CONNECTIONS

Afrcani ISSUE 12: Summer/AUTUMN 2010 Amb iTION

HA RVESTING SKILLS . bridges to texas . BEATING CANCER

www.vu.edu.au CONTENTS

22. Big r d es to Texas 23. Out OF aFRICa 24. Ca rEERs gateway 25. ri Ente pr sing minds A strengthening collaboration Students from Africa are The Community Gateways portable The Students in Free Enterprise between VU and the University passionate about their studies, course and career booth is a (SIFE) club in the Faculty of of Texas (El Paso) creates global and about sharing their stories new VU initiative that broadens Business and Law have discovered learning experiences for students with other Australians. the way educators connect with new opportunities for African on both sides of the world. people in the western region of retailers in the west. Melbourne.

4. VC WELCOME 5. IN BRIEF 8. n Re aissance man 10. n Stude t safety 26. Wan lki g the walk 28. o Y ung justice 29. h W eRE Is Eddie the 30. K  EY EVENts Engineer? The VC welcomes the University’s This issue includes prestigious Songwriter and musician Ego VU’s study into international Seven years on, the Yannoneit VU’s third and fourth-year law Dr Akhtar Kalam, a VU Professor A calendar of what’s happening in new Chancellor, George Pappas and awards, a trip to Vancouver by our Lemos is a VU Masters student student safety in Melbourne program continues to improve VU’s students work at the Sunshine in Electrical Engineering, reflects and around Victoria University for introduces recent developments Olympics expert, developments undertaking vital food research surveyed more than 1000 relationship with the Indigenous Youth Legal Centre to help on the drought of engineers in the next five months. including a timely report into to VU’s Sustainable Community that he hopes will help developing students and has been praised by community, with almost 30 disadvantaged and troubled young Australia. international student safety. Centre, and fundraising for children countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Victoria Police. Indigenous staff now employed at people gain access to justice. in need. the University.

11. Cuttn i g the toll 12. e c H althy hoices 14. t Hard a WERC 15. A NEW Chancellor 30. V S U FACT 31. NEWO BO KS 32. n Stude t art

VU Master of Business graduate The Australian Community Centre The Work-Based Education Introducing VU’s new Chancellor, The most up-to-date facts Backyard zoology, footy fever, war recent artwork by a VU student. John Thompson was named the for Diabetes is researching Research Centre’s diverse successful Melbourne businessman about VU. mystery and tax law are just some Certified PractisingM arketer of the and actively engaging with projects foster strong, long-term and corporate adviser George of the diverse topics covered in Year for developing memorable TAC communities in Melbourne’s west partnerships with community and Pappas. new books by VU authors. campaigns which have successfully to reduce the rates of diabetes in industry. reduced Victoria’s road toll. the region.

16. t HarVEs ing skills 18. GLOBal LEarning 19. icn K ki g goals 20. Btnc ea i g ancer

Partnering with VU and Sunshine Twenty teaching students return Exercise Science honours student Victoria University alumnus PLISHUB ER CONT ACT US PHOTOS COE V R PHOTO College, Harvester Technical from a study tour to VU’s partner, James Podsiadly discusses his Dr Ronny Veljanovski is working M arketing and Communications Department Phil Kofoed – Managing Editor Sharon Walker Wehazit Haile arrived in Australia five College is helping to address the Beijing Information Science and success coaching at the Geelong with a team of researchers Victoria University PHONE +61 3 9919 4956 Tim Burgess years ago and is using VU pathways to country’s skills shortage. Technology University, having Cats Football club, as a personal developing new technology that PO Box 14428 EMAIL [email protected] Kate Scott-Young achieve her goals. Read more about our learnt more than they expected. trainer and as an up-and-coming will assist in the early detection Melbourne VIC 8001, Australia PO Box 14428 students from Africa on page 23. © Victoria University Melbourne VIC 8001 AFL footballer. of cancer. CRICOS Provider No. 00124K www.vu.edu.au This publication is printed on recycled paper. Background image: ©istockphotos.com/Delefraye Nicolas 2 3 WELCOME BRE I F

HELPING HAND FOR THAI kids Welcome to the Summer/Autumn 2010 edition of Connections. We are also proud of our connections across the world. At first glance, the Steph Ellis, manager of VU’s English Language Institute (ELI), returned triumphant University of Texas in El Paso (UTEP) on the US-Mexican border appears to have from her second fundraising bike trip through Thailand in January, personally raising I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Victoria University’s new little in common with VU. But both share a commitment to the ideals of access $12,000 for children orphaned by the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. Her team, Chancellor, Melbourne business leader George Pappas, who is featured on page and excellence. Exciting joint activities have been taking place as students comprising 32 riders, raised $380,000. 15. VU is fortunate to have someone of Mr Pappas’ calibre on board as chair of from opposite sides of the world collaborate while studying common issues of the University Council. I look forward to working with the Chancellor this year as cultural diversity, migration, settlement and dislocation. Details about our UTEP Ellis has now signed up with others for a running event in Phuket on 13 June 2010. we steer VU to an even stronger position as the leading education provider in our partnership can be found on page 22. With a choice of 10.5 km, a half marathon, or full marathon, an international dynamic and growing region. group will run the streets of Phuket to raise money and awareness for the orphaned This year, the University will be refining its education strategy to address the Research from VU’s Institute for Community, Ethnicity and Policy Alternatives children, supported by charity group Hands Across the Water. VU is in the final stages opportunities and challenges that are emerging in the increasingly deregulated of formalising a collaboration agreement with Hands Across the Water, which will (ICEPA) into the safety of international students in Melbourne was widely reported and competitive marketplace. The State Government’s contestable framework for in the media earlier this year. ICEPA researchers surveyed more than 1000 include a VET Hospitality program, a schools program for English language teachers vocational and further education has opened up delivery of education in the TAFE and a staff exchange program. international and domestic students about their perceptions of safety, and also sector, and Federal Government initiatives will enhance student choices. conducted in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including Victoria Police. The Participants in a Hands-Le Meridien fundraising group aim to raise $2000 each – fascinating results of this important research are found on page 10. These changes, coupled with strong population growth in our catchment of 100 per cent of which goes to projects to improve the lives of the orphans. western Melbourne, mean that VU must ensure our courses are strongly aligned Donations are tax deductible and can be made to www.handsacrossthewater.com.au VU Masters Degree student, Ego Lemos, is a well-known songwriter and musician with industry and community needs, and that we continue to enhance the quality in his home country of Timor-Leste, as well as a champion of its permaculture of our courses and service delivery. agricultural movement. You can learn more on page 8 about this remarkable man, who recently won an APRA award for his music while completing his degree at VU Thai children orphaned by the Boxing Day Tsunami will benefit from Steph Ellis Professor Elizabeth Harman in International Community Development. and her team’s outstanding fundraising efforts. Vice-Chancellor and President VU alumnus Dr Ronny Veljanovski is working with a team of world-class April 2010 Sustainability tar is born researchers developing new technology to assist in the early detection of cancer. Work is set to start on VU’s new Eco-Living Centre at Iramoo Sustainable Community Dr Veljanovski, currently a project manager at the Monash Centre for Synchrotron Centre in July, with the recent appointment of DL Design Group, an agency renowned Science, says he developed his ability to manage projects while at VU by engaging for its Greenstar expertise. with a range of industries through our microelectronic engineering programs. VU TO HOST SPORT The original building will be retrofitted as a demonstration Sustainability House, with VU is proud of its connections with Melbourne’s west, and one of our new the latest green products and best practice systems wherever possible. This will give SYMPOSIUM initiatives, Community Gateways, is helping us further these ties in the region. The visitors maximum exposure to environmental sustainability concepts they can apply A VU delegation attended the inaugural Exchange and Research Symposium at Gateways offer mobile course and career advice, delivering a service for residents, in their own homes. who for a variety of reasons, might not normally seek out future-planning the German Sport University (GSU) in Cologne last November. The event brought information. Find out more on page 24. Project co-ordinator, Dr Colin Hocking says the development will complement and together VU, GSU and Canada’s University of Western Ontario (UWO) to discuss utilise the surrounding environment. “The design for the Eco-Living Centre will expanding their collaboration in sport and exercise science, particularly in research. incorporate a relocated timber house, typical of the local St Albans area, with The School of Kinesiology at UWO has been an active exchange partner with VU’s an additional new extension taking advantage of the vista over the Wildflower School of Sport and Exercise Science since 1988, with more than 400 student Grasslands Reserve and Jones Creek wetlands.” exchanges and staff visits. GSU and VU have been partners for 20 years with almost The Iramoo Eco-Living Centre will become a focal point for the community and a key 75 student exchanges and staff visits in recent years. The symposium was held to feature on the western suburbs’ green corridor. The centre will be a meeting place honour this partnership. for educating people on green technology and sustainability practices, and as a Organiser of VU’s delegation, Dr Richard Baka, says the three universities are excited workshop for volunteers. about their future plans. “VU will host this event in 2011 to coincide with the Stakeholder and community consultation will form a significant part of the design opening of our new Learning Commons and Exercise Science and Sport Building, and phase. Share your views at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/L6RDD2Y the establishment of VU’s Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL).” For updates on the project visit www.iramoo.org

4 5 BRE I F BRE I F G ppooLDEN o rtUNITY for Q ouICK fLICKS c mpetition Olympics expert The Austrade Short Film Competition encourages multimedia students to work Ant chieveme sCHOLArs Victoria University Olympics studies expert Dr Richard Baka attended his sixth Games at with business students to produce short films that address trade and investment the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver in February. Dr Baka, of VU’s School of Sport opportunities. start studies and Exercise Science, is one of Australia’s few Olympic Games academics and historians. Launched by Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Trade Anthony Byrne at Victoria The 66 recipients of Victoria University’s newest scholarship program commenced One of his roles while in Vancouver was setting up a network of Australian, Canadian University in March, the competition calls for entertaining but informative short films their VU studies in 2010. and German universities to conduct future live elluminate lectures (similar to a that highlight issues for Australians doing international business. In an Australian-first, VU’s Achievement Scholarship program, launched in 2009, webcasts) to university students taking Olympic subjects. Successful films will supplement the range of multimedia teaching resources produced allocates two scholarships to each school in Melbourne’s western region – one each “I attended the Opening Ceremonies and numerous other sporting events,” says by Austrade as part of its Exporting for the Future (EFF) program. for students enrolling in higher and vocational education. Baka. “Besides the sporting competition there was a tremendous amount of other Associate Professor Anne-Marie Hede from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Forty-nine schools participated, from the local council areas of Brimbank, Hobsons interesting activity. I attended an Austrade corporate Olympic function, toured the Main Marketing says VU had built mutually-beneficial links with Austrade. Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham. Press Centre and visited numerous expo-like display centres from various nations, the Canadian provinces and other organisations.” “Austrade has been supportive of Victoria University, providing input into course reviews Vice-Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Harman says the innovative new program to ensure our programs are highly relevant and current.” demonstrates VU’s commitment to supporting the educational development of people Other highlights included the carnival like atmosphere in the CBD and the generosity of Byrne says Australia was well known globally for “punching above our weight” in in the western region of Melbourne. the Canadian people. “The international guests praised these Games and the hospitality shown by an almost fanatical Canadian public. The singing of O Canada and the overseas trade. “We are widely regarded as a good place to do business.” “This is a unique initiative,” she says. “The scholarships will recognise the talent and presence of red and white were prolific, even among the large international audience.” There will be six prizes of $500 for state winners of the film competition and a national potential of the many highly capable young people in Melbourne’s west.” Free public transport for ticket holders and an enthusiastic city made for a five-star prize of $2000 for the overall winner. The competition closes on 29 May 2010. The Achievement Scholarships will last for the duration of the student’s course, with experience. “My Vancouver experience will definitely assist me in adding new Olympics studies expert Dr Richard Baka at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. undergraduate students receiving $5000 a year and vocational education students For further information visit www.austrade.gov.au/film-competition or information to my Olympic curriculum and future research,” says Baka. phone 02 6201 7430. receiving $2000 a year. VU partner, the Western Bulldogs Football Club, has committed to contributing $1 from every club member each year – around $28,000 in 2009 – to help fund the program. Eeeticr n rg eSEArch Oe n y r bIKE! Br eEN wINS nATIONAL Victoria University is now at the forefront of research in sport, exercise and active living. Its new Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL) is undertaking State Member for Footscray, Marsha Thomson joined Victoria University Pro Vice- progressive, multidisciplinary research in world-class facilities with internationally Chancellor (Institutional Services) Rob Brown in March to launch a new bike hub at teaching award recognised experts and dynamic postgraduate students. the University’s Footscray Nicholson Campus. Professor John Breen, director of VU’s Centre for Tourism and Services Research, won ISEAL uses its collaborations and strategic partnerships with industry, government, The hub is part of the University’s commitment to sustainable transport and has been the prestigious national Business and Higher Education Round Table award for Best schools, universities and other organisations in Australia and overseas to establish installed to encourage students and staff to cycle to the campus. Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year for 2009. itself as the national leader and major international contributor to research and His award, presented by Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, was for his involvement Funded partly by the Victorian Government, the facility features parking spots for up engagement in the field. to 41 bikes in a secure lock-up area with shower facilities and lockers. in the support and development of entrepreneurial activity in young people in the western region of Melbourne. Some of these partnerships include the Australian and Victorian Institutes of Sport, as Other bike hubs are planned later this year in the new Sport and Learning precinct well as elite sporting clubs such as the Australian Football League, Western Bulldogs Breen is from the School of Accounting and has been involved in teaching and now under construction at Footscray Park Campus and at Whitten Oval. Football Club, Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Storm. Health sector partners research in entrepreneurship and the small business sector for more than 20 years. include Western Health, Melbourne Health, Alzheimer’s Australia and the Council VU aims to increase the number of staff and students using sustainable transport by Most recently, he steered the University’s inaugural ‘I Plan A Business’ (iPAB) on the Ageing. ISEAL also has relationships with community organisations such five per cent each year. Currently four per cent of students and five per cent of staff competition for high school students in Melbourne’s west. cycle to Footscray Nicholson Campus. as local arts centres, and sporting and recreation organisations such as the YMCA, He sits on many advisory boards, including the Victorian Employers Chamber of Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre and Riverside Golf. VU Sustainability Officer AnneM cLean says the bike hub will provide staff and Commerce and Industry (VECCI), the Small Business Leaders Panel and the Small students with a secure facility to park their bicycle during the day and will overcome ISEAL’s state-of-the-art facilities are part of the University’s Learning Commons Professor Ian Macdonald uses VU’s new bike hub, which encourages physical Enterprise Research Journal editorial board. impediments associated with cycling to the campus, such as being hot and sweaty on Exercise Science and Sport building, which will also include an exercise rehabilitation fitness and sustainable transport. arrival or the dreaded ‘helmet hair’ syndrome. This is the third time VU has won the award in the past five years. clinic, and a health teaching, training and research centre.

6 7 MAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

East Timorese Masters degree student Ego Lemos is a true Renaissance man. Last year Lemos won the Australasian Performing Right Association’s (APRA) best original song for screen for a hauntingly beautiful song he composed for the title Whether on stage as an award-winning songwriter and musician, in jungle track of the film, ‘Balibo’. He crafted the tune in the middle of the night in only a clearings training farmers in sustainable agricultural practices, or online conducting few hours after reading the book on which the film was based. research on food production, the man dubbed the ‘Bob Dylan of Timor-Leste’ radiates tremendous passion about the environmental and social revitalisation he “My music is not just for fun or entertainment,” he says. “It combines my interest foresees for his young homeland. in peace, the environmental movement, art and healing people.”

He hopes his thesis – exploring food production practices in a country where Lemos is a self-taught musician who can neither read nor write music. He picked 80 per cent of the population makes its living from agriculture – will be used to up a guitar as a young man to accompany his mother who played harmonica at improve farming, nutrition, the environment and the economy, not only of night to mourn the losses of Lemos’ three siblings, his father and grandfather to Timor-Leste, but also of other developing countries in the region. the trauma of war, disease or malnutrition.

His co-supervisor, Dr Helen Hill, a VU senior lecturer who specialises in “I learned much about music listening to Bob Dylan and John Lennon on a Timor-Leste’s development, says Lemos’ thesis is the first piece of original research neighbour’s radio,” he says. “I would figure out the tune on the guitar and learn to examine both scientific and traditional methods of agriculture in East Timor, the meaning of the words by translating them, one by one.” with the aim of extracting the best from both. Lemos was recently signed to Australia’s SkinnyfishM usic and invited to tour with Lemos became a devotee of permaculture, a method of organic farming that its biggest star, ARIA-winning singer-songwriter Geoffery Gurrumul Yunupingu, who explores and copies how plants and animals naturally interact, while studying is also making headlines internationally as an Indigenous musician. agriculture at the University of East Timor (now the National University) in the mid 1990s. He founded the organisation, Permacultura Timor Lorosa’e (Permatil) Ironically, for a man who has lived a difficult life in a developing country, Lemos – which addresses sustainable development in East Timor – and wrote books to considers his thesis among his hardest challenges because of his concern about encourage farmers to return to their traditional ways of raising rice, corn, sweet learning academic English. Before starting his masters degree in International potatoes, fruit and animals. Community Development in 2007, Lemos enrolled at VU’s English Language Institute for his first-ever formal English class. These practices had largely been abandoned during colonial times and under Indonesian occupation, and replaced with a reliance on fertilisers, pesticides, “Everything is now happening for me,” he says. “I am writing a thesis. I am hybrid seeds, and artificial production schedules. recording albums. I am touring as a singer-songwriter. I am happy I can contribute as much as I can in so many ways.” As he completes his thesis, the father of two is also juggling a busy schedule as an increasingly well-known musician, representing his people to the world through ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT evocative, simple folk songs that he writes and sings in his native Tetum language.

AN ENDURING PARTNERSHIP As Ego Lemos nears completion of his Masters thesis National University of Timor Loro Sa’e. It continues returning home to take on roles as senior advisers on sustainable agricultural practices in Timor-Leste, that relationship with ongoing partnerships, and lecturers in their country. he provides a fitting link to the University’s lengthy conferences and exchange agreements. A highlight of the VU–Timor-Leste partnership is VU’s collaboration and engagement with his newly VU was also involved in the founding of Dili Institute relationship with José Ramos-Horta, a man who won independent nation. of Technology, established by VU graduate Joao the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996 for his lifelong fight VU has supported vocational and higher education Cancio Freitas, now the country’s Minister for for his country’s freedom, and is the current president development in Timor-Leste for many years. By Education. of his country. focusing on the country’s intellectual infrastructure, In 2005, VU began raising funds to establish an In 2001 he was appointed Distinguished Visiting these educational projects continue to make a real East Timor Scholarship Fund to enable Timor-Leste Professor at VU, an honorary position conferred on difference in the ability of the fledgling nation to students access to a VU education, particularly those who have achieved national or international build its skills and capacities. those students who, on graduating, could make eminence in their field. In July 2009, the University In 2000, VU assisted in the establishment of the an immediate and significant contribution to the bestowed on him an Honorary Doctorate in Department of Community Development at the development of their new nation. Three scholarships recognition of his outstanding commitment to the country’s main institute of higher learning, the have so far been granted, with the recipients defence of human rights and his contribution to establishing Timor-Leste independence. Ego Lemos: “Everything is now happening for me. I am writing a thesis. I am recording albums. I am touring as a singer-songwriter.”

8 9 THE TOLL ALUMNI

A marketing objective related to death and injury “It is an honour to be involved with organisations like TAC also posted its 2009 Christmas advertising is an unenviable task. But a passion for educating the TAC,” he says. “Thanks to the combined efforts of campaign on YouTube. A montage of all TAC’s advertising the community to reduce road trauma has been the many, including the Victoria Police and the Victorian campaigns from the past 20 years and set to the driving force behind the success of VU alumnus John State Government, our state is now one of the safest haunting voice of Melbourne singer Angie Hart, the video Thompson. places in the world to drive.” was viewed more than 700,000 times in one month.

As Senior Manager of Road Safety and Marketing Thompson completed a Master of Business in “Young people get a lot of flack but I think a lot of for Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology them are actually heeding our key messages – don’t Thompson is responsible for the development and and Communications at VU. He worked in marketing drink and drive, and don’t speed,” says Thompson. strategy behind the organisation’s harrowing road and communications roles in consulting, energy, “We have altered a lot of bad behaviour but we still safety public education campaigns. publishing, residential property development and elite need to continue to find new and innovative ways to sport environments before joining TAC in 2004. Since get road safety messages out there.” “Death and injury is the worst key performance then he has been instrumental in bringing some of the R esearch from VU’s ICEPA showed many international students reported indicator that any company has to deal with in organisation’s most successful campaigns to fruition. Thompson is still actively involved with VU and gives experiencing threats to their safety that had a racial, religious or cultural element. marketing,” says Thompson. “It’s a lot easier to sell back to the community by mentoring graduates sporting events.” His innovations include the Vanessa Bus, a former through VU’s Career Bridge Program. Booze Bus that has been transformed into a burnt Despite the tough sell, Thompson was named the orange 1970s panel van. Concert-goers at large-scale “VU gave me a great grounding in the community, in Australian Marketing Institute’s Certified Practising music events can use it as a chill-out zone and for particular in dealing with people from different cultural Marketer of the Year in 2009. The award was given blood alcohol testing before driving home. groups,” he says. “My masters course was first-class. in recognition of the success of TAC campaigns in It gave me a fantastic grounding in marketing theory STUDENT reducing the state’s road toll, which is half that of 20 In line with the habits of TAC’s key target audience and the content was very practical and current, and the C ommunity eNGAGEment years ago. – 18 to 20 year-olds – he has taken 15 per cent of teachers have diverse experience.” TAC’s advertising campaigns online. The organisation A report from Victoria University’s Institute for “The opportunity to strengthen how we identify, Some of the key findings of the study into international In the past two years, Victoria recorded its lowest road advertises in the PlayStation gaming environment and CANDICE NEUMANN Community, Ethnicity and Policy Alternatives (ICEPA) address and prevent racially and ethnically influenced students safety include: tolls since records began in 1952. In 2008 there were hosts Yellowcard.tv – a website that allows users to into the safety of international students in Melbourne crime should be seized with both hands – and now is 303 deaths, and 295 people lost their lives in 2009. speak out about the worrying driving habits of friends. has been praised by Victoria Police as a helpful and a good time to start.” • 90 per cent felt safe at work intelligent contribution to the debate. • 85 per cent of safety threats experienced by The impetus for conducting ‘The Community Safety of students were not reported, with the main reason ICEPA researchers surveyed more than 1000 International Students in Melbourne: A Scoping Study’ being the belief that ‘it wasn’t serious enough’ international and domestic students about their arose from growing concern and media attention over • 78 per cent said Melbourne was a safe place to live perceptions of safety, and conducted in-depth threats to international students’ safety following interviews with a further 35 students and 29 increasing levels of violence against international • 57 per cent said Melbourne was less safe than stakeholders, including police, student associations, students, especially those of Indian descent. they expected youth services and consular officials for the report. • 5 0 per cent who reported perceived safety threats The report indicated that international students were said those threats had racial, religious or cultural The study, released in February, found that more than more likely to be exposed to safety risks due to: elements three-quarters of international students found the city lack of private transport options and access to safe, • 58 per cent had experienced verbal abuse to be safe, but half also reported experiencing threats to affordable housing; reliance on high-risk employment; safety that had a racial, religious or cultural element. and absence of family and friendship networks. • 11 per cent had been physically attacked • 10 per cent had been robbed One of the study’s researchers, Associate Professor It also identified a ‘disconnect’ between those Michele Grossman says the causes of violence were responsible for policy, planning and delivery of ‘The Community Safety of International Students in often simplified as either racism or opportunism, when education, and those relying on the system. Melbourne: A Scoping Study’, produced by Professor in fact the distinction could often be blurred. Hurriyet Babacan, Ms Joanne Pyke, Ms Alexandra It suggested several strategies including: an international Bhathal, Dr Gurjeet Gill, Associate Professor Michele “The co-existence of opportunism and racism in student complaints system; better cross-cultural training Grossman and Associate Professor Santina Bertone is some attacks against international students was for police; more consultation with community leaders on available at: www.vu.edu.au/icepa. acknowledged by virtually all students and police who how best to support victims of crime and address barriers participated in the study,” she says. international students face when engaging with police; ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT and better understanding by education providers of students’ needs and experiences. Alumnus John Thompson, Australian Marketing Institute’s 2009 Certified PractisingM arketer of the Year: “Death and injury is the worst key performance indicator that any company has to deal with in marketing.”

10 11 CRUR ENT AC D PROJECTS

Ma pPINg In collaboration with Diabetes Australia-Victoria, ACCD has completed a mapping of the incidence and prevalence of diabetes in Melbourne’s western region – by suburb, local government area, age and CALD group. This research demonstrates that Melbourne’s western suburbs are in the grip of a diabetes epidemic.

The mapping project has helped to define the problem – where it is and who it is affecting. It also helps to determine where the work into finding solutions should be focused.

The data includes ‘hot spots’ by geographical area and ethnicity, with South East Asian, African and Middle Eastern communities rating particularly highly.

The suburb of Ardeer has the highest rate of type 2 diabetes in Melbourne’s western region – 13.5 per cent of the population. This is more than six times the national average.

Ko n wledge portal An interactive online knowledge portal is being developed to improve communication and share information about diabetes among healthcare providers, researchers, the community and individuals. The results of the mapping exercise will be published on this website.

Cmmit-o un y based work ACCD is engaging with community leaders, bilingual health educators and community volunteers to provide health literacy and develop multi-lingual St Albans greengrocer Abdul Allan (left) and daughter Nibal (front) share a healthy bite with education materials. An advisory committee from more than 20 CALD community ACCD staff members Dr Gurjeet Gill, Harry Bryce, Liping (Stella) Wang and Godefa G’her. groups helps to inform this work. ACCD is also working with the Indigenous community through a peer mentor program, a nutrition and physical activity program in schools, as well as with online diabetes support. “Diabetes is a lifestyle-driven disease, which is why what we’re doing is all about Communities demonstrating high and increasing rates of diabetes are typically Two very successful diabetes roadshows were held in the Footscray and Sunshine prevention,” says Bryce. “We like to think our approach is all-embracing, guided socio-economically disadvantaged, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), community centres in February and helped spread awareness of diabetes by grassroots community involvement and education.” and Indigenous. The dedicated ACCD team uses its diverse expertise in research, prevention and management in the area. education, nutrition, medicine, statistics and community development to create Although type 1 diabetes* is a chronic disease with serious health risks, the research programs that are meaningful to these communities. and community work the centre is undertaking deals specifically with type 2 For more information, and for the comprehensive results of the mapping exercise diabetes, which affects 85 to 90 per cent of those diagnosed with the disease. “Our team of experts examined the best international program models that are visit www.diabetesepidemic.org.au/westernmelbourne and the ACCD website culturally and linguistically relevant; then we are guided by the community,” says www.vu.edu.au/accd Choices Type 2 diabetes is incurable and the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia. Bryce. “It is a collaborative approach.” COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Possible causes are a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including high blood pressure, excess weight and insufficient physical activity, and it is JESSICA JURY more common among the 55+ age group. Untreated it can create severe health Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in both Australia and the rest of the problems including damage to many of the body’s systems, which can lead to developed world, and Melbourne’s western region has been identified as having amputation, blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke and peripheral *Type 1 diabetes ACCD’s community and industry partners the highest rate of the disease in Victoria. Almost 3.5 million Australians have vascular disease, with serious conditions becoming potentially fatal. diabetes or are close to developing the disease. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, incurable disease with • HealthWest • Western Health • Western Bulldogs Football Club In addition to the physical and emotional burden placed on individuals and serious health risks, but unlike type 2 diabetes, it is • Western Melbourne Division of General Practice • Australian Industry Group The Australian Community Centre for Diabetes (ACCD) at Victoria University’s St communities, chronic diseases such as diabetes are costing the Victorian caused by genetic predisposition and other triggers • Western Suburbs Indigenous Gathering Place • Western Region Health Centre Albans Campus is at the forefront of tackling the disease in local communities healthcare system $600 million per year, and Victorian workplaces $440 million which result in the immune system destroying the throughout Melbourne’s west. annually in absenteeism. insulin-making cells in the pancreas. The body then • Diabetes Australia–Victoria has no control over blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation The ACCD harnesses existing expertise in diabetes and in partnership with health, Support from local industry groups and communities is crucial if ACCD’s prevention Check out your risk factor. is prevalent among children and adults alike, and is • Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute Foundation education and community organisations, uses education and engagement to Try the Victorian Government’s type 2 diabetes risk work is to be successful. So far, partnerships with health and community controlled by insulin injections and medication. reduce the impact of the disease. organisations, clubs and local councils have proved invaluable in providing • Six local councils assessment tool to determine your risk probability: ACCD’s executive director Harry Bryce describes how the centre’s approach to expertise, cultural connections and attracting funding. www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/rat/index.html reducing rates of diabetes is developing new paradigms of thinking.

12 13 WE RC is Australia’s premier organisation for the delivery of research, development and consultancy in work-based education, such as aged care. new chancellor SENIO R MANAGEMENT

Judging by his résumé, VU’s new Chancellor George Pappas gives the impression He also recognises that a research profile is essential for a university, and the of being an exceptionally good fit for the role. pre-eminence of sports and exercise science research and teaching at VU has not been lost on Pappas, who sits on the board of VU partner the Western Bulldogs. He brings to the position a sharp business focus as a leading corporate adviser in the US, Japan and Australia. His wealth of professional experience includes He says institutions should concentrate on those things that they do better than chairmanship of the Committee for Melbourne, a recent stint as a senior anybody else. “In that way you can develop a reputation for excellence, you can be economics adviser to the Brumby Government, and an ongoing role as chair of the a leader, you can attract the best people. I think sports science is a natural for VU – Federal Government’s Defence Strategic Reform Advisory Board. there aren’t many tertiary institutions that are doing what VU is doing in this field.”

But there’s more. Pappas, a first-generation Australian of Greek heritage, shares He believes VU has a special place in Melbourne. “VU is a contributor to what something that is precious to many VU students – he was the first in his family makes Melbourne the city that it is because it provides a place where socially to graduate with a degree. His father, a tailor by day, worked a second job as a disadvantaged students can go and have their lives transformed.” waiter at night to ensure his family had every opportunity to succeed. Pappas’ tenure as Chancellor began on 1 January and will run until the end At a graduation ceremony in 2007, Pappas told VU graduates: “I have a very of 2011. His appointment followed the retirement in August last year of VU’s simple message: the investment in my education was the most important gift that previous Chancellor, Justice Frank Vincent AO QC. my parents, my teachers and many others gave to me.” JIM BUCKELL Topping the state in matriculation economics and British history, he received a scholarship to study economics at Monash University. “Doing well at school was EDUCATION RESEARCH AT WERC my way of repaying my parents,” he says. Last September, Work-based Education Research “It involves a review of training requirements and This expertise, combined with their colleagues’ more He performed so well at Monash that he won a second scholarship to study for Centre (WERC) Director Berwyn Clayton was preparing resources for Bega over at Strathmerton,” says traditional skills in commercial and educational his MBA at the prestigious Harvard Business School in 1969. He stayed in the a trip to Canberra to visit her grandchildren. Clayton. “While this is interesting for researchers, pedagogy, ensures WERC is well equipped to respond US for many years after being offered a job by the country’s leading business what matters strategically for the centre, and Victoria to challenges posed by an increasingly tech-savvy consultancy, The Boston Consulting Group. “They told me they’ve forgotten what I look like, so I University more broadly, is that we are establishing a society. So what can VU expect from its new chancellor? A series of briefings is under way think a visit is long overdue,” says Clayton. strong relationship with a view to becoming training to bring him up to speed on the workings of the University. provider of choice for Bega. This would have the knock- “Establishing and deepening our networks is the key Such is the toll of 12 months’ hard work spent to entrenching WERC at the heart of strategic decision on effect of WERC being able to engage the services “I was trained to gather data, to learn and to analyse first, and only then to establishing WERC as Australia’s premier organisation making in the field of vocational and work-based of multiple VU faculties across vocational and higher speak,” Pappas says. “I think there’s always an assumption that a new person delivering research, development and consultancy in education,” says Clayton. “Our mission is clear, and education.” coming into a role has instant advice and instant solutions to the issues. I’m not a vocational and work-based education. after a strong performance in our first year we are well believer in that. So I’ll take my time.” Clayton joined Victoria University in 2008 after more The centre’s current projects are diverse and take on our way to success.” place across Australia and overseas. The application of He is enthusiastic about the pragmatic mission of the University in preparing than a decade as inaugural director of the Centre Visit www.werc.vu.edu.au Undertaking Research in Vocational Education (CURVE) web-based technologies is a theme running throughout students for their chosen professions. “One of the things that I found very at Canberra Institute of Technology. many of the projects. Three of the centre’s eight staff CRAIG SCUTT encouraging about VU when I was considering the position was the strategy have considerable skills in multimedia and e-learning. of developing industry clusters, and relationships and partnerships with With the support of WERC’s deputy director, stakeholders,” he says. Associate Professor Shelley Gillis – one of Australia’s leading researchers in vocational competency-based CUR R ENT WERC PROJECTS assessment processes and systems – Clayton quickly • A collaborative research paper with Open University Malaysia is examining current industrial workplace secured a lucrative tender with the National Quality learning practices in both countries. The paper will present new strategies for consideration, with a focus Council to develop best practice documentation for the on new technologies. validation of work-based training assessment. • A Skills Victoria Innovation Grant is funding a study to assess a new online tool that measures users’ skill sets. It will also assess other skills recognition resources. Given the centre is still in its infancy, many of WERC’s • An examination of ways to ensure the continuation of ongoing teacher development in industry current projects are intended as the first links in a chain engagement, employability skills, and workplace delivery and assessment. that will foster strong, long-term partnerships and • The WERC Exchange project is mobilising teachers in Australia and New Zealand to share skills and collaborations. Clayton offers the example of a training resources. needs analysis they are producing for Bega Cheese. • The development and monitoring of a Trade Pedagogy website that encourages teachers to share their knowledge while networking locally, nationally and internationally. VU Chancellor George Pappas

14 15 Harvester Technical College is an innovative hybrid of secondary school, TAFE and workplace learning.

Harvesting COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Leigh Lonigro of Laverton North does not mind taking They will also emerge with a pre-apprenticeship or The students also undertake authentic projects that two trains, two buses and 90 minutes to get to school Certificate III in their trade, allowing them to slot into a help them generate a sense of importance and in Sunshine. second-year apprenticeship right out of high school. engender pride in a trade career. For example, last year they built a cubby house for a kindergarten in the The Year 11 student knew years ago that he wanted “Harvester offers a senior secondary education burned-out town of Marysville. to be an electrician and learn his trade on the job. But alternative with a curriculum tailored to the needs Leigh also understood the value of completing his Year of future tradies,” Williamson says. “It provides Harvester College also uses its state-of-the-art building 12. At Harvester Technical College, the 17-year-old the foundational skilling expertise and nurturing – where electronic white boards and plasma-screen found he could do both. environment of school with the trade training of TAFE.” TVs are built into huge open-plan rooms – for public events. The aim is to increase awareness of trades’ The College is a successor to the Howard Government’s Year 10 students are enrolled as Sunshine College education and to erase labels about students who are Australian Technical College at Sunshine, one of several students and do ‘taster’ programs for careers attracted to it. The College hosted a literary festival facilities established around Australia to combat the in automotive, building, construction, metals, last year in a deliberate attempt to prove that students country’s skills’ shortage. In November 2009, it was engineering, electro-technology and cookery. The with vocational aspirations can also enjoy culture. taken over by the State Government’s education and College is looking to soon expand into hairdressing, training system. and transport and logistics. The man responsible for inspiring Harvester’s name would undoubtedly be pleased with its aims. Hugh Operating from a $9 million ultra-modern building After choosing a specialty, Years 11 and 12 students Victor McKay, a farmer who manufactured agricultural named in the 2009 World Architecture Awards as are classified as VU students and undertake specialised equipment at his Sunshine Harvester Works at the turn Education Building of the Year, Harvester College is a programs at various VU campuses (and at Kangan of last century and became one of Australia’s leading partner of Sunshine College, Victoria University, and an Batman TAFE for automotive students). industrialists, was also known for his remarkable advisory board of members with businesses mainly in vision. Melbourne’s west. During the three years, the students also study VCE English and VCAL Maths, as well as business, He not only employed thousands of workers in the The partnership allows students “to go further, faster technology and personal development. area, but also built its first trade college and provided and higher in a trade career than any other pathway,” housing, libraries and parks for his “Sunshine Family”. says Andrew Williamson, Associate Director of VU’s The College champions vocational learning not as a last resort for non-academic students or as a form of It seems appropriate the College tip its hat to the Faculty of Technical and Trades Innovation, and the remarkable history of the area. College’s founding CEO. re-engagement, but as a means to launch careers that are valuable in their own right. “Harvester College is carving out an identity as a hub All 130 students currently enrolled at Harvester in “Employers tell us they are comfortable teaching trade of innovation that harvests knowledge and skills for Years 10, 11 and 12 will graduate with a Victorian our young people,” says Williamson. Certificate of Education (VCE) or a Victorian Certificate skills on the job, but they don’t want to be teaching of Applied Learning (VCAL), or both. reading and writing,” Williamson says. “The young Harvester Technical College is located at 76 Suffolk Rd, people we prepare will have the skills and knowledge Sunshine North, Phone: 03 8311 5555. to be future leaders in their trade.” ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT

16 17 GOALs E XERCISE SCIENCE

James ‘Pods’ Podsiadly knew he had come to a During those years, Podsiadly also studied full time at “When I first met him, James impressed me with his crossroad in his life when he was called into the office of VU, earning his degree in 2008. He is now working on academic ability, and topped the class,” says the Geelong Football Club’s recruiting manager last year. an honours project about neuro-muscular recovery. On Pearce. “When he asked to undertake honours and top of that, he established a successful personal fitness combine it with his football, I didn’t hesitate.” The Victoria University Bachelor of Exercise Science training business, managing a range of clients from out- graduate was asked whether he wanted to continue of-shape office workers to professional surfers. Outside of work and study, Podsiadly’s performance on in his exciting new role as coach on the 2009 AFL field as the new captain of Geelong’s VFL team quickly premiership-winning club’s fitness team or follow a “My degree helped give me an academic framework turned heads among Cats’ management. They decided dream that had eluded him for more than a decade – around what people’s bodies go through, and how to to draft him at the end of last year as a mature-aged to be an AFL player. improve their health and performance – whoever they rookie, and offer him a third opportunity to play in are,” says Podsiadly. the AFL. “It was a no-brainer – I jumped at the opportunity,” says Podsiadly. Because of his background in exercise and training, “I have no preconceptions about this opportunity Students Sarah Nolan and Candice Drozdek with as well as professional football, last year Podsiadly because playing on the MCG is still a long way Dr Marcelle Cacciattolo on the Great Wall of China For a man who only started playing football when he was offered the assistant high-performance fitness off,” says Podsiadly. “Whether I play one game or was 17 but quickly became a legendary goal-kicking and conditioning coaching job with the Geelong whatever, it will be a great story to tell the grandkids.” machine in the minor Victorian Football League (VFL), Cats, guiding players in weight sessions, running and this was not his first shot at the AFL. recovery work. Optimistically, Podsiadly thinks it might be third-time lucky this time. “My game has gone to another level since I The now-28-year-old played pre-season AFL games “I believe you create your own good luck,” he says. studied at VU,” he says. “My motivation is as high as it with Essendon in 2000 and Collingwood in 2002, but “All of my hard work at uni opened the door for me has ever been and I am much stronger physically and leaingrn was de-listed by both clubs before the regular season with the job at Geelong.” mentally than I have ever been in my life.” I nternATIONAL education began. He then carved out his impressive VFL career as a full forward, first with Williamstown, then Werribee, Podsiadly’s thesis supervisor at VU, Dr Alan Pearce, ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT where last year he qualified for lifetime membership says James’ honours project in neuro-muscular Experience, travel: these are as education in themselves Other highlights included the Great Wall of China, solving tested their comfort levels. When they have after 175 games. In 2008 he picked up the J.J. Liston recovery was not only appropriate as an academic – Euripides, 5th Century BC Tian’anmen Square, the Beijing Olympic’s Bird’s Nest students of their own, particularly English as a Trophy – VFL’s Brownlow Medal equivalent – as the study, but it was also proving beneficial to the Geelong stadium, Chinese opera and traditional Chinese cuisine. Second Language students, they will have a better VFL’s best and fairest. Football Club. Late in 2009, 20 pre-service teaching students understanding of what their students are feeling.” from VU’s Faculty of Arts, Education and Human Being fully immersed in Chinese culture and welcomed Development (AEHD) embarked on an educational into the university’s community gave the students a Professor Deborah Tyler, AEHD Associate Dean, James Podsiadly: “Whether I play one journey of their own – a two-week study tour to China new appreciation for a different way of life, and of International, says the educational impact of students game or whatever, it will be a great story and the Beijing Information Science and Technology being an outsider in unfamiliar surroundings. Through having this sort of experience is huge. “They uniformly to tell the grandkids.” University (BISTU). For many of the students, daily journal entries, the students reflected on how understood the future value it will bring to their particularly those who had never travelled overseas they believed their experiences will enrich their future lives as teachers,” she says. “The flow-on effect this before, it was an opportunity of a lifetime. teaching careers. experience will bring to them as teachers will be significant.” The trip was funded through VU’s Student Mobility “I can talk about the country of China with new eyes”, program with additional funding from BISTU. wrote one pre-service teacher. “I can explain to [my The overwhelming generosity the group received from future] students how this feels and show photos, and BISTU’s staff was ultimately what made the tour such Accompanied by two teachers, lecturer Julie Arnold and allow them to see the differences between the two a success. senior lecturer Dr Marcelle Cacciattolo from the School countries.” of Education, the students completed an International The program has further strengthened VU’s partnership Study subject by taking Chinese language, culture and Another student wrote, “Now I can understand how with BISTU. In September 2010, the School of history classes at BISTU. They visited many of BISTU’s it feels for people to come to Australia and not be Education will reciprocate by hosting 20 BISTU campuses and experienced diverse teaching methods. understood.” students and two staff members for a two-week study It was a whole new world of learning both inside and tour of VU and Melbourne. outside of the classroom. Cacciattolo says she believes the pre-service teachers now understood what it feels like to be an outsider. There are plans for another VU study tour to Beijing Unseasonably cold weather couldn’t put a dampener in 2011. on the trip, with the first sight of snow an “One thing that was quite clear was how they felt unforgettable experience for many of the students. perceived as the ‘other’. Having a sense of the JESSICA JURY language barriers, thinking creatively and problem-

18 19 W auseshAT c cancer? • one in nine cancers, and one in five cancer deaths, are due to smoking • about 3% of cancers are related to alcohol consumption • many cancers occur as a direct result of dietary influences, from infectious agents or exposure to radiation (especially skin cancers from ultraviolet radiation) • some cancers result from inherited ‘faulty’ genes • cancer is not caused by injury or stress Source: Cancer Council Australia www.cancer.org.au

Cancer Council Australia CEO, Professor Ian Olver, says the ability to perform CT and PET scans simultaneously has many potential benefits. “For example the combination of PET and CT measurements could be useful in a number of ways,” says Olver. “It may be very useful in helping to diagnose lung cancer. If a nodule is found on the lung it would give you a better idea about the nature of that nodule.

”The new technology could also help doctors determine if the cancer has spread to other organs aiding them in determining the best way to treat the primary cancer.

“Doctors could make more accurate decisions about treatment eliminating the need for patients to undergo heroic treatment procedures that will not have a curative effect,” says Olver.

But while early detection should be the goal for all cancers, Olver emphasised the value of cancer prevention. “Prevention can have a significant impact. One third of all cancers in Australia could be prevented through lifestyle changes.”

Veljanovski, who also worked at VU as a Senior Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Programs in Electrical and Electronic Engineering for a number of years after Bondi Beach: Each towel represents one of the 1700 deaths in Australia caused by skin cancer in graduating, says he developed his ability to manage projects at the University by 2009. 440,000 skin cancers are diagnosed in Australia each year. Source: Cancer Council Australia engaging with a variety of industries via the Microelectronic Engineering programs.

“VU gave me the ability to see what the industry required – their needs were well articulated in our courses. I was also given the chance to develop my project management skills and I wouldn’t be where I am today without these.”

CRCBID (www.crcbid.com.au) is a leading edge research company established and supported under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) program. CRCBID’s research partners include the Australian Nuclear Science and CANCER Technology Organisation, Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical ALUMNI Research and Monash University.

In 2010 more than 40,000 Australians will die from cancer and more than cancerous tumours are usually more active than normal tissue, they take up more allow us to differentiate better between similar elements of composition in the body CANDICE NEUMANN 400,000 new cases will be diagnosed. Luckily, not all cancer diagnoses are a of the injected substance and appear different on a PET scan. such as tumours and muscle tissue.” death sentence – especially if the disease is caught in its early stages. These imaging systems provide information about the size and location of the “The challenge is to design and manufacture sensitive and fast hardware; getting Victoria University alumnus Dr Ronny Veljanovski is working with a team of tumour and whether the cancer has spread. The information can also be used to the microelectronic chip design is crucial to the success of these systems. We hope researchers developing new systems that will assist in the early detection of this guide a biopsy, help plan radiation therapy or surgery and determine whether the to be able to reach a stage where we can produce real-time colour X-rays. Such pervasive disease. Veljanovski completed a Bachelor of Science, a PhD in Electrical cancer is responding to treatment. novel technology will greatly improve the diagnostic capacity of X-ray imaging, and and Electronic Engineering, and a Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education at would enable doctors to accurately diagnose and precisely locate tumours that are a VU. He is currently the Project Manager of the Detectors R&D at the Cooperative Researchers at CRCBID are investigating ways to enhance the ability of these fraction of a millimetre.” Research Centre for Biomedical Imaging Development (CRCBID) based at the systems to capture data to assist clinicians with the early detection, diagnosis, Monash Centre for Synchrotron Science. treatment and management of diseases such as cancer. Potentially, the detectors under development by CRCBID will be able to perform both PET and CT measurements at the same time. This would provide a more complete Two types of medical imaging systems used in the detection and diagnosis of Veljanovski says significant progress has been made towards the development of a picture of a tumour’s location and growth or spread, improving the ability of doctors many cancers are Computed Tomography (CT) which provides three-dimensional prototype, small-scale, hybrid pixel detector for CT systems. to diagnose cancer, determine how far it has spread, and follow patients’ responses X-rays and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) which provides images of a “There is so much scope to improve current CT/X-ray systems to give better image to treatment. The combined PET/CT scan may also reduce the number of additional Dr Ronny Veljanovski is part of a research radiopharmaceutical tracer that has been injected into the body. Because quality by increasing the contrast in the images they produce,” he says. “This will imaging tests and other procedures a patient needs. team developing technology that will assist in the early detection of cancer.

20 21 Wehazit Haile and Adil Mohamed share their experiences and aspirations TOS TEXA as part of a growing number of African students at Victoria University. PANE RT RSHIPS

At first glance, the University of Texas in El Paso (UTEP) appears to have little in The relationship moved from conversation to action to create systematic responses common with Victoria University. One is located in a North American desert close to benefit our students,” says Young. to the Mexican border, and the other on the opposite side of the world in one of Australia’s busiest cities. Last year, VU formed a team to scope future joint opportunities to improve the learning experiences of disadvantaged students. It developed five University- But that is where the differences end. wide strategies, such as offering them job opportunities on campus so they can earn where they learn. A ‘students as staff’ program now provides around 100 Both were founded nearly 100 years ago to educate a working class – UTEP as students with paid jobs at VU. the Texas State School of Mines and Metallurgy, and VU as the Footscray Institute of Technology. Both also have large populations of students from non-English- The two institutes have also exchanged ideas about boosting academic support speaking backgrounds: more than 100 nationalities are represented at VU, by incorporating centres for student writing, maths and technology within their while UTEP is the largest university in the US with a majority Hispanic student libraries. population. Joint activities that directly link students from each country are also taking place. But perhaps most importantly, both share a commitment to the ideals of access The Global Learning Community pilot project saw students from VU’s Diploma and excellence, attracting large numbers of students from modest backgrounds of Liberal Arts and UTEP’s 1301 Entering Students Program collaborating via – often the first in their families to go to university – and providing them with a video-conference while studying common issues of cultural diversity, migration, quality education. settlement and dislocation.

The two universities began collaborating in 2005 and signed a multi-faceted They were assessed by their home institutions through their contributions to a Memorandum of Understanding in October 2007. The MOU focused on developing social networking space created for the project. This year, five students from each programs that would further widen access to learning and build bridges between university will switch universities for a semester of study and work. the students of both institutions. out “VU and UTEP students are using this class to experience life and culture in VU COLLEGE VU College Dean Susan Young says that in recent years delegations have crossed different countries through a structured learning program, using technology and in the Pacific in both directions to strengthen the partnership and to create global conjunction with their new global learning partners,” says Young. Adil Mohamed, 58, uses ‘cultural activist’ as his title. It’s a jarring label, but one that Wehazit Haile, 30, from Eritrea, decided she never wanted to be dependent on learning experiences for their respective students. helps explain the mammoth barriers he has overcome to get where he is today. anyone again. After a forced marriage at age 15 and three children before she ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT was 20, Haile came to Australia five years ago as a determined single mum. He speaks about the imprisonment and torture he endured in Sudan due to his She steadily progressed through foundation courses and adult VCE, focusing next role as a writer and opposition politician in the same matter-of-fact manner as an on VU TAFE courses in financial services. Haile’s goal is to earn a VU degree in Australian might mention the flu. banking and business within the next three years. Mohamed’s interest in cultural awareness as a medium for social connection is “It has been a challenge to do this, but I am very motivated and am showing my a key part of his present life. Less than a decade after arriving in Australia as a children what is possible with hard work,” she says. non-English-speaking refugee, Mohamed is now working toward his PhD at VU. His thesis is an examination of the way the identities of his fellow Sudanese are Majok Doong, 32, from Sudan, has been learning accounting at VU since 2002. developed and expressed once they arrive in Australia, in particular their sense of Apart from his studies, Doong is passionate about helping other new arrivals, displacement, conflicting values and loss. especially young people. He runs the New Sudanese Youth Association, helping young migrants enrol in language classes and youth activities. Doong feels “My dream of doing studies in my home country was disrupted, but here I can fortunate he has found work at a logistics company because it gives him hope progress with much support,” he says. “Sometimes I feel the teachers at VU are about bringing his parents to Australia. beyond teachers – they act more like social workers, advocates and friends.” “Many of my teachers have worked with me one-to-one and I can say that VU has VU enrols many students from overseas, but those from Africa frequently arrive helped me build my future,” he says. with complex backgrounds similar to Mohamed’s. Culturally, economically and politically many find themselves in an alien world in Australia, some experiencing Like Mohamed, the participants in the Harambe Conversations displayed incredible city life and urban values for the first time. dedication to their studies, knowing the opportunities education provides. Students from Africa – in particular those from Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Mohamed says he is like a new man in Australia, especially after recently learning Liberia – are an increasing portion of VU enrolments. African-born students now his masters’ study had been upgraded to a PhD, and with the imminent birth of comprise about five per cent of VU’s student population, but many second- his first child. generation students of African descent don’t show up in that statistic. “My knowledge has been broadened and my choices in life are multiplied because Through the University’s Concurrent Assistance program, VU College recently I am here.” held an open conversation and lunch at an Ethiopian restaurant near Footscray VU and UTEP share a commitment Nicholson Campus. Dubbed the ‘Harambe Conversations,’ the event was a chance ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT to the ideals of education access. for some of VU’s African students to share their experiences and aspirations. BARRY GARNER

22 23 MINDS COMMUNITY

A stroll through multicultural central Footscray in the heart of Melbourne’s west is African shopkeeper Nimat Mohamed says her decision to subdivide and lease part like walking through a crowded bazaar in Addis Ababa. Clusters of colourful shops of her variety shop as a result of the seminars helped boost her profits and focus abound, filled with handmade carpets, traditional clothing, polished tea sets and a her product lines. dizzying range of other African and Middle Eastern imports. The SIFE program has been running at VU since 2007, attracting up to 25 Most passers-by would not see beyond this fascinating collection of exotica. But students each year, mainly second or third-year Business and Law students. The most passers-by wouldn’t have the same business sense and community spirit as students work in teams to develop two or three community service projects a year the Victoria University students from the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) club. with the help of executive-level business mentors. They devote about two hours a week to their projects outside of their regular studies. The program is voluntary, The students – all volunteers from the Faculty of Business and Law seeking but participants get academic credit for their involvement. real-life projects outside their studies – saw immediate opportunities when they examined the way African retail businesses in the area operated. They decided to Club members also have the chance to showcase and be judged on their projects team up with the shops’ owners to offer them advice as one of their SIFE projects. in national and international competitions. The venture with Footscray’s African Prospective student Giramachew Kebede gets shopkeepers received a national merit award last year in competition with SIFE advice with VU’s Community Gateways. Established more than 30 years ago in the US, the club now includes around clubs from 20 other Australian universities. 36,000 university students from all over the world who design, fund, deliver and document community service projects on top of their regular studies. “We’re very proud of our students’ performance and the contribution this project made in connecting us with the western region of Melbourne,” says Professor John VU SIFE president Gavin Draper, a third-year Bachelor of Business student Breen, deputy dean of the Faculty of Business and Law. specialising in entrepreneurship says the VU SIFE team believed they could GATEWAY improve some of the business practices of the African shopkeepers. VU SIFE vice-president Tim Baxter says the program offers other benefits besides COMMUNITY the satisfaction of participating in meaningful community projects. “Many of the traders were selling identical products to each other, borrowing from their families instead of banks, and closing their businesses for extended periods “We have access to some of Australia’s top executives and get to network with business Nineteen-year-old Giramachew Kebede had his heart set “This service reduces the barriers to accessing career western region. It can provide three levels of service to take holidays,” says Draper. “By giving them the right information and ideas, people with 30 or 40 years’ experience. They can give us one-on-one advice about real- on a career as an automotive spray painter. But three counselling and encourages the participation of depending upon the location and needs of the many have been able to improve the way they run their businesses.” life projects, and that’s something we just can’t get in the classroom.” months into his apprenticeship the Yarraville resident students in university from non-traditional university community. developed an allergy to the chemicals in the paint. backgrounds,” says Mountford. For information about VU’s SIFE program: www.business.vu.edu.au/current_ • Level 1 – Course information for prospective The team of eight students arranged seminars for the shopkeepers at VU’s nearby Footscray Nicholson Campus. These covered topics such as marketing, finance, students/sife.asp “I couldn’t finish my course,” says Kebede. “Since then VU has established a partnership with the GPT Group, students and parents; individual and group career taxation and merchandising. Expert volunteer speakers included VU professors and I’ve been doing some work and thinking about my managers of the Highpoint Shopping Centre, which counselling, advice on pathways and referrals to a member of state parliament. ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT options.” provides the Community Gateways with six weeks’ appropriate education and training providers. prime mall space annually. In mid January the So when Kebede stumbled across Victoria University’s Gateways’ team spent two weeks at the centre and • Level 2 – English language and numeracy portable career and courses advice booth at Highpoint spoke to 250 people. assessment; recognition of prior learning Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong, he used the competency assessment with referral to gap opportunity to start exploring his study options. “We saw a huge range of people with a variety of training courses within VU. interests,” says Mountford. “Some wanted guidance “It’s really convenient to walk past a booth at the about upgrading their skills, some about changing • Level 3 – Provision of short courses, general and shopping centre and find somebody to talk to,” he says. professions and some about returning to do the degree further education programs and referral through pathways to VU and other providers. VU’s portable course and career advice booth, called the or diploma they’ve always postponed.” Community Gateways, is a new VU initiative to broaden The booth is staffed by professional VU career VU is currently developing other ways of delivering the the way educators connect with people in the western counsellors offering study and career advice to a broad Community Gateways service to the wider community. region of Melbourne. The Gateways delivers a service for audience, including retirees, the unemployed, migrants As well as the transportable careers booth, a permanent people, who for a variety of reasons might not seek out and career-changers. Mountford says the information in-situ location has been included in designs for VU’s future-planning information. Some people feel unsure available was not just about courses offered by VU. student precinct in Flinders Arcade in the CBD. The about visiting a university campus, while others are not University is also purchasing a vehicle to be repurposed particularly mobile and prefer to stay in their local area. “This service is not a course promoter for VU. People as a mobile Community Gateways. It will be used to using our service are given information matched to deliver off-campus workshops, career counselling or Community Gateways Project Manager Christine their interests and needs which may relate to other group activities. Mountford says the service helps overcome these issues universities or trainers.” by providing a familiar space where people can enquire Find out more about the Community Gateways: about local training opportunities, careers advice and The Community Gateways will be at Highpoint again in www.vu.edu.au/future-students/community-Gateways find information about courses or skills assessment. May and December this year and will move around to Phone 03 9919 6100 Nimat Mohamed, owner of the Nimat Variety Shop, with VU SIFE various community locations within Melbourne’s president Gavin Draper (centre) and VU SIFE vice-president Tim Baxter. CANDICE NEUMANN

24 25 Bottom left: Representatives of VU’s Indigenous staff: Mat Jakobi, Karen Adams, Tony McCartney, Joseph Murphet, Davina Woods, Marlon Booth and Sue Madden. THE WALK Below: Mariah Charles, 9, at ‘Reconciliation Rocks’, an event held last May at Iramoo Sustainable Community Centre to celebrate Indigenous culture. EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Indigenous Australians know first-hand how public figures to Living Yannoneit. “We are proud to have students and The publication also provides an overview and update can talk up schemes that benefit the descendants of staff from over 100 nationalities and cultural backgrounds. on the strategy’s 16 key recommendations, including Australia’s first people.R espect for the traditional owners increasing the number of Indigenous employees at VU to of the land underpins nearly every public speech given in “The University recognises that proactive action is needed two per cent of all staff by the end of 2013 (this figure Victoria, yet outcomes for Indigenous Australians remain to ensure Indigenous Australians are properly represented.” represents the percentage of Indigenous Australians within skewed towards unemployment, low levels of education Living Yannoneit is the brainchild of the University’s the broader community). and poverty. Indigenous Employment Co-ordinator, Marlon Booth. Booth says the University should be extremely proud of Seven years ago, Victoria University made a commitment Hailing from Central Queensland, Booth was brought up what has been achieved so far. to undertake measures aimed at improving the lives of on Woorabinda Aboriginal Reserve in an area he says was Indigenous people – chiefly through the recruitment of ‘bypassed’ by the 20th century. “Our successes are adding up,” he says. “We now have a Indigenous staff. dedicated Indigenous Community Liaison Officer focused Booth’s career developed while working at Aboriginal on attracting new Indigenous staff and supporting those The University’s 2005 Indigenous Employment and Hostels Limited, a Federal Government agency that who are already here. The Moondani Balluk Academic Career Development Strategy, introduced best-practice provides culturally appropriate, temporary accommodation Unit, under the leadership of Acting Director Karen Jackson, policymaking designed to improve the VU’s relationship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. For more (VU’s longest serving Indigenous employee) continues to with the local Indigenous community. than two decades he travelled Australia, developing a support understanding, respect and inclusion of Indigenous sophisticated national perspective of the diversity of culture. And in 2009 we initiated a program for Indigenous This was not an over-zealous attempt at affirmative Indigenous people and their circumstances. After moving childcare students, enabling them to study while working action but a carefully considered action plan based on the to Victoria in 1996, Booth established strong connections at the campus’ childcare centres.” University’s broader commitment to improving the lives with the local Indigenous community, prior to joining VU of all members of the community, with a focus on people in 2005. There are now almost 30 Indigenous staff employed living in Melbourne’s west. across VU, and Booth is optimistic the University will “My role is to promote the employment of Indigenous achieve its target of 50 by 2013. In 2006, to honour the local Wurundjeri people and keep Australians, while assisting managers to find and create alive their Woiwurrung language, VU renamed the strategy opportunities for Indigenous people,” says Booth. “I am “VU is playing an important role in improving outcomes ‘Yannoneit’ – meaning ‘to walk’ or ‘come walk’. By using also responsible for co-ordinating and implementing the for the Indigenous community in Melbourne’s west,” the word Yannoneit, VU is symbolically inviting Indigenous recommendations outlined in Yannoneit.” says Booth. “It is generally acknowledged that increased Australians to join its mission to transform the lives of Indigenous employment at universities leads to an increase individuals, and develop industry and communities through One of the major challenges in implementing Yannoneit’s in Indigenous student enrolments. the power of education. recommendations is communicating its benefits to senior managers and external partners, as well as Indigenous “Creating the opportunities for people to have a good The publication, Living Yannoneit, showcases VU’s people who may otherwise believe VU is paying lip service job and a good education are the first steps towards achievements over the past five years in delivering its to its claims of supporting the Indigenous community. alleviating the disadvantage and associated problems Yannoneit strategy. faced by Indigenous Australians.” “In Living Yannoneit, we introduce some of the 23 “Victoria University is the largest education provider and Indigenous staff recruited since the strategy was CRAIG SCUTT employer in the western suburbs of Melbourne,” says Vice- introduced. Hearing their stories is a great way to see what Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Harman in her introduction Yannoneit means in real, human terms,” says Booth.

26 27 VU law students Abdoullah Fakhouri, Emre Ozgezici and Robbert Roos are providing young people in Melbourne’s west with legal advice. EDDIE THE ENGINEER? OPINION

A khtar Kalam reflects on the effect the drought of Engineers Australia – the largest and most diverse Industry, universities and professional bodies must do engineers is having on Australia and why so few professional body for engineers in Australia – estimates more partnering with schools in projects that go beyond young people are choosing engineering as we now have a shortfall of about 28,000 engineers. science fairs and competitions. We need more innovative a profession. And it will only get worse with up to 30,000 baby- problem-based learning at all levels of education, more boom-aged engineers set to retire over the next decade. industry placements, more scholarships and more A well-known television serial for young people last year Compare that to China, which graduates between engineering centres for excellence. introduced a lesbian couple into its storyline. Presenting 250,000 to 600,000 engineers each year. such characters during prime-time viewing has polarised Any strategy to attract young people should also look at viewers as either unnecessarily confronting, or as a The number of Australia’s engineering graduates per boosting the status of engineers and addressing the de- genuine reflection of our modern society. Either way, this million lags well behind many other OECD countries, professionalism of engineering caused by the increased kind of programming is a powerful way of influencing a including Singapore, Korea, Japan, Finland, Denmark, use of technicians in jobs that were previously carried out target audience to think in new ways. Taiwan, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, by professional engineers. Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Norway and France. Much less provocative an issue for the next generation of The shortage of professional engineers is not just working Australians is the skills gap that is increasingly Skilled migration offers, at best, a short-term, partial an education problem, or an economic problem, widening in this country, in particular, in engineering. solution. Australia cannot continue to rely on migrant or an industry problem. The solutions will only be engineers into the future if it is to maintain any kind found through co-ordination at the highest levels A strategy to introduce ‘Eddie the Engineer’ as a of competitive edge. The gap is already threatening of government, and the involvement of all levels of character on the types of programs popular among growth in government infrastructure, delaying essential education, industry and technology. JUSTICE young people could only help attract students to and urgent projects in water and transport, and LAW engineering studies at university. Even better, ‘Emily the compromising our day-to-day quality of life. Australian Engineering Week (2-6 August 2010) is one Engineer’ could encourage young women into the field. way to draw public awareness to the profession and For a few days each week, a select group of Victoria In return, the law students gain invaluable practical Fakhouri cites a recent ‘great win’ involving a It is well documented that many secondary school promote engineering as a career of choice. There is little doubt the profession needs a major University law students leave VU’s grand Queen Street experience with real clients and real cases. homeless refugee teenager who had fallen in with a students are just too scared of the hard-core maths and public relations facelift. Engineering as a career choice But thinking outside the square a little, perhaps we could law building in the heart of the city’s legal district and bad group and charged with six offences, including science subjects to consider a career in engineering. has consistently lost out to law, medicine, commerce, also start by introducing at least a few engineers into our cross town to the Sunshine Youth Legal Centre, part of Program co-ordinator and law lecturer Abdul Rahman speeding and driving without a licence. The VU But how did they get to that point? In the early years veterinarian science and trades like carpentry and cookery popular culture. an imposing red-brick building built in the 1930s. The Mohamed Saleh says students selected for placement students were able to get all six charges waived, giving of their schooling we need to find new ways to expose – all of which are interestingly reflected in our TV culture. building, a former industrial bulk store, was recently must have an absolute commitment to the program as him a second chance at a better life in his new country. students to exciting projects and show them how they are seen as VU ambassadors. transformed into the Visy Cares Hub, a one-stop- Perhaps some of the reason for ignoring the engineer critically important engineers are to our economy and The centre’s clinical legal supervisor, Judith Dredge, service for the area’s young people. lies in the relative lack of contact engineers have with way of life. “Most law schools don’t offer this kind of first-hand says she gets more satisfaction seeing the students the general community compared to these other careers. The third and fourth-year law students go to the centre training,” says Saleh. “So once they get out there gain authentic experience by helping other young At universities, the demand for engineering courses [graduate], they are steps ahead of other law to help disadvantaged and troubled young people from people than she did from her decades as a high- Yet industry has been crying out for qualified civil, is in decline and many first-year engineering places graduates. Melbourne’s west access justice. powered city lawyer. electrical and mining engineers for years, and is remain unfilled. There is a perception that engineering prepared to pay top salaries to get them. It is too easy is not a lucrative career, but that is far from the truth. Volunteering their services, the students spend up to Third-year law student Abdoullah Fakhouri says “Working here allows the students to test their ideas to oversimplify this as being a recent outcome of our Engineering graduates are among the first employed and 12 hours a week over five months assisting 16 to 25 working at the centre has been better than he about justice and the law,” says Dredge. “Many of unprecedented resources boom, led by China’s demand best paid of all university graduates – earning about year olds with legal advice. Their cases may range expected. our clients require ‘therapeutic justice’ and diversion for raw materials to feed its manufacturing industries. $45,000 in their first job. So why are so few students from speeding tickets to theft charges. They could be programs, rather than just to be thrown into the “The cases challenge you because these are real Demand for engineers has been strong everywhere in opting for this noble profession? victims of crime themselves, require intervention orders system.” people, not textbook examples,” says Fakhouri. “And Australia, despite the global financial crisis. to manage domestic violence, or have questions about you gain confidence in a supported setting. At the The law students receive credits towards their learning- Dr Akhtar Kalam is a Professor in Electrical their rights at work or as a tenant. Sometimes they are But there is no way that we can expect to satisfy that same time, we need to be on the ball and ensure we in-the-workplace study requirements. They keep Engineering at Victoria University. referred; sometimes they just walk in the door. demand when fewer than 6000 engineers graduate are doing everything correctly and maintaining ethical reflective journals about their cases, which form the from Australian universities each year. Under supervision, the students conduct interviews, practice.” basis of their assessment. research legal procedures, draft documents, and Many of the young people who come to the centre are Sunshine Youth Legal Centre: 03 9091 8200. negotiate with third parties including insurance identified as offenders who should be given a second companies and police. If the matter goes to court, the chance. ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT students can help arrange pro-bono representation.

28 29 EVENTS B OOKS Spineless Nutshell: Tax Law By Bronwen Scott By Michael Spisto Published by Allen & Unwin Published by Thompson April June Publishing Australian homes and backyards 18 NURSING AND HEALTH EXPO 18 MELTON CAREERS EXPO Australia’s leading nursing and health expo. This event showcases a range of career and further are abuzz with wildlife: possums This book offers a concise account Royal Exhibition building, Carlton www.rcna.org.au education information. in the roof, ants in the cupboards, of a complex field. Perfect as a 6.00pm Melton Shire Community Hall frogs in the ponds and spiders pre-reader, study aid or exam 23–25H T E AGE VCE AND CAREERS EXPO on the walls. Spineless is a preparation tool, it provides an Over 150 exhibitors including career and study advice, and seminars. July useful little book written by an overview of the main features of Caulfield Racecourse www.vceandcareers.com.au 13 BUSINESS BREAKFAST CLUB – ALUMNI invertebrate zoologist that will taxation law, complete with case 26 2 AprIL– May Learn how to start your small business or keep it thriving. help readers identify and cultivate summaries, legislative provisions, WILLIAMSTOWN LITERARY FESTIVAL 7.30am Email [email protected] pals while banishing pests. tables, and solid explanations. A VU-sponsored community event. This is an essential text when www.willylitfest.org.au 30 July–1 AUG quick, clear answers are required. MELBOURNE CAREER EXPO This premier event showcases the finest educational institutions and May employers, with a focus on current growth industries. 11 BUSINESS BREAKFAST CLUB – ALUMNI Melbourne Exhibition Centre www.careerexpo.com.au Learn how to start your small business or keep it thriving. Passion Play – Tom Wills – His Spectacular 7.30am Email [email protected] August Love, Hope and Heartbreak at Rise and Fall 13–14 WRICA CAREERS & EMPLOYMENT EXPO 8U V OPEN DAY the Footy By Greg de Moore The biggest careers and education expo in the west. Discover VU’s exceptional teaching and learning facilities and courses By Matthew Klugman Published by Allen & Unwin Wyndman Leisure and Events Centre and meet with current and past students, staff and researchers. Published by Hunter Publishers This is the story of Tom Wills: www.wrica.net/careers_&_employment_expo 10.00am–4.00pm VU Footscray Park Campus There’s something about Australian flawed genius, sporting libertine, 21–22 N ATIONAL CAREERS AND EMPLOYMENT EXPO Rules football that drives fans to fearless leader and agitator, and M elbourne Exhibition Centre Phone 1300 667 121 madness. Passion Play journeys man most often credited with 27 PROJECT MANAGEMENT MASTER CLASS – ALUMNI For more student, staff and alumni events visit into the world of footy mania and creating the game we now know Network with industry professionals about the Project Management sector. www.vu.edu.au/events the love and suffering at its heart. as Australian Rules Football. Email [email protected] Drawing on the experiences of Greg de Moore has carefully fans, this book follows the annual pieced together this extraordinary quest for the premiership in all its portrait of the life and times of horror and glory. one of our first sporting heroes.

VU FACTS Killing: Misadventures in Violence International Journal of By Jeff Sparrow Actor-Network Theory and ENROLLED STUDENTS AWARDS PRESENTED STAFF GENERAL ENQUIRIES Current student population: 51,280 Total awards 2009: 15,321 Total: 2532; Academics: 620; PHONE +61 3 9919 4000 Published by Melbourne University Technological Innovation Higher education: 22,423 Higher education: 5201 General: 1361; TAFE teaching: 523 Press By Arthur Tatnall International student enquiries TAFE: 28,857 TAFE: 10,120 Senior management: 28 Published by IGI Global Publishing PHONE +61 3 9919 1164 Ninety years after World War I, Postgraduate: 4595 Doctorates: 72 (USA) CAMPUSES AND SITES EMAIL [email protected] police in a Victorian country town Apprenticeships and traineeships: 4163 SCHOLARSHIPS City Flinders Alumni relations uncover the mummified head of This groundbreaking new journal International students total: 14,681 VU funded Equity Scholarships City King PHONE +61 3 9919 1017 a Turkish soldier, a bullet-ridden covers a range of topics related to Offshore: 9766 Total: 355; Value: $375,000 City Queen (site) EMAIL [email protected] souvenir of a returning Gallipoli actor-network theory and its use Onshore: 4915 Footscray Nicholson FACULTIES www.vu.edu.au/alumni ANZAC. This macabre discovery as a means of exploring socio- Footscray Park Living in western region of Melbourne Arts, Education and Human Development sets the author on a compassionate technical phenomena relating to Newport Total: 23,876 Business and Law Melton quest through history and across the the implementation and use of Higher education: 7098 Health, Engineering and Science St Albans world to understand the nature of information and communication TAFE: 16,778 Technical and Trades Innovation Sunshine deadly violence. technologies. Workforce Development Werribee VU College

30 31 ART

A RTIST/STUDENT: R ochelle Duke COUE: RS Diploma of Visual Art TITLE: ‘Pink and Green’ DATE: 2009 M EDIA: Oil, pencil and acrylic www.vu.edu.au C RICOS Provider No. 00124K