SYDNEY ALUMNI Magazine

Summer 2008

MOORE IN FOCUS archaeology, vet science, books, stem cells, ocd, theatre ISSN 1834–3937 ISSN

SYDNEY ALUMNI Magazine

6 16 34 36 NEWS: WHO IS DR MICHAEL SPENCE? VET SCIENCE: WILD AND WONDERFUL SPORT: ALICIA POTO: POINT GUARD DIARY: YOUR NEED-TO-KNOW BASIS

2 LETTERS Astrology predictably infuriates, again Summer 2008

5 OPINION Vice-Chancellor Professor Gavin Brown on intercontinental chess

6 NEWS Dr Michael Spence; Intervarsity choral fest, DIARY: Tom Bass AM (b.1916) Ethos 1959-61 (detail) Raina MacIntyre honoured, US Studies Centre survey, (copper deposit) Civic Square, Canberra, ACT Photo Brian McInerney 2006 Tom Beer for president, Alan Trounson to California, Seymour Centre 2008 season

11 PROFILE Editor Diana Simmonds Professor John Wong, surgeon extraordinaire The University of Sydney, Publications Office Room K6.06, Quadrangle A14, NSW 2006 13 FOR THE RECORD Telephone +61 2 9036 6372 Fax +61 2 9351 6868 Michael L’Estrange AO at the Alumni Awards night Email [email protected] Design tania edwards design 18 COVER STORY Contributors Vice-Chancellor Professor Gavin Brown, Spotlight on ’67 alumnus, Clover Moore Dr David Juste, Michael L’Estrange, Helen McKenzie, 22 MENTAL HEALTH Geraldine O’Brien, Maggie Renvoize, Ted Sealey, Paul Solutions to obsessive compulsive disorder Seiser, Lauren Smelcher, David Staunton, Verena Stocker, Michael Turner, Trevor Walsh, Alex Wilde, Nuran Zorlu.

24 TREASURE Printed by PMP Limited Old Bones discovered in the Nicholson Museum Cover photo by Jacky Ghossein/Fairfax. 25 ARCHAEOLOGY Advertising Please direct all inquiries to the editor. Calling all Irrawang diggers Editorial Advisory Committee 26 ALUMNI UPDATES The Sydney Alumni Magazine is supported by an Editorial An interview with Rob Carlton Advisory Committee. Its members are: Kathy Bail, editor, Australian Financial Review magazine; David Marr (LLB ’71), 29 GRAPEVINE Sydney Morning Herald; William Fraser, editor ACP Magazines; Paul Kotala, Jane Healey, your news Martin Hoffman (BEcon ’86), consultant, Andrew Potter, Media Manager, University of Sydney; Helen Trinca, editor, 33 BOOKS Weekend Australian magazine. Sue Woolfe’s The Mystery of the Cleaning Lady and Edward Duyker’s A Dictionary of Sea Quotations

summer 2008 1 letters

The Academic Study of Astrology

n the Winter 2007 issue of SAM, ments such as “astrology cannot be but it is the duty of the historian to take Geordie Williamson published an extricated from the history of science these elements into account as well as, Iarticle reporting on my academic before the 1700s” and “historians of when the context requires it, to get activities as a historian of astrology at science cannot understand astrology if acquainted with astrological theory – the University of Sydney (“Heaven sent, they begin with a mistrust of its principles that is, to read the works of ancient, hell bent”). This article hurt the good and practitioners”. I hasten to add that I medieval and early modern astrologers. conscience of a number of readers who, maintain and endorse these statements More still, it is the duty of the historian in vehement responses (SAM, Spring fully and enthusiastically. to treat this material not with mistrust 2007), charged me with the suggestion The fact is that astrology was an integral but with the same respect as any other that “we have to accept astrology as a and essential element of Western culture historical document. valid science” or with “implications of until at least the late seventeenth century. “Superstitious nonsense” is not a scientific veracity for the subject” and It played various – sometimes central – fruitful category for assessing scientific “a number of unsupported assertions roles in political and religious history; it practices over the course of history. If regarding the efficacy of astrology”. This featured prominently in literature, scholars of the past were to be judged in is quite extraordinary because there are poetry, music and the visual arts; and the light of modern science, Aristotle, no such claims in the article. as part of the dominant scientific Ptolemy, Galen, al-Kindi, Avicenna, The misunderstanding arose, I suspect, discourse, it was taught at all levels in Averroes, Galileo, Kepler, and even Sir from the comment that I regard astrology European universities and, importantly, Isaac Newton (who was an alchemist) “as perhaps the most consistent, unified was regarded by most philosophers and would not pass the exam. The question and durable body of beliefs and practices scientists as science, even the mother is not whether astrology is valid or not in the Western tradition”, or from state- of all sciences. in the light of modern science, but how The uninitiated 21st-century onlooker and why past scholars came to regard it is of course free to reject these astrological as science. elements as “superstitious nonsense”, David Juste Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Sydney ■ illustration: Maggie Renvoize

2 sydney alumni magazine letters

explanation. Such readers’ unchecked Grumpy but eagle-eyed assumptions about the lack of academic Like your grumpy old men I was strongly integrity in the work of Dr. Juste and tempted to write critically on the the supervision by people such as prominence given to astrology in the Professor Clunies Ross are plainly previous edition of (SAM, Spring 2007). insulting. Apologies are due. In fact I had started a draft when I Incidentally, my congratulations on pulled myself up sharp and wondered the setting out of the original article: as was this a spoof? My suspicions seemed one interested in fishing I was most confirmed when the change of editors impressed by the tackle. was reported. John Garretty (BA Hons ’74) Er, this was a spoof wasn’t it? Bathurst, NSW I find myself constrained to display the grumpy old man syndrome in another In the eye of the beholder couple of matters. I would like to respond to the criticism Firstly, it is not usual for editors to self expressed by Professor John Furedy, eulogise using the medium for which Ian Duncan, Dr John Hughes and Chris they have charge. You might have Roth (Letters, SAM, Spring 2007) persuaded your predecessor to write, pertaining to the article “Heaven sent, Gone fishing hell bent” (SAM, Winter 2007). The venom dripping from the letters In their haste to vent their spleens, Write to us these gentlemen have not only misin- page (SAM, Spring 2007) sent me back Letters to the editor must include terpreted the article, they have also to the “Heaven sent, hell bent” article to contact details: full name, address see what scandal I had missed in my shown themselves to be the very thing (not for publication), daytime phone quick scan of it. they despise, namely: unscientific. number and/or email Nothing as it turned out, but others Dr [David] Juste at no time categorically missed a great deal. The author clearly states that astrology must be accepted as address, degree(s) and year(s) stated the research topic's perspective in a valid science. He is rather “attempting of graduation, where applicable. a number of places; especially in the to revive interest in astrology” and Please address your letters to: last paragraph. points out that historically science and Historians cannot come to an under- astrology were inseparable in medieval The Editor standing of the past if they dismiss the times and that the large body of material SAM – Sydney Alumni Magazine thinking of those peoples on the basis on astrology suggests that its importance C/– Publications A14 of present day knowledge and moral should not be overlooked and warrants University of Sydney values. Only by attempting to under- further investigation. NSW 2006 stand the thought paradigms at the Astrology is able to be subjected to time can they grasp historical cause scientific scrutiny in order to prove or Letters may also be sent electronically and effect. Striving to understand past disprove its claims. However, the criti- (with full contact details) “collective mentalities” is a standard cisms as expressed by these gentlemen to: [email protected] approach in historiography. Even in are purely emotive, based on personal Opinions expressed in the pages of similar disciplines such as psychology, bias. Hardly scientific. sociology and anthropology, researchers I challenge them to put their money the magazine are those of the signed adopt “willing suspension of disbelief” where their mouths are and instigate an contributors or the editor and do not in order to gain insights. There is little unbiased and properly designed study. I necessarily represent the official of controversy in all of this. would be more than happy to put my position of the University of Sydney. What is puzzling is why some university beliefs to the test by volunteering my educated readers reacted with such vitriol participation. Space permits only a selection of to one word (astrology) without inter- I suspect, however, that they will be letters to be published here. Letters preting it fully in its literary context, by conspicuous by their silence. may be edited by the editor for space way of more careful reading of the article. Stefan Szembek (BEcon ’93) or other reasons. Perhaps psychology could offer some Mosman NSW

summer 2008 3 letters

Moider he wrote Talk about attitude. Readers expose the stupidity of astrological belief within the university, yet the editor calls them as “grumpy” (SAM, Spring 2007). Rudeness plus the original drivel. What do Editorial Advisory Committee members think? The cost of sending me the magazine might be better spent elsewhere in the university – a logic course debunking post-modernism for Dr Juste when his fellowship ends. Perhaps a first year student can vet his next moiderous opus threatened by our recalcitrant editor? Kevin McCready (BA Hons ’81, DipEd ’82, BEc ’87) Condong NSW

The last word Sydney 1789

It has always been acknowledged that illustration: Maggie Renvoize No limits to appreciation an argument with an editor is impossible to win, as the editor always gives himself Many thanks for your review of The Limits of Location (SAM, Spring 2007). or herself the last word. Our new editor, This book is an engaging account of the early establishment of the colony of Diana Simmonds, has taken this privilege New South Wales. Culled from the archives of the Mitchell Library, commem- to a new high by labelling the critics of orating David Scott Mitchell’s generous gift to the State, it tells of the human David Juste’s claim that astrology is a experience of those early years. science as “grumpy”. There’s nothing The project was the inspired exercise of the New South Wales Chapter of the grumpy about objecting to superstitious Independent Scholars Association of Australia (ISAA) with the cooperation of nonsense, and I believe the three letter the Mitchell Library, to examine the often-neglected experience of those early writers on the subject (SAM, Spring 2007) colonists. Many ISAA members are alumni of the University of Sydney and ISAA is to be congratulated for drawing on their scholarship. Congratulations were far more polite than necessary. too to the Sydney University Press for its publication of this most rewarding Our new editor listed a dozen subjects and beautiful book. on which she has written – I note neither Elspeth Browne (nee Knox) BA ’55, Dip Soc Stud ’56) science nor logic is in the list. Greenwich, NSW John Mitchell (BDS ’53) Lithgow NSW or at least print your encomiums as if alumnus. On the same page you have A positive note! they came from him. missed the space between of and its. Warmest congratulations on the new Secondly, you let yourself down in The Vice-Chancellor’s Opinion look magazine. (SAM, Spring 2007.) your, self proclaimed, editorial qualifi- column is germane in small matters The broader range of general interest cations. In the index the last four letters as well as large. topics and the human stories on of Germany are in upper case. On page George E.R. Greenwood Alumni involved in projects improving four you use an opening single quote (Grumpy old MBA ’82) our world make enjoyable reading. rather than a closing single quote to Gordon NSW Keep up the innovations! denote the shortening of suburb. On Editor’s note: GerMANY was the title of Ross Steele AM (Honorary Associate page 13, you want to authenticate our an event held at the University and clearly Professor, School of Languages alumni status. Since this can only refer stated as such in the magazine. Re the rest: and Cultures) to University of Sydney it should be to er is human, to um and ah is divine. Paddington NSW ■

4 sydney alumni magazine opinion

Knights in flight

Keeping all pieces in play on the chessboard of international university life is a challenge for the keenest player, writes Vice-Chancellor Professor Gavin Brown AO FAA CorrFRSE

he “tyranny of distance” is alive Through a happy matching of dates I and well and threatening Australian will be able to present at an important Tvice-chancellors. On the one hand anniversary for Waseda University, the world is shrinking and travel is easier. discussing the development of post- On the other hand everyone knows this graduate opportunities, before speaking and expects us to pop up anywhere. at a world presidents’ forum at Seoul In truth I can only accept about 20 National University. There I will address strategic planning in the modern research Vice-Chancellor Professor Gavin Brown per cent of serious invitations to attend overseas events, and, even so, it is diffi- university and join the President of cult to apportion time so that one can Seoul National in engagement with the tend the local kaleyard. Korean media. Shortly afterwards there Already this year I have had three will be familiar territory in Beijing visits to Europe, in addition to conference when Peking University will host a presentations in China, Japan and Taiwan. University of Sydney day. It was a pleasure, therefore, to play a All of these events are of great value home game on the 11th and 12th of to the University – yet they require a September as the University hosted CEO presence. Meanwhile I am proud GerMANY Innovations as part of the that we are forging increasingly strong wider GerMANY Faces Australia program. links with the NSW government. There The occasion provided a showcase are examples in mental health, in trans- for German companies operating in port studies and in traditional health this country and for the research at the research and education. University of Sydney which has potential It is a problem to balance those for joint projects. Indeed several new pressures which come from our collaborations have been forged through international aspirations and those the events of these days. that honour our commitment to our Given that Germany was the cradle home state. of the modern research university and My concern, therefore, is that the that the government there has recently traditional role of the vice-chancellor injected significant merit funding for borrowed from Britain is being moved its leading universities, our strong rela- to that of the US university president. I tionships there are not misplaced. have attempted to anticipate the trend Soon I will undertake an odyssey in by introducing an American style Japan, Korea and China. The first Provost position and I am absolutely commitment is in Kyoto, a Science and convinced that the notion of a senior Technology Forum convened by Japan’s management team with defined but finance minister, Koji Omi, who has a shared responsibilities is necessary for personal commitment to encouraging the future. informed societal debate on the oppor- Meanwhile I seek refuge in whimsy. tunities and threats which arise from The chess programs on Qantas stroke scientific innovation. It will be my task the ego while those on Emirates stretch, to chair one of the concurrent themes and overcome, the travelling brain. and summarise. Thus does travel broaden my mind! ■

summer 2008 5 news

Who is the next Vice-Chancellor?

Dr Michael Spence of Oxford University Honours in English and Italian and will be coming home when he takes up First Class Honours in Law in 1987. his appointment as Sydney’s 29th He worked as a part-time Italian Vice-Chancellor in 2008. teacher and ESL tutor and was a Law After months of speculation and Clerk at Mallesons Stephens Jacques anticipation, it was recently confirmed before joining the Australian Copyright that Dr Michael Spence of the University Council as Legal Officer in 1988. of Oxford will succeed Professor Gavin Dr Spence left Australia in 1989 for Brown AO as Vice-Chancellor and St Catherine’s College, Oxford; his Principal of the University of Sydney. doctorate was awarded in 1996 for Dr Spence’s appointment was “Australian Estoppel and the Protection announced by Her Excellency Professor of Reliance.” He also has a post-graduate Marie Bashir AC CVO, Chancellor of the diploma in theology from Oxford and photo: Ted Sealey photo: Ted University, who said: “The University is many university prizes and scholarships. delighted to welcome Dr Spence, a Dr Spence, now a Fellow of St From July 2008: Dr Michael Spence distinguished alumnus, into the high Catherine’s, has been Head of Oxford’s office of Vice-Chancellor. Dr Spence Social Sciences Division, overseeing brings a wealth of administrative, significant growth in research and academic and research experience from funding and strengthening links one of the greatest centres of higher between social sciences departments education in the world.” and the broader university. In the Times Dr Spence graduated from the Higher Education Rankings, Oxford is University in 1985 with First Class first in the world for Social Sciences. ■

Celebrating the “7s”

More than 1000 alumni who graduated you get, the harder it gets”. More than in a year ending in seven returned to 400 alumni gathered for a light-hearted the University’s Camperdown campus contest between two teams of notable for a day of cultural, sporting and alumni and University debating cham- family activities held as part of the pions. Adam Spencer (BA ’92), Lisa Pryor Spring Back to Sydney Alumni Reunion (BA ’00 LLB ’04) and Rob Carlton on Saturday 27 October 2007. represented the “old” team, arguing for photos: The Vice-Chancellor hosted a Morning the social and psychological advantages Tea in the MacLaurin Hall for alumni of maturity. Dr Elcie Lo Schiavo, Professor Charles who graduated in 1937, ’47 and ’57. The opposition: Patrick Bateman, Pat Blackman and Mr Ernest Jefferay It was an occasion for meeting old McGrath and Melissa Brooks, laughed at friends, reminiscing and revisiting. the short-comings of the older generation: If you graduated in a year ending in Among the early graduates were lack of technology skills for instance. “8” and are planning a reunion, why Mr Ernest R Jefferay (92) (BE (Civil) ’37), The audience’s Clap’o’Meter awarded a not build your program around the Prof Charles Blackburn ED AC (94) unanimous ovation to the mature team. Spring Back to Sydney Alumni Reunion (MBBS ’37, MD ’39 BA ’90 MD ’91) Other highlights included a concert by on Saturday 25 October 2008. Benefit from and Dr Elcie Lo Schiavo (94) (MBBS the Sydney University Graduate Chamber a range of marketing and administration ’39 GradDipPHlth ’47 LLB ’75). Choir in the Great Hall, heritage tours services! For more information contact: A highlight of the day was the Comedy and a Sydney Ideas Lecture by Charles Sarah Portelli on +61 2 9036 9278 or Debate in the Great Hall: “The older Firth (BA ’99). [email protected]. ■

6 sydney alumni magazine The halls are alive

According to Tamara Murray (BSc ’99) during warm up! And then there’s the “Hearing over 200 voices singing the social aspect. But I’ve chosen to be Rachmaninoff vespers to a sellout involved in organising SIV 2008 because audience in Sydney in 2002 was one it’s an opportunity to give something of the most intense experiences of back to the movement. I’m also keen to my life.” give choristers new to IV a chance to Murray is one of a group of alumni enjoy the same experiences I’ve had.” behind the Sydney Intervarsity Choral With Brett Weymark (of Sydney Festival (SIV) in January 2008. “This Philharmonia) as musical director, the is a significant event within the festival and its concerts promise to hold Australian Intervarsity Choral to a standard of excellence that has movement,” Murray says. “It connects made this major choral event one of the students and graduates of each partici- landmarks in the voice calendar. pating university through music and Says Murray: “You are invited to get helps to promote an ongoing involved, come to the concerts – come association of our alumni with and sing.” Sydney University.” The music for this event includes the The event will be the 59th annual premiere of a new work by Anne Boyd; festival culminating in a concert cele- other Australian composers include brating the music of Ralph Vaughan Kats Chernin, Walker, Peterson, Stanhope Choir singing: a great unifier Williams in the Sydney Town Hall. and Orlovich. A major focus will be a “It’s a great unifier,” says Murray. “It commemoration of the 50th anniversary For more information go to: tends to be an outlet for people who are of Vaughan Williams’ death with a concert www.siv.org.au or email passionate but not professional. I think of his music and that of Thomas Tallis. [email protected]. ■ for many people it’s a chance to use a different part of the brain – it takes you out of everyday and working life.” According to Murray she and her friend Dr Allison Moore (BMedSci (Hons) ’99 University Medal, MBBS ’03) are “serial committee offenders. There is a lot to getting it on the road, it costs about $120,000 to produce and that includes venue hire, orchestra fees, rehearsal venues and repetiteurs’ fees. We fund raise from the public and participants and tickets.” Moore writes of her personal standout experience: “It was my first IV in Perth. We sang Janácek’s Glagolitic Mass in the Perth Concert Hall under the baton of Albert Rosen. It is a challenging work (the choir sings fortissimo at the very limits of their vocal ranges) which is rarely performed in Australia, so it was a unique opportunity for me.” Dr Siew Jin Ooi (BA ’98, PhD ’04) is concert manager for the festival and says: “I’ve only been to two IVs so far but the benefits have been tremendous each time. Learning an enormous amount of music – not necessarily in English – in a matter of two weeks has made me a more confident singer and extended my vocal range. I’m an alto who has no problem hitting a high A

summer 2008 7 news

Category A award

In a rare honour for a civilian and a for person-to-person transmission, foreigner, Professor Raina Maclntyre the potential for an agent to geneti- (MBBS ’88) was presented with the cally modify, the relative ease of 2007 Sir Henry Wellcome Medal and decontamination, and the availability Prize from the Association of Military of vaccinations.” Surgeons of the US (AMSUS) at a cere- To test the hypothesis MacIntyre mony in Salt Lake City in November. and her team reviewed the history of The award recognises her work in bio-terrorist incidents, the known developing a system to combat bio- science about each agent, and the terrorism. It is the world's first system transmission potential of each Category to comprehensively rank the different A agent. Synthesising this informa- types of bio-terrorism risks. It is under- tion into ten different categories of stood that Professor Maclntyre’s risk- threat allowed them to create a priority scoring system for the most “priority score” for each. severe (Category A) bio-terrorism “Anthrax and smallpox are the agents, published in the journal Military highest priority, followed by viral Medicine, will help governments prepare haemorrhagic fevers, botulism, for potential attacks. plague and tularaemia,”MacIntyre “Traditionally, government decisions said. “Anthrax topping the list is not about the risk of attack by a particular a surprise, because it is widely available Raina MacIntyre: scourge of bio-terrorists agent have been made simply on the globally and easy to turn into a basis of the probability of attack,” said weapon, but smallpox scoring highly Professor MacIntyre, of the University’s is a surprise.” high infection rates and to be genetically National Centre for Immunisation Smallpox’s high priority contrasts modified into more virulent strains. Research and Surveillance of Vaccine with the low priority governments have “Governments will benefit from this Preventable Diseases and the Faculty given to it on the basis of probability of research in that it provides a framework of Medicine. attack alone, according to MacIntyre. and a tool for rationally and efficiently “We hypothesised that multiple factors Although the global supply of the assigning priority for bio-terrorism should be considered other than proba- smallpox virus is limited, it has high agents – and therefore planning stockpiles bility of attack – including the severity person-to-person transmission rates, of drugs, vaccines and other supplies,” of an attack’s consequences, the potential high fatality rates, and the potential for MacIntyre said. ■ Shock: Australians not fond of Dubya

In July, the US Studies Centre released more of a target because of its involve- degree of scepticism about the signifi- “one of the most comprehensive surveys ment in the “war on terror”, 50 per cent cance of terrorism. A lot of people felt ever undertaken into Australian atti- oppose our involvement in Afghanistan that the terrorist threat had been tudes towards the United States.” and 64 oppose our military presence exaggerated. As well there was the The resulting media interest focused in Iraq. feeling that the US was not managing mainly on the predictable general More than two-thirds of respondents world problems very effectively.” finding that Australians are at odds view George W Bush unfavorably. The second phase of the survey, with the Bush administration. Nevertheless, those surveyed differentiate currently under analysis, will be The survey, of 1200 people, was between Americans and US government released later in December. conducted by AC Nielsen during the and foreign policy. For more on US Studies Centre second half of July. Seventy-five per Professor Alan Dupont, Acting CEO events and programs: www.sydney.edu.au/ cent of those polled believe Australia is of the US Studies Centre noted a “high us-studies. ■

8 sydney alumni magazine Australian Beer is tops

The CSIRO recently proudly announced some 5000 Earth scientists from around the appointment of their Dr Tom Beer, the world,” Dr Beer said. a senior scientist with CSIRO Marine The President of the Australian and Atmospheric Research, to the Academy of Science, Professor Kurt presidency of the International Union Lambeck, who nominated Dr Beer, of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG). welcomed the announcement of Dr Beer’s Dr Beer (BSc ’66) is an acknowledged four-year term. expert in environmental risk including “Dr Beer has had a long association greenhouse gas and air quality issues. with the IUGG. He was the founding He will steer the IUGG until 2011. Chair of the IUGG Commission on “The union fosters collaborative Geophysical Risk and Sustainability, research and information exchange and most recently was IUGG Vice between Earth scientists in 68 countries,” President. He will make an outstanding

said Dr Beer. “It also encourages the president.” photo: application of this research to societal Dr Beer is a Stream Leader in the needs, such as mineral resources, Transport Theme of the Energy Trans- mitigation of natural hazards and formed Flagship of CSIRO. He won the Dr Tom Beer, proud Australian president environmental preservation.” CSIRO Chairman's medal in 2000 for The IUGG is a union of eight associ- his work as part of a team examining ment. “As well as his scientific expertise, ations in the fields of meteorology, greenhouse gas emissions from low- Tom’s extensive experience in developing oceanography, volcanology, seismology, emission vehicles. He is the author countries, including a review of hydrology, geomagnetic science, geodesy of 12 books, one of which has been oceanographic programs in ASEAN and cryospheric science. Its next General translated into Chinese, and has countries and an examination of Assembly will be held in Melbourne published more than 150 articles in Thailand’s greenhouse strategy, will in 2011. peer-reviewed journals. provide the background needed to help “I am proud that an Australian presi- Dr Greg Ayers, Chief of CSIRO the IUGG coordinate information dent is going to be able to host IUGG in Marine and Atmospheric Research, exchange between scientists around Australia, which attracts attendance by congratulated Dr Beer on his appoint- the world.” ■ Stem cell research boost

This month (December) Professor including Singapore-based Embryonic Alan Trounson, whose doctorate Stem Cell International. in embryology was earned at the CIRM was created in 2004 by Propo- University in 1974, will be taking up sition 71, an initiative approved by his new appointment to head a California voters. It is funded by $3.6 billion stem cell agency, the $US3 billion in bonds and is authorised California Institute of Regenerative to make annual research grants of up Medicine (CIRM). It is the USA’s to $300 million. CIRM began issuing biggest financial backer of human its first grants this year after defeating embryonic research. two lawsuits which claimed it was According to the Melbourne Herald- unconstitutional. Sun, Bob Klein, the driving force “I see this as a tremendous opportunity behind the establishment of the three- to be in the front line of a major revo-

year-old institute said: “I see an air lution in medicine,” Professor Trounson photo: bridge from Australia to California. said at the time of his appointment. Hopefully, this will be the start of a “This is the epicentre for stem cell Prof Alan Trounson: stem cell pioneer tremendous international relationship.” research and therapies.” Professor Trounson has most recently A spokesman for Victorian Premier been director of Monash University’s John Brumby, a strong supporter of in stem cell research and there’s no Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories. the controversial stem cell research, doubt his appointment will help build An entrepreneurial scientist, he has welcomed the appointment. closer links between our researchers and launched eight biotechnology companies, “Professor Trounson has been a pioneer those working at the CIRM,” he said. ■

summer 2008 9 news

Curtain up! Light the lights!

For the first time in 33 years the when Company B moved in,” said general Seymour Centre is offering a manager Julie Mullins. “We want to subscription season to theatregoers. maintain that energy. We want to At the launch, Living Legend-cum- engage more directly with artists and National Treasure Toni Lamond sang the community.” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and The Seymour plan is for partnerships they have been a long time coming. with some of the most experienced In 1966, Everest York Seymour, of the independent producers in the business. Fosseys retail chain, left a bequest of Neil Hunt of Kim Carpenter’s Theatre $4 million to Sydney for a performing arts of Image (The Happy Prince) said: centre. His generosity can be calculated “This can only benefit the community in its present day equivalent of approxi- and performing arts companies alike.” mately $51 million. Entrusted to the The inaugural season includes drama, University of Sydney, the result was the musical theatre and family shows. award-winning multi-theatre complex Christine Dunstan, producer of Toni designed by Keith Cottier. Lamond’s extraordinary showbiz story Opened in 1975, the Centre enjoyed Times of My Life - said: “It has become a mixed fortunes and, discounting the struggle in recent years to find affordable, days of Company B Belvoir’s occupation, well-presented, well-equipped venues in it has languished as space for hire. The the city. I applaud the Seymour Centre Centre – although popular with artists and I know we’re all looking forward to ■ because of its fine stages and backstage this new initiative.” photos: facilities – has had no easily definable identity of its own and has struggled to Call the Box Office on (612) 9351 7940 for Toni Lamond, stage legend, is part of find a core audience. the 2008 brochure. (Special Alumni events to the Seymour Centre’s first subscription “We are building on what happened be announced throughout the year.) season in 2008 Architectural masterpiece

Is Athens’ New Acropolis Museum archaeological diggings and ideas. Bernard Tschumi’s masterpiece? The A characteristic of Tschumi’s work is Swiss-born, New York-domiciled transparency and this is evident in all architect won the second competition elements of the museum – light filters for the controversial Makriyianni site in from above, visitors will walk above and, if the exhibition in the Nicholson and see remnants of ancient Athens, Museum is a guide, the almost- while sheer glass walls and white marble complete building will be splendid. will remind the viewer at every turn of Originally planned to open in time the building’s raison d’etre.

for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, it Be warned: the small, well docu- photos: will actually welcome visitors in 2008. mented photographic exhibition Built on a site only 300 metres from the highlighting the new museum and the Under restoration: the Parthenon Acropolis and affording breathtaking current extensive restoration of the views and visual exchanges with the Parthenon itself, is likely to give a Parthenon Restoration Exhibition, ancient structure, Tschumi’s building visitor an irresistible nudge to place Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm, is at once discreet and exciting, your carbon footprint on a flight to Sunday 12-4pm at the Nicholson monumental and afloat on layers of Athens next year. ■ Museum until Christmas, free entry.

10 sydney alumni magazine profile Professor John Wong (BS BSc (Med) MBBS, PhD MD (Hon), FRACS, FRCS(Ed), FACS (Hon))

Knox-Sydney-Hong Kong By Helen McKenzie

“I decided I wanted to be a surgeon when I was about five years old. Life was really very easy for me, I decided what I wanted to do, so I did not have to think of anything else, I just had to find out how to do it,” is the deceptively simple explanation of how Professor John Wong, of Hong Kong’s Queen Mary Hospital, embarked on an illustrious career. Finding out how to do things would seem to be the life’s work of John Wong, one of the recipients of this year’s Alumni award for Community Service. The day we meet a category eight typhoon is threatening Hong Kong. In his spacious, comfortable rooms at the bustling hospital all is calm, however, as Professor Wong tells the story of a man who both uses and shares his intelligence. John Wong, the second eldest of five children, arrived in Australia at the age of eleven with what he describes as “pretty awful” English. “It was a little bit of a struggle but at that age you learn everything so quickly,” he says. His mother and busi- nessman father settled the family on Sydney’s north shore where Wong attended Knox Grammar. At the University of Sydney Wong interrupted his first class honours Medical degree between third and fourth year to do a photo: BSc Med. “I did a year in animal research – “I want to continue as long as I enjoy it. I am not a person who enjoys washing the there were some questions I wanted to car, mowing the lawn, taking the rubbish out or being a handyman” ask so I thought some research would be interesting; you could say it was next question and you get on trying to public, you don’t have to worry about almost self indulgent. Then after I answer that question. It got to the point where the patients are coming from or finished the medical degree and the I had to stop because I had more than fee for service. At that time you didn’t first year of the surgery training I took enough for the PhD and secondly, I even have any forms to fill in. I guess I two years off to do a PhD.” wanted to get back to being a surgeon.” was very keen to be a surgeon and to do In his PhD Wong examined the In 1975 Wong took up a position at what I could for some very, very poor junction between two differently the University Of Hong Kong, where he patients.” Work at the Queen Mary shaped cells and completed it in two has been Department Head of Surgery Hospital also: “allowed me to do years. He explains that this was possible since 1982. academic work, clinical research, teaching because it was “a good project, once “When I came here I absolutely loved and training of the residents; in addition you’d complete one thing, you’d ask the the work,” he says. “Because it is all the clinical work helped to make people

summer 2008 11 better. This became a great source “While they still have toxicity we graduation because end of the University of satisfaction.” know how to deal with them – the year is November and graduations are Photos from the mid-’70s show the biggest worry is usually when the white held in Sydney in January. Nobody hospital corridors full of patients and cells go down to zero or platelets go stays past the end of the year, nor images of very ill people. down to zero – even then we can now makes a special trip back to graduate. “In those days the mortality rate was repair that, as we have drugs that can So I thought it would be a good oppor- about one in four patients,” he recalls. help stimulate the bone marrow. tunity to do this for a large number of “The disease I treat is stomach/ There have also been improvements in local graduates. It’s now become a twice osophageal cancer. It is usually in the Intensive Care. It’s not because we yearly event usually attended by the middle of the chest and it blocks choose patients, some patients are in Chancellor. It is always a pleasure to swallowing. The patients are poor, they a very advanced state. But it is no see the smiling faces and the parents, don’t go to see doctor early, they are surprise that the more you do, by and because otherwise they never get a all very sick because they have been large, better you get at it.” chance to see them graduate.” malnourished. They are nearly all The success of Professor Wong and As succession plans are made for smokers and drinkers and are from the his team at the University of Hong the day Professor Wong chooses to down-and-out socioe-conomic class. Kong has been examined by a number relinquish his role as Head of Depart- Incisions to the abdomen, the chest and of international studies and they ment he contemplates the future. sometimes, the neck are required. Often are now widely acknowledged as “I want to continue as a professor a you take out the whole gullet, move the leaders in the field of esophageal and little longer, as long as I enjoy it. What stomach up into the chest to join up stomach cancer. else would I want to do? I am not a with what is left of the osophagus. From “Of course we are proud of the person who enjoys washing the car, an operating point of view opening at mortality coming down to zero. But mowing the lawn, taking the rubbish least two cavities is technically difficult this is the university hospital and if we out, or being a handyman,” he says. and if you super on to this on an ill don’t do it, who is going to do it?” For Meanwhile, Wong’s seven-year-old son patient, the risk is high.” Professor Wong, success now means a does not, as this point, seem to be Back in 1975, 25 per cent of these great deal of travel, lecturing and considering following in his father’s patients died. Over the past 25 years, sharing intelligence. disposable-booteed footsteps into the however, that mortality rate has been “We don’t just say – well we are good, operating theatre. With a clearly reduced to less than one per cent. With we say: you could be good too. Other affectionate giggle the professor says the precision of a world class surgeon hospitals have been able to do it too, that at this stage his young son wants and the enthusiasm of an inspirational and it’s a great satisfaction to see that to be a spy. ■ teacher, Professor Wong carefully bench mark come up.” explains that: “Over the years a number With the little spare time he has had of things have improved. We have the out of the operating theatre, Professor The Alumni Awards for ability to give patients a better fighting Wong has played a major role in the Achievement in Community chance by pre-operatively upping their University of Sydney’s Alumni Hong Service recognise the personal nutrients, ensuring they are as fit as Kong Association. contributions made by alumni possible. We have gotten better with “It is my feeling that we are what that enrich our society through the technical aspects; we have new and we are because of the University’s innovation, dedication, perse- better equipment that allows certain education and therefore it is no more verance and/or creativity. things to be done more accurately and than our duty to put something back,” more expeditiously. In the past the he says. A maximum of three Awards are tubes were terrible, they caused as One of the achievements of the offered each year. They are pre- much harm as the tumor – you could Alumni Association he started has been sented at a special event held in rupture the gullet. Now the technology the staging of graduation ceremonies in the MacLaurin Hall (see page 13). means you can put the tube in more Hong Kong. Nominations for 2008 are now safely, the tubes even have memories “There was a time when a lot of open. For more information and can expand to allow people to eat. Hong Kong people were in Australia and to download the nomination Anesthesiology has also improved, studying. Many were nurses as there form, please visit www.usyd.edu. says the professor, while chemotherapy was no degree nursing course here. au/alumni_awards and radio therapy are more effective. Many came back without a proper

12 sydney alumni magazine record Sidere Mens Eadem Mutato: A MODERN PERSPECTIVE

Michael L’Estrange AO (BA Hons History ’74) Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, delivered this (edited) address at the 2007 Alumni Awards Presentation on 28 September

REFERENCE has been made to my somewhat extended youth at a number of universities in Australia, Britain and the United States. It was a period of my life during which someone quipped to me that I was ‘a man with a promising past’! I had the good fortune to have a university education here at Sydney University, and to have it supplemented later at Oxford. Some used to ask me about how teaching methods varied in each place and I always felt that a particular story best epitomised one dimension of the difference. The story relates to the time when I had just arrived in Oxford keen to make a good, immediate impact as I began my course in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. The Oxford tutorial system entailed one-on-one sessions in which students would read an essay on an assigned topic followed by a period of assessment and discussion. My first such tutorial was focused, as I recall, on a comparison of the foreign policies of Disraeli and Gladstone. And I laboured long and hard on this particular essay, determined to make a good first impression. I had well-sourced intelligence that the tutor to whom I had been assigned was highly knowledgeable as well as very knowing, and that he was also a devotee of the game of cricket. I read my essay to him and – with a quiet, but as it turned out mistaken, confidence – awaited his academic verdict. There was a long silence before my tutor looked me in the eye and said: “I have an important question for you – do you think Greg Chappell or Ian Chappell has a better cover drive?” I knew instinctively that this was not a good sign! After an extended discussion on the history of Anglo-Australian cricket, the focus drifted back to the history of British foreign policy. What followed was a gentle, but nonetheless fairly wholesale, demolition of my first essay. I have somehow always thought that the verdict at Sydney would not photo: Diana Simmonds have been any different in substance, but would have been far One of Sydney's "own unique attributes" more immediate and direct in its delivery!

summer 2008 13 photo: Ted Sealey photo: Ted

Michael L'Estrange: a mission to enhance informed judgment, to impart acquired wisdom, to break new ground

Tonight, as we recognise the achievements of the recipients of Sydney University was never just a faint echo or pale imitation the Alumni Awards and the Convocation Medal, I think it is of the Old World. worth reflecting on the changing modern role of the University From its earliest days, it was not only the stars that were and how alumni can relate to it. different for Sydney University and Oxbridge. They had different One of the great intellectual challenges which each generation social contexts in which they operated, with different kinds of faces is to discern patterns of continuity and change in their societies, different class structures and different mobility between societies. There is a particular dimension in this challenge for the classes. They were different in their religious contexts, with institutions, and an especially important one for universities. England’s Established Church having no corollary in Australia. For more than a century and a half, generations of students They were also different in the international influences on have studied at Sydney University under a coat of arms that bears them, with the universities of Scotland and Ireland as well as the Latin ‘Sidere Mens Eadem Mutato’ – ‘the stars change, the Oxbridge exerting particular influences on the teaching methods mind remains the same’. and academic structures of the new university in Sydney. One of the originators of the motto was Francis Merewether, As Australia’s links with Britain changed, so too did Sydney a founder of this University and a former Chancellor and Vice- University’s affinity with Oxbridge. The balance continued to Chancellor. Merewether and others associated with the University shift in favour of change over continuity: change that reflected in its earliest days saw continuity, not change, in its foundation: Australian circumstances and needs, change that saw the in particular continuity with the intellectual traditions of University’s roots in the Australian national culture deepen the great universities of Britain, and especially with Oxford and strengthen. and Cambridge. This pattern of change at Sydney University was not rejec- The founders of the University chose a motto that highlighted tionist. The academic associations with Oxbridge, and Britain geographic distance but also shared values, with the Oxbridge generally, remained strong. As Tennyson wrote in Ulysses: “tho’ association being reinforced in the University’s early academic much is taken, much abides”. But Sydney increasingly acquired traditions as well as its architecture. its own distinctiveness, its own traditions, its own achievements For all the strength of these connections, however, Sydney and, of course, its own alumni. University’s establishment and development reflected a more Today, the issue for Sydney University is not one of change or complex mix of continuity and change than Francis Merewether continuity in relation to Oxbridge or any other university model. and others were prepared to concede. Sydney University has established its own model. It has defined For all its outward associations with the Oxbridge model, the its own aspirations. It has developed its own relationships with reality always was that Sydney University evolved as an amalgam the wider community of which it is part. It has nurtured its own of many influences, foreign and local, as it acquired its own wide range of international associations that reflect its own unique attributes. broad interests.

14 sydney alumni magazine In my view, there is an irony in this historical development of the University that people such as Francis Merewether would find fascinating. The University motto with which he is associated has been interpreted by some over the years as epitomising a colonial cringe and an Australia that had long been transformed. And yet there are two modern realities that add new dimen- sions of relevance of the University motto. The first is the rapidly expanding global market for intellectual capital. The stars may change but university teachers and students the world over are pursuing quality educational and research Sydney University outcomes. Geography matters far less than quality, and quality is defined by increasingly universal criteria. was never just a faint There is testimony to this new reality in so many aspects of Sydney University’s life – in the students attending the University echo or pale imitation from so many nations around the world, in the attraction of so many Australian students to a period of international university of the Old World education, and in the multinational character of so much of the University’s academic collaboration. The benchmark is not narrowly Oxbridge, it is certainly and increasingly internationalist. And secondly, there has always been a real sense in which Francis Merewether and the other founders of Sydney University were right in proclaiming that ‘the mind remains the same’. Sydney University is clearly different in so many fundamental ways from the time when the motto was adopted: different in its relationship to the broader community, different in its linkages to the wider demands of the economy, different in its respon- siveness to developments in society at large, and different in terms of the pressures to which it is subject and the expectations Under whatever stars, the training of the mind for these and of it as an institution. other objectives has an enduring and consistent quality about it: And yet for all this change, there are also important elements enduring across time and consistent across geography. The of continuity. Sydney University still aims, as it always has, to means by which that training is conducted certainly changes as produce graduates with enquiring minds and the capacity for does the scientific, social, economic, strategic, technological, balanced and informed judgment; graduates with strong technical environmental and other contexts in which it is carried out. But skills and a capacity for lifelong learning; graduates with a keen the qualities of the mind to which this training is directed, and awareness of purposes beyond themselves and perspectives that to which Sydney University as an institution is committed, do embrace all of humanity and not just part of it; graduates with have a shared and consistent heritage across time and across the skills and inclination to provide leadership in their chosen national borders. fields of endeavour. “Sidere Mens Eadem Mutato” is, therefore, a motto with new Sydney University’s continuing mission since Merewether’s relevance as well as meaning that has endured. day has been, and continues to be, to produce graduates who In one sense, the motto has come full circle in that the know the difference between information and knowledge, University’s sense of its international engagement has broadened between intelligence and wisdom; graduates who pursue truth in a transforming way and has become more central to its and insight on the basis of available facts and evidence; graduates purpose than ever before. whose healthy scepticism does not degenerate into a consuming In another sense, however, the University’s motto evokes a and destructive cynicism; graduates who can see through bias mission that has not changed: it remains a mission to enhance and prejudice and who are open to new thinking not just informed judgment, to impart acquired wisdom, to break new because it is new but because it is more appropriate to the needs ground, to pursue purposes beyond ourselves and to provide of their time. community leadership across the full spectrum of its meaning. In short, the University aims – as it always has – to produce It is important that the University’s alumni continue to be graduates who are neither professional pessimists nor unrealistic inspired by both its changing role and its enduring mission. optimists, whose purpose is to develop their talents to the full Today we honour particular alumni who have achieved greatly and contribute to the common good, and whose place (in in both respects. We congratulate them for their commitment to Theodore Roosevelt’s famous words of almost a century ago) is the highest ideals of this University and for their practical never with ‘those cold and timid souls who know neither victory achievements in enriching the lives of others. And we are grateful nor defeat’. to them for the inspiration they give us to be, in Tennyson’s As alumni, we often fall short of these objectives. But if we fail words again, to aspire to them, I believe that we are failing the intellectual … strong in will heritage of which we are part. To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield. ■

summer 2008 15 vet science Dr Anne Fowler (’BSc(Vet)(Hons) '92 BVSc '93 )

All things wild and wonderful

Australian wildlife is the focus of the University’s new specialist vet hospital and research centre. Diana Simmonds reports from Camden, NSW

t seems almost too perfect that a strange, unless caring for injured and “Should she be alive?” Fowler asks. “Her vet named Fowler turns out to be sick wildlife is thought to be so. rehabilitation is expensive but against Ipassionate about birds. Happily, “We have to look at it in a practical that is what we can learn about them. however, Dr Anne Fowler of University way,” says Fowler. “Sometimes you have She was brought in from Warragamba. of Sydney’s new Wildlife Health and to ask yourself: is it justified to spend She had been shot. She’s not that old – Conservation Centre at Camden, is a this much time and money on an animal you can see her plumage isn’t totally white. passionate avian expert who specialises that might not make it in the wild any- She’s doing well now we’ve managed to in Australian wildlife health and research. way and, statistically, probably would work out how to fix her wing. She should “My mum says I used to splint and not and should not.” fly again and be set free.” fix legs on broken china horses,” she As she puts this question she is opening Aside from critical research projects says of her childhood at Berowra, on the door to one of the “wards”. There into problems such as the facial tumours Sydney’s north-western fringe. “We had are three: for wildlife, mammals, reptiles afflicting Tasmanian Devils, part of the chooks, mice, rabbits, finches and budgies and birds. They have been designed for Centre’s work is practical experiments – the usual. I think that’s where the versatility: sliding partitions turn a large into treatments for injuries and ill- pattern of caring for animals came cage into a cosier space and vice versa; nesses that don’t feature heavily in the from, though. We were taught always hygiene is ensured through hose-down, conventional curriculum. to look after a living thing before our scrubbable, stainless steel construction. “We needed to find a way to fix pins own needs. I think that’s very important Fowler carefully slides the bolt to the to her wing bones,” says Fowler. “Finally for kids – you learn empathy that way.” largest avian pen. A russet-gold eye peers we went to Bunnings and bought a pack It’s a stretch to keep up with Fowler out. It belongs to a young Haliaeetus of 10c cable ties – they work beautifully.” who is articulate, passionate and wide- leucogaster – White-bellied Sea Eagle. Another unlikely but significant ranging in her interests. She is magnificent if bedraggled with her breakthrough is to be seen in the next “She talks 19 to the dozen, can you broken wing taped and wired. ward which is part shallow pond. In it keep up?” asks Associate Professor Dr are several small turtles with broken – David Phalen, director of the Centre but mending – shells. and a laidback Texan. He is a noted “People try to fix their shells but authority on avian health and research there’s been nothing that really works but says of his home state: “You know well,” Fowler explains. “For instance, till recently you could keep big cats as you mustn’t use Araldite – which is pets? The only requirement was a tattoo quite common – because the way that and lots of money; and 30 per cent of works is to heat up and it burns them. big cat owners had been attacked by It also makes a rigid join and the shell their animals. Texas is a strange place.” can’t grow. The animal will never heal.” Unlike the Wildlife Health and Con- Fowler happened to mention broken servation Centre – a purpose-built turtle shell to her then boyfriend – a den- hospital and tist – and he offered a possible solution. research facility “It was glass ionomer cement. They for native use it for fissure fractures in kids because animals – it allows the tooth to develop, it’s also which is good for infections and growth because not at all it contains antibacterials and fluoride and it’s impervious to water. We tried it and it’s fantastic. What most people don’t realise is that turtles have to be in water to eat and drink, so you can’t treat them with water soluble material.” In another small compartment – carefully warmed to an approximation of a Blue-Tongue Lizard-friendly envi- ronment – is Bubble. She is so called because following a dog attack she was brought in with her intestines bubbling through a wound in her side (gallows humour is a speciality of all branches of medicine). “Bubble is doing very well,” says Fowler cuddling the reptile and showing off the almost invisible scar on her flank. “She and the turtles are over-wintering with us and we’ll let them go when it’s warmer.” (My visit to the Centre was in early spring.) “What we learn from observing them is helpful for developing treatment protocols for wildlife. Burnt koalas, for instance, need specific photos: Diana Simmonds regimes and we are in a position to work out how best to do it. We’re not A young White-bellied Sea Eagle: shot but rescued and recovering here to take away from vets in the community but more to add to their knowledge. For instance, three or four dogs and five million pet cats in Aus- spent on building and equipping the possums died in one place recently – tralia but this is changing as more people place, there is actually no funding to why? We can offer more diagnostic live in apartments and small spaces. treat wildlife. And it’s that which is of testing than a vet practice.” There are 20 million pet birds now, so immediate value to vets and the public. Part of the Centre’s work is going out it’s important that new graduates not The more we can learn and pass on, to the community of wildlife carers and only have good general skills but are the better.” rescuers to pass on specialist knowledge aware of this shift. The licensing laws Higher up the research chain from gained on the wards. have changed too when it comes to frog and eagle splints is experiments in “Once clients have been given the unusual and exotic pets.” digital radiography (“it’s environmentally right information they’ll do a fantastic friendly, there’s no chemical waste and job,” says Fowler. “Education is a big no additional costs”), ultrasound (“it part of what we do. When someone Once clients have has so many applications that we’re brings in a spotted marsh frog that’s only just beginning to explore”) and come second to a whipper-snipper, we been given the right long-term observation and research know we can probably do something to information they’ll into unusual species. (“There is no fix its legs. It might only weigh six information on Australian lizards; how grams and you could ask – why bother? do a fantastic job do you know how they are if you don’t - but the more we know, the better it is know what normal is?”) And so on. for the rarer varieties.” “An endowment would be good,” says There’s also the external rotation of (“Exotic” includes rats and rabbits, Fowler. “The ultimate goal is to train vet students who will be coming to the Fowler points out, and these are very students to be able to treat exotics and Centre on a regular basis: it’s extramural, popular among apartment dwellers.) wildlife and to go out to the community but they choose to come, says Fowler. However, one of the main problems to do workshops for wildlife carers and The statistics of veterinary learning facing the Centre is not weird and vets. But to do that, we do need to be able demonstrate clearly why the Centre is wonderful creatures, but the day-to-day to keep the Centre running day-to-day.” such an important addition to vet science maintenance and running of the place. education: “Horses account for 25 per “Nobody seems willing to fund The Avian Reptile & Exotic Pet Hospital, cent of practical undergraduate time something as mundane as day-to-day Wildlife Health & Conservation Centre is although they make up one per cent of expenses,” says Fowler. “And while it’s at Camden, NSW. Call (02) 9351 1798 the pet community. There are 10 million wonderful that $5million has been or email: [email protected] ■

summer 2008 17 cover story photo: Fairfax

Independent’s Day

The Moores in 1967 and 2007 For two decades Clover Moore was a lone public voice for people power, the livable city and honesty in government. Now, her time and ideas have come. Geraldine O’Brien* reports

t’s a curious thing about Australians: historically, we’ve always clustered in cities and now, when 50 per cent of the world’s Ipopulation are city dwellers, here it’s a whopping 64 per cent. Yet it’s still easier to whip up sympathy for drought-stricken farmers than it is to stir informed debate on the future of our cities. There have been sporadic attempts: back in the 1970s, Gough Whitlam and Tom Uren worked to provide a few basics – such as sewerage systems – for Sydney’s forgotten west. Paul Keating and Brian Howe tried again with the Building Better Cities program, swiftly dumped after 1996. Sydney, in particular, has been the laissez-faire city, lolling by its gorgeous harbour and river system, its scalloped coastline, with not much thought for the “urb” itself. The suburbs were where life happened for most people. The city was where you went to work, maybe. It was where photo: Courtesy Clover and Peter Moore some who continued the fine traditions of the Rum Corps could get rich. It was also a political battleground, with a scattering of urban poor who didn’t have much say in anything, so it could be expanded or contracted at political whim, according * Geraldine O’Brien is a Sydney journalist specialising in urban issues. to the times. She is a part-time writer at City of Sydney

18 sydney alumni magazine The concept of “city” as a political, social, financial and cultural organism was notably absent. Long neglect, and creeping gentrification, changed all that. In the following decade, so, too, did financial deregulation and the growth of the knowledge economy, which eventually positioned ... travel through cities around the world as drivers of their national economies. Europe developed "A real The conjunction has been a fortuitous one for Clover Moore, the Sydney University alumnus who has gone from battling for love of the built environment ... decent swings for the kids in her local Redfern park to battling street life, small bars, for decent infrastructure in Australia’s largest city. The path has been unusual, to say the least. cafes with families having At Sydney University, Clover Collins – the girl from Gordon – lunch together" worked in Fisher Library to pay her way through. There was little time for student politics but she plunged with enthusiasm into university social life, and by night she studied archaeology, English, history and a year of Biblical Studies. “I wasn’t planning a life in politics at the time,” she now says drily. Moore says now, with some truth, that the causes she espouses She spent a year at Sancta Sophia College, went to Teachers’ today are those that began in Redfern in the 1970s – they’re just College on a scholarship, graduated one week in May, married on a larger scale. young architect (and fellow Sydney graduate) Peter Moore the When the council elections for South Sydney came around in following week, and after a short stint in Sydney left for the 1980, developers were eyeing off Redfern and she and Peter obligatory “year in London” – a year which stretched to five. feared that like nearby Randwick, it would be made over with Those years left two legacies. Extensive travel through Europe three-storey brick walk-ups. “No-one else put their hand up” for – Italy, Greece and Spain especially, the “pilgrimage to all the council. Not surprising, perhaps, since it was the time of the Romanesque churches”, developed for her “A real love of the built infamous bashing of Peter Baldwin. environment and a sense of how important it is. There was the So, with her husband’s encouragement, Moore’s own hand magic of street life, of small bars, and cafes with families having went up. She already had the basis for her now-formidable lunch together. At some level I recognised that this is what I network of community support. At that time, ironically, it really like.” included one Frank Sartor, then secretary of the South Sydney The unplanned birth of their first child, Sophie, brought Resident Action Group. Moore was duly elected. another kind of recognition. In one of Sydney’s periodic boundary changes, South Sydney “We were living in a city of 18 million people and really I knew was absorbed into the City where Moore was joined by Sartor, no-one.” But the young first-time mother found that the local Jack Mundey and other independents. The somewhat larrikin council provided supervised playgrounds and well-staffed council was shut down by the State Government in 1987, just as crèches, something unknown in her home town. Moore was poised for a tilt at the Lord Mayoralty. “We were When they returned to Sydney, the difference was glaring. sacked because we were opposing the spaghetti at Darling Although Peter had come from Canberra and she from “the leafy Harbour and the monorail, so they got rid of us.” North Shore”, neither were drawn to suburbia and bought their Incensed, Moore stood for the seat of Bligh (now Sydney), first house in Bourke Street, Redfern, quite an adventurous move where she defeated the sitting Liberal, Michael Yabsley, while in the 1970s. It’s just across the lane from where they still live. Sartor ran unsuccessfully for McKell, which was won by Labor’s The local environment left much to be desired, however, espe- Sandra Nori. cially for a mother with (by then) two small children. Around that time, someone asked her what she’d most like to “There was such a stark contrast with London and its beautiful achieve. She replied that she’d like to be “member for Bligh and parks and leafy streets. There were hardly any local parks and Lord Mayor of Sydney”, a dual role that took her another 16 years the urban environment was bleak and neglected, there was too to realise. much traffic. The wait was probably to her benefit. A few weeks ago, as Lord “What parks there were were all asphalt and barbed wire, and Mayor, Moore was invited to address the Property Council of locked up at night. I suppose the option a lot of people took was just to move, but I took up my first petition.” Australia’s divisional lunch. In 1988, it would have been considered A local alderman told her they couldn’t replace the park’s laughable for the heavies of the property industry to bother with asphalt with grass because if they did, “you wouldn’t be able to a community-based independent, known if at all as an anti- see the broken glass”. development gadfly. By October 2007, it was a booked-out event, Moore persisted, however. Apparently always blessed with with more than 600 people wanting to hear the Lord Mayor abundant energy, she organised a baby-sitting group, joined outline her Council’s plans for “Sustainable Sydney 2030”. a vegetable co-op and set up the East Redfern Community The times have been good for Moore. Following the release of Concern with the local doctor, the vicar and a group of neigh- Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth and the Stern Report, climate bours meeting in her sitting room. change has become the topic. Moore and her team of Independ- For three years they tackled local problems such as traffic and ents on Council had put sustainability as a major issue in the pollution and badgered South Sydney Council for more grass 2004 elections and suddenly their cause was everyone’s – and street trees. including that of business and the property industry.

summer 2008 19 cover story

She has said repeatedly that the community and business are driving the responses to global warming and adds in our inter- view (in late October) that “now it’s on the Federal election agenda as well. It’s just a pity it was only dragged in at the last moment.” It’s been fascinating to watch She often quotes the comment of New York’s Mayor, Michael the trajectory of Moore’s Bloomberg, at the C40 summit in New York earlier this year, suggesting that a wholehearted response to the challenges of press coverage climate change is not inimical to business – rather, it is the only way business will survive. If the boys at the big end of town haven’t exactly become fervent Mayor to the generally positive coverage she now receives. Even Moore acolytes, they do listen when she talks on sustainability, the “two jobs” sniping has gone away. on the need for Federal support for the capital cities as drivers of As she has pointed out, there was no criticism of Bob Carr the national economy, and the need for a workable and efficient being Premier and Arts Minister, or Morris Iemma being Premier transport system for Sydney. They’ve turned up to her Sustain- and Minister for State Development, Minister for Citizenship able Sydney 2030 round tables, aimed at nutting out a vision for and member for Lakemba. Nor was there criticism in the past of the City over the next generation. And at a recent lunch, she had, Ted Mack (one of her political heroes) being MP and Mayor of among others, Ken Morrison, the Property Council’s NSW North Sydney, or of Harry Jensen and Pat Hills, both former Executive Director, speaking on Sydney’s transport needs, and Lord Mayors and members of Parliament. Brendan Crotty from developers Australand, speaking on afford- The rules, it seems, are still slightly different for women. able housing. Especially an independent woman who romped home in the Lunching with the devil, indeed! But Moore maintains that 2004 council elections with 43 per cent of the primary vote. these men “get the message” about sustainability, that they But she has also won plenty of popular support, notably with understand the old silos of self-interest cannot create a livable her recent call to amend the liquor laws to allow for small and sustainable city, that – in a reversal of the old General Melbourne-style bars in the city. Australian Hotels Association Motors adage – what is good for the people of a city is good for boss John Thorpe put his foot firmly in it when he scoffed that business as well. Sydneysiders “don’t want to sit in a hole, drinking chardonnay So where does that leave her residential community? “I still and reading a book”. work very, very strongly with the community,” she responds. “It Moore didn’t have to lift a finger: letters columns and talkback doesn’t have to be either/or. [Radio talk-back host] Alan Jones were filled by irate people who wanted to do just that; websites said to me in an interview not long ago that my time has come and petitions got going; there was a glorious chardonnay- because the issues I’ve been talking about for years are now in sipping, book-reading protest outside State Parliament. the forefront of people’s minds.” In a flurry of “Me-Too”, the Iemma Government did a volte face Indeed, it’s been fascinating to watch the trajectory of Moore’s in November and came down in favour of the Moore Chardon- press coverage from the (somewhat manufactured, you’d have to nay Bill (as it is popularly known). The pub industry may not take think) outrage when she first proposed her candidacy for Lord it lying down, however, so screw caps are not yet being cracked. “What we’re doing are the sort of things that people want their city to be about. We’re about creating a better pedestrian and cycling environment, a city where it’s a pleasure for people to walk. We’re focusing on the urban environment and green spaces, on building a sense of community and a vibrant creative life.” Her energy is remarkable. Parliamentary duties aside, she works long days at Council, then turns up at night and on weekends for the community consultations that are one of her great strengths. Some, like Sydney University lecturer in Government, (and former Lismore City Councillor) Dr Lyn Carson, would like to see her take it further, and introduce the kind of “citizen juries” that West Australia’s Planning Minister has instituted. Under this system, people chosen at random are gathered to debate development proposals, provided with expert advice, and photo: Courtesy City of Sydney left to come to a decision (which government isn’t obliged to accept). Public meetings, Dr Carson argues, only attract “the With former President Bill Clinton in New York usual suspects” or those with an axe to grind. “Clover seems to me

20 sydney alumni magazine She is keen to work with the universities on fostering the “knowledge precinct” but affordability is even more pressing. Perhaps, she says, the millions in super funds that are being invested overseas could go here. In London, she points out, “Ken Livingstone is making 50 per cent of development affordable housing – but he has close support from Westminster.” It’s unlikely the current State Government would come at any such proposal emanating from Lord Mayor Moore. But through the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors – a 40-year-old grouping that managed to make no impact at all until recently – she and other Mayors have lobbied the Federal Government for a “part- nership” for Australia’s capitals. The response was encouraging and she is a firm believer in partnerships to achieve much- needed changes in Sydney. photo: Courtesy City of Sydney At present, she argues, “we are so over-governed in Australia and the disjunction between Federal, State and local is not Community concerns, community fun serving the community. I think two tiers – Federal and regional – would be far more effective. But until that happens, then we to have considerable integrity and doesn’t seem to run meetings as must make a concerted effort to work co-operatively.” a mere PR exercise, but I’d like to see her take it that step further.” It’s a theme she hammers tirelessly – cooperation with the But, Dr Carson adds, “I think she’s doing bloody well! I’ve got Feds, with the State, with business and the community. She will a lot of respect for any Independent who takes a position stand again for Lord Mayor next September. In the unlikely event and leads.” that she loses, she reckons she would be philosophical. For now, her most passionate leadership cause is the environ- “I think you need to seize opportunities in life and I work hard ment and climate change. The City’s environment management at good government. But it’s important to leave elections in the plan sets ambitious targets to reduce and offset 100 per cent of hands of the people. If I can think that I’ve done as much as I all greenhouse emissions generated by council’s own operations could, and I couldn’t do more, then I’m fairly philosophical by next year. about the outcome.” By 2020, they plan that a quarter of electricity across the Local That said, it’s always possible that the State would pounce once Government Area will come from renewable sources and that 20 more on the City, and then what? “One does have the four per cent of all short trips in the City will be made by bicycle. o’clock wake-ups,” she admits. “But I say again, you’ve got to be By 2014, they plan to reduce residential waste going to landfill philosophical. I get up in the morning and walk the dogs with by 66 per cent. Peter in Centennial Park. It’s one of my sanity things.” Water saving initiatives planned or already in place save the Then Peter gives her a handful of vitamins, and she heads off equivalent of 50 Olympic swimming pools a year and the City to Town Hall for another day’s work. ■ fleet (including the Lord Mayoral Prius) has been reduced by 30 per cent and is now carbon neutral. The statistics go on and Moore practises what she preaches, joining a “bike bus” at least once a week to ride from Redfern to Town Hall and buying green power for home. Sustainable Sydney 2030 is founded on the principles of a “green” economy, but it encompasses all areas of city life. It envisages, for instance, a “knowledge precinct” already in evidence around Broadway/Ultimo, with Sydney University, UTS, the ABC, the Powerhouse and Notre Dame University as the big magnets but with space for creative, “start-up” industries. A key challenge will be maintaining affordability in a city ever more sorely pressed for space. “This is a really big issue, and one we need to work with other tiers of government to resolve. We have to have affordable housing photo: Coutesy City of Sydney for students, nurses, police, teachers and arts workers, and it’s critical that issue is addressed,” she says. With Cllr. John McInerney and pedal pushers

summer 2008 21 mental health

Counting on therapy foOCDr If you touch wood, avoid pavement cracks or stir coffee clockwise only, don’t worry: it could be a lot worse, writes Alex Wilde

ulie Leitch took so long to get ready to go out to the Researchers say it is usual, especially among children, to have movies that her friends were often on their way home thoughts very similar to the thoughts experienced by people who Jbefore Leitch arrived at the cinema. have OCD, but people without OCD don’t pay attention to the In the shower Leitch washed each area of her body three times, thoughts or feel compelled to act on them. and repeated the whole ritual seven times. It could take her an The gold standard therapy, known as exposure and response hour to check the oven was off and the back door locked. If prevention (ERP), requires the person with OCD to systemati- Leitch made it to the cinema at all, she would often stand in the cally confront their fears by gradual exposure to the object of car park for an hour or more checking over and over that the car their anxiety and abstaining from performing the compulsion. was locked. The stress of facing their fears head-on can lead to refusal to do Plagued by obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals since the the therapy or high drop out rates. age of eight, Leitch, now in her 40s, had no idea she had obses- sive compulsive disorder (OCD) or that there was treatment for it. By adolescence her condition was so bad she was unable to complete school. If I don’t say all the words “When reading I’d get to the end of a sentence and think – if I somebody might die don’t say all the words somebody might die. I might be stuck on one line for three weeks. By the end of year 11, I hadn’t read any novels, I hadn’t done any assignments, so I left,” says Leitch. OCD is a severe anxiety disorder affecting about 2-3 per cent Now, researchers from the Discipline of Behavioural & of the population, or more than 500,000 Australians. It is not Community Health Sciences at the University of Sydney in as- known what causes the disorder – researchers believe it may stem sociation with the Anxiety Disorders Clinic have developed an from a predisposition to anxiety. innovative non-confrontational treatment program that targets The condition is characterised by intrusive and obsessive the root of OCD directly – the underlying perception of danger thoughts so distressing that the individual is driven to perform – which may then minimise or possibly eliminate the rituals. certain behaviour rituals such as washing, checking or counting In preliminary trials with hand washers using the new to temporarily relive the anxi- therapy, known as danger ideation reduction therapy or DIRT, ety and cancel the risk that the researchers Associate Professor Ross Menzies, Dr Mairwen Jones bad thoughts might come true. and PhD student Lisa Vacarro found a strong relationship Other common OCD com- between the strength of beliefs of danger and intensity of the pulsions include the need to consequent compulsive behaviour. confess to something, such as A/Prof Ross Menzies, lead researcher and director of the a crime not committed; the Disorders Clinic says there are advantages in challenging the need for symmetry and pre- faulty thinking directly rather than forcing people to confront cision such as arranging or their fears. doing things in a specific and “Imagine you think you’ll catch a disease that will develop over rigid order; and hoarding. the next 10 years if you touch door handles. Doing exposure therapy for that will typically not be effective because the lesson Julie Leitch (left) isn’t going to be learned for a long time,” says Menzies.

22 sydney alumni magazine “The most exciting thing about DIRT is that it has been shown to be effective where some other treatments haven’t, such as for people who have failed ERP, or failed medication or for those with poor insight into their condition.” DIRT has a strong psycho-educational component, which for washers, focuses on the way the immune system kills pathogens that enter the body. Most of the DIRT trials so far have been done on contamination fears, and researchers are optimistic the cognitive approach in DIRT may also work for people with “checking” OCD. Dr Rocco Crino, senior lecturer in clinical psychology and clinic director at the University of Western Sydney, who specialises in the treatment of OCD using ERP, believes DIRT could be beneficial for people who aren’t prepared to take the risk of engaging in exposure and response prevention. “About 70-80 per cent of people who undergo ERP do well, while about 20 per cent or so find the idea quite frightening and will refuse treatment. The perverse thing about OCD is that it works. If I touch the table four times to prevent something bad from happening, nothing bad happens. The same rationale is used in treatment – to show that nothing bad will happen if the individual doesn’t perform the rituals,” Crino says. “A cognitive intervention like DIRT is designed to do exactly the same thing, but you are working at a thinking level to get photos: Ted Sealey photos: Ted people to understand their fears are groundless and then engage them in the behaviours that will change their thinking”. Crino says not all compulsive behaviours are as visible as Lisa Vaccaro, Dr Mairwen Jones and Assoc Prof Ross Menzies washing and checking. Some people have distressing intrusive thoughts but deal with them introspectively in what are called follow him around while he was checking for it all for me.” cognitive rituals. Help didn’t come for Leitch until, by chance, her husband read “I might have a thought about harm befalling a loved one and about OCD in a women’s magazine. so I might count silently to a certain lucky number to prevent “We both sat and cried because we finally realised what it was. the harm. This is not observed externally like, say, someone who I didn’t know what behaviour therapy was, but I immediately washes or checks compulsively. We are also looking at modification booked in for [exposure and response prevention] treatment.” of current treatment techniques for people who have cognitive “On the first day of my therapy I had to buy a sympathy card. rituals,” says Crino. The next day I had to write in it and send it to myself. If I’d Leitch, who now works on the Anxiety Disorders Support and known I was going to have to eventually go to funeral parlours Information Program at the Mental Health Association in Sydney, and the morgue I don’t know that I would have gone [for therapy].” was unlucky enough to have washing, checking and counting “As the weeks went by a lot of the rituals vanished; as I was forms of OCD, triggered by irrational fears that centred on the getting rid of the bigger ones [that centred on death] the little risk of death of someone in the family. ones went away,” says Leitch. “In the morning I’d put my hand in the wardrobe to get a dress For some, confronting their fears head-on like Leitch did is just out and I’d get the thought, ‘if you wear that somebody in the too stressful. DIRT, which typically takes place over 14 weekly, hour- family will die’, and I’d go to the next coat hanger and so on, until long, individual sessions, offers a non-threatening therapeutic I’d get to the end of the wardrobe and think ‘I haven’t got any- opportunity to overcome OCD. thing I can wear today’,” says Leitch. By the time she was 30, Leitch’s compulsions were so severe that The first randomised trial of DIRT for compulsive checkers will her husband had to help her with many of her personal functions. commence at the University of Sydney’s Anxiety Disorders Clinic in “The water would go cold and I’d still be in the shower trying early 2008. If you have checking OCD and would like to take part, to count. My husband ended up having to shower me, dry me call the Anxiety Disorders Clinic on 02 9036 7307. and dress me because it was easier.” For more information about OCD treatment and research “Through the night I would wake my husband and ask ‘have Mental Health Association www.mentalhealth.asn.au you checked the doors?’ In the end I doubted him too so I would SANE Australia www.sane.org ■

summer 2008 23 treasure

Royal bones revealed

Assassinated in 1419, Jean sans Peur, Duke of Burgundy, now rests – partially – in the Nicholson Museum, writes Senior Curator, Michael Turner

n early 2006, a lavish gilt framed moved from the Charterhouse to the work, the revolutionary mob looted the tableau of some 19th century wax [Cathedral] of St. Bénigne.’ The rest of building, opened the coffins, looking Iimpressions of English Royal and the writing identifies the various objects, for anything of value, and desecrated Episcopal seals was inspected in the for example, “a fragment of balm which the “aristocratic” bodies. A few days storeroom of the Nicholson Museum as had been used to embalm the bodies of later, the surviving remains of Philippe, part of a routine stock-take. From the the Duke and Duchess of Burgundy”. Jean and Marguerite were thrown into original donation of Sir Charles Nicholson, Jean sans Peur, Duke of Burgundy, hastily dug graves in Dijon’s cathedral. it had been in the Museum since the 1860s. was a controversial figure during the On 22 July 1841, the Commission des On closer inspection, it was found Hundred Years War; following the Battle Antiquités de la Côte d’Or excavated the that the cardboard on which the seals of Agincourt in 1415, he had signed a bones on behalf of the Bishop. Having were mounted had been cut to fit closely secret treaty with Henry V of England. been studied, they were placed in lead over the glass of a different, underlying In 1419, he was assassinated by the coffins and re-buried with full honour. tableau. On removing the card, a Dauphin on a bridge over the River As is the way however, it appears that an bizarre sight was revealed; human Yonne at Montereau in northern France. interested member of the Commission bones comprising a rib, a finger bone, He was buried in a magnificent tomb with had gathered “souvenirs” in both 1791 two vertebrae and part of a lower jaw, his wife, Marguerite, in the Chartreuse and 1841. The teeth are described as, some fragments of leather and fabric, a (Charterhouse) de Champmol in Dijon. “1791. Removed from the tomb in the metal ring or buckle, and some resinous Jean’s father, Philippe le Hardi, who is Chartreuse”. While the finger bone was lumps of balm, all mounted with wire also buried there, had founded the “extracted on the 22nd July 1841 from alongside descriptions and comments Carthusian abbey in 1383. the tomb of Jean sans Peur”. “For more written in French. The title of the In the 16th and 17th centuries the information on the ring, removed in tableau was “The Remains of the Dukes Kings and Queens of France made an 1791,” the writer suggests, “see the notes of Burgundy”. annual joyeuse entrée to Dijon where they of my father on this object”. This had all the makings of a curator/ would visit the tombs and be taken to the Louis-Benigne Baudot, a magistrate, researcher’s dream come true: a highly vault to view the embalmed bodies. On was involved in the reburial in 1791; he unusual object of apparent historical being shown the fatal damage done to was also on the Commission in 1841. significance that had lain unrecognised Jean’s skull, François I (1515-47), was His son, Henri, a lawyer, was secretary in the museum for nearly 150 years. told by the Prior: “Here is the hole through to the Commission. The handwriting The first step was to translate the which the English entered France”. on the tableau has now been identified French. Across the bottom was written In 1791, during the French Revolution, by Sophie Jugie, Director of the Musée in part, ‘In 1791, the bodies of Philippe the Chartreuse was dissolved and sold des Beaux Arts in Dijon, as that of Henri le Hardi [Philip the Bold] and Jean sans to a Parisian developer on condition Baudot. It would seem likely that it was Peur [John the Fearless] as well as that that he remove all human remains for Henri Baudot who sold our macabre of his wife Marguerite de Bavière were reburial. During a delay in the paper- tableau to Sir Charles Nicholson. ■

24 sydney alumni magazine archaeology

Were you at IRRAWANG?

udy Birmingham, Honorary James King did utilitarian ware very well.” another who died of an overdose. She Research Associate in Historical Construction of the F3 Freeway and laughs and adds: “And this gentle soul JArchaeology in the School of Spillway has changed the appearance of sent himself a telegram saying he’d Philosophical and Historical Inquiry the protected site, but largely left it un- been called home. It was all too much would love to know what the Irrawang touched. A fine 1830s impression of the for him after two days!” diggers of the ’60s and ’70s are doing now. manufactory in its bottle kiln hey day Forty years on and memories, like the “It was the first formal historical remains, now supplemented by photo- photographs, are fading. “Many of the archaeological dig in Australia,” she graphs of the students excavating kilns, old team are now well known with says. “It began in August 1967 and workshops and pugmill, and the artefacts professional archaeological careers,” continued most uni holidays until 1976. they found. says Birmingham. “And some we have Fifteen to 20 students would camp near “It always seemed extreme when we lost, we know, but there would have the site for one or two weeks, excavating were there,” Birmingham recalls. “In been more than 300 students who spent the old pottery structures and some- December it was piercingly hot, like the time at Irrawang and we would love times interviewing older residents of Jerusalem excavation I had just left. In to hear from them. We are putting the area to record their memories.” May or August it was mainly wet as well together an oral and photographic The site was James King’s Irrawang as cold. And the mosquitoes were huge – archive of informal reminiscence as Pottery Manufactory on the Williams like flying elephants. The students paid $1 well as formal interviews to go into the River near Raymond Terrace. King a day for their (basic) accommodation. Irrawang Archive at Sydney University; arrived in the colony in 1827 from Everyone took turns to shop and cook we would love to hear from those who Edinburgh and quickly worked out that for the rest for a day – which began with can contribute.” there might be a ready market for good washing up from the night before’s dinner. If you, or someone in your family quality locally made domestic pottery – Probably one of the most useful things took part in the Irrawang excavations bowls, water filters, cooking pots. they learned, to attempt catering for up and you have photographs and stories “Up until the 1830s, as James Broad- to 25 people.” to share: Judy Birmingham would like bent has made clear, there was limited Looking over old photographs of the to hear from you. quality British tableware here, probably camp and digs, Birmingham comments more elegant Chinese imports,” says with affection on some of the young Contact by email: [email protected] or Birmingham. “Then cheap coloured faces: “She’s really distinguished now”; mail to Associate Professor Judy Birmingham, factory-made ceramics from Stafford- “He was very talented, always a leading c/o Archaeology SOPHI, A14 University shire arrived and soon overwhelmed the spirit”; “he was an incredible livewire”. of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006; Canton trade. That still left a possible Sad memories too: at least three promis- fax: +612 9351 5712; niche for good, locally-made pottery and ing lives that ended in illness or accident, ph: +612 9036 5127. ■

summer 2008 25 nota bene

The Faculty of Health held on 4 October 2007, the This splendid prototype Sciences Annual Study Executive agreed, in princi- Mustang from the late 1960s Award is offered again and ple, to a merger with the (pictured then and now) was applications are available University of Sydney within once owned by a member of from the FHS Executive the Faculty of Health Sciences staff at the University. It has Director, Mr Scott Avery on structure, resulting in a Health been restored to concours (612) 9351 9759 or email: Sciences Alumni Association condition and the new FHS.ExecutiveDirector@usyd. being created. owner would love to fill in edu.au ———— the blanks in its history. ———— Postgraduate courses in Pictured is the young man, Remember its very groovy The Cumberland Dentistry, Medicine and “Jerry”, who bought the car in owner rumbling around Foundation – George Bur- Pharmacy have a new pres- about 1969 from the Sydney campus? Are you that person? niston Study Grant for which ence on the web. Check out staff member via a car Any information may be applications are available the new-look website at www. dealer in Parramatta Road, sent to the editor who will from Dr Jo Miller, AM, at foh.usyd.edu.au/postgrad/ Haberfield. Do you recognise forward it on and report PO Box 4057, Gerroa, NSW for information for staff as the car? back in a future issue 2534; ph: (612) 4234 1237 well as for current and future of SAM. ———— students, regarding post- At the AGM of the graduate courses in these Graduates Association three faculties. Faculty of Health Sciences ———— Manning Bar to Hollywood

Rob Carlton, writer, co-director and lend themselves to comedy. At university younger brother who looks like me but star of MovieExtra’s cult hit Chandon and since he has honed his skills in better looking, smarter, fitter and cleverer. Pictures is one of those overnight Theatresports – as a player and host. Sadly we found him in Josh Lawson.” sensations who’s been at it a long time. Carlton is now celebrating Australian Religion, incest, termites, impending He studied English and Australian comedy in his series Chandon Pictures. death, adultery and a champion corgi Literature at the University in the early Each episode is a further disaster in the are among the themes explored in 90s and has been around ever since. life of Tom Chandon, a documentary Chandon Pictures’ first eight episodes. “My uni connection is still very strong,” filmmaker (“documenteur”) whose only It’s a startling mixture of laughter, he says. “I owe a debt of gratitude to the film, Oh No Bonzo: The Clown That disbelief and pathos. university for lots of things in my life, Killed a Child, has relegated him to “There’s a discrepancy between what especially what I’m doing now.” wedding videos and corporate training we say, what we think and what we do,” What he’s doing is making a reputa- films. Nevertheless, in his febrile mind says Carlton. “In exploring the need tion as one of the brightest of a new he’s the next Michael Moore. these characters have for love – the generation of ultra-smart comic talents “There is an element of David Brent child reaching out for mum, for love – (see Spring Back, this page). Carlton’s in him,” Carlton agrees of the analogy you see comedy and tragedy manifesting putty and rubber features and quick wit with the star-creator of The Office. themselves in awful ways.” “They’re equally irritating in celebrating Now he’s looking ahead and across the feeling that they’re innately better than the Pacific. the perception in which they’re held.” “We’re talking about a second series. Carlton has been smart enough to And my agent in the US is talking to the gather around him the finest performers people who bought the format rights to including Australia’s most brilliant Kath and Kim, The Office and Ugly Betty. clown, Darren Gilshenan and the So, who knows.” equally distinguished Rebecca Massey. Perhaps Oh No Bonzo II.

photos: “I’ve known Darren and Rebecca for years. When you’ve got people like that Chandon Pictures on MovieExtra, Chandon Pictures Rebecca Massey, Rob you find other great talent will be inter- 6.30pm Saturday; repeat: 10pm Thursday, Carlton and Darren Gilshenan ested too. We needed someone to play my in December. ■

26 sydney alumni magazine grapevine Class notes across the decades

Australian Chamber of on 30 July 2006. Currently training and advocacy 2000s Commerce – Young living in Sevenoaks, Kent. NGO, based in Yogyakarta, Professionals group. Most Indonesia. Shenal Basnayake recently been inducted into Lambang Trijuno (MA [MIntS ’01) Currently the Institute of Chartered Peace & Conflict Studies working for Wallenius Shipbrokers as a Member ’01) is Indoensian coordina- Wilhelmsen Logistics AS, the of longest-standing group tor for the South East Asia foremost provider of ocean for maritime professionals Conflict Studies network transportation solutions to in the world. (SEACSN), which has the the world’s automobile and main objectives to promote break bulk industries. Tom Massey (BA ’01) has peace and sustainable peace Founder and Chairperson spent much of his time since building within the region of Young Shipping Australia leaving Sydney on the boards since 2001 to now. He is for- which is the industry network of the Genesian Theatre – mer director of the Center for all persons 35yrs and www.genesiantheatre. com.au for Security and Peace Studies under involved in the – and would welcome fellow 2003-2005 (still a researcher maritime industry, which is graduates to his thespian at the Center), which has part of Shipping Australian endeavours at same. the aims of promoting peace Limited, the peak industry studies and education. He 1990s body for all shipowners and Amanda Martin (nee is Director of Peace and maritime services providers Paterson) (BEd Prim ’00) Development Initiative, Voon Keat Chang in Australia. Member of was married to Rev Andrew Indonesia, a peace and (BCom '99) has been working the Board of the Swedish Martin in Mayfair, London development research, in Kuala Lumpur since

More than 130 research centres and institutes. Innovative solutions and techniques in science, medicine, sport, business, education, art and culture – benefiting our world, benefiting our society. Continue this tradition today by including the University in your will. Contact us to find out how your wise decision now can have a lasting impact for generations to come. One wise decision. One lasting legacy.

Bequest Office: The University of Sydney NSW 2006 T: +61 2 9036 6270 F: +61 2 9036 9195 E: [email protected] grapevine

graduation. He recently Cole Ehmke (MA Agric '98) national law, disarmament to ADHD Australia Inc are commenced a new career in since leaving Sydney I have and consular matters. He tax deductible. She has investment with UK Land returned to the United was deployed to assist the written a book about Investments International, States and now work in evacuation of Australians ADHD -C and ADHD-I. It specializing in providing agricultural entrepreneur- from Lebanon during the is free to download from her wealth creation opportunities ship at the University of emergency in 2006. website, www.adhd.org.au. through strategic land Wyoming. My wife Mariah banking investment in and I have just had our first Melissa Robins (nee Susan Duyker highly populated areas, in child, a beautiful daughter Glasson) (BSc Hons (BSc Arch ’89 BArch ’92) and around London. As Charlotte. (Pictured.) Biochem ’95) I picked recently took six months business development, he up an APA (I) at UNSW leave, from her job as a provides free expert consul- Kevin Hiscutt (MEd ’95) within the School of Senior Heritage Consultant tation on UK land invest- is special education teacher Optometry. I studied, with Godden Mackay Logan ment matters to clients in of children with Autism. He presented and had fun until Pty Ltd, to work as a volun- gaining optimum returns. is enrolled in a Master of 2001 researching tear film teer with the ICOMOS He can be reached at Inclusive Education in structure and function (International Council on [email protected] Autism and continues as a (proteins and lipids). Monuments and Sites) self-employed private tutor. Changed field in 2002 to secretariat in Paris. Her Recently Kevin and his wife, Regulating Affairs in the principal project was on the Angela, hosted a fund-raising Medical Industry. It involves risks posed to heritage sites concert at their home implementing the laws of around the world as a result for Liverpool Hospital’s the Therapeutic Goods Act of climate change. Susan is Paediatrics Ward. on any medical products. a member of Australia Extremely motivating, ethical ICOMOS and of the Urban Edward R Palmisano and dynamic; (now working Conservation Committee (BA ’95, LLB ’98) is for Cardinal Health previously of the National Trust of currently half way through Cochlear Ltd). In 2005 was Australia (NSW). a diplomatic posting at the married and now in 2007 Australian Embassy in we have first son Drew Madrid, Spain, where he James Robins and a whole works on a range of inter- new job to learn! 1970s

Dr Frank B King (LLB ’74) passed away on 17 May SHARE YOUR NEWS 1980s 2007, aged 86. He was University of Sydney alumni are invited to share their one of the refugees from news, adventures and changing circumstances with the Jenny Allen (BSc ’84) Hungary after the 1956 alumni community in this section of SAM. After working in various uprising. He was a Holocaust government departments survivor and then survived We’re interested in hearing about your career, academic for 20 years, Jenny found Fascism but he could not achievements, community involvement, or other events out only three years ago tolerate remaining under in your life. that she has Attention Communism. He left a Please send details via email Deficit Hyperactivity career as a lawyer in or post to the Sydney Alumni Disorder combined subtype Budapest, which included Magazine editor. Full contact (ADHD-C). In her retirement two doctorates, to study details are listed on page 1. she has taken an interest in again in Sydney. He practised You can also update your ADHD and is a founding as a sole practitioner for details and search for classmates member of ADHD Australia more than 35 years in the online by registering with your Inc. ADHD Australia aims city and also enjoyed teaching Alumni Web Community at to assist ADHD children from law to architecture students www.usyd.edu.au/alumni socially and economically at Sydney University for deprived homes. Donations 19 years.

28 sydney alumni magazine grapevine

Dr Paul Kotala (BSc ’81, PhD (Dentistry) ’86) Teeth ‘n’ smiles Paul Kotala was awarded the 2007 Academy of Dentistry International Humanitarian Award for his work in Laos. He tells Helen McKenzie about it

Back in 2002 in his Mosman surgery, Paul Kotala dis- denture-making equipment and educational programs. tracted his patients from their oral ordeal with virtual TV Funds are raised through membership of Tooth Aid. via state-of-the-art specs; and a pink fluffy pig to cuddle. Dentists contribute an annual $110 – the cost of a check “It gave them something to hold on to rather than up and clean. Kotala has had some corporate success: a gripping the arms of the chair. Playing with the soft portable chair and sterilization equipment. The NSW toy relaxed their shoulder and neck muscles.” That Department of Corrective Services, where he now works was five years ago. as a prison dentist, has donated obsolete materials; Today there are likely to be real pigs in Kotala’s Heine (instrument makers) gave a halogen light. Tooth work place and he has found that jaw muscles relax Aid has also retrained a local dentist to Australian involuntarily when the patient is tipped back and standards. Dr Suksida is now full time in the hospital. their head is gripped between his knees. This happens “We pay her the princely sum of $US600 per year when Kotala is working for Tooth Aid in the Lao People’s and the government pays her $12.50 per month.” Democratic Republic (Laos.) It is a job he clearly loves Kotala has received many offers from Australian and does for love. dentists to work in Laos. The job is not for everyone. Kotala founded Tooth Aid Inc. in 2003. “I knew I “You must like camping, and hair dryers are not wanted to do something along the lines of volunteer available.” work. Instead of doing two weeks and never going Adventurous eating habits are an advantage as the back, I wanted to make a real difference. Then the local diet includes bamboo worms, mole, tiger cat, director of the hospital in Nambak asked for help. snake and squirrel. The Tooth Aid working party, I thought I could fit in with WHO (World Health including translators, usually stays in the village Organisation) or some other agency but no one had chief’s hut. In June Kotala visited villages where he a dental program, so I started my own.“ was their first white person. Now, every three months, he leaves Sydney for two “I’m double the size of local adults who are around weeks in remote villages. 40 to 50 kilos. They often pull the hairs on my legs, “Laos in 2005 had about 300 dentists; 52 per cent put their hands around my calves were in Vientiane, the capital, which has roughly nine because they are so big. They’re per cent of the population. No dentists went past the wonderful people, really friendly state capitals.” and respectful but without any At Kotala’s instigation a pilot study began. concept of personal space.” “When we first started we didn’t know whether Tooth Aid is a long way from the people would value dentistry. We saw 360 people in Mosman clinic of old. the first seven days.” “I was treating this lady – Tooth Aid has now provided some 10,000 services to everyone was laughing as I tried more than 4000 people and averages 50 patients a day. to shoo away a pig that would “Initially a lot of the work was extractions, so you not leave her side. The translator don’t necessarily need running water or electricity. said: you’ll never get rid We would work on verandas and use the sun for light; of it, its her pet hand instruments to remove decay and hand-mix pig.” Neither pink materials. Everything had to be transportable in nor fluffy but tuk-tuks or boats to get to the remote villages.” very relaxing. While work in the villages remains at much the same basic level, Tooth Aid has built a dental hospital More information: in Nambak with a surgery for a permanent dentist, www.toothaid.org

summer 2008 29 grapevine

my stupidities. I have now Legal Service, Dubbo. Ken Waldron, Professor retired after 40 years as an Arthur and Patricia are (BE ’64, MEng ’65, entomologist and have retired; Arthur was on the DEng ’99) is spending the finished editing a book on staff of Wellington TAFE period July-December 2007 insects in Australian crops for more than 20 years; and same period in 2008 in and pastures. Details at Patricia’s last position was the Faculty of Engineering www.publish.csiro.au/books Exectuvie Secretary, of the University of /crops & pastures Australian Institute of Technology Sydney and International Affairs, Sydney. the ARC Centre for Marlene Hall Patricia was president Autonomous Systems while (nee Campbell) SUIHAA for two years. on sabbatical leave from (BA Hons ’66 MA Hons ’86) Stanford University. is enjoying her second Dennis McManus PSM Ellen McGirr (MBBS Hons career as a lawyer as much (BA’69, Dip T&C Planning ’77 MA Higher Ed ’06) has as she enjoyed her first ’72,MBuilt Env. ’81) been in clinical consultant career teaching English Retired in 2006 after 14 1950s practice at Lismore/Ballina literature. She works as an challenging years with NSW for the last 25 years. After in-house lawyer for the Planning and 25 fulfilling Sue Camden (nee Susie obtaining the Masters in Commonwealth Departmen years with NSW Heritage. Fekete) (BSc ’53 DipEd ’53) Higher Education she has of Health and Ageing, Awarded Public Service retired after 30 years of been appointed at Bond heading a team specialising Medal in1997 for services to Maths teaching in high University as Associate in aged care law. heritage conservation in NSW. schools, broken by 12 years Professor Clinical Medicine Now living at Kangaloon in living in Vanuatu (then the – a part-time academic Patricia Jeannine Martin the Southern Highlands New Hebrides). Her late appointment. (nee McMahon) with partner Shizuo Aoki. husband, Bill, translated (BA, DipEd, LLB ’69) Interests include gardening the while of the Bible into Thomas Schwab (BE ’75 married Arthur Martin and U3A classes. Bislama, the national GradDipEd ’76) is (Cobar and Wellington, language of Vanuatu during continuing in his roles: as NSW) on Easter Saturday, this time. She has, since artistic mentor in Cumber- 7 April 2007 at St Andrews retirement, been teaching land Region (NSW) and Uniting Church, Dubbo, ESL to classes at her church abroad, as well as directing NSW. Attendants included as a volunteer; if you can projects for communithy Philip Norman of Kew, teach Maths you can teach health/education here and Melbourne as family rep anything! overseas. (It involves sourcing (cousin to Patricia); private funds for develop- Elizabeth Shirlaw, University Associate Professor ment on a localised level.) of Sydney Law School and W Bruce Conolly AM IH as matron of honour; (MBBS ’59, FRCS, Ted Martin, best man FRACS, FACS) was (brother to Arthur), Jasmin awarded the title “Pioneer 1960s Keenan (flower girl) daughter in Hand Surgery” at the of Janette Mather (University 10th Triennial Congress of Peter Bailey (Gen Sc ’62 of Sydney Law School) the International Federation MSc ’67, DipAgEnt ’63) and Grand Goodwin; of the Society for Surgery of I wish to pay belated tribute Gene-Michael Goodwin the Hand, held in Sydney in to those niversity staff that (pageboy) son of Janette the presence of 1400 surgeons put up with me during my Mather and Grant Goodwin from 50 countries. His was many years as a science un- (who have been seconded to Ernest M To, BE ’66 the third appointment dergraduate. Especially to PNG for three years from the MBldgSc ’73, FASCE(Life), given to an Australian since my tutors in chemistry and ATO, Canberra). Elizabeth celebrated his 70th birthday the award was founded in physics who ground their Shirlaw works as a solicitor skiing Perisher Blue in 1970. The previous two teeth and rolled their eyes at with the Western Aboriginal August 2007. were the late Sir Benjamin

30 sydney alumni magazine grapevine

Frank Cruice (BA ’52, and widely published 650 for Cessnock. He was also a MEd ’87, DipTheo ’69, ongoing papers, seminars Cessnock alderman from Cert TESOL ’93) taught at and books; besides recording 1968-1950 and Mayor for Stanmore, Hillston, East- 1500 fully operational ad- eight years. From 1980 to wood. Later as a Christian venturous inventions 1988 he was federal MP for Brother taught in 12 (including SU+NASA Hunter and Charlton and schools in Queensland and electronics, a childhood Land Transport Minister in NSW; 14 years as Deputy. obsession), plus discoveries the Hawke and Keating Specialised in Senior English since 1930s more recently as govnerments. He is author and Modern History. In a self-funded independent of Student Economics, The retirement has taught researcher. Needing no Australian Economy, migrants, makes tapes of doctor in 22 years, though economics workbooks texts for visually impaired recently diagnosed mildly (with his wife Joy) and the pupils and reads newspapers diabetic (too laidback?) he three volume Governing over station 2RPH (radio hates competitive sport and Australia. Imn 2007 he was for the print handicapped) retired in ’72 aged 39 as UK awarded an AM. He retired and conducts tours around Chief Eng, Robotic Machine to Corlette near Port Stephens. St Mary’s Cathdedral. Tools when starting his Served on the Council for Math Library MAL. Pat’s Dorothy Campbell Rank and the late Bernard the Australian Catholic ’74-’75 campus Eco-Tech (nee Evans) (BA ’49) my O’Brien, both of Melbourne. Historical Society. Workshop shed – involved husband Scott and I have Assoc Prof Conolly founded with SU Autonomous House recently had published a the Sydney Hospital Hand Dr Pat Howden (BSc ’55) – completed a nine-year SU book, The Liberating of Unit in 1969, the first such at 74 and living in frugal relationship. Lady Chatterley and Other unit in Australia. He has luxury on a mere 10 per True Stories: a history of the conducted teaching courses cent pension in reportedly NSW Council for Civil in more than 20 developing the most sustainable Solar Liberties, through Southwood countries over the past 25 Aussie home (hence his 1940s Press, publisher for the CCL. years. He holds associate enduring Sustainable Home It was launched at the Law professorships at the both Engineering R&D). Now Bob Brown (BEc ’54 Society on 12 November the University of Sydney realises he’s an Engineering- DipEd ’55) was President of 2007. and University of NSW as a Physics Greenie Downwardly- the University Labour Club part time staff surgeon at Mobile Peasant in the Slow and the Australian Student Nancye Perry (nee Kent) Sydney Hospital and a Lane, having helped 84 Labour Federation. He (BSc PGCA Agric Entom visiting Hand Surgeon to St countries, returned from taught from 1956 until 1978 ’45) born 16 December Luke’s Hospital Hand Unit. the USA via own ’65 sail when he became State MP 1918, author and artist,

summer 2008 31 grapevine

Trout Biologist Vic Fisheries (continuous service since & Game Dept 1952-55; that time); transferred to Jane Healy (BEc (Hons) ‘03 LLB ‘05) Senior Resident Officer, Unattached List AMF from Commonwealth Health 1938, served WW2 AIF Dreaming spires beckon Department (Plant Regiment and Staff Appts Quarantine) 1955-57 (Australian and New A few years ago, while backpacking (compulsorily retired upon Guinea) demobbed Sydney around Europe, Jane Healy found marriage) many other in 1946 with rank of major. herself in Oxford. research positions; lists her His Who’s Who entry lists recreations in Who’s Who his recreations as classical “It was just a day trip, I never as family history, writing, music, walking, English envisaged actually studying reading, book collecting, and German history and there,” says Healy, one of dog obedience training, literature. four young Australians who photography and fishing; are the latest Chevening is living at Eaglemont, Rosalind Rothschild Scholarship winners. Victoria with her husband (nee Baxter) (BVSc ‘49) The Chevening Scholarships of 50 years … On 1 August 2007, eight program is funded by the retired veterinarians shared British Foreign and Common- Warren Perry (BEc ’41) a round table luncheon. wealth Office (FCO) and “offers outstanding graduates born 28 January 1909, writer The venue was a beachside and young professionals the opportunity to study and military historian among restaurant, overlooking the at UK universities.” whose many publications Waitemata harbour in Healy is from Maitland NSW, the second of four are a Biography of Professor Auckland, NZ. Wine and siblings: older sister and two younger brothers. She RH Samuel and more than reminiscences flowed. Of was a pupil at All Saints College and did not spend 100 papers in the field of this congenial group of old her childhood dreaming of a career as a lawyer. military history; he has colleagues, no fewer than “No, not at all,” Healy says. “When I finished school been a frequent contributor five were Sydney graduates: I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I enjoyed to the Australian Dictionary Terry Goldfinch (’49), Ros economics so I opted for that when I went to Sydney, of Biography; he was an Rothschild, Graham Wallace and I decided on law because I thought it could be officer in the CMF, appointed (’50), Reg Trounson (’50) interesting. Once I started I found I really loved it.” Lieutenant 1st Medium and Tony Priestley (’59). Her love is for the law, however, rather than the Artillery Brigade, Sept 1930 We have every intention of popular prospect of making lots of money. “She repeating this happy event. laughs: “No, I like to work in areas that interest me. I couldn’t say I’m in it for the money.” “Trade issues can have big ramifications for people Harold Taskis (BSc Chem who don’t even realise they are being affected,” she ’45 DipEd ’46) is presently says. “Historically, trade negotiations have been living with his second wife controlled by developed countries at the expense of at Helidon Spa, Queensland developing countries and that has to change.’ (near Toowoomba). Before When asked how likely it is that the powerful can that we were in Sandstone be persuaded to voluntarily give up power, she Point and for ten years in chuckles. “Well, I know it’s not an easy option, but we Marysville, Victoria. Long have to start somewhere. I think there’s evidence that retired, I write a lot of tradi- some leaders at least are beginning to realise that tional poetry (it has metre. short-term gain for their countries is not enough.” Rhymes and makes sense) In January Healy begins a Bachelor of Civil Law at and have just written my Magdalen College, focussing on international trade 1084th. I rarely hear of any law and believes that this choice will give her the of my fellow students so international dimension in her subject area. was delighted to read the note of Hilma and Clem For more information on The Chevening Scholarship Ellis in the Spring issue see: www.britishcouncil.org.au of SAM. ■

32 sydney alumni magazine books

assessment of what the teaching of in the University’s Department of Summer reading creative writing entails. It encapsulates French Studies) is well known as a this new book: “I teach students writerly historian and biographer whose skills, which are not just the practising subjects have included Daniel Solander of those old chestnuts such as character (Nature’s Argonaut), Marc-Joseph development, but also the basic skills of Marion Dufresne (An Officer of the creativity, such as learning to trust and Blue) and Jacques-Julien Houtou de follow one’s own intuitions, learning to Labillardiere (Citizen Labillardiere); the seek and tolerate ambiguity, learning to latter being the first major study of the be provisional, playful and experimental, naturalist who, while not commemo- and losing self-consciousness.” rated in an Australian place name The cleaning lady’s mystery is as like most early European visitors, is much the author’s freely admitted inextricably linked with the continent bewilderment at the vicissitudes of the through his pioneering study of the creative process. (She teaches students flora of “New Holland”. how to fly off the page yet finds herself Duyker’s father was from Holland hopelessly mired.) As well, however, she and his mother from Mauritius (he delivers a resonant narrative. It is a was born in Melbourne). His ancestry is personal book as well as one which also linked with the sea and seafarers should send students of writing and and it seems obvious that he would one The Mystery of the Cleaning Lady life scurrying to start exploring for day combine all his interests, research Sue Woolfe themselves what Woolfe describes as and knowledge in this latest book. UWA Press / pb $24.95 “the connections between neuroscience A Dictionary of Sea Quotations ranges and the ‘felt experiences’ that inform the across close to four millennia of litera- In 2006 Woolfe’s third novel The Secret art of storytelling.” ture, including novels, poems, songs, Cure was published seven years after her religious texts, letters, diaries and very successful Leaning Towards Infinity. journals, from which he has picked The latter had been described by The Trumbull Stickney lives gems both famous and – more often – Age’s reviewer as “Brave and lyrical, it had obscure. It is arranged in alphabetical a rare, almost dazzling, completeness.” order that makes browsing and dipping She was not alone in her praise. In in and out endlessly distracting. retrospect, the book became a burden Joseph Banks: “Now do I wish that insofar as it affected the author’s our friends in England could by the continuing creativity. Woolfe worked assistance of some magical spying glass through her semi-paralysis (she is a take a peep at our situation. Dr Solander highly regarded teacher of creative setts at the Cabbin table describing, writing) by making the attainment of a myself at my Bureau Journalizing, Doctorate of Creative Arts (DCA) from between us hangs a large bunch of sea UTS the impetus for The Secret Cure. weed, upon the table lays the wood and The accompanying dissertation is barnacles …” (3 October 1769, the now published as not so much a how-to Endeavour journal). handbook as an exploration of the Daniel Solander: “No doubt we have connections between the obstacles she seen and described and made drawings encountered and surmounted along the of more Mollusca and sea products way. By examining and describing them than previously have been known.” in honest detail, Woolfe has made (3 December 1768 in a letter written something that is both as gripping as a A Dictionary of Sea Quotations to Carl Linnaeus.) novel and as practical a writing guide as Edward Duyker The book is one to keep close at hand any student of writing or reader of The Miegunyah Press / hb $65.00 an dip into; but prepare to lose unex- novels could wish for. pected hours in digressions. There is a Woolfe’s homepage entry on the With more than 15 books behind him, thorough index, which makes fossicking University’s website quotes her own Dr Edward Duyker (Honorary Associate even more pleasurable. ■

summer 2008 33 sport

League of her own

Alicia Poto is an Olympic athlete and university student; she talks to Verena Stocker about culture clash

licia Poto, point guard for the There is little in Poto’s background to Sydney University Flames, is suggest she would become a professional Anot the stereotypical beanpole basketball player; it was never a childhood basketballer. At 166cms (5’4”) she is ambition. She dreamt of becoming a towered over by teammate and fellow sprinter as she grew up in Campbelltown, Olympian, Natalie Porter. She tells of south of Sydney. strolling beside her friend around the “I’m one of five and my family had to Athens Olympics – dressed in identical make ends meet,” Poto says. “It was really hard. I’m the only one in my family photos: David Stanton, DKS Photography athletes’ uniforms – and being quizzed who has even attempted to go to uni and by a Australian supporters. The fans that can put a bit of pressure on you.” correctly guessed Porter’s occupation Alicia Poto, star point guard Pressure, however, is something on but asked Poto: “And what do you play?” which she now thrives, probably helped Neither was wearing their silver by her experiences living and playing Yet after six years, the realisation of medals at the time and the supporters overseas in three countries: Hungary just how far away she was from her had clearly forgotten Australia’s first (Gysev Ringa), France (Bourges) and family began to hurt. After leaving superstar female basketballer, another the Czech Republic (Brno). She was Sydney to give herself a chance to pocket rocket (and point guard) unprepared for the cultural differences mature, Poto found she was missing Michele Timms. she encountered, especially in Hungary her family, particularly after the birth Like “Timmsy”, the Opals and Flames where she was in the small town of of her sister’s daughter. star “Pottsy” is an intensely energetic “Everyone grows up. You get older athlete whose success on and off the Sopron, population 15,000, unable to faster. You miss everyone’s birthdays.” court is a tribute to her dedication. speak the language. Her vision of a glamorous international career hit its Poto says the biggest difference between first hurdle. Australia and the northern hemisphere “I hated it,” she says of her first im- is the sheer number of competitions. pression of post-communism Hungary. “Girls in our League can definitely “I didn’t unpack my bags for three days. match it [in the European League], but I wanted to go home.” It was a far cry you have to be very firm with your from the touring life as part of the Junior shooting before you go over there. It’s Australian Basketball team. Instead of a pretty cut-throat because you’re the familiar group, Poto remembers loneli- imported player, you’re being paid to ness, machine guns at border controls play well,” Poto advises. and cultural and language barriers. With Returning to Australia to the WNBL a Ukrainian coach and two Serbian (Women’s National Basketball League) players also on the team, communication the pace has quickened anew. Poto leads was always going to be an issue. two lives: one where she’s out to training “Discussions were based around in the mornings and afternoons while drawings and visuals; after a while I started also fitting in university studies and to know some of the more common making a living. basketball words,” she recalls. And she The Olympian and international

photo: David Stanton, DKS Photography played well enough to attract the atten- representative sits in lectures next to tion of Bourges, transferring there after people ten years her junior as she juggles Poto: aiming for Beijing one season. study with sporting commitments.

34 sydney alumni magazine “I’ve always wanted to teach,” she With her eyes on a career beyond the when you’re away. If you don’t have says. “When I started my degree I knew court, Poto is determined to complete their support it’s very hard to study that’s what I wanted to do.” her Bachelor of Education and Human full time.” She has no illusions about the Movement degree and to fulfill her With a university degree and the longevity of her basketball career. She teaching aspirations. Beijing Olympics on the horizon, it is has injured both knees and at 29, knows “It’s really tough [balancing uni and difficult to imagine Poto’s characteristic the time is coming when she will no basketball] but it’s really good, you have resolve won’t carry her through. longer be able to hit the court as she to be pro-active and do the right thing “Beijing is definitely where I want to does now. by the lecturers and let them know go, that’s what I’m aiming for.” ■ photos: Paul Seiser, Seiser Photography photos: Paul Seiser,

Among the triumphant and dentally healthy 2007 Colts are: Nick Phipps (left) and Mitchell Inman (above) No teething troubles By Trevor Walsh

he Sydney University Football mouthguards taken by Dr Mahony and with a comprehensive 41 – 13 defeat of Club was grateful to receive his associate doctors. Eastwood in the Grand Final. They Tsignificant support this year from In a contact sport such as rugby wearing were also instrumental in helping the Dr Derek Mahony, a former University of a mouthguard is essential to protect club retain the Colts Club Champi- Sydney student and club player (BDS ’87). players’ teeth and to reduce the risk of onship, losing only one match during Dr Mahony, a Sydney-based Specialist jaw-related injury. The Club is pleased the season. Orthodontist, generously provided the to report that with the help of the Dr Mahony completed his Dental Club’s 1st Grade Colts team with custom- Mahony mouthguards, the players did Degree at the University of Sydney made professional mouthguards. not sustain any injuries to either of before going to the United Kingdom As part of their pre-season training these areas this year. where he undertook a Masters Degree program the players visited Dr Mahony’s After finishing the regular season as in Orthodontics at the Eastman Dental surgery in Randwick on a Saturday minor premiers, the 1st Grade Colts Hospital, Institute of Dental Surgery, morning to have the impressions for the team went on to win the Premiership London. ■

summer 2008 35 diary

23 February 2008 1978 Medical Reunion (30th reunion) Where: MacLaurin Hall, University of 15 December 2007 Sydney Time: 7pm; Cost: $140 Chancellor’s Contact: Michael Giblin Committee [email protected] Medieval Andrew Byrne Christmas Banquet To 27 January 2008 [email protected] Join us for the extrav- Tom Bass Suzanna Tait (Rosenthall) agant and lavish feast Major retrospective exhibition by [email protected] distinguished sculptor and Friend of and enjoy fantastic the University, Tom Bass AM. entertainment Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, including minstrels, 23 February 2008 Keppel Street, Bathurst troubadours, 1997 Medical Reunion(10 year reunion) Hours: 10am-5pm Tue-Sat, dancers, jugglers, Where: Great Hall, University of Sydney 11am-2pm, Sun and public holidays. acrobats and much more! Funds Time: 7pm; Cost: $100 raised from the sale of tickets will go Contact: Medical Graduates Association to support bursaries for Aboriginal ([email protected]) 5-15 December 2007 and Torres Strait Islander students Postgraduate Degree Show through the University of Sydney Koori 26 February 2008 Sydney College of the Arts Centre, scholarships for gifted students The Logic of Life: The hidden Balmain Road Rozelle to study overseas and various University economics of everything restoration programs. Mon–Sat 11am-5pm Tim Harford, author of The Undercover More information: call Free admission and parking Economist and columnist for Financial Lydia (61 2) 9571 7131 More information: (61 2) 9351 1008 Times and Slate. Or email [email protected] www.usyd.edu.au/sca/GradShow.htm 6.30pm; Seymour Theatre Centre Cost: $20/$15 9 December 2007 15 December 2007 Bookings: 61 2 9351 7940 Museum: BIG + small St John’s College Royal Assent Dinner An elegant dinner to be held at St Children will be able to take a close 15 - 17 March 2008 John’s is open to bookings for all look at the natural history specimens 1968 Medical Reunion friends and alumni of St John's College. which inspired photographer Robyn Where: The University of Sydney This date marks 150 years to the day Stacey in the making of Museum: Contact: Craig Mellis since Royal Assent was granted to The Macleays, their [email protected] an Act of Parliament leading to the collections and the Judy Black foundation of St John’s College within search for order. [email protected] the University grounds. Activities include Kristin Kerr For more information call examination of [email protected] Trish O’Brien (61 2) 9394 5204 specimens through Iven Young [email protected] [email protected] magnifying glasses and Tom Wenkart making specimen-inspired [email protected] Christmas cards. 24 December 2007 Noon to 4pm; The Macleay Nine Lessons and Carols with Wesley 30 March 2008 Museum, Gosper Lane, the Chapel Choir St John’s College 150th Anniversary University of Sydney More information: call Cathy Bray Celebration Mass Free entry. (61 2) 9565 3299 Or email All friends and Alumni of St John’s are Further information: (02) 9036 525 [email protected] welcome at this celebration, to be held at St Mary’s Cathedral at 2pm, 13 December 2007 16 February 2008 followed by afternoon tea. For more Wesley College Foundation 1958 Medical Reunion information about this and other AGM and Dinner Where: American Club, events planned during the College’s More information: call Cathy Bray 131 Macquarie Street Sydney 150th Year celebrations, please call (61 2) 9565 3299 Or email Time: 12 noon; Cost: $125 Trish O’Brien (61 2) 9394 5204 [email protected] Contact: [email protected] [email protected] ■

36 sydney alumni magazine The University’s contribution to the community is of Research major significance. In 2007 alone Sydney researchers have been awarded over 120 research projects by the powers Australian Research Council and 97 new Discovery Grants, considerably more than our closest national competitors. the future The University has 171 research centres and institutes and ranks first among Australian universities in the number of research licences granted and start-up companies launched. Researchers and students at the University are increasing our understanding of such challenges as global warming, drought, childhood disease, cancer, and many more. Our researchers and alumni have received worldwide acclaim – in science and business as well as in sport and the arts. A gift from you today will help ensure that this proud tradition continues.

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Please mail the completed form to: Advancement Services, Level 2, Building G12, Reply Paid 61217, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006; OR complete the online form at: www.usyd.edu.au/gift OR ring the Gift Hotline on +61 2 9036 9170 from 9am to 5pm weekdays, EST.

The information you provide on this form is collected by The University of Sydney to maintain contact and keep you up to date with information about the University, its services, events and achievements. It may be passed on to groups affiliated with the University, such as alumni organisations and foundations (local and overseas), SU Sport and residential colleges. Your name may be published in the annual honour roll. If you wish to remain anonymous or do not want to receive information, please contact Advancement Services (fax +61 2 9351 5688) or email [email protected]. The University abides by the NSW Privacy and Personal Information Protections Act. Source code: 07029 Taeniopoda sp. Stal 1873, Horse lubber grasshopper. Collected by the famed illustrator and entomologist John Abbot in Georgia, USA before 1830. Image ©Robyn Stacey 2007.

See more of Robyn Stacey’s remarkable Type C photographs of the Macleay Museum collections in Museum: the Macleays, their collection and the search for order by Robyn Stacey & Ashley Hay (Cambridge University Press 2007). Available at all good bookstores or through www.usyd.edu.au/museums.