is rising from Royal. Housing the Conservatorium complex is Wapping, Hobart’s first working- a historic site in the centre of of Music as well as the Theatre being billed as class neighbourhood, and the a world-class Hobart. The $110 million Hedberg Royal, it will cater for students, first area of the city to earn the contemporary building, named after a local researchers, educators and the reputation of a slum. landmark, historical figure who owned a general public. intended to cater The centre takes its name from garage on the site, is due to open The Head of the University’s for a range of the Hedberg Brothers Garage, built early in 2020. School of Creative Arts and Media, audiences. on Collins St in 1925. The historic Dr Meg Keating, said the Hedberg façade of the garage has been would be a place for creative retained and will be the University’s collaborations between music, main entrance to the building. performing and visual arts, media, health and science. “Creative technologies are transforming what is possible and The University of Tasmania welcomes teaching at the Hedberg will reflect benefactors for The Hedberg project. For further information about supporting the way convergence of music and this development, please contact the image, live and recorded, stage Advancement Office: and screen and art and science is redefining creative careers,” Phone: +61 6226 8575 • Fax: +61 6226 2130 • Email: [email protected] Dr Keating said. • A ddress: Private Bag 40, Hobart, The Hedberg’s facilities will Tasmania 7001

019 Independent explorer: The $5 million nupiri muka was successfully deployed under the Sørsdal Glacier ice shelf during the summer Antarctic season.

“This summer’s deployment under the Sørsdal Glacier means Australia has joined a very select list of countries with an AUV that’s capable of independently exploring under the polar ice,” he said. “The way in which ice shelves melt has a lot to do with what is happening underneath and how ocean circulation and water properties (temperature, salinity) interact with the ice. A u

str “The only way to research certain

al processes on a relevant scale is with i a n Ant an AUV, where we can collect large a

rctic Divisi amounts of data across extensive areas. “nupiri muka allows us to study o n variables such as water temperature, salinity and current as well as the ISSUE 50 The potential scientific rewards that profile of both the seabed and the a new Autonomous Underwater underside of the ice, while at the Vehicle can deliver are enormous same time collecting sonar imagery and potentially data on the internal structure of the ice,” Mr King said. Auv takes us under The Director of the Antarctic Gateway Partnership, Professor the ice, and into an Richard Coleman, said the AUV team’s significant achievements exclusive ‘club’ included a rare view underneath an ice shelf in the lead-up to a calving By Andrew Rhodes event from the Sørsdal Glacier. “Completing this successful first deployment is a major step The University’s world-leading nupiri muka – which means means forward and testament to the skill, polar Autonomous Underwater ‘Eye of the Sea’ in palawa kani, the experience and detailed planning Vehicle (AUV) has been deployed language of Tasmanian Aborigines of the support team,” Professor successfully for the first time in – was successfully deployed under Coleman said. Antarctica, exploring uncharted the Sørsdal Glacier ice shelf during “Activities such as these require waters beneath the frozen the summer Antarctic season a significant investment of both continent. with support from the Australian time and money, and deploying Antarctic Program. equipment in extreme environments The $5 million AUV, named nupiri Peter King from the University’s such as Antarctica always carries an muka, is the first untethered Australian Maritime College, element of risk. Australian AUV to dive under an who led a support team of “However, the potential scientific ice shelf and joins those from the engineers and scientists, said the rewards that nupiri muka can deliver UK and Sweden in an exclusive successful first deployment under are enormous. club as the only AUVs in the world the ice opened the way for more “Now that we have shown with this capability. ambitious polar research projects what the AUV is capable of we Funded by the Australian under ice shelves and sea ice look forward to realising its great Research Council (ARC) through in the future, in a new age of potential during future research the Antarctic Gateway Partnership, discovery. projects,” Professor Coleman said.

020 — Alumni 2019 Students and teachers are discovering unearthed, as well as an iron more about the lives and living conditions skeleton key, clay tobacco pipe of those who helped build our state stems, and two parts of an iron hand-forged convict road gang hammer, providing insight into the Digging deep convicts’ lives and routines. The Picton road station was inhabited by minor-offence convicts sheds light on who were subjected to extremely harsh living and working conditions. Convict past Road gangs worked six days a week between sunrise and sunset By Peter Cochrane with at least 80 per cent tasked with crushing large stones using little more than a pair of handheld The past is always present in Professor with the School of tools. Tasmania, and you will find Humanities. Half of the present-day Midland evidence of the State’s convict “Archaeology is both a Highway still follows the original past wherever you go. remarkable and rewarding convict-built route, with town profession, and this field school bypasses only introduced from the The University’s School of is a fantastic example of where 1970s onwards. Humanities is adding to our bond studying history with the University A short course for professional store of knowledge through its of Tasmania can take our students.” development of secondary school research and teaching, and also Students and staff concentrated teachers allowed for another via excavations. their excavation work in three University archaeology field school The latest excavation, in January trenches in the vicinity of the to take place in Oatlands. This and February this year, was a original convict quadrangle. excavation was also in partnership Convict Archaeology Field School Structural discoveries include with the Southern Midlands Council undertaken in partnership with the what is believed to be the hospital’s and led by the School of Education. Southern Midlands Council. hearth, the station’s storehouse, Five secondary teachers Ten students unearthed artefacts and the dormitories, in addition to investigated the remains of the during an excavation of the former mysterious walls that don’t properly Oatlands Guard House which Picton road station in Kempton. correlate with the station’s existing was built between 1827-1828 by The site was a base for 150 historic plan. convict labour for the military. convicts between 1839 and Fragments of glass beer bottles, An earlier excavation took place 1847 as they built the highway imported British ceramics and at the ruins of Kerry Lodge, a connecting Hobart and Launceston. Dutch gin case bottles were also former convict probation station “We have a wonderful mix located south of Launceston. of local and interstate students The cross-disciplinary program, undertaking the course, which Archaeology is both called Excavating Convict Lives, was has been rich in work-integrated coordinated by the University professional learning experiences,” a remarkable and of Tasmania in partnership with said Dr Eleanor Casella, Adjunct rewarding profession the University of Manchester, Launceston Historical Society and Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. History teachers took advantage of a rare opportunity to work as archaeologists at an authentic location, gaining skills and knowledge that they can apply to their classroom practice.

Unearthing our past: The Convict Archaeology Field School at Kempton, run in partnership with the Southern Midlands Council.

021 research

E mpowering people: Wicking Director Professor James Vickers launches the ISLAND Project at Mt St Vincent Nursing Home in West Ulverstone.

establish a State-wide registry to track the incidence of dementia. STUDY ONE The project will combine engagement in the centre’s FOR THE AGES internationally successful Preventing Dementia MOOC The world’s largest dementia research project (Massive Open Online Course), of its kind will involve the whole of Tasmania with a variety of community co-developed and led programs By Anna Osborne to empower and educate people about modifiable factors that could potentially lower the risk of As the world’s population ages, Wicking Director Professor James dementia. ISSUE 50 dementia is on the rise, with one Vickers said. The centre is the primary new case of dementia confirmed Part of the College of Health and university provider of dementia every three seconds. Medicine, the Wicking Dementia education nationally, and its free Centre has been at the fore of online courses, the Understanding It is fast becoming the public health dementia-specific research and Dementia and Preventing Dementia concern of the 21st century. education since 2008. Massive Open Online Courses In a major research project, the “Tasmania has high rates of (MOOCS), have reached more University’s Wicking Dementia modifiable risk factors of dementia; than 280,000 enrollees globally. It Research and Education Centre is however, it has been estimated established Australia’s first degree aiming to empower and educate that a third of dementia cases may specifically focused on dementia, people on modifiable risk factors be prevented if the population the Bachelor of Dementia Care. associated with dementia. can attend to these risk factors,” Wicking’s response to the The largest dementia study of Professor Vickers said. growing need to support carers its kind in the world, the ISLAND The project is designed to and health professionals has been Project (Island Study Ageing and help prevent dementia through further strengthened this year with Neurodegenerative Disease) will empowering people to self-manage study options increased to include involve the whole of Tasmania, with significant modifiable dementia risk a Bachelor of Ageing and Dementia the centre aiming to recruit 10,000 factors. Studies and a Master of Dementia. community participants aged 50 Professor Vickers said the project and over. is long term and the first in the “Age is the biggest risk factor for world to target a whole population To find out more about the dementia, and Tasmania has the through a public health and ISLAND Project, or the various oldest population in the country, educational campaign. short courses and online degree which is ageing faster than the Specific components of the options, visit utas.edu.au/wicking national average in Australia,” project are initially funded by the Medical Research Future Fund and the National Health and Medical A third of dementia cases may Research Council. The ISLAND Project aims be prevented if the population to develop a toolbox to assist can attend to these [modifiable] participants in monitoring dementia risk factors risk factors and behaviours, and will

022 — Alumni 2019 History

Can you help?

An exhibition of the prisms and lenses produced by the Optical Munitions Annexe was staged by the Physics Department in 1989, the year before Eric Waterworth died. Curator and researcher Lynn Davies, who established the Waterworth Digital Archive, said the University is keen to trace the objects featured in the 1989 exhibition or any other Waterworth memorabilia and stories about the Annexe days – if you can help: With WEAPONRY in short supply during waterworth.omeka.net/contact world war II, The Waterworth Optical Annexe stepped up and answered the call How the

University Ph o t o c ou

found a focus rtesy o in wartime f Mich a

By Peter Cochrane e l

Ha rris

Vital role: Right, Universities can play a vital role instrument maker. Five third-year of potential spies and saboteurs. a group of not just in times of peace, but also students volunteered to help and The Annexe produced more workers from in wartime. In the December 2014 a German, Hans Buchdahl, later an than 17,000 prisms for the the Waterworth issue of Alumni, the University of ANU professor, was recruited from war effort between 1941 Optical Annexe. Tasmania’s secret testing of lethal an internment camp. and 1945. poisons during World War II was The challenge was to produce This skilled team needed to revealed. In this issue we focus on precision instruments of a quality find a new purpose at the war’s another, arguably more significant that surpassed those from other end. Neither the team leaders nor contribution to the war effort – Allied countries, with no experience the workers – especially the now the design and manufacture of and no one in Australia to train highly skilled women – wanted to optical components for gun and them. They started from scratch merely pack up and go home to the bomb sights. – firstly to research, design and life they had before. A new venture produce their tools and machinery, was needed. By 1940, the war was at a critical improvising with what was locally So the Annexe capitalised on stage, and the Allied Forces faced available. They then had to source a national move in education a looming crisis – a shortage the glass and prepare, cut, grind departments to employ visual of weaponry. Australia could and polish it to produce lenses and technologies as an adjunct to manufacture artillery for the field, prisms, make the metal fittings and teaching. but they were useless without vital then assemble the sights. The Waterworth Slide gun sights. Before the war, these The first six prisms were Projector became the Australian ‘dial’ sights had been made in the ready in September 1941, and standard for slide projection from UK, and the German navy was now after successful testing at the the late 1940s to the ’60s, due to its blocking supply. University of Melbourne, the practical, robust and quality design In July of that year, the Australian decision was made to proceed to and high optical performance. Government called on universities large-scale manufacture. The business continued to urgently research the design and At peak production by mid-1943, manufacturing a diverse range of manufacture of the much-needed more than 210 staff, mostly women, optical instruments and components optical components. were employed at the Annexe until the early 1970s. The head of the University of working in three shifts a day, Tasmania’s Physics Department, guarded by Commonwealth security Professor Leicester McAulay, sought officers who were deployed because Scholarship applications the help of Eric Waterworth, a local of concerns about a ‘Fifth Column’ The Waterworth Optical Collection History Honours Scholarship is open for applications for Semester 1, 2020. Valued at $5,000 for one year, applications close on 31 October, 2019. At peak production in 1943 more than info.scholarships.utas.edu.au/AwardDetails. 210 staff, mostly women, were employed … aspx?AwardId=2709 guarded by Commonwealth security officers

023 Profile

Coca-Cola Amatil chief Alison Watkins once harboured much humbler career ambitions The Christ College resident – and eventual President – remembers a time filled with sport, and the odd night at the Uni Bar. tWa kins keeps “While I got along to lectures and tutorials, studying was too often her feet firmly a last-minute cramming affair the night before an exam,” she says. “All on the ground the things I tell my kids not to do.” There was also inspiration to be By David Beniuk found from legendary lecturers such as Dr Bruce Felmingham and Emeritus Professor Kate Warner, It’s a long way from the shearing now Governor of Tasmania. sheds of Oatlands to running Studying was a completely one of the country’s biggest different experience, though, with companies but that’s the value computers barely available and of a University of Tasmania certainly no streamed lectures. qualification, says Coca-Cola “There were no online resources, Amatil chief Alison Watkins. so it was too bad if someone else had borrowed the book you The Bachelor of Commerce needed, or worse still, had used graduate spent much of her a razor blade to cut out the law childhood driving tractors and case you needed to research,” Ms shearing in Tasmania’s Midlands and Watkins recalls. on the East Coast, with a heart set Tasmania remains close to the on farming. Watkins family, which also includes Ms Watkins was all set to head to daughters Grace, 26, Ilsa, 20, and agricultural college in NSW when Meg, 17, and son Elliott, 23. she finished her schooling as a The three oldest siblings live in boarder at St Michael’s Collegiate. Sydney, close to mum’s office, while ISSUE 50 “I was a bit apprehensive about the family home is in Melbourne. leaving Tasmania though, so when They all regularly return to the my mother suggested university island state to visit family and might give me more options I gave it friends, bushwalk and indulge in the

some thought,” she says. S top-notch food and wine. UPPL “I figured accounting skills would “I am still close to a group IE be valuable for a farm.” D of girlfriends from school and Needless to say, it didn’t quite university,” Ms Watkins says. work out that way. “Our paths have gone in very Following Tasmanian husband High-flyer: grounding she received at the different directions, however we Rod to Sydney in the mid-1980s, Coca-Cola University. have a strong bond. Our kids all feel Ms Watkins started out at Amatil chief “I attribute those skills directly a strong connection with Tasmania, accounting firm Touche Ross (now Alison Watkins. to my University of Tasmania through many family holidays and part of KPMG) before a decade commerce degree and the role it gatherings over the year, plus plenty in management consulting and played in me achieving my career of bushwalking.” investment banking at McKinsey & with Touche Ross,” Ms Watkins says. As a corporate leader, Ms Company. “More broadly it made me realise Watkins regularly finds herself in Leadership roles at ANZ, Berri that Tasmanians and University of conversations about her background Limited and GrainCorp followed, Tasmania graduates punch above with the University. before her appointment as Amatil’s their weight on the mainland.” And she consistently hears how Group Managing Director in 2014. She may have reached dizzying highly esteemed it is, around the Now 55, the mother of four puts heights in the corporate world, but country and internationally. much of her success down to the the younger Alison Watkins found “Rufus Black is an outstanding financial literacy and commercial plenty of time to enjoy student life. Vice-Chancellor and I have no doubt will take the University to even greater heights,” Ms Watkins says. The University of Tasmania offers a much “The University of Tasmania offers more personal teaching and learning a much more personal teaching and learning experience than the experience than the large universities can large universities can and a vastly and a vastly superior lifestyle superior lifestyle.”

024 — Alumni 2019 Profile KA REN

BR OW N

Brad’s top Brad Hilder started his working life as a butcher – he now leads a logistics team of tips for the 250. In his occasional address to a Hobart graduation ceremony, Brad shares the road ahead lessons he has learned along the way

I n the driver’s A commitment to lifelong learning It wasn’t until a conversation with seat: Brad Hilder, has steered Brad Hilder (BCom an uncle at a family barbecue set pictured above, 2001) on a course to a number of the wheels in motion for Brad to leads a logistics career highlights. further his career with education. team of 250 After completing a Diploma in across two states. For Brad, his entry into tertiary Frontline Management at TAFE studies was not via traditional Tasmania, Brad went on to study pathways. at the University of Tasmania and “For me, ending up at uni wasn’t completed the CPA program in a logical step. I started my working 2004. career at the age of 16, at the His dedication to lifelong learning, end of Year 10, as an apprentice and grabbing opportunities with butcher,” he said. both hands, has opened many doors “You could say that I came from across a number of industries in a working-class family, and in my managerial positions. family going to uni wasn’t discussed. His enthusiasm for study, and “A trade was a job for life.” the opportunities it can lead to, is underpinned by his approach to life. Regardless of where you have “Regardless of where you have been, regardless of where you start, been, regardless of where you always be kind, considerate and start, always be kind, considerate helpful, be passionate, take time to and helpful celebrate success and thank those that help you in your journey.”

025 Tasmanian devils

LITTLE ANGEL F or the past five years Rory Hobbs has asked for Save HELPING SAVE the Tasmanian Devil Appeal donations instead of OUR DEVILS birthday presents By Liz Stacey

When 10-year-old Rory Hobbs Wildlife Park at Cradle Mountain in Compassionate: “I love Tasmanian devils so much, first saw the Tasmanian devils at Tasmania’s Central Highlands. Rory Hobbs has and it means so much that other Taronga Zoo and heard about their “I raised all of this money from raised more than people are trying as hard as I am to fight against the devastating Devil my best friends’ generous donations $2,000 for the save this species,” she said. Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), she and the donations of family friends University’s Save “Tasmania is a beautiful place the Tasmanian knew what her mission would be. on Facebook,” Rory said. with amazing animals, but one piece Devil Appeal “I felt as though I was doing is missing, and that is the Tasmanian and the Devils@ “On my very first trip to Sydney’s something really good and it made Cradle Wildlife devils who have almost become Taronga Zoo I was listening to my me feel so happy to know that I Park. extinct.” mum read out the information would be helping with research that Proud mum Kelly said Rory’s signs when we came across the may make devils immune to DFTD.” fundraising focus had been a Tasmanian devil enclosure,” Rory Rory recently came to Tasmania fantastic learning experience for her said. to visit Devils@Cradle and to get daughter. “After I heard about Tasmanian close to the animals she loves, “For these past five years, Rory devils and the disease that was and which she described as a “dream has felt a part of something bigger still is wiping them out, my heart come true”. than herself and seen the way broke for them and I wanted to Determined to raise as much as that little efforts can add up to save them from DFTD so badly. she can to support research into something big,” she said. ISSUE 50 “Suddenly, I knew I would be DFTD, Rory encouraged others to “Learning that she can be a part donating.” join the cause through donations of the solution to a bigger problem Based in Sydney, Rory and her and by protecting Tasmanian devils that she sees in the world is an family originally came from Raleigh, in the wild by driving more carefully invaluable skill. Rory has moved North Carolina. on our roads. on to doing her own research and For the past five years she has featuring the Tasmanian devils asked for donations instead of in school reports, and it’s been presents for all her birthdays and so amazing to watch her passion and far, has raised more than $2,000 for It means so much that other dedication grow.” the University’s Save the Tasmanian people are trying as hard as The Save the Tasmanian Devil Devil Appeal and the Devils@Cradle I am to save this species Appeal is the central fundraiser for the Tasmanian devil, administered through the University. “Donors like Rory are inspirational,” said the University’s Associate Director of Fundraising, Rebecca Cuthill. “Every dollar that Rory has raised directly helps the research being run through the University, funding programs such as vaccine research and on-the-ground monitoring programs. We are so thankful for her support – Tasmanian devils need more young advocates like Rory if we can achieve our aim of securing a future, in the wild, for our iconic animals.”

If Rory’s story has inspired you to donate, please visit utas.edu.au/giving/areas-to- support/research/devil

026 — Alumni 2019 Graduations graduation ceremonies

Photographs by Alastair Bett (Hobart) and Scott Gelston (Launceston)

Sydney 12.04.2019

A total of 230 candidates from the College of Health and Medicine and the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics graduated in two ceremonies at Angel Place, presided over by the Chancellor, the Honourable Michael Field AC. The guests attending included representatives of the Campbelltown Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, the NSW Ambulance Service and the law firm Hall and Wilcox

Hobart 10.08.2018 11.08.2018

The application and hard work of more than 2,000 graduates were recognised during the winter graduation ceremonies held in Hobart and Launceston. “Our graduates are well placed to make a difference to whatever society they choose to be part of and to make a positive impact on the lives of the people around them and the community in which they live,” the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rufus Black, said on the eve of the first of six ceremonies in Hobart.

027 Launceston 18.08.2018

Nearly 1,400 students graduated at two ceremonies in Launceston’s Albert Hall. The Chancellor, Hon. Michael Field AC, presided at both ceremonies, along with Provost Professor Jane Long and the Executive Dean of the College of Health and Medicine, Professor Denise Fassett (BHlthSci Nurs 1991, MNurs 1996), respectively. The speakers included Professor Long, the Tasmanian Branch Secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, Emily Shepherd and graduates Keegan Popowski (Bachelor of Education – Health and Physical Education) and Isobel Thompson (Bachelor of Biomedical Science).

ISSUE 50

028 — Alumni 2019 Graduations

Sydney 17.04.2018

The Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black presided over a ceremony at the Star Event Centre, which celebrated the achievements of the University’s students who had studied at the Darlinghurst and Rozelle campuses. A small number of diplomates from the College of Arts, Law and Education, having graduated in absentia, also participated as walk-through candidates.

Shanghai 15.06.2018

A delegation led by the Chancellor, the Honourable Michael Field AC, participated in the joint Shanghai Ocean University-University of Tasmania graduation ceremony. Degrees were conferred on 259 candidates from the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics and the College of Sciences and Engineering.

029 With more than 122,000 alumni in 110 countries, the University of Tasmania ‘family’ is a large and growing one The global f amily comes together

Sydney 11.04.2019

The University has partnered The University’s Executive Director ISSUE 50 with the Tasmanian Government’s of Advancement, Kate Robertson, Department of State Growth to has also attended the events to deliver a series of alumni events in date. 2019 encouraging conversations about Tasmania and its future. “We are very keen to work in Interstate events were recently held partnership with our alumni, in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, industry and government to with Canberra and three Tasmanian help further Tasmania’s social functions to follow. and economic prosperity,” she explains. “Alumni of the University At each event, either the are such an important part of our Chancellor, Hon Michael Field AC, community. Brisbane or Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus 30.04.2019 Black provides an overview of the “These events offer a wonderful University’s new strategic place- chance to have conversations with based direction. alumni, to discover ways which we can enhance our alumni program.”

Melbourne 9.05.2019

030 — Alumni 2019 International Receptions

International EVENTS 2019

Washington 31.05.2019

Singapore 13.01.2019 15.06.2019

TASMANIAN EVENTS 2019

West Coast Alumni School of Engineering 40+ Club lunch alumnus Graeme Hunt the and Friends reception Class of ’69 reunion 18.04.2019 driving force. This reunion marked 11.04.2019 12.04.2019 50 years since several alumni Hundreds of graduates from our commenced their studies in this alumni community have attended field, and more than 100 years events recently. of engineering at the University (see page 39). During 2019, this includes the inaugural West Coast Alumni and The 40+ Club Lunch (pictured Friends inaugural gathering, held in left) in Hobart brought together Queenstown. alumni who graduated 40 or more years ago to celebrate The long-term objective of this their ongoing connection series of activities on the West with the institution. Coast is to foster a ‘community of learning’ that contributes to At this event Vice-Chancellor the region’s cultural, social and Professor Rufus Black engaged economic prosperity. in a conversation about the University’s role in positively A School of Engineering 1969 – shaping the State’s future to 1972 reunion was held at Sandy foster more inclusive, prosperous Bay the following day, with and sustainable outcomes.

031 alumni receptions 2018

Sydney alumni reception 18.04.2018

Melbourne Canberra alumni alumni reception reception 18.07.2018 26.06.2018

ISSUE 50 M alaysia, New York and Singapore alumni receptions 26.09.2018 27.09.2018 28.09.2018

Hong Kong Shanghai alumni alumni reception reception 8.07.2018 16.06.2018

032 — Alumni 2019 PROFILE

UNIVERSITY AN ‘ADVENTURE’ Malaysian alumnus Ellias Saidin fondly looks IN THE AGE back on his time at the university in the 1970s as OF AQUARIUS an eye-opening experience By David Beniuk

Life for the University’s He had no international phone Memories: Institution of Engineers Malaysia international students looked access and he relied on mail from “Those were the and a former Rotary Club president. pretty different during the home to stay in touch with family. times of the Age Mr Ellias was one of five Woodstock era – just ask Packages of food and spices of Aquarius.” Malaysian scholarship students Malaysian alumnus Ellias Saidin made a welcome change from Ellias Saidin to land in Tasmania. They lived looks back on his (BEng 1980). Tasmania’s offering to its Asian in colleges and boarding houses formative years students – curried sausages. set up for international students, in Tasmania when The iconic music festival will “The exposure to the Aussie hair was long, coping with the alien winter as best celebrate its 50th birthday this year, students’ lifestyles allowed me to jeans were flared they could. and Mr Ellias can look back almost … re-evaluate the opportunity of and everyone They played in their own soccer as far to a time of long hair, flares studying in a foreign university,” played guitar. team, the Malaysia Tigers, and put and guitars around the Sandy Bay he says. “It’s not just about books on exhibitions of sepak takraw – Campus. or knowledge but plenty of or kick volleyball – for intrigued It proved an eye-opener for a interpersonal relationships, good onlookers. teenager from provincial Malaysia communications and the ability Internships at Renison Tin in who had taken his first flight in to interact and carry oneself Zeehan, Devonport City Council 1971 – aged just 16 – to take up a socially. These skills have actually and Australian Pulp and Paper Mills scholarship in Hobart. contributed a lot towards the showed Mr Ellias another side of After a year at Hobart person I am now.” Tasmania. But workmates looked Matriculation College, it was off to That person is a successful out for each other, he says, and he university to study engineering on businessman and committed always felt welcome on the island. an Australian Government Colombo environmental campaigner. He’s holidayed in Australia many Plan Scholarship as one of his The father of four and times with his family and in 2010 country’s brightest students. grandfather of three opened his wandered the Sandy Bay Campus Tasmania, and the late ’60s own consultancy in 1991 and again to reminisce. “I patronised the cultural shift in western countries, is a past-president of Malaysian Battery Point restaurants and had were soon in his blood. environmental organisation sumptuous meals in the restaurants “Those were the times of the ENSEARCH. which I could not afford in the Age of Aquarius, [of a] Woodstock He is Vice-President of the student days,” he says. hippies lifestyle,” Mr Ellias, now 63, University in the ’70s may have recalls. “Of course, all of us had been fun, but it also set Mr Ellias up long shoulder-length hair to keep The greatest gift (of for his successful life and career. with the times, and also perhaps “The greatest gift was it made save money on haircuts.” attending the University) me a more rounded engineer who Mr Ellias remembers adventure was that it made me a can easily understand the other rather than homesickness, despite disciplines of engineering when not being able to return home for more rounded engineer interacting in work situations,” his first three years in Hobart. he says.

033 Tales from the Mortuary: A new partnership with Dark Mofo saw a capacity audience for forensic pathologist Professor Roger Byard’s presentation.

become a tourism burden, while edge research into preventative L ocal issues a Launceston panel discussed the solutions. State’s new media landscape. The University’s ability to rise to top of Other collaborations continued respond to the issues affecting ISSUE 50 with entities including the Asia the State was also seen in the agenda Institute Tasmania, the Tasmanian timely forums on the bushfire Institute of Agriculture, the Red crisis, Brexit and the GMO crop By David Beniuk Cross, the Australian Institute moratorium. of International Affairs and the Meanwhile, we continued Australian-American Fulbright our commitment to graduands, Commission. scholarship recipients and These partnerships delivered academic achievers through a Public lectures and forums have public events on topics as diverse series of ceremonies and events reached more than 10,000 people as Antarctica, space junk and the acknowledging these successes. throughout 2018-19. rise of China. Key supporters, from school In June this year, as part of a principals to parliamentarians, were The Advancement Office’s Events and major new partnership with Dark recognised, while innovations such Protocol team continued to curate Mofo, forensic pathologist and as the Peter Underwood Centre a program attracting the leaders in alumnus Professor Roger Byard for Educational Attainment’s A-Lab a range of fields while addressing presented the annual Arthur were launched to the community uniquely Tasmanian concerns. Cobbold Memorial Lecture, Tales and stakeholders. Our annual named lecture series from the Mortuary, to a capacity A new series, Docos & Drinks, included addresses from ACCC chair audience. was launched with monthly Rod Sims, Indigenous studies scholar The University’s five research documentary screenings and Marcia Langton, ambassadors from themes were explored with forums expert panel discussions on the New Zealand and the European in the North and South of the big anniversaries on 2019. Union, social commentator Tim State. Many of these events were Costello and the first woman to be One of these, the Better live-streamed, with combined Tasmania’s Premier, Lara Giddings. Health forum, explored ways attendees and online audiences In collaboration with the Institute to tackle Tasmania’s chronic in many corners of the globe for the Study of Social Change, we disease epidemic through cutting exceeding 10,000. were able to start the conversation on the issues that Tasmanians live with every day. These partnerships delivered public events on The forum “Peak Tourism?” dared topics as diverse as Antarctica, space junk and to ask when does a tourism boom the rise of China

034 — Alumni 2019 University DINNERS

Conservation champion: The Vice- Chancellor, Professor Rufus Black, presents marine ecologist Dr Jessica Melbourne-Thomas with a 2019 Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Hobart University dinner Ocean Studies, a precursor of the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Institute for Marine and Antarctic University 3 May 2019 Studies. “In accepting an Alumni Award DINNERS Dr Mike Pook (GradDipASOS Hons for Excellence, I would like to pay 1990, PhD 1995) would not have tribute to the University, particularly seen this on his radar: an Alumni those wise heads in the 1980s who The University Dinner is the Award for Excellence. He has had the vision to make Antarctica premier engagement event for the been recognised for his work as and the Southern Ocean a key year, held in each of the three key a CSIRO research scientist, ABC research theme.” regions of Tasmania. Its highlights weather presenter and meteorology Dr Jessica Melbourne-Thomas include the procession of the instructor to defence force pilots. (BSc Hons 2002, GradDipMarSc new scholarship students and the Dr Pook’s previous accolades 2010, PhD 2010) received a Young presentation of major awards to include winning the 2018 Alumni Achievement Award for her distinguished alumni. Gibbs Medal for his outstanding Antarctic marine conservation work contribution to the understanding in the face of climate change. of weather and climates in Australia. She is a Rhodes Scholar, and was He was one of four students named Tasmania’s Young Tall Poppy to graduate from the first course of the Year in 2015 and a Science delivered by the then-named and Technology Australia STEM Institute of Antarctic and Southern Superstar in 2017.

035 Hobart University Dinner, Hotel Grand Chancellor, 10 May 2018

The two-decade career of Tasmanian Indigenous researcher Dr Emma Lee (PhD 2017) has been recognised through the presentation of the 2018 Foundation Graduate Award. The award recognises high- achieving graduates in their early to mid-career. “This is the greatest moment of my professional career - it does not get better than this,” Dr Lee said. “This award says that Indigenous people are worthwhile, that we can contribute greatly to our society and country [and] that we can aspire to greatness … it is a cloak of honour to wear it.” Dr Lee is a driver in the State’s first joint management plan for a protected area, the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area, providing the project with both academic expertise and Indigenous insights.

ISSUE 50 Ro Edd ss M ie Sa a rs f a d ri en k

Launceston University Dinner, Symphony Orchestra Managing the time. “I’m looking forward to School of Architecture and Director, Mr Heyward (BA 1975, giving more time to my role as Design, Inveresk campus, 20 BA [Hons] 1978) stood down in chair of the National Trust. I’m September 2018 December. He looks back proudly very interested in history and on his tenure at the helm. heritage, it’s the main subject Distinguished Alumni award- “One thing about working I studied at university and winner Nicholas Heyward has for an organisation such as the what I did my honours in, so been at the forefront of bringing TSO is you can have your ups I’m essentially back to where I Australian, and particularly and downs, but the concerts, started in a way.” Tasmanian, music-making to the the music, puts everything into attention of the world. perspective. You think, ‘this is After 17 years as Tasmanian what I’m doing it for’,” he said at

036 — Alumni 2019 UNIVERSITY DINNERS

Burnie University Dinner, Burnie Arts and Function Centre, 21 June 2018

Lee Whiteley wore two hats at the Burnie dinner, as Chief Executive of the University College and as the community representative speaker. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rufus Black, co-hosted the event with the Chancellor, the Honourable Michael Field AC. In his after-dinner speech, the Vice- Chancellor spoke about the need for the University and regions such as the North-West Coast to “secure futures which are locally distinctive, but of global standing and interest”. Dylan Bellchambers, who is studying a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture and Business), also spoke, on behalf of the scholarship recipients. Dylan was the 2018 recipient of the Costa North-West Scholarship in Agricultural Science. Barrister and solicitor Joseph Peterson (BA/BLL 2004) appeared in a different guise, tickling the ivories in a musical interlude. The Tarkine Strings Quartet, which includes three alumni, also performed.

Burnie University Dinner, an Alumni Award for Excellence. Burnie Arts and Function Centre, Since graduating from the 4 April 2019 University, she has specialised in criminal law, worked for Legal Aid The inspiring work of Magistrate and became the first Tasmanian Tamara Jago (BA/LLB Hons 1993) woman to be made Senior Counsel. and GP Dr Chris Hughes (MBBS In 2016 Ms Jago was promoted to 2008) was recognised at the 2019 the bench. University Dinner in Burnie. “Forging a career in law on Ms Jago, who grew up in the Tasmania’s North-West Coast has North-West and now lives in been a truly rewarding experience,” Smithton, was presented with Ms Jago said. “I consider this award a celebration and acknowledgement of the great opportunities in regional areas.” Dr Chris Hughes, a GP who completed his medical degree at the Rural Clinical School and later returned to the region to practise, received a Young Alumni Achievement award. “Being able to give back to regional Australia, in the town where I was raised, is particularly rewarding,” Dr Hughes said.

037 125th Anniversary

Law lore

needs of Tasmania, with a focus on social justice and community service, but we are also very proud of the way we balance this with opportunities to serve in the global sphere, through overseas internships and involvement with institutions such as the UNFCCCC and the International Criminal Court,” Professor McCormack said. Examples of this

KA international exposure include REN students taking part in the

BR

OW prestigious New Colombo

N Plan Scholarship Program, success in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court For many decades, the Law Competition and experiencing P artners School struggled to survive. the practice of international NOW IN ITS 125th YEAR, IT CAN law and policy first-hand ISSUE 50 in law and look back with pride on a through legal research, record which is out of all analysis and service within the justice proportion to its size International Justice Initiative. Locally, practice-based By Peter Cochrane study in the Tasmanian legal profession, judiciary and magistracy provides real- I n the 125 years since its establishment, the University of oldest in Australia. It weathered life learning. Students have Tasmania’s Law School has become woven into the fabric of tough early years as one of the access to Tasmanian Law Tasmanian’s legal profession, a relationship that provides a University’s founding schools, Reform Institute internships, a valuable point of difference from larger interstate Law schools. but over time has formed a clinical legal practice program Looking ahead, it sees both local and global ways to contribute. reputation for excellence and and volunteer with COMET Taking legal education into regional Tasmania is a priority, a symbiotic relationship with (Community Engagement alongside providing students with a global perspective and Tasmania’s legal community. Tasmania Society), a volunteer international opportunities. Professor McCormack student society that runs (LLB Hons 1982), the Special community outreach programs The Faculty’s achievements Advisor on War Crimes to the for youth. are a source of great pride to Prosecutor of the International The school takes pride the Dean of Law, Professor Criminal Court in The Hague in the number of alumni Tim McCormack. “We have who took up the position of who have gone on to serve an enviable reputation for Dean in May 2018 after 28 the community in public producing graduates who are years with the Melbourne Law life. Professor McCormack ready to hit the ground running School, believes that the credit reels off the statistics as to make profoundly significant for the school’s success lies they stand: eight Tasmanian Collegial culture: The contributions in their chosen in strategies dating back to premiers, including the Hon Dean of the Faculty of careers,” Professor McCormack the 1990s. He also notes that Will Hodgman (BA/LLB 1993), Law, alumnus Professor said. “The outstanding the ultra-competitive higher and five governors, including Tim McCormack, left, achievements of our alumni education market will pose our current Governor, Her pictured with Associate in Tasmania, nationally and significant challenges for the Excellency Professor the Professor Jeremy Prichard around the world is testament school in the years ahead. Honourable Kate Warner AC in the temporary law to our success.” “Our primary aim is to be (LLB Hons 1970, LLM 1978). library. The Law school is the fourth responsive to the distinctive Remarkably, three former

038 — Alumni 2019 Anniversary

First of its kind: The Design Centre, For Engineering, which was officially the future, opened on July 30, comes equipped like the past, with large virtual presentation and is renewablE telecommunication stations.

M ore than 100 years of on July 30 corresponded with engineering at the University the reopening the CREPS of Tasmania has been marked Laboratory, which was badly by the official opening of hit by the May 2018 storms. a new Engineering Design The CREPS rebuild aims to Centre and the reopening enhance both fundamental and of the Centre of Renewable applied research in power and Energy and Power Systems energy systems in Australia. (CREPS) Laboratory after It is a fully integrated centre storm damage. combining electrical power and mechanical engineering The Design Centre, a College and takes full advantage of of Science and Engineering its Tasmanian location, where initiative, is the first of its kind renewable resources generate at the School of Engineering about 90 per cent of the Our vision for CREPS is to be ... and comes fully equipped with State’s electricity. a leader in the area of renewable large virtual presentation and “Our vision for CREPS is energy and power systems telecommunication stations. to be a world-class research “Engineering and and teaching institution and a a School of Mining Engineering Hydro-Electric Commission manufacturing today have leader in the area of renewable was mooted. Although the with a substantial body of to be agile, flexible and energy and power systems,” proposal was unsuccessful, it local graduates. They were collaborative, and the Design Professor Chan said. allowed for an expansion of engaged with developing the Centre provides a flexible The rebuild involved the the Department of Science to State’s hydro-electric resources space for collaborative development of a microgrid include engineering subjects. through investigation, student-centred learning system with different In 1919, Parliament voted design, and construction of and design activities, so the renewable energy sources, for a new university laboratory infrastructure. students can learn by doing including new innovative types and a high-tension testing Contemporary projects and experiencing teamwork of diesel generators, and wind, department suitable for crucial to Tasmania’s future, environments, which is solar and battery storage. It is electrical engineering. including the Battery of the prevalent in engineering and being used for both face-to- In 1921, a Department Nation project and the second manufacturing,” the Head of face teaching and experimental of Engineering was opened. Bass Strait interconnector, are School, Professor Andrew research-based lab work. The early school had a small important research areas being Chan, explained. Engineering at the university but high-achieving student undertaken by Engineering The centenary celebrations dates back to the 1900s when cohort and provided the researchers.

Continued from page 38 The outstanding achievements of our alumni in Tasmania, nationally and around the world is testament to our success

governors all graduated school’s success, according to fell to just one student, and ranking of 4, meaning it is together on 11 May, 1960. Associate Professor Jeremy during much of World War II “significantly above world “So much of our institutional Prichard (BA/LLB 1997, BA no full-time staff could be standard”. pride derives from the Hons 1998, PhD 2004), found. In the Hobart floods “As Tasmania’s Law School spectacular achievements are the collegial culture and of 2018 the Law School was we have a commitment not and persistent service in the connection with the legal severely affected, with the Law only to prepare our graduates pursuit of justice of many of profession. “We have a strong Library inundated and valuable for effective legal practice but our alumni – in Tasmania, on tradition of mentoring,” he said. collections damaged and lost. also to ensure we instill in them the mainland of Australia and Building to this success The School’s resilience is an abiding respect for the Rule around the world,” Professor has not been without its reflected in the fact that in of Law and the contribution McCormack said in a speech challenges. In the early years of 2018 it became the first law the Law can make to improving at Government House to mark the 20th century, the school’s school of its size in Australia social justice outcomes for the 125th anniversary. survival was threatened when to attain an Excellence in a fairer society,” Professor Other key factors in the class numbers in some subjects Research for Australia (ERA) McCormack said.

039 KA REN

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Recognised: Professor Daryl John Le Grew Professor (honoris causa 2010), Vice- ISSUE 50 N ational Ross Large. Chancellor and President of the University of Tasmania from 2003 recognition to 2011, also received an AO, for distinguished service to education, to research infrastructure development, and to architecture.

The Honourable Warwick Leslie AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS 2019 Distinguished Professor Donald Smith (LLB 1979) received an An internationally renowned Roderick Chalmers was appointed AO for distinguished service to geologist, a former Vice-Chancellor, as an Officer of the Order of Australia-China business and a law and genetics expert and a Australia (AO) for distinguished financial relations, to education, and former federal politician were service to education, particularly to the community. among this year’s Australia Day to health law and medical research Honours recipients with connections ethics, and to legal reform. Other awards went to: to the University of Tasmania. His achievements at the University Joseph Ernest Castellino (BEc/LLB include being a recipient of the 1997), the Public Service Medal for Distinguished Service Medal in outstanding public service in lead- 2010; a founding member and ing fiscal policy analysis and advice current Deputy Director of the to the Prime Minister and Cabinet; Centre for Law and Genetics and Law, and Dean of the Faculty Dean Associate Professor Donald 1985-1986 and 2000-2009. Raymond McTaggart, an AM for significant service to medicine as a Leading ore deposit geologist cardiologist, and to the community Professor Ross Raymond of Launceston. An Associate Large (BSc Hons 1970) was Professor at the University’s School recognised with an AO for of Medicine since 2009, he is Chair distinguished service to education, of the Clifford Craig Foundation; and to scientific research, in the field of economic geology, and to Debora Margaret Picone, an professional societies. AO for distinguished service

040 — Alumni 2019 Honours

Assistant Commissioner John Norman Bolger (AssocDipEmergencyMgt 1997), an Australian Fire Service Medal;

Simone Lesley Haigh (BHM 2003, AssocDegParamedStud 2008), an Ambulance Service Medal.

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS 2019 Three eminent clinicians were among the alumni recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Professor David Anthony Mackey (BMedSc 1980, MBBS 1983) was awarded an AO for distinguished service to medicine, and to medical education, in

CHRIS the field of ophthalmology, as a clinician-scientist and academic.

CRE Professor Mackey achieved rA

R international recognition in his field at a remarkably early stage and is now recognised as to the community through the to community health through a Scholarship Australia’s most eminent genetic coordination of improvements range of initiatives; supporters: ophthalmologist. He was the to the safety and quality of Dr George 2009 Foundation Graduate Award health care. Ms Picone has been Maria Louise Wilton (BEc 1985), Merridew, AM, recipient. an Adjunct Professor with the an AM for significant service to the and his wife Sarah. University since 2012; business and finance sector, and to Dr Colin George Merridew the community; (MBBS 1972) received an AM for Dr Bryan Geoffrey Walpole, significant service to surgical and an AM for significant service Leslie Arnould (MPubAdmin 1997), obstetric anaesthesia. Dr Merridew to emergency medicine, to an OAM for service to veterans and and his alumna wife Sarah’s professional organisations, and their families; Merridew Foundation support the to sailing. Dr Walpole was Senior Don Gaffney Memorial Scholarship, Lecturer, Emergency Medicine, at Robert Maurice Patterson which was awarded for the first the University from 2004-2017 (GradDipEnvStud 1990, MEnvMgt time in 2015. and a recipient of the University’s 2008), an OAM, RFD, for service to Distinguished Teacher Award in science, environment and health; Dr David Richard Smart (BMedSc 2007 and 2009; 1981, MBBS Hons 1984, MD Peter John Quigley (BA Music 2005), a former Clinical Associate Graeme Bernard Lynch (LLB Hons 1978, MEdStud 1992), an OAM Professor in the then Faculty 1998, GradCertLegalPrac 1999), for service to the performing arts, of Health Sciences, was also an AM for significant service to particularly through music; recognised with an AM, for community health through a range significant service to hyperbaric of roles and to the wine industry; Joan Lesley Wright (graduated from medicine, and to professional Conservatorium of Music, 1967), organisations. Ketrina Jane Clarke (LLB 1984, an OAM for service to music as an MBA 1997), an OAM for service to educator. She recently retired as the Dr Edward Anthony Parkes swimming; Festival of Voices Choral Producer (BSc Hons 1951, PhD 1953), and is a former Australian National a prominent conservationist, Stephen John Knight (LLB 1980), Choral Association President (2005- was honoured with an AO, an OAM for service to community 2007; for distinguished service to celebrations; conservation and the environment Acting Inspector Patricia Maree through the restoration of Mark Anthony Orr (ME-Health Duke (GradCertPoliceSt 2004), an subtropical rainforest in northern 2016), an AM for significant service Australian Police Medal; New South Wales.

041 Professor Peter Rathjen, the Other awards went to: Member of the Order of Australia in former Vice-Chancellor of the Geraldine Mary Brown (BAdVocEd recognition of her stellar swimming University of Tasmania, now Vice- 1999), an OAM, for service to career and her ongoing passion for Chancellor of the University of badminton; swimming safety education. Adelaide, an AO for distinguished service to higher education through Lella Cariddi (MCA 2008), an OAM, The Honourable Chief Justice senior administrative roles, and as a for service to community history; Alan Blow was appointed as an scientist and medical researcher; Officer of the Order of Australia Jennifer Elizabeth Ejlak (BSc for his distinguished service to the Dr Ian Johnston, an AO for 1995), an OAM, for service to the judiciary and the law, particularly as distinguished service to classical community through women’s health Chief Justice of the Supreme Court literature through the translation initiatives; of Tasmania, and his contribution and interpretation of ancient Greek to legal education and professional and Chinese texts; Bruce Levet (LLB 1979), an OAM, standards, and to the community. for service to the law in New South Professor Fiona Judd, an AO for Wales; Dr Gregory Clark (BSc Hons 1965), distinguished service to medicine, an AC for eminent service to and to medical education, as a Catharina Slot (BCom 1990), an science as a physicist, researcher clinical psychiatrist and academic, OAM, for service to dog agility and academic in the area of and to professional bodies; sports; technological development and communications, to business as an Dale Elphinstone, an AO for Assistant Commissioner Jonathan innovator and enabler of emerging distinguished service to business, Higgins (BSc 1998; BSocSc technologies, and to the promotion particularly to the resources and 2006; GradCertPoliceSt 2010; of philanthropy; manufacturing sectors, and to the BAProfHons 2016), an Australian community of Tasmania. Police Medal. Professor Marilyn Lake (BA Hons 1969, MA 1973, Hon DLitt 2000), Other AM recipients included Australia Day Honours 2018 an AO for distinguished service to Robert John Badenach (LLB 1967), A Supreme Court of Tasmania higher education, particularly to for significant service to yachting, judge, a legendary Olympic the social sciences, as an academic, and to Australian rules football; swimmer and an associate professor researcher and author, and ISSUE 50 who specialises in cognitive and through contributions to historical Nancy Deloi Bosler (DipFamHist behavioural therapy were among organisations; 2017), for significant service to the 2018 Australia Day Honours seniors, and to the community; recipients with ties to the University Sandra Parker Public Service Medal of Tasmania. (BEd 1985), for outstanding public John Alexander Ramsay (LLB service in workplace relations; 1973), for significant service to Shane Gould (MEnvMgt 2010, public administration in Tasmania. MCA 2012) was recognised as a Associate Professor Neville King (CertEd 1964, BA Hons 1973) was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to medicine and medical education, particularly in the field of cognitive and behaviour therapy, including his significant contributions to professional associations.

Geoffrey Ian Atkinson (BA 1984) was awarded a Public Service Medal (Federal) in the Meritorious Division for his outstanding public service in the role of State Manager of AusIndustry’s Building a Tasmanian Office. career: Hobart architect Damian Other awards went to: Rogers was LUK

E Dr Marcus Skinner (BSc 1978,

B recognised as OWD MBBS 1984), an OAM for his

a Member of EN

/ significant service to medicine the Order of NE W

S in the field of anaesthesiology

Australia (AM). P I X and perioperative medicine as

042 — Alumni 2019 Gold standard: Shane Gould, who as a 15-year- old swimmer won three gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics, received an AM in the Australia Day Honours. A N D RE A LAU BE / NE W S P I X

a clinician, and to professional Cheryl Norris (MEd 1998) an OAM for service to veterans societies; was also awarded an AM for and their families; significant service to nursing, Margaret Bird (BEd 1988), an OAM particularly to neonatal paediatrics, Jennifer Fraser (BEd 1979), an for her service to the aged, and to as a clinician and administrator, OAM for service to youth through the community of Tasmania; to education and the history of public speaking organisations; nursing in Tasmania. Daniel Yuen-Lee Chan (BEc 1975), Elizabeth Swain (DipAppSciMetal an OAM for his service to the The Honourable Justice 1977, GradDipProfMgt 1992, Chinese community of Tasmania; Stephen Estcourt QC (LLB MBA 1994), an AM for significant Hons 1974) was named an AM service to the mining industry Dr Colin Ross Chilvers, an AM for significant service to the as a metallurgist, as a role model for significant service to medicine judiciary, legal education and for female engineers, and to in the field of anaesthesia as a professional law societies. the community of Tasmania; clinician, to medical education in Tasmania, and to professional Other awards went to: The Honourable John Kerin societies; Michael Whitehouse (BEc (DSc 2001, Hon DSc), an 1968), an OAM for service to the AO for distinguished service Commander Glenn Keating community through a range of to primary industry through (GradCertPoliceSt 2002), an organisations; roles in agricultural research Australian Police Medal. administration, to the minerals Leone Scrivener (MHum 1986), and natural resources sector, Queen’s Birthday an OAM for service to seniors’ and to science-industry linkages Honours 2018 education, and to the community; and policy; Alumni including a Supreme Court judge, a Tasmanian architect Percy Milne (BSc 1960), an OAM Christine Milne (BA Hons and a neonatal nurse were for service to Australia-Thailand 1974), an AO for distinguished recognised for their contributions relations; service to the Australian and to the community, professions and Tasmanian parliaments, and industries in the 2018 Queen’s Joan Loudon (BA 1950, DipEd through domestic and global Birthday Honours. 1972), an OAM for service to contributions to the protection education; and preservation of the natural Hobart architect Damian Rogers environment; (BEnvDes 1983, GradDip Arch Elizabeth Hannelly (DipFamHist 1988), has come a long way 2017), an OAM for service to Dr Janis Cocking (Hon DEng since he first started as a building softball; 2014), a Public Service Medal apprentice in the mid-1970s. for outstanding public service He was recognised as a Member Andrea Gerrard (BA 1996, BTeach to Defence science and of the Order of Australia. 1998, BA Hons 2009, MA 2015), technology.

043 University of Tasmania Advancement Office +61 3 6324 3052 [email protected]