THE MAGAZINE OF CURTIN UNIVERSITY ISSUE 20_ SUMMER 2012/2013
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR Professor Kim Scott
ONE GIANT STEP The colossal SKA telescope moves into pre-construction
ROAD SAFETY Are young drivers and fast cars really responsible for serious crashes? cite_SUMMER 2012/2013
Cite (s∂it) v. To put forward thought-provoking arguments; to offer insightful discussion and new perspectives on topics of social, political, economic or environmental relevance; to report on new thinking. Sight (s∂it) n. A feature or object in a particular place considered especially worth seeing. v. To frame or scrutinise community, research and business initiatives; to present points of view on current issues. Site (s∂it) n. The location of a building or an organisation, esp. as to its environment. v. To place or position in a physical and social context.
Cover Kim Scott – Curtin's Professor of Writing, multi-award-winning author and the inaugural Western cite_contributors Australian of the Year for 2012.
Managing Editor Claire Bradshaw Kitty Drok Sue Emmett Margaret McNally Claire is a freelance Kitty is a freelance science Sue is a freelance writer Editorial Team writer, editor and writer and technical editor, and photojournalist, Julia Nicol, Yvette Tulloch scriptwriter, with more with a previous career as with special interests Creative Direction than 20 years' experience a research chemist in the in science, technology, Sonia Rheinlander in the communications resources sector. Western Australian field. She completed her business, education and Design creative writing degree the marine environment. Manifesto Design at Curtin. Contributing Writers Claire Bradshaw, Kitty Drok, Sue Emmett, Karen Green, Karen Green Kerry Hodson Andrea Lewis Kerry Hodson, Andrea Lewis, Karen is a science Kerry is a freelance Andrea is a freelance Isobelle McKay, Les Welsh writer based in Curtin's writer, journalist and writer and editor. She Contributing Photographers Corporate Publications publicist who has worked was formerly publications Alana Blowfield, James Rogers team. in print and online media, manager in Curtin’s Cover Photography and in corporate relations. corporate communications Alana Blowfield She is a Curtin alumna. area. Print Scott Print Editorial Enquiries Corporate Relations and Development Isobelle McKay Les Welsh Curtin University Isobelle is a freelance Les is news editor at GPO Box U1987 Perth WA 6845 journalist who writes Curtin FM 100.1 and unit Tel: +61 8 9266 2200 broadly for newspapers coordinator for advanced Email: [email protected] and magazines. She is radio news in Curtin's Cite is available online and in pdf a Curtin alumna, with a journalism department. at news.curtin.edu.au/publications, degree in journalism and He has been news editor and in alternative formats on request. professional writing. at the ABC and has more than 40 years' experience curtin.edu.au as a presenter and journalist. cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 08
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Across the Universe Curtin researchers are playing a pivotal role in the global megascience project to build the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world – the Square Kilometre Array – to study the Universe. s / T h i nk tock Image Stocktrek
feature_stories 15 Mining school gets 07 Alumni profile makeover When opportunity knocks 16 Power and the P–plater New student accommodation He is no stranger to successful Novice drivers and fast cars: facilities at Curtin’s Western business, but Ryan Stokes recent research doesn't support Australian School of Mines doesn’t rest on his laurels; public opinion about their lethal will help to meet the ongoing he continually seeks combination. demand for skilled graduates. opportunities to expand himself – and seizes them. Consumers behaving 18 Inclusion leaps ahead 20 badly? Researchers are working 19 Alumni profile Curtin's Head of the Department with sporting clubs to help Big on art of Economics explains how them become more inclusive As a public artist, Jenny Dawson our quirky consumption habits of people with disability is making quite an impression can affect the economy and who wish to partake in with her vast and vibrant ceramic government policy. mainstream sports. artworks for everyone to enjoy. 11 Photo essay 19 Alumni profile Bravo! Curtin’s first, second regular_features Engineering success and third-year performance Peter De Leo knows what students take their studies 02 VC’s view it takes to gain the edge in to the stage, crewing for and a career in the engineering 03 News brief performing in The Three Birds industry. at the Hayman Theatre. 05 Campus life 22 Rear view 07 Alumni profile 24 In perspective snap_shots Well occupied Jessica Davies is more than Making news 06 Fighting a deadly foe an occupational therapist and Curtin FM 100.1 news editor Research is underway at the volunteer worker – she’s an Les Welsh shares his pride CHIRI Biosciences Research inspiration. for Curtin's journalism course and the students who graduate Precinct to help shrink the tumours associated with into successful broadcast asbestos-related cancer. journalism careers. vc’s_view
VICE-CHANCELLOR CURTIN UNIVERSITY
The closing of the year invites pause for reflection on the highlights and challenges experienced over the past 12 months. Indeed, during 2012 Curtin University continued to face the shifting landscape of the Australian university sector on the back Embedded in Curtin’s courses of the global economic downturn and a high Australian dollar. is the practical application of Among the year’s highlights were several ‘firsts’ for Curtin. theoretical concepts to enrich the Professor of Writing and multi-award-winning author Kim Scott student experience and develop became the inaugural Western Australian of the Year, securing the highest honour awarded by the state. The Curtin community is work-ready graduates. Cite’s photo proud of the accolade awarded to Professor Scott, who shares his essay portrays a fine example of thoughts on receiving the award on page 3 of this edition of Cite. experiential learning in action. In a world-first, it was announced in May that the hosting of the global science project to develop the Square Kilometre Array – the largest and most sensitive radio telescope ever to be built – would be shared between Australia–New Zealand and South Africa. Curtin leads a consortium of 13 international institutions that have developed the Murchison Widefield Array, the only low-frequency precursor telescope to the SKA, which will inform the design of science experiments for SKA-low to be built in WA in 2016. Read about this exciting global project and the myriad ways it will benefit communities in the coming years, on page 8. Embedded in Curtin’s courses is the practical application of theoretical concepts to enrich the student experience and develop work-ready graduates. Cite’s photo essay (pages 11 to 14) portrays a fine example of experiential learning in action, with students across all years of the Performance Studies degree coming together to produce and perform a play in the Hayman Theatre at the Bentley Campus. Community broadcaster Curtin FM 100.1 also provides hands-on experience for third-year radio news journalism students, and news editor and veteran journalist Les Welsh shares his passion and pride for the students who have passed through the newsroom and into successful broadcast journalism careers (see page 24). Finally, I am pleased to welcome Mr Colin Beckett as Curtin’s new Chancellor from 2013. Mr Beckett is a Curtin Council member and brings a wealth of experience in the oil and gas industry. I take this opportunity to thank Dr Jim Gill AO for his highly valued contribution as Chancellor, including his advocacy of the University’s commitment to community engagement. This edition of Cite is a terrific read for the holiday break, and as the end of 2012 approaches, I wish you and your family greetings of the season, and peace and prosperity in 2013.
Professor Jeanette Hacket AM
02 cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 news_brief WFI E LD O A L ANA BL WFI E LD WFI E LD O O A L ANA BL A L ANA BL
Mr Colin Beckett From left: Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Professor Kim Scott Jeanette Hacket with Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP
Curtin appoints new CHIRI Biosciences Curtin professor clinches Chancellor Research Precinct opens state’s highest honour
Curtin University has appointed Mr Colin Prime Minister Julia Gillard visited Curtin’s Kim Scott, multi-award-winning author and Beckett, General Manager Greater Gorgon Bentley Campus in September 2012 to Professor of Writing at Curtin’s School of Area at Chevron Australia and current Curtin officially open a new $35 million biosciences Media, Culture and Creative Arts, was Council member, as its next Chancellor. research facility. honoured in June 2012 with the inaugural Beckett will succeed current Chancellor Established by the Curtin Health title of Western Australian of the Year. Dr Jim Gill AO, who has been Chancellor Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), the In a ceremony attended by many of the since 2010. CHIRI Biosciences Research Precinct state’s community leaders, Scott – the only Beckett says the appointment is provides an integrated teaching and candidate to be short-listed in two “a great privilege”. research environment across biomedical categories of the awards – was first “I’m very excited to be part of the sciences, pharmacy and public health. honoured with the Indigenous Award before University’s journey at a time when higher The precinct has 22 specialist being named the overall winner as Western education globally is undergoing rapid instrumentation suites housing some of the Australian of the Year (formerly WA Citizen changes and, in turn, offering significant world’s most advanced research equipment. of the Year). opportunities,” he says. It will drive the search for new and improved A member of the Nyungar community, he Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette methods of diagnosis and the discovery of was recognised for stimulating community Hacket has welcomed the appointment. medicines key to fighting chronic diseases discussion through his acclaimed novels “Mr Beckett’s knowledge of Curtin and afflicting people worldwide. Benang and That Deadman Dance, and for the higher education sector, along with his The precinct also provides an advanced raising the profile of Indigenous language industry perspective and international education facility for Curtin students through and heritage as an important component of experience, will be of enormous benefit simulated pharmaceutical and consulting Western Australian history and identity. to the University,” she says. environments. He says Nyungar culture and people have Hacket also thanked Gill for his Speaking at the opening, the Prime been significantly damaged by the injustice outstanding contribution to Curtin, saying Minister said the “world-class facility will of colonisation. his legacy will continue to be seen and felt not only educate, it will innovate”. “Raising awareness, acknowledging at the University as current plans come “It’s about the discoveries and capacities injustice and improving the tenor of to fruition. we don’t even know we have in us yet,” discussion about this situation are important Beckett comes to Curtin with more than she said. “It’s therefore about the future.” for social healing,” he says. 35 years' experience in the upstream oil and Supported by almost $14 million from the Though flattered to receive the award, gas industry, including 12 years with Chevron Australian Government and a $21 million Scott is quick to recognise the work of in Western Australia. investment from Curtin, the precinct others: “There are many other examples He commences as Chancellor on represents the most significant contribution of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal 1 January 2013. to health sciences at the University to date. people doing important work – often Other guests at the opening included unrecognised – in this area.” Senators Chris Evans and Mark Bishop, Scott has also been nominated for Roger Cook MLA, and the Chief Scientist Australian of the Year, the outcome of which of Western Australia, Professor Lyn Beazley. will be announced on Australia Day eve, 25 January 2013.
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From left: Mr Evan Nicholas, Curtin Business Professor Tanya Chikritzhs From left: Western Australian Senator Mark School (CBS); the Hon. Mark McGowan MLA; Bishop; Associate Professor Shaomin Liu; Mr Glen Hutchings, CBS; and Professor and Associate Professor Nigel Marks Tony Travaglione, CBS
Trading today for Major accolade for alcohol Researching for the future a better tomorrow researcher
The Western Australian Leader of the One of Australia’s most influential alcohol Two Curtin researchers who recently Opposition, the Hon. Mark McGowan MLA, policy researchers and leader of the Alcohol received Future Fellowships grants from and his Chief of Staff, Guy Houston, recently Policy Research team at Curtin’s National the Australian Research Council had the toured Curtin’s newly established Trading Drug Research Institute, Professor Tanya opportunity to present their winning Room – the most sophisticated university Chikritzhs has been honoured with the research projects to Western Australian trading room in Australia. prestigious Commonwealth Health Senator Mark Bishop during a recent visit Featuring a central screen displaying Minister’s Award for Excellence in Health to the University. share market prices in real time, six LCD and Medical Research for 2012. Associate Professor Nigel Marks, from screens providing access to the latest The award recognises her research into the Department of Applied Physics, and business news, and the highest number the links between alcohol use and disease Associate Professor Shaomin Liu, from the of Bloomberg Professional software and injury, with the aim of improving Department of Chemical Engineering, licences of any university in Australia, alcohol policy and prevention methods for presented research projects on new the Trading Room delivers a simulated alcohol-related harms in Australia. technology for making diamond coatings trading environment for Curtin Business Chikritzhs says high-profile awards of and on improving the viability of clean School students. this nature are important because they energy technology, respectively. McGowan describes the Trading Room shine a light on the researcher’s work and The Senator says it was a wonderful as: “a first-class, hands-on learning thereby on the issue itself. opportunity to meet with two of Australia’s experience for any aspiring stockbroker, “I like to think this award is recognition “best and brightest researchers”, and to business analyst or market enthusiast – of the growing importance of alcohol issues have them explain what the fellowships will what a facility!” for the wider community,” she says. “It also enable them to achieve. He appreciated discussions surrounding points to the value of prevention approaches “I have no doubt that the research made future initiatives at Curtin, which took place for improving the health and wellbeing of possible by these grants will contribute to over a private lunch attended by Vice- individuals and communities.” solving problems and making discoveries Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket and The award recognises the outstanding that may improve the lives of all several senior executive staff. individual achievement and future potential Australians,” he says. “I gauged a real sense of energy and of an Australian medical researcher who The Future Fellowships scheme was professional purpose from Vice-Chancellor has completed an MD or PhD within the established in 2009 to increase the Hacket and her staff,” McGowan says. last 12 years. The recipient also receives opportunities for highly qualified mid-career “I congratulate the University and look a $50,000 research grant to support researchers to work in Australia, rather forward to building a strong relationship future research. than overseas. as we go forward.” Curtin was awarded four fellowship grants, totalling more than $2.85 million, with Dr Katy Evans, from the Department of Applied Geology, and Dr Lorenzo Ntogramatzidis, from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, also receiving fellowships.
04 cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 campus_life
Pasar Malam (meaning Night Market in Malay) is an evening celebration of international cuisine and culture, which takes place at Curtin’s Bentley Campus each year. Signifying the end of the University’s Multicultural Week, the market attracts thousands of students, friends and family to campus to take part in celebrating cultural diversity in Australia. In September more then 30 stalls showcased food from around the world, while several live song-and- dance performances entertained the crowd. A not-for-profit student initiative, Pasar Malam is organised by Curtin’s International Student Committee and Curtin Student Guild. WFI E LD O A L ANA BL
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story Claire Bradshaw photography james rogers
Fighting a deadly foe
With the deadly legacy of Australia’s widespread asbestos These experiments provide evidence that use in the second half of the 20th century far from played a working immune system can play a strong role in fighting the cancer during out, research at Curtin aims to significantly improve chemotherapy. treatment prospects for the growing number of the country’s “Our approach, therefore, is to ramp up mesothelioma cancer sufferers. the immune system during these anti- cancer therapies to get a much better result,” Nelson says. “Our pre-clinical trials have demonstrated that by harnessing the Despite asbestos products being slowly microbiologist and organic chemist is immune system in this way, we can collapse investigating how the body’s immune phased out in Australia since the 1970s, and the mesothelioma tumour and make it responses can be used to ‘supercharge’ banned since 2003, they are still around in completely disappear. Our aim is to not only traditional treatments. our homes and public buildings, and deaths eliminate the tumour, but also provide long- from the most common asbestos-related “In many instances, it is difficult to surgically remove advanced mesothelioma term protection against recurrence.” disease, mesothelioma, continue to rise. tumours, and current anti-cancer treatments Having established scientific proof of The ongoing risk to the public – including such as chemotherapy generally only principle that this approach can work, do-it-yourself home renovators, predicted prolong life for months, rather than years,” Nelson and her collaborators are now to become the next wave of mesothelioma explains Nelson, who is a Senior Research investigating the best mechanisms for victims – was highlighted by Federal Minister Fellow within the School of Biomedical delivering an enhanced immune response – for Employment and Workplace Relations Sciences. or ‘self-vaccine’ – within the tumour micro- Bill Shorten MP in September 2012 when “It was assumed that the body’s immune environment, aided by new equipment he announced the establishment of the system is knocked out by chemotherapy, within the Curtin Health Innovation Research Office of Asbestos Safety. The office is but recent studies – including our own Institute's (CHIRI) recently opened CHIRI observations – show that the immune charged with overseeing the staged removal Biosciences Research Precinct. system is an active participant in attacking of the toxic material from Australia’s A range of options is currently being the tumour during and after these government and commercial buildings. treatments.” explored and, while mesothelioma patients For Curtin researcher Delia Nelson, the Pre-clinical studies have shown that the might be the immediate target for the race is on to try to find a more effective way deliberate experimental removal of key treatment, Nelson is also excited by the of dealing with this cancer, which generally components of the immune system during wider possibilities of this research. offers a poor prognosis. treatment with chemotherapy prevents “If it works for these tumours, there will Building on her previous research into the tumour shrinkage. In contrast, use of be implications for the treatment of lung workings of the immune system in relation immune-enhancing reagents promotes cancer and other sorts of tumours, too,” to asthma and allergies, the experienced chemotherapy-driven tumour shrinkage. she says.
06 cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 alumni_profile
“Now I can speak Hungarian Hospital, where she applied her and have my occupational clinical knowledge. therapy training, so I can actually During the four years prior contribute to improving the to her temporary overseas L A L P ERTH HO SPI TA Y centre. The parents are willing RO move, she also volunteered in to learn, so I’d like to purchase immigration detention centres some equipment and help with at Christmas Island, Darwin training. I’m still thinking about and Perth, where she engaged how best to spend the money to people in meaningful activities help them.” to improve their mental health That money is the modest Well occupied_Jessica Davies issues. While at Curtin, she prize given to Davies as part of story Andrea Lewis her Northern Territory Young volunteered with the University’s Achiever award, which she won Go Global program at a centre for children with disability in After winning a Young Achiever Intercultural Programs Australia after receiving a first-class China, and took part in Curtin’s award early in 2012, Curtin and the Australian Defence Force. Bachelor of Applied Science in Student Ambassadors program, graduate Jessica Davies now She found the experience so Occupational Therapy (Honours) promoting occupational therapy splits her time between the bright rewarding that she wanted to give from Curtin. lights of London and a small something in return, and is now Under the supervision of Dr Hoe in high schools. village in rural Hungary. volunteering in the village at a Lee and Professor Torbjorn Davies loves occupational At 24, she is revisiting a unique centre for children with disability. Falkmer, Davies completed therapy for its opportunities to experience that shaped her early The centre has no adequately research on the driving combine the practical with the adult years. When she was in trained carers. performance of people with humanitarian – and dividing Parkinson’s disease. Results her final year of high school, “I volunteered here when I was her time between London have been published as a book Davies spent the year in the small 17 but found it emotionally difficult and Hungary will enable her chapter and presented at three Hungarian village of Jánoshalma and had to stop,” Davies says. to do this. conferences. on a cultural exchange “I couldn’t speak the language “I want to do locum work in scholarship offered through and had no training in how to Before leaving for Europe, London to get new experience in AFS (American Field Service) assist people with disability. Davies worked at Royal Perth a different system,” she says.
put your hand up,” Stokes says. “Digital technologies are He says he feels fortunate to reshaping industry. That is have grown up in a family where especially pertinent for the media an interest in business was and communications sectors of integral. our business.” “To some extent we lived and Across each of his roles, breathed business in our family,” he says his aim is to provide he says. “And there was always an complementary resources and opportunity to become involved.” T I M B A U ER skills to the high-calibre executive Studying commerce at teams he works with: adding Curtin was an important step When opportunity knocks_Ryan Stokes value, shaping new opportunities, in that process. story Kerry Hodson and working out how to drive Stokes was awarded his those opportunities longer term. commerce degree in 1997, and “In that respect I’m very keen Ryan Stokes believes in taking Festival, Australian Institute of says he chose to study at Curtin to continue to evolve and migrate advantage of the opportunities Management (WA), Victor Chang because he was attracted to our business beyond its roots in that come his way. But having Cardiac Research Institute and the practical aspects of the TV,” he says. the right attitude and the drive to the Australian Strategic Policy course. These include the He sees his new role at the make a contribution are just as Institute. importance of understanding the NLA as a big responsibility and important, he says. In 2012 he presided over the drivers that can affect business a great privilege. Stokes is Chief Executive sale of telecommunications performance day-to-day, and, Officer of his family’s company, company vividwireless to Optus equally, the need to think about “The library has a fantastic Australian Capital Equity, and for $230 million. where business and industry are executive group that runs it the recently appointed Chief Most recently he became headed in the future. day-to-day, and it has an Operating Officer of Seven Chairman of the National Library “Part of the course focused incredible collection. It is a store Group Holdings. The son of of Australia (NLA). on technology and leadership of our cultural history, and has media and mining businessman “I think opportunities happen in technology, which were and been at the forefront of the Kerry Stokes, he is a Director as you build relationships with still are particular interests of digital revolution in Australia,” of the Perth International Arts others – and if you’re prepared to mine,” he says. he says.
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08 cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 able to probe the depths of the Universe in greater detail than ever before. It will provide fundamental information on the genesis and history of our Universe, including the birth and evolution of galaxies, stars and individual planets. It will also improve our understanding of high-energy physics, challenge the theory of general relativity, and investigate the nature of dark matter and dark energy. If extraterrestrials are sending us signals, it will detect them. It's hard to grasp just how big a step forward this telescope technology is. It will be the most sensitive radio telescope ever built – able to detect an airport radar on a planet 50 light years away. It will generate enough raw data to fill 15 million 64 GB iPods every day, and its central computer will have the processing power of about 100,000,000 personal computers. The technology The Square Kilometre Array, it has been a long time coming. The Square required just to build it didn't exist five Kilometre Array (SKA) started as a concept a global megascience years ago, and some of it is still extremely in 1991, with an international working group experimental today. Being able to manage project to develop the world's formed in 1994. Australia has been involved and interpret the masses of data it will largest and most sensitive since the earliest days, and this paid off in generate is another enormous challenge. radio telescope, is a step May 2012 when it was finally announced that The SKA is demanding and is driving Australia–New Zealand and South Africa advances in high-performance computing, closer to reality as it moves would share the hosting of the colossal signal processing, radio-frequency systems into pre-construction. And it project to build the largest and most and high-speed communications – all really is closer than you think – sensitive radio telescope in the world. of which will also benefit down-to-earth The SKA will essentially be a network of applications such as personal computing, it's in Perth's backyard. linked antennas, with a total signal-collecting telecommunications and wireless area of one square kilometre. But the project technologies over the next few years. itself will be much, much bigger: after all, story Kitty Drok 67 organisations across 20 countries are ALTHOUGH the SKA is only now moving into photography james rogers AND currently involved in the development and pre-construction, there are already advanced NATASHA HURLEY-WALKER construction of this telescope. Its scope is radio telescopes in Australia looking at truly global. the night sky. As part of the technology Australia will host two key components of development push towards the SKA, Curtin the telescope: a group of dishes equipped University scientists and engineers have with radio cameras to survey the sky at designed, developed and built a low-frequency high radio frequencies, and a low-frequency aperture array telescope at the Murchison 'aperture array' of fixed antennas. The Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO), 200 km low-frequency SKA (SKA-low) will be able inland from the Western Australian coast to capture images of large sections of the and approximately 300 km from Geraldton. sky very quickly, and will be able to detect The Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) is variable and transient events by comparing an international collaborative project, led repeated measurements over time. South by the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy Africa will host a complementary group of (CIRA) and made up of 13 institutions across dishes designed to study smaller sections Australia, India, New Zealand and the of the sky in much more detail. United States. As one communicating instrument Professor Steven Tingay, Co-Director spanning the globe and made up of literally (Science and Operations) of CIRA and thousands of antennas, the SKA will be Director of the MWA explains: “The MWA
cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 09 Left: The Murchison Widefield Array low- frequency precursor telescope for the SKA
The MWA has already explored engineering solutions for low-cost, high-performance antennas, and addressed some of the computing challenges produced by very high data rates and volumes. Algorithm development occurring from interpreting MWA data will also be directly relevant to the eventual processing of data from SKA-low. The MWA itself has just finished construction and is now looking at the night sky for calibration and testing. It will begin its research program in early 2013. The MWA provides an indication of what SKA-low will look like and how it will operate. It is made up of 128 aperture array 'tiles', made up of 4,096 fixed antennas. The majority of the tiles are placed in a core region, 1.5 km across, with the remainder placed more widely, giving a maximum baseline of 3 km. Each antenna signal must be collected, processed and correlated with all of the other signals to allow for real-time imaging of the sky. The resulting data and images are then transmitted on MARK HO LL AN D ER a dedicated optical fibre data link to Perth, where they will be stored at the Pawsey High Performance Computing Centre for
MARK HO LL AN D ER SKA Science. As Tingay wryly notes: “It is an instrument that starts in the Murchison and is a technology and science precursor for finishes more than 700 km away in Perth. the SKA. It is one of only three precursors The scientists who use it will probably never worldwide developing the cutting-edge even see the antennas.” science and technology needed for the SKA, SKA-low will take the idea of a and is the only one investigating the low megascience instrument to a whole new radio-frequency requirements. Our success level. It will have 50 to 100 stations of with the MWA is a significant factor in low-frequency aperture array antennas, Australia being named as the host site with 5,000 to 10,000 antennas per station. for SKA-low, which will now also be built And that's just phase one. Phase two will at the MRO.” extend the array to 250 low-frequency Professor Peter Hall, Co-Director stations in Australia (spread up to 200 km (Engineering and Industry) of CIRA, from the core at the MRO). This enormous highlights the significance of having SKA-low instrument will be a game changer in 21st-
s / T h i nk tock Image Stocktrek hosted in Australia: "It shows international century astronomy, just on its own. In a recognition of Australia's strength in radio complementary phase two development, the astronomy. CIRA has been a strong advocate aperture array technology will be extended for SKA-low, and has backed this up with to higher frequencies, with this installation leading-edge projects such as the MWA. envisaged to be in South Africa, co-located These projects have demonstrated beyond with an extended high-frequency dish array. doubt our commitment to the SKA, the effort If you want to study something as large as we put into our collaborative relationships, the Universe, you need an instrument as big and our science and engineering capacity.” as a planet.
10 cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 photo_essay
Curtin’s Performance Studies degree is the longest established tertiary level theatre and performance training course in Western Australia. CLASS Students learn the practical techniques and theory involved in the wonderful world of theatre and performance, and they're given many opportunities to audition for and participate in public productions – such as The Three Birds, featured here, performed ACT and crewed by first, second and third-year Performance Studies students at Hayman photography ALANA BLOWFIELD Theatre Upstairs, on the Bentley Campus.
Top, from left: Judy Young; Rachel Foucar; Dylan Searle; Gemma Middleton; and Rebecca Miller (1st to 3rd-year students), Cast Above: Jack Middleton (1st-year student); and Hannah Mason (3rd-year student), Cast Right: Jack Middleton, Cast
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Dr Leah Mercer, Director and Course Coordinator
A plot and a plan Ensemble training, production meetings, design presentation meetings and scene run-throughs all take place under the watchful eye of the play’s Director, Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator Dr Leah Mercer, from Curtin’s School of Communication and Cultural Studies. Practising theatre professionals who specialise in performance, directing, writing and design teach the Performance Catherine Bonny (2nd-year student), Stage Manager; Studies course at the University. and Duncan Sharp (staff member), Production Manager
12 cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 Daniel O'Brien (2nd-year student), Sound Operator Cast and crew Offered to undergraduate and postgraduate students, the Performance Studies course covers performance, directing, writing, devising (collaborative creation of a script), dramaturgy, critical analysis, stage management and theatre production. Here, the crew performs a technical rehearsal, which includes the precise placement of props, before opening night. Successful professionals to graduate from the course include popular film and television performer Frances O’Connor, playwright Luke Milton, and director Adam Mitchell, to name a few.
Tessa Darcey, Professional Designer
Dylan Searle (1st-year student), Cast
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Hannah Mason (3rd-year student), Cast
SHOW TIME! Curtin’s Performance Studies and the Hayman Theatre Company present The Three Birds, by Joanna Laurens: a tale of love, violence and revenge, using epic images to explore the extremes of love. The play is a contemporary retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Sophocles’s lost tragedy, Tereus, in which two Athenian sisters are separated by a man who marries one but desires the other. From left (facing camera): Jack Middleton; and Dylan Searle (1st-year students), Cast
From left: Gemma Middleton; Amy Johnston; and Jack Middleton (1st-year students), Cast
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focused geologists. Student numbers in Kalgoorlie have increased by more than 90 per cent in seven years – from 309 in 2005 to almost 600 in 2012. Hall says there will continue to be a huge demand for skilled graduates for mining projects currently underway or being expanded – and a large number of professionals could retire at anytime. “Based on current projections, we can New accommodation Curtin’s Western Australian School of expect to have more than 700 students Mines (WASM) in Kalgoorlie has been in 2016,” he says. facilities planned for Curtin's providing high-quality teaching and research Western Australian School for more than 100 years. Now, plans are The second stage of the development afoot to redevelop, modernise and expand will see modernised and expanded student- of Mines in Kalgoorlie will learning facilities, including larger lecture the facilities to take the school through the house the school's projected halls, a library and new metallurgical 21st century. laboratories. Additionally, sophisticated increase in students in the WASM Director Professor Stephen Hall learning spaces equipped with high-quality says that after 40 years of use by thousands years ahead. visualisation capabilities (including virtual of students, accommodation facilities at and augmented reality) will be developed. Agricola College, in Kalgoorlie, needed Hall says funding for the second story Isobelle McKay attention. development stage is being sought through photography james rogers Thanks to a $20 million funding the federal government, industry, Curtin commitment by the Western Australian alumni and the broader community. Government and $5 million contributed WASM is also soon to take delivery of a by Curtin, the existing 127-bed complex mobile mining equipment simulator in an will be soon demolished to make way for air-conditioned shipping container, to be new facilities able to house a minimum used at both the Bentley and Kalgoorlie of 180 students. Curtin will also actively campuses. seek contributions from industry to raise “It can be used for teaching, training in the necessary funds to complete the automation and remote operation, and accommodation project. simulated visits to mines – whether 4 km The expenditure is justifiable: WASM underground in South Africa or in a uranium provides 30 per cent of Australia’s mining mine in Kakadu – to give students most of professionals – graduate mining engineers, the experience without them having to metallurgists, mine surveyors and industry- travel,” Hall says.
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POWER AND THE P PLATER
High levels of public concern about the lethal combination of young people and powerful cars are not justified, according to recent road safety research.
story CLAIRE BRADSHAW photography james rogers
16 cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 young people in fast, high-powered vehicles Independent Chair of the council, Professor tend to draw attention to themselves, making D’Arcy Holman, says closing the gap between them a highly visible target for a public public perceptions and the science behind alarmed by youth road accident statistics: in road safety is a tough but important task. Australia in 2010, drivers between the age of “We have to make sure the community 17 and 25 accounted for more than a quarter understands that road safety is about of all driver deaths, despite representing only reducing the appalling rate of death and 15 per cent of the population, while drivers serious injury in WA, not introducing knee- under 24 are currently twice as likely to crash jerk measures that are popular, but that as older drivers. in reality will do little to save lives,” In Victoria, South Australia, Queensland Holman says. and New South Wales, community “None of the Australian states that have concern about young novice drivers in introduced vehicle power-to-weight ratio fast-accelerating cars has seen legislation restrictions for novice drivers have conducted introduced that effectively bans them from an evaluation of their effectiveness in driving high-performance vehicles. reducing road trauma. These schemes place It might have come as a surprise, then, a significant burden on the public due to their when the Western Australian Government complexity, cost and potential for confusion.” announced in April 2012 that it saw little, AS someone who has analysed road safety if any, road safety benefits in introducing statistics over many years, Palamara says it similar legislation. is important to understand the full range of “Despite the heat this emotive issue has factors that can influence how young people also generated here, Western Australia behave behind the wheel. decided to take an evidence-based approach,” “Information amassed over many years explains Peter Palamara, a research fellow has identified the combination of driver with the Curtin-Monash Accident Research inexperience and age-related immaturity as Centre (C-MARC), housed in Curtin’s School a major risk factor for crash involvement,” of Public Health. he says. In 2009 the Road Safety Council of Western “There is no guarantee that young Australia commissioned C-MARC and the people drawn to the speed and power of Centre for Automotive Safety Research at high-performance vehicles are going to the University of Adelaide to look at the local change their risk-taking behaviour in less evidence concerning high-performance powerful cars. vehicles and young driver crashes, and “It should also be noted that high- to assess how existing vehicle restriction performance vehicles generally have in-built programs were working. safety features such as electronic stability “After analysing 11,321 serious injury control and side curtain air bags that can crashes in Western Australia from 2001 significantly reduce the risk of serious to 2008, we found that 1,285 of these involved injury in a crash, so restricting access to 17 to 19-year-old drivers – just over 11 per cent,” them could actually work against young Palamara says. driver safety.” “However, only 24 of those crashes – or He says that risky behaviour needs to 0.2 per cent of the crashes overall – involved be targeted early, and supports measures young drivers in a high-performance vehicle. that encourage new drivers to gain that “While an increased risk was identified all-important experience in low-risk for drivers in eight-cylinder vehicles, the conditions. This includes current graduated numbers involved were so low that we driver training and licensing systems that couldn’t draw any reliable conclusions. limit the exposure of novice drivers to known “In our view, this low risk did not justify the risk factors, such as alcohol and driving at introduction of a vehicle restriction scheme, night. ‘Distracting’ passengers are also in especially since interstate experience shows his sights. them to be problematic to administer. A range “Accident risk doubles when a novice driver of four, six and eight-cylinder vehicles fit the has peers in the car with them,” Palamara ‘high-performance’ definition, and it’s not explains. “One of the recommendations of readily apparent to drivers or to police which this project was the introduction of peer- cars are affected.” passenger restrictions to minimise driver The Road Safety Council is the distraction and risk-taking during the recommending body to the WA Government provisional licence stage.” on programs and initiatives for reducing This recommendation is currently being road trauma in the state. The outgoing considered by the state government.
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story Karen Green photography JAMES ROGERS
The success of the 2012 Paralympic Games demonstrates that individuals are not necessarily disabled by physical or intellectual characteristics, but by societies that do not accommodate difference. As a keen sportsperson and an experienced researcher, Professor Marian Tye is seeking to understand how sporting clubs and associations are including people with disability into the fabric of their clubs. The Director of Curtin’s Centre for Sport and Recreation Research (CSRR) is working in partnership with Inclusion WA (IWA), a not-for-profit organisation that connects disadvantaged people with opportunities for recreational participation. “We’d like to determine what factors and strategies are encouraging participation in mainstream sport and recreation environments, and what are the barriers to inclusion,” Tye says. “Developing an inclusive club isn’t about Sporting clubs that welcome being altruistic; it makes good sense. The participants with disability are question is often, how do you develop one?” promoting advocacy and helping Established in 2009 by Curtin and the Western Australian Department of Sport to achieve positive social change. and Recreation, the CSRR draws together teams from multiple disciplines to undertake research to inform decision-making related to sport and recreation. For this project the team includes Inclusion Dr Karen Soldatic, from Curtin’s Centre for Human Rights Education, and Associate Professor Brian Bishop, leaps ahead Dr Peta Dzidic and two postgraduate students from the School of Psychology and Speech Pathology. In addition to their own research, the Curtin team is transferring research skills to IWA, which has been assisting sporting Education, is also working on the project, “We have a team of highly skilled clubs and associations to be more inclusive training IWA staff in the use of ‘PhotoVoice’. community inclusion staff, and there’s of people with diverse abilities. “They capture photos and videos of already a depth of thinking and a framework “IWA staff are uniquely positioned to participants’ experiences that can visually of analysis that has begun to permeate gather information from the people they disclose either promoters or barriers to through all of the staff,” Fleay says. assist, as well as from the clubs and inclusion,” Tye explains. associations,” Tye says. “As we work alongside individuals or “Visual communication is very “By building their research capacity, IWA the community, we’re better at asking empowering for the participants, and the can inform their practice through rigorous the right questions and interpreting the images could be used in online media, for data collection and analysis. And they’ll be responses. And the PhotoVoice technique example, to promote inclusion.” able to provide additional insights to clubs, is allowing many of the people we work with communities and policymakers who are THE Chief Executive Officer of IWA, Paul to have a voice – for the first time working to enhance inclusion.” Fleay, says the collaboration between Curtin in their lives.” Digital media practitioner Gaylene and IWA is adding tremendous value to the The research is supported by the Disability Galardi, from the Centre for Human Rights organisation. Services Commission.
18 cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 alumni_profile
“I was a teacher who loved art local wetlands; and a paving before that, and had taken a few installation commemorating the hobby ceramics classes,” she says. centenary of the City of Subiaco. Her career as an artist At Leighton Beach, seven began with residencies in mosaic artworks set in a paved Fremantle, Hobart and Italy, after promenade depict the dreamtime which she began producing and and local history of Aboriginal selling items such as hand- people. painted plates, tableware and Whether they contribute their P ETER ZUV E L A decorative urns. stories, their creativity, their “But someone copied my work, knowledge of local groups, or Big on art_Jenny Dawson swamped the market – and I lost their building and engineering story Kerry Hodson my living,” Dawson says. expertise during installation, “Public art earns my living community members are an now. It’s exciting making big imperative part of Dawson’s Ceramic artist Jenny Dawson as a table top for a local park. It things, and I love working with practice. is still there and used regularly slipped into her career as a public the community.” Collaboration is the artist by accident in 1994 when for picnics and children’s birthday cornerstone of her success. she took on a community project parties,” Dawson says. Ceramics remain Dawson’s “Public art is a cut-throat in Narrogin, in the Wheatbelt “That’s the thing about using medium of choice. Her 50 industry,” she says. “We generally region of Western Australia, about ceramics for public artworks: completed commissions around have three projects running at if the science is right, they last WA include a three-dimensional, 200 km south-east of Perth. any one time, but we only get forever.” three-metre-high ceramic and one in six jobs we apply for. We “A group of local ladies had Ceramic chemistry formed aluminium tree in a garden need all the research, budgeting, made a quilt together, each part of Dawson’s Bachelor setting at a suburban primary collaboration and presentation contributing a number of fabric of Arts ceramics degree and school; warbling ceramic skills we can muster, and all squares. We represented the postgraduate diploma in art and magpies against a blue-tiled the technical and engineering squares as ceramic tiles, each of design ceramics, completed backdrop on a wall at another; specification knowledge we have them individually painted by the at Curtin in 1985 and 1987, a ceramic mural at a police amassed, if we want any chance ladies. I then reproduced the quilt respectively. station that depicts wildlife in of success.”
then moved to Lycopodium – at problem. Australians by nature the time a small engineering also tend to challenge and push, organisation – and has seen the he says, achieving a lot of success business grow from 15 employees for a relatively small population. to 1,000 employees today, with But, the Lycopodium Minerals offices in Perth, Melbourne, chief adds, these achievements Brisbane and Toronto, Canada. only happen with funding, There is also a value engineering commitment and a desire to be centre in Manila and an I N VIVI EN CAN at the forefront of technology. operational support office in “We can remain in the lead, Engineering success_Peter De Leo Ghana, West Africa. but we also need to recognise story sue emmett De Leo says young engineers that we are getting expensive must aim to become leaders, from an exchange rate and and lead engineering teams and wage perspective,” De Leo says. Australian-trained “There is a large number engineering projects globally; “The solution is to use lower engineers have enjoyed an of very sharp people in many anything less may not be good cost production centres, and use unprecedented demand for different countries doing work at enough. A clear example of this Australian skills and expertise their skills and experience a lower cost than us, and now is is in Lycopodium’s Manila office, when it comes to innovation. over the last two decades, due the time to upskill, think smart The oil and gas sector already largely to the resources and where most of the draftspeople and work our way up the value does this, and other sectors will construction booms. But the are qualified engineers. chain,” he says. move that way.” biggest challenge for young He says Australian engineers De Leo graduated from Curtin graduate engineers now is to work have the edge on most nations, He says it is important for towards selling their excellence, in 1988. His first job with United given the high standard of tertiary graduate engineers in the service and experience into Asia. Construction (now UGL Limited) education. Because they live in resources sector today to seek So says Curtin civil engineering took him to the Pilbara, where he a remote part of the world they opportunities to gain exposure to graduate and Managing Director worked on the Channar iron ore are used to travel, so developing the construction side of project of Lycopodium Minerals project. Finding that his strengths projects in remote areas in Africa development, if they are to excel Peter De Leo. lay in project engineering, he and elsewhere is not seen as a in the career of their choice.
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CONSUMERS BEHAVING BADLY?
20 cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 “People have different consumption habits and self-expectations, and live in different social and historical contexts. This means that we find competing motives among different consumer groups, with information interpreted differently – hence the presence of the odd practices around mini-bar prices and credit card interest rates, among others.” Researchers have also found that people react more strongly to a loss than to a gain in income, and that they assign extra value to something they consider their own. Furthermore, the willingness to pay is not equal to the willingness to accept. All of these factors mean that consumer behaviour is far from what we consider, traditionally, to be rational and consistent. “Consumer behaviour is fundamentally story ANDREA LEWIS conservative,” adds Professor Adrian North, photography ALANA BLOWFIELD Head of the Department of Psychology and Speech Pathology at Curtin. “There are many biases to our behaviour around choice. Just An emerging field of one example is what we call the ‘ambiguity economics aims to make effect’, where people will always choose the option where the outcome is known. We are, sense of the seeming essentially, risk-averse.” oddities in consumer The implications for institutional policy are behaviour that can have not insignificant. The economic decisions a big effect both on how consumers make can affect how banks governments make policy assess interest rates and how governments frame policy. and on our economy. Governments can expect people will follow the path they set because consumers are influenced by default situations. For WHY are credit card interest rates so high, experimental methods for conducting example, a federal superannuation scheme despite the competition? Why don’t hotels empirical economic analysis. can frame its policy in one of two ways: it can ever feel the pressure to reduce the prices of The theories are taught in many US give consumers the choice of opting in, or it their mini-bar? Why do most people under- and European universities as core units. can explain that people will be automatically save for retirement? And why is tax taken at In Australia they are beginning to catch enrolled in the scheme and can choose to the source likely to incur less resentment on, with the approach incorporated into a opt out. Research shows that most people than taxes that are actively paid? number of economics offerings in the Curtin will follow the path set by the government, with a significant effect on the outcomes of Explaining such idiosyncrasies is the Business School (CBS). a scheme or policy. terrain of an emerging field – behavioural “People make decisions that can be Consumer behaviour can affect larger economics – that challenges one of the most seen as naive and undisciplined,” explains macro-economic movements, too. It can fundamental assumptions in the field: that of Associate Professor Michael Thorpe, Head the ‘rational economic man’. influence the performance of individual firms of the Department of Economics in CBS. Traditional neo-classical economic and, if pervasive enough, an entire sector “In fact, other influences – including theory – defined perhaps most strongly in of an economy. And it can accentuate boom social, cognitive and emotional factors – are the public mind by Adam Smith’s The Wealth and bust cycles. The share market presents at play. The notion that consumers make of Nations – argues that consumer behaviour an obvious case in point: ‘peer pressure’ is, essentially, a logical sequence of choices. sub-optimal choices – or, in some cases, can create bubbles in an asset market, But in practice, when subject to scientific no decision at all – has been found to reflect and a ‘herd mentality’ has brought rapid observation, people’s choices, it turns out, a kind of myopia, an undue weight on instability – such as the 1950s rush on banks are not always logical or consistent. short-term gratification rather than on or the mass exit from the market during the The field staked its claim when it picked up long-term rewards. global financial crisis. a Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences in 2002. “Take, for example, payments of credit “Behavioural economics research is American economists Daniel Kahneman cards in light of accumulating high interest testing and modifying some basic economic and Vernon Smith shared the award, with rates. While it’s logical to pay credit card bills assumptions,” says Thorpe. “This has to Kahneman recognised for having integrated on time so as to minimise accumulation of enrich our understanding of the very complex insights from psychology into economics, interest, some people elect not to do this, and important field of economics – one that and Smith for developing an array of and to pay more. Why is this? is far from being an exact science.”
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Mentoring Curtin helps law degree students for 2013 take the next step
Curtin’s Next Step mentoring program is successfully helping students to increase their K L A US S CHMECHT I G professional network and gain valuable insight into the industries they intend to work in. Medal reflects Developed by Career Development Consultant and Program Coordinator
occupational TH I NK S TOCK Alison O’Shaughnessy and Alumni Relations Coordinator Cathryn Battersby in 2009, the Next Step passion Professor Paul Fairall, Curtin’s program matches final and Foundation Dean of Law, is helping penultimate-year students to a to oversee the formation of the Emeritus Professor Jo Barker has won the newly approved undergraduate mentor, based on the student’s area prestigious 2012 John Curtin Medal for her of study and chosen career path. Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, to outstanding contribution to occupational be offered through the Curtin Third-year international student of therapy, academe and the community. Business School (CBS) from chemical engineering Peter Chang “The honour is quite overwhelming and semester one in 2013. Liu, one of 100 undergraduates in the it epitomises everything I have achieved Fairall says the degree will offer 2012 program, is mentored by 2004 throughout my career, ” Barker says. significant advantages to students chemical engineering graduate and Recognised worldwide for her work, Barker wishing to specialise or fast track Alcoa employee Kirk Moore. The pair puts her career success down to her passion their studies and move quickly into has met on four occasions, and for education and early broad-based training in the workforce. Moore has also taken Liu on a tour occupational therapy. “While the four-year course will of Alcoa’s Wagerup factory site. She joined Curtin, then the Western offer a general law degree spanning “It’s good to have contact with an Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), all areas of the discipline, it will experienced engineer, and I now feel have some themes running through a lot more confident about my career in 1979 as head of the then School of Occupational Therapy, and was later appointed it for those with a particular interest goals,” Liu says. in mining and resources and the Moore is equally pleased with the as one of only two women professors when WAIT became Curtin University. In 1983 she needs of those industries in program’s positive outcome and Australia,” Fairall says. became the first woman board member of says mentors gain immense “Students will also have the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, in Perth, and satisfaction from sharing their option of using trimesters in the its first female Chair, from 1986 to 1992. industry knowledge and experience second and third years of the with undergraduates. She was the first occupational therapist in program, with each trimester having Australia awarded a PhD, and was the first four subjects and extra class Australian President of the World Federation for contact, enabling some to fast Occupational Therapists, from 1986 to1990. track the four-year course into Many more groundbreaking appointments WFI E LD three years.” O followed before Barker retired in 2001 to Fairall has come from Adelaide Mandurah, WA, where as Chair of the Board with Associate Professor in Law
A L ANA BL of John Tonkin College she is overseeing the Christopher Finn to take on the amalgamation of two local public high role. He is expecting 120 students schools. She also served for a decade as in the first semester and has made Chair of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, the first of a series of teaching helping to transform it into a cultural hub for appointments, with high-profile the Peel region. politician and former Attorney- The John Curtin Medal is named after the General for Western Australia former Australian wartime prime minister, Christian Porter to take up a from 1941 to 1945, who is regarded as one of position as Professor of Law. the nation’s great statesmen.
Kirk Moore (left) with Peter Chang Liu
22 cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 School of , 2002
X Physiotherapy O celebrates
T I MA M UDF 60 years UL
Curtin’s School of Physiotherapy
Talking_pictures: A 2012 Perth U- RAM CHOE , recently celebrated 60 years of International Arts Festival event, U-Ram providing high-quality education and Choe’s first Australian solo exhibition research in Western Australia. of his extraordinary kinetic sculptures At an event attended by more than at the John Curtin Gallery generated an
100 people, including former Curtin S CHMECHT I G K L A US overwhelming public response. For video of U-Ram Choe discussing his works, vice-chancellor and head of the Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette visit johncurtingallery.curtin.edu.au/ school Emeritus Professor Lance Hacket (left) with Lady Jean Brodie-Hall multimedia/#uram Twomey, the significant milestone was celebrated alongside another: up_coming events the 10-year anniversary of the An influential school’s move from its long-time home at Curtin’s Shenton Park life on display HAYMAN THEATRE Campus to purpose-built facilities The Tempest by William at the University’s main campus In a ceremony honouring the late Sir Shakespeare in Bentley. Laurence Brodie-Hall, one of Western 1–9 March 2013 Professor Keith Hill, current Head Australia’s most influential mining In a future altered by climate change, the of the School of Physiotherapy, says figures and pre-eminent business cast will explore a tale renowned as much he is proud of the school’s leaders, his wife, Lady Jean, entrusted for its dark magic and chivalric romance contribution to education and Curtin with several of his awards, as its stark commentary on the motives research in WA. including his Officer of the Order of and manipulations of those whom we “We have been leading the way Australia medal. empower to lead our society. in physiotherapy for six decades,” Sir Laurence’s work in mining Hill says. “This anniversary was pivotal to the emergence of WA Hayman Theatre Upstairs celebration provides a great as an economically dynamic and Tel: + 61 8 9266 2383 opportunity to reflect on the internationally important resources state. [email protected] achievements of the school to Former Curtin vice-chancellor Emeritus JOHN CURTIN GALLERY date, and to consider opportunities Professor Lance Twomey describes Grazia Toderi for how we can continue to maintain Sir Laurence as WA’s “grandfather of 5 February – 14 April 2013 a leadership role in physiotherapy modern mining”. into the future.” “He had great influence over mining In her first solo exhibition in Australia, The School of Physiotherapy was in the state ,” Twomey says. “No other Grazia Toderi shares her alluring digital visions that are equally enthralling and established in 1952 and was one of person has made such a substantial unsettling. By superimposing layered two therapy schools that merged in contribution – both personal and through drawings, maps and surveillance footage influencing others – to the industry.” 1969 with the Western Australian onto her own nocturnal photography and A graduate of the Kalgoorlie School of Institute of Technology, now Curtin cinematography, Toderi creates Mines, now Curtin’s Western Australian University, where it continues mesmerising urban nightscapes that evolve to deliver quality graduates into School of Mines (WASM), Sir Laurence and transform before the viewer’s eyes. the workforce. returned to the school in 1982 as Chair of the Board of Management and a member Accompanying her work with suggestive of Curtin’s Executive Council, where he sound, Toderi suspends the viewer between was instrumental in developing WASM wonder and a disarming sense of ONEK into the respected provider of mining surveillance. education it is today. Tel: +61 8 9266 4155 J E L MATT Twomey says the entrustment of johncurtingallery.curtin.edu.au the awards continues the legacy of Sir Laurence’s contribution to Curtin. The awards are on display at the Sir Laurence Brodie-Hall Atrium in the John Curtin Gallery at the University’s Bentley Campus.
Head of the School of Physiotherapy, GRAZIA TODERI, ORBITE ROSSE, (RED ORBITS), 2009 PHOTO: MICHELE SERENI Professor Keith Hill
cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 23 in_perspective
Making news…
Les Welsh
Journalism is a tough game with a tight job market progress at a steady pace by working on at present, but graduates with the right skills – and most their weaknesses. This is where the newsroom comes in importantly, the right attitude – will always find a job, handy. Students who might get average says Curtin FM 100.1 news editor Les Welsh. marks will improve markedly by spending extra time in the newsroom – and they are welcome anytime. We have a lot of recent story Les Welsh photography james rogers graduates who will ring up and ask if they can come back to the newsroom to improve their voice or writing skills while they I’ve been at Curtin University for 15 years Third-year radio news students work are looking for a job, and the answer is as news editor of community radio station in the newsroom as part of their course, always yes. Curtin FM 100.1, and before that was news attending a weekly two-hour workshop In WA, getting a job in journalism can be editor at the ABC [Australian Broadcasting and spending four hours a week producing a challenge, as cadetships in newsrooms Commission] and commercial news talk stories for bulletins that go to air. It’s not a fall short of the number of graduates, and radio station 6PR in Perth, so I’ve had the pretend situation for an assignment – it’s a there’s a lot of competition. working environment, and they’re assessed Graduates are also being asked to do best of both worlds and know what it takes on the stories they produce. more than ever these days, and could end to succeed. Obviously, technology has changed over up covering stories for radio, television and Five of our former students work in the the years, but a lot of the basics that I online in one job. newsroom at 2GB, the number one rating learned when I started out 44 years ago It’s up to graduates how good they want radio station in Sydney, and a large number still apply. The internet has made it easier to become. There are jobs out there, not to do research, but we write and chase are at the ABC, with many more in other TV hundreds of them, but if they have the right and radio newsrooms nationally. stories the same way, and the rules of radio writing haven't changed. skills, want it badly enough and are prepared The Curtin journalism course has a great to travel, they’ll get one. reputation: newsrooms around the country Our successful graduates have a passion for Our radio students have a particular ring me to see who we have available, purely journalism – a real interest in it. advantage because the equipment and Of all those now working in radio and because of the practical experience they computer system at Curtin FM is exactly the TV – and I can give you pages of names – know our students have gained. same as in many radio stations around the every one of them had a great attitude. They We have a great facility here in the were willing to learn, to do extra and push country. They can walk out of here and into Curtin FM newsroom; ours is the only themselves to get as much experience as newsrooms, and start working on day one – training set-up like it in Western they possibly could. nobody has to show them what to do. Australia, and there aren’t too many in Sometimes it takes students a while to Prospective employers can’t ask for much the eastern states. develop, but with the right attitude they will more than that.
24 cite_SUMMER 2012/2013 cite_SUMMER 2012/2013
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FOUNDATION How you can help To learn more about these and other exciting fundraising projects, Curtin University’s Western Recognising the critical role visit: give.curtin.edu.au. Australian School of Mines WASM has in developing a (WASM) has been providing well-trained workforce, the You can support the Curtin mining education for more than Western Australian Government University Foundation as follows: 100 years, with many graduates has committed $20 million in By cheque payable to going on to hold senior positions Royalties for Regions funding Curtin University Foundation with resources companies around towards the redevelopment of or online at give.curtin.edu.au the world. accommodation facilities in Kalgoorlie (see story on page 15). The Curtin University Foundation Regionally based in Kalgoorlie, GPO Box U1987 Perth WA 6845 with direct industry links And there's more to WASM's and Curtin’s internationally future. Tel: +61 8 9266 9803 recognised strength in minerals Email: [email protected] and energy research, WASM With the support of the federal students benefit from studying government, industry, alumni Please don’t hesitate to get at both the University’s Bentley and the broader community, in touch if you would like to and Kalgoorlie campuses. Curtin also plans to develop know more about the Curtin and refurbish teaching and University Foundation and Enrolments continue to grow, laboratory facilities at Kalgoorlie, its work. and it is projected the Kalgoorlie to ensure WASM remains a Campus will have more than 700 world-class mining education Curtin University Foundation. students in 2016. and research centre, of which Helping make tomorrow graduates and industry can better – together. continue to be proud.