FREE Publication Adelaidean NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE Volume 14 • Number 8 • October 2005

inside this issue 4 Taking control of pain Sky’s the limit for architecture student

8 Dinning out on the Dunstan lagacy

10 X-ray vision goes underground

11 Students exhibit engineering future

3 Students the winners in teaching revolution Psychology 7 Tooth decay a real-life drama It can be described as Australia’s For example, people who “adjust” “I also wanted to explore the “silent epidemic”: thousands of and learn to live with the pain, rather link between chronic pain and people suffering from chronic pain than waiting until it goes, are much depression, and whether suffering 11 and being unable to fully control more successful in living relatively from one condition led to suffering their lives as a result. normal lives and are also much less from the other.” Flautists take Europe by storm likely to suffer from depression. New research from the University Dr Steen found that there may be of Adelaide is casting light on the “Chronic pain is a huge problem high levels of depression among 13 impact chronic pain has, particularly across the world, and Australia is people with chronic pain, and its association with depression. no exception,” Dr Steen said. “For that health professionals need to Upgrade to make Wine continue to be more aware of the Centre of attention For her PhD with the University’s example, in the US alone, nearly half psychological consequences of Department of Psychology, Dr Della a million work days are lost every chronic pain. Steen studied a group of more than year as a result of chronic pain, at a 100 people with chronic back pain cost of approximately US$150 billion “One in three people with chronic who had not been involved with a in related health care. It is estimated pain that I studied had symptoms of pain-clinic treatment program. that the impact of chronic pain in depression – but it is diffi cult to say Australia and other Western nations conclusively whether the chronic She examined her subjects from a is on a similar scale. pain led to the depression, or vice- cognitive-behavioural approach: that versa,” she said. is, how people’s beliefs and thoughts “I was interested in how people might shape the impact chronic pain adjust to chronic pain – why do some can have on their lives. people adjust, and others don’t? continued on page 6 Adelaidean

Adelaidean has a readership of more than 30,500 per month – 12,500 in print and 18,000 online Editor: Ben Osborne Design and Layout: Chris Tonkin Writers Howard Salkow Lisa Reid From the Vice-Chancellor Ben Osborne

Media student writer: The University of Adelaide is regularly recognised for the in all fi ve categories. It is also interesting to consider Jasna Rojevic contribution it makes to society. Often this recognition is in the categories in which we were successful: Research Contributors the form of awards or prizes given to our staff, students or and Leadership (Professor Peter Rathjen), Excellence in Elizabeth Grant the University as a whole, and a fl urry of awards in recent Research for Commercial Outcomes (SA Cereal Breeding Elizabeth Koch weeks perfectly illustrates the impact we continue to make Team at our Waite Campus) and Excellence in Research Natalie Townsend Dani Raymond across a wide range of areas. for Public Good (in association with SARDI). Our young scientists also performed well in the South Australian Printed by: At the 2005 Business SA Export Awards, we were Tall Poppy Science Awards, winning fi ve out of the eight Lane Print Group recognised twice for our international achievements. The available awards. This strong showing is encouraging, Tel: +61 8 8179 9900 fi rst award was the Education Adelaide Education Award, Fax: +61 8 8376 1044 given that these are predominantly early career researchers given for our strong international focus on students, staff Email: [email protected] who will undoubtedly make further contributions in their Web: www.laneprint.com.au and the wider University community. Had we received this chosen fi elds. Distribution: award on its own, we would have been quite pleased – but Lane Print Group to cap off the night, we also received the most prestigious The State Government also recognised our staff and Passing Out Distribution Co. award on offer, the Premier’s Award for Excellence and High volunteers at the Urrbrae House historic precinct, awarding Advertising: Achievement in Exporting. them the Heritage Volunteers category of the Edmund Wright Heritage Awards. This is a prestigious award and KRL Media To win this award – which effectively makes us “Exporter Tel: +61 8 8231 5433 one especially pleasing to receive, as the time and effort of the Year” – ahead of all the other worthy nominees from Fax: +61 8 8212 1238 put in by the many volunteers and staff creates a strong Email: [email protected] South Australian industry and business is an exceptional engagement with the local community and helps to preserve performance. It reinforces that while we are based locally, Coming Events: one of the University’s most historic landmarks. All coming events must be University of we are unquestionably a global player in education. It Adelaide related and of public interest. shows that we offer a world-class education product in Awards are one way of quantifying what we do at the Please send details of events via email to: Adelaide which attracts thousands of students from more University of Adelaide. There are many other ways, and [email protected] than 80 countries around the world. And it highlights the simply because we don’t receive awards in some category Deadline for November issue excellent work of our staff in providing a quality teaching and or area doesn’t automatically mean we don’t do that Monday, October 10 learning environment for international students. It is a great particular thing well. Nor does winning awards change what Room G07 Mitchell Building, result and one of which we should all feel proud. we want to do as a University: delivering the best outcomes South Australia, 5005. for our students and graduates, and providing a stimulating The Elder Conservatorium of Music also received its own Tel: +61 8 8303 5414 and nurturing environment for our staff. Receiving awards, Fax: +61 8 8303 4829 prestigious award recently. It won a Classical Music Award however, does show that we are successfully engaging Email: [email protected] from the Australian Music Centre and the Australasian with the community and society around us, and that they www.adelaide.edu.au/adelaidean Performing Rights Association for its contribution to recognise and appreciate what we do. Material may be reproduced without Australian music, and in particular, for its presentation of new permission but acknowledgement must be given to the Adelaidean. Australian works alongside major works of Beethoven during Registered by Australia Post No the 2004 Adelaide Festival. The Conservatorium is another 565001/00046 example of a local entity having an increasingly wide impact, and I congratulate all its students and staff. Our scientists, too, continue to garner numerous accolades. We were successful in three out of the fi ve categories in JAMES A. McWHA the Premier’s Science Awards, as well as having fi nalists Vice-Chancellor

Inaugural Lectures Community Engagement

The University of Adelaide Library Professor of Creative Writing, Professor the Winning Wheel” and will look at hosts a shortened – but just as Nick Jose, will give the fi rst lecture on the common elements among high- power-packed – series of Inaugural Wednesday, October 5. Professor performing Australian businesses. Lectures this month. Jose’s lecture is titled “A Shelf Of Our Own”, and will examine the traditions Head of the School of Social Sciences, Given by recently-appointed and current state of reading and Professor John Gray, will give the Professors to the University, the writing in Australia. third and fi nal lecture on Wednesday, lectures are free, open to the public October 19. His lecture is titled and showcase the diversity of Head of the Adelaide Graduate School “Domestic Mandala: Houses and the research and teaching occurring of Business, Professor Graham Cosmos in Nepal” and will look at at Adelaide. All lectures begin at Hubbard, will give the second lecture how high caste Hindus in Nepal use 4.15pm in the Ira Raymond Room on Wednesday, October 12. His commonplace domestic activities as of the Barr Smith Library, with light lecture is titled “Characteristics of ways of building and understanding refreshments available afterwards. Winning Organsiations in Australia: their concept of the cosmos.

Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 2 Students the winners in teaching revolution

“We also put a very real emphasis “Through the Graduate Certifi cate John Willison and Lynn Rogers Teaching on our students taking leadership in Higher Education, I have seen my Photo by Ben Osborne roles back in their school or teaching change from being refl ective department, to help ensure that what to being interactive and that is A revolution in academic culture is has been learnt is carried back into benefi ting the way my students think being spearheaded by the University the courses for the benefi t of all about learning as an active process,” together, but teaching comes fi rst of Adelaide’s Centre for Learning and University of Adelaide students. We she said. - otherwise we wouldn’t be here.” Professional Development. help to develop leadership skills and “They are changing from being To add to the opportunities at the “Even before the course has turned this forms part of the assessment for recipients of facts to being University of Adelaide to develop out its fi rst graduate, we are seeing the course.” independent and lifelong learners. teaching excellence, there is the the course affecting the lecture new Graduate Certifi cate in Online and tutorial rooms at University of Lynn Rogers, who in 1995 was the “When I fi rst heard about the Learning (Higher Education), Adelaide, as academics integrate the fi rst teacher in science at Adelaide to Graduate Certifi cate, I plunged in commencing Semester 1, 2006. This new techniques they are learning into be recognised with a Stephen Cole feet-fi rst. I’ve loved every minute program will be conducted in an their teaching work,” said Dr John the Elder Prize, is about to complete of it and will continue after I have online environment and encourage Willison, Lecturer in the Graduate the course in teaching and learning. fi nished my studies, by participating in an informal network of teachers the integration of face-to-face Certifi cate in Education (Higher Ms Rogers teaches fi rst and second- who have done the course, or who teaching with online modes. Education). year Science and Medical students are interested in sharing their To learn more about teaching at the “The course takes academics on a and her workload is dedicated teaching experiences. University of Adelaide, visit the CLPD journey from being experts in their full-time to teaching. She has been website at www.adelaide.edu.au/clpd discipline, to becoming experts in the teaching at the University of Adelaide “Teaching is really my passion. I education of their discipline. for 18 years. think teaching and research go Story by Lisa Reid Our newest export: awards!

“South Australia becoming an education centre student load while the corresponding fi gure for all is part of the State Strategic Plan, with the State Australian universities was 8.5%. Government seeking to double the levels of overseas Achievement “International students from the University of Adelaide students within 10 years,” said University Vice- not only inject many hundreds of millions of dollars Chancellor Professor James McWha after the awards. into the economy annually, they take fond memories The University of Adelaide took out the Premier’s “It is appropriate that the University of Adelaide back home with them and become ambassadors for Award for excellence and high achievement in is leading the charge to make South Australia an our State throughout their business lives, which has exporting at the Business SA Export Awards recently. international education centre of excellence.” great potential effects for our economy over a long period,” Professor McWha said. It also won the Education Adelaide education award The University of Adelaide currently has students category for outstanding export achievement in the and staff from more than 80 countries and has All winners of Business SA export awards go on to fi eld of education services, facilities, expertise and outperformed the tertiary sector in international the Australian Export Awards, held in Sydney on curriculum. growth, achieving a 24.7% increase in its international Thursday, December 1.

3 Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 | Adelaidean Sky’s the limit for architecture student

A University of Adelaide student’s plans for suburban Adelaide have won her Architecture recognition all the way from America. Sky Allen received an Honour in the Analysis and Planning section of the American Society of Landscape Architects’ 2005 Student Awards. The fi nal-year student from the University’s School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design was the only fi nalist from outside of North America. Her project, titled Urban Infrastructure Strategy: Phased Neighbourhood Retrofi t, puts forward the possibilities for the Bowden-Brompton area in Adelaide for the next 50 years. “The area is close to the city, and while it is currently quite industrial, its location and underused land means it is likely to be embraced as a more residential location in the near future,” Sky said. “I think it is important for landscape architects to be involved in the evolution of areas like this and to come up with active uses for public recreation areas including permaculture, or considered for multiple uses, rather than just recreation or car-parks. “It’s also important to look at creating new public spaces as an area moves from industrial to mixed use.” Sky’s lecturer, Mr Gale Fulton, encouraged students to enter the competition in order to get an idea of where their work sat in relation to other students. “I entered my fi nal project for the landscape architecture degree, which is a studio where we are given the opportunity to push an agenda or area of personal interest,” she said. “I’m really interested in the challenges of retrofi tting and renewing urban areas, and the challenges of managing their evolution.” Sky is doing a double degree in Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Across this semester, she will complete her architecture fi nal project, where she has zoomed in on an industrial property in the Bowden-Brompton area for detailed design. Upon completion of her degree, Sky will take up a graduate position with Brisbane City Council. “Brisbane City Council has one million residents – it is one council the size of the whole of Adelaide,” she said. “During my two years there, working as a landscape architect, I will get to work across a variety of projects, putting into practice the theories I have learned while studying at University of Adelaide. I’m really excited.” Sky Allen Photo by Ben Osborne Story by Lisa Reid

Interested in medical research but confused by the jargon? Our young researchers will tell you the latest in everyday language

Guest speaker A/Prof Michael James, “Drug development: Where commerce meets ethics”

6 – 9pm November 2nd oung Art Gallery of South Australia, North Terrace No cost but bookings essential Investigator RSVP by October 26th Award Phone 8161 7165 or email [email protected] An initiative of the Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide Excellence in science and communication 2005 www.health.adelaide.edu.au/yia2005/ Bringing women’s and children’s health research to the public

Gold sponsor Silver sponsors Bronze Sponsor Sponsor Media sponsor

Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 4 Students tackle Aboriginal housing issues hands-on

(far left) Third-year medical student Sam McGinness, third-year architecture student Ed Mitchell and fi rst-year architecture student Nelson Lee talk to local Davenport children (left) Nelson Lee and Sam McGinness conducting a house survey (above) First-year architecture student Tracey Gajewski and fi rst-year medical student Jared Panario with some new friends

Over three days, students visited Students also organised a community Medicine/Architecture every Davenport house, and after barbeque and met with other receiving the consent of the resident, stakeholders such as Pika Wiya interviewed them, surveyed the and Nunkunwarrin Yunti Aboriginal working condition of the house and Health Services, and the Spencer fi xed its non-functioning elements. Gulf Rural Health School at Port Architecture and medical students The subject enables undergraduate The data gathered during the survey Augusta. at the University of Adelaide have students in the Bachelors of both will be used with the results from joined forces for an innovative new Medicine and Design Studies to work “All the stakeholder groups are other surveys by government to form project which could lead to a better collaboratively, learn professional very keen to meet and encourage a national picture of the condition of understanding of the housing issues consulting skills and develop an the students. The benefi ts of Aboriginal community housing. faced by Australia’s indigenous understanding of the importance of working with other practitioners are population. housing to health outcomes. Associate Professor Jonathon immense,” said Ms Grant. Newbury from the School of Medicine A new subject called Healthy Working with the Aboriginal Housing “Students can observe that said: “It’s a unique opportunity for Environments and taught by Authority and supported by a team within professional life, medical students to have experiences of an Architecture Lecturer Elizabeth of plumbers, electricians, data practitioners, health care Aboriginal community while doing Grant has allowed students from both analysts and other trades, students professionals, architects and other something very practical. disciplines to explore approaches recently conducted a survey and fi x design professionals must work to achieving safe, healthy and of housing at Davenport Aboriginal “The students worked exceptionally collaboratively in this area to achieve sustainable built environments for Community, just outside Port Augusta hard at Davenport knowing that they improvements to Aboriginal health Aboriginal Australians. (about 300km north of Adelaide). were improving living conditions.” and housing.”

5 Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 | Adelaidean International lounge boost for students Student Facilities

The Barr Smith Library has extended The Lounge contains a unique its offerings to its international collection of international art works students with new facilities and given to the University as gifts from staff dedicated to providing a better foreign visitors. service. Ms Fiona Mariner, who has been The International Lounge provides appointed New Reference Librarian students with a casual reading (International), said she is looking environment and access to overseas, forward to working with the students local news and current affairs in this role. material. “My job involves contributing to the The Library received University planning and development of library strategic initiatives funding to support for international students develop the reading area for all by liaising with the University’s library users, which is resourced with International Offi ce, International current material, such as local and international newspapers, current Student Centre, OSA and other travel guides and brochures, and University units working with monthly ‘glossies’. international students,” she said. Four computer terminals have been “I will also act as a consultant for “A further task is assisting in the Catching up on news in the South China set up in the area, two for dedicated international students and students selection of appropriate library Morning Post in the new International Lounge newspaper access and the other two for whom English is a second materials for users for whom English are Hong Kong students (from left) Tom Li, Kei for general library use. Tables are language, and refer students as is a second language.” Fung Yeung and Evelyn Lo. also available for users who wish to appropriate to research librarians or use their own laptops in the area. to other University services. Story and photo by Howard Salkow

Low cost banking for UniSuper members Taking control of pain

continued from page 1

“The depressed people reported the other hand, were more likely signifi cantly more pain, and to suffer from depression if they signifi cantly less feelings of perceived the pain level was high control both over the pain and and the amount of control they their everyday lives. had over it, and their life, was low. For more information on Members Equity Bank, please call 13 15 63 “They were also more likely to or visit www.membersequitybank.com.au feel that external forces, such as “This is not to say that women are other people or even fate, were less tolerant to pain, far from it,” Members Equity Bank Pty Ltd ABN 56 070 887 679 AFS Licence: 229500 14140 AD13 C088/4/0705 responsible for their situation Dr Steen said. “The levels of pain – whereas chronic pain sufferers experienced by men and women who didn’t suffer from depression in my study were about the same, were more likely to believe that and what my study showed was they could help themselves and that because men and women can adjust to the pain being a part of react differently to chronic pain, their lives.” diagnosis and treatment may need to be different accordingly. In Dr Steen’s study, there were also differences between the way “For men, they may benefi t men and women perceived and more from education and how to reacted to chronic pain. reduce the interference chronic pain presents to everyday life. Men with chronic pain were more Women may benefi t from more likely to suffer from depression information about pain relief, if their pain impacted to a not just pharmacological but signifi cant degree on their daily other measures like massage, lives, such as their ability to physiotherapy or heat treatment.” work or conduct social activities. Women with chronic pain, on Story by Ben Osborne

Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 6 Tooth decay a real-life drama

In 1996, children aged 12-13 years had an average The products of Willy Wonka (as portrayed here by Johnny Dentistry of 0.53 decayed permanent teeth but by 2002 this Depp in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) are a children’s had increased by 75% to 0.93, said Professor John favourite – but are their teeth suffering as a result? Image © and TM 2005 Village Roadshow. Spencer from ARCPOH. Willy Wonka has all the ingredients children love, All Rights Reserved. but you are left wondering if his chocolate and “This is a worrying trend for future adult oral candy factories – as portrayed in the recent smash health, as this is occurring despite nearly every Tooth decay in adults using the public dental movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – will child and adolescent using dental services in the service has also increased since the mid-1990s continue to impact on young, growing teeth. last two years, mostly at a school dental service with dental problems, like toothache, reported by clinic,” he said. up to one in four adults each year. And this is all the more prevalent considering The patterns of oral disease, use of services, that after three decades of improvements, decay “In contrast, about one-third of adults have not expenditure and the labour force present a incidence in children is now increasing, according visited a dentist in the last two years.” complex challenge for improving oral health and to a report conducted by the University of Adelaide Untreated dental decay accounted for more than meeting the community’s need for dental care. and released by the Australian Institute of Health 10% of the total decay experience among adults. and Welfare. This report will help inform public discussion in While most adults were satisfi ed with the dental the lead up to the formulation of a South Australian The report, Oral Health in South Australia 2004, care they received, many avoided or delayed care Oral Health Plan under the development of the was developed from a range of surveys conducted or recommended treatments because of cost. South Australian Government. by the University’s Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health (ARCPOH), and says “This is despite the fact that over 50% of people “What we want to ensure is a better fi t between that dental decay in both primary and secondary in South Australia have dental insurance, which those in need of dental treatment and the provision school-aged children attending the School Dental is somewhat higher than the national fi gure,” said of dental services,” said Professor Spencer. Service has steadily increased since the late 1990s. Professor Spencer. Story by Howard Salkow

7 Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 | Adelaidean Dining out on the

History

Outdoor dining, the end of the “six “I wanted to focus on Don Dunstan, for Don, we wouldn’t have been here. o’clock swill” and our enjoyment of but didn’t want this to be a dry, political “Don Dunstan was this catalyst, an Mediterranean and Asian cuisines thesis,” he said. arbiter of change, determined to drag using fresh, locally-grown ingredients “I was talking about it with a friend and South Australia kicking and screaming are aspects of Adelaide life, now she said ‘what about Don and food?’ into the twentieth century after years taken for granted, that can be Eureka!” of Tom Playford’s conservative traced directly back to Don Dunstan’s government.” infl uence. “So food was my starting point and I centred my ideas around his passion Dr Strawhan’s research tells the Peter Strawhan has just completed for food and drink, then I took it one story of a revolutionary period in his PhD in History at the University step forward and argued that it was South Australian history through a of Adelaide, with his thesis titled food that made him the ‘whole’ Don mouth-watering array of episodes in The Importance of Food and Drink Dunstan, notably with the opening of Dunstan’s life, including the State- in the Political and Private Life of his own restaurant. funded opening of Ayers House Don Dunstan. “He was a remarkable man by any Restaurant, the Regency Park Food It tells the story of Dunstan’s life and criteria. Conversation often turns to and Catering College and changes to work through the theme of his great him if we’re out enjoying lunch in an licensing and dining restrictions that passion for food. outdoor setting – you know, if it wasn’t changed the face of dining out.

Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 8 Clockwise from top left:

Alfresco dining is a mainstay in areas such as Rundle Street in Adelaide Photo by Jasna Rojevic

Dunstan cooking in his Clara Street home in 1976 Photo courtesy of The Advertiser

Dunstan researcher Peter Strawhan at his graduation ceremony earlier this year Photo by Lisa Reid

Enjoying an al fresco meal at The Barn restaurant in 1989 Photo courtesy of The Advertiser

The cover of Don Dunstan’s Cookbook, released in 1976.

Special thanks to Gillian Dooley and staff at the Dunstan Collection housed in the Flinders University Library

Dunstan was also concerned with shaped his vision for a cultural shift in “It started with one phone call to Dr Strawhan said his thesis could have giving the average person access Adelaide’s eating habits. Grahame Latham, who had been head taken a number of different tangents, to better dining experiences, with of the Food and Catering/Regency including Dunstan’s effect on and His cookbook, one of the fi rst to show the government subsidising the Hotel School, established by Don involvement with the arts. However how to make a stir-fry, was a best-seller. Dunstan. Latham is living in Byron Bay Dunstan’s passion for food and drink Coalyard restaurant, intended to His own backyard was a source of now, but by luck, he was coming to dominated his life. be an accessible restaurant for all, exotic fruits, vegetables and herbs to be Adelaide a week after I contacted him. as opposed to the more opulent used in the kitchen, which formed the “My next step is to try and get a He gave me lots of names, like the surroundings of Ayers House and hub of his life in Clara Street, Norwood. publisher and turn the thesis into a Caon Brothers, to contact and I Paxtons. book,” he said. “Maybe at that point I But he never ceased to extol the just followed the yellow brick road will draw in some of the other material Dunstan helped his friend and advantages of our Mediterranean from there.” I collected while I was researching my supporter, Doris Taylor, to found Meals climate and the wealth of food and wine The Importance of Food and Drink in thesis. It has been a terrifi c experience on Wheels, an important charity that produced in South Australia. still exists today, and further illustrates the Political and Private Life of Don on the whole. I’ve met some really the position of food as a symbol for his Dr Strawhan’s thesis is alive with Dunstan is a valuable reminder about interesting people and feel like I’ve political belief system. interviews from Adelaide’s food experts what the Dunstan era gave to South settled some unfi nished business in and chefs including Primo Caon, Australia, and the rest of the country, my academic life by getting my PhD.” Dunstan’s time in Fiji as a child and his Cheong Liew, Maggie Beer and as a result of the infl uence of chefs later travels in Italy, Europe and Asia Cath Kerry. nurtured during this time. Story by Lisa Reid

9 Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 | Adelaidean X-ray vision goes underground Earth Science

A team from Waite campus is “There are hostile subsoils in 50% working on a revolutionary technique of the southern agricultural region using X-rays to help understand and the methodology we have the effects of salinity and soil developed at Waite allows us to look characteristics on the root structure at the way chemicals in soil impair of plants. root growth. Clearly, being better able to identify the root issues, and Dr Rob Davidson and Dr Ann McNeill then use this information to correct of the University of Adelaide’s School them, will have a large impact for the of Earth and Environmental Sciences agricultural community. said using X-rays allows them to An X-ray image of a root system examine root systems without having “One of the problems up until now Story by Lisa Reid to dig them up, which often destroys has been that, in order to understand the plant under study. what is going on with the root characteristics throughout the strata. After this stage, the process reverts systems of plants, you actually have “This technique will allow us to see The X-ray gives us 1200 slices to traditional techniques where more to destroy the root architecture in how native plants in areas with high through a 50cm high, 15cm core. detailed information on small roots order to examine it. It has also been levels of salinity are interacting in relation to the attributes of soil is a very time consuming process. “One existing technique involves required. with a hostile environment. We physically making slices to examine are assuming they have various “Our technique is unique in that we changes in root density with depth. The project has received $400,000 mechanisms that counter the salinity remove an intact core, then grow from the Federal Department of levels, and if we are able to see how plants in it and then X-ray the soil “This is much, much easier than the Education, Science and Training and these work, we can apply them to core so we can see the way the root existing techniques. The old ones $49,000 internal university funding agricultural crops,” Dr Davidson said. has grown in relation to the soil don’t compare.” during the past three years.

Coming events

Saturday, October 1 Wednesday, October 12 Wednesday, October 19 5pm Edward Said Memorial Lecture: 4.15pm Inaugural Lecture: 4.15pm Inaugural Lecture: A lecture delivered by the international-journalist, author “Characteristics of winning organisations in Australia: the “Domestic mandala: houses and the cosmos in Nepal” by and commentator, Robert Fisk. Elder Hall, North Terrace winning wheel” by Head of the Adelaide Graduate School Professor John Gray (Head of School of Social Sciences). Campus. Tickets $10 Adult $5 Concession. of Business, Professor Graham Hubbard. Ira Raymond Ira Raymond Room, Barr Smith Library. Room, Barr Smith Library. Sunday, October 2 Friday, October 21 11am Waite Arboterum guided walk: Friday, October 14 10am Mechanical Engineering Project Exhibition: Discover one of Adelaide’s botanical treasures in the 1.10pm Lunch Hour Concert Series: The State’s best young minds put their engineering skills company of a knowledgeable guide. Waite Arboretum, Australia’s internationally acclaimed a cappella jazz on display. Level Four, Union Building until 5pm. Waite Campus (meet in front of Urrbrae House – enter ensemble “The Idea of North”. Elder Hall, North Terrace 1.10pm Lunch Hour Concert Series: from Fullarton Road. Free car park available). Campus. Tickets $5 and available at the door from Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra with Russell 12.30pm. Hammond (conductor) performs works by Smetana, Wednesday, October 5 Grainger, and Holsinger. Elder Hall, North Terrace Campus. Tickets $5 and available at the door from 4.15pm Inaugural Lecture: Saturday, October 15 12.30pm. “A Shelf of Our Own” by Professor of Creative Writing, 11am “When the chips are down at Urrbrae” exhibit: Nicholas Jose. Ira Raymond Room, Barr Smith Library. Friday, October 28 An exhibition of wood art and craft by Woodgroup SA 1.10pm Lunch Hour Concert Series: Friday, October 7 Exhibits are for sale. Open daily 11am-4pm. Urrbrae House, Waite Campus (enter from Fullarton Road). Works by Shostakovich and Ravel, peformed by Leigh 1.10pm Lunch Hour Concert Series: Harrold (piano), Anthony Hunt (piano), Melanie Radke 6.30pm Evening Concert Series: Conservatorium postgraduate jazz students will present (violin), Sarah McCarthy (violin), William Newberry (viola), “Israel in Egypt” by Handel featuring Elder Conservatorium the music of Antonio-Carlos Jobim. Elder Hall, North and Paul Taylor (cello). Elder Hall, North Terrace Campus. Chorale, Adelaide Voices and the Elder Conservatorium Terrace Campus. Tickets $5, and available at the door Tickets $5 and available at the door from 12.30pm. from 12.40pm. Chamber Orchestra. Elder Hall, North Terrace Campus. Tickets $20adult/$15 conc/$10student. Wednesday, November 2 7pm James Crawford Biennial Lecture Series 6pm Young Investigator Award 2005: on International Law: Tuesday, October 18 “Australia, America and the Rule of Law in International Featuring guest speaker A/Prof Michael James, “Drug 1.05pm Friends of the University of Adelaide Affairs” by Emeritus Professor Ivan Shearer. Law Lecture development: Where commerce meets ethics”. Art Gallery Library Event: Theatre 2, Ligertwood Building, North Terrace Campus. of South Australia, RSVP by October 26 to (08) 8161 7165. Dr Mark Carroll will speak on the Ballets Russes National 8pm Australian international Marimba Festival Research Project and related discoveries. Barr Smith Friday, November 4 fi nal concert: Library – contact Karen Hickman on (08) 8303 4064 for 1.10pm Lunch Hour Concert Series: Featuring performances by Bogdan Bacanu, Andrew more information. Brighton Secondary School Symphony Orchestra under Wiering and the Elder Conservatorium of Music Percussion 7.30pm University of Adelaide Theatre Guild: John Nottle (conductor) performs works by Butterley, Ensemble. Scott Theatre, North Terrace Campus. Entertaining Mr Sloane by Joe Orton, directed by Geoff Doppler and Humperdinck. Elder Hall, North Terrace Tickets $20/$15/$10, bookings on 0401 965 344 or Britain. Little Theatre, performances from October 18-22, Campus. Tickets $5 and available at the door from [email protected] and October 25-29. Tickets $25/$15, from BASS. 12.30pm.

Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 10 Flautists take Europe by storm

Music

A group of fl ute students from the Ms Koch said the tour generated which went very well, and the Flutes of Adelaide (back, from left) Clare Elder Conservatorium of Music has much interest and support from the audience gave us quite a favourable Beens, director Elizabeth Koch, Natalie Nowak, (front) Amy Ellks, Claire Walker made its mark on the world stage. international fl ute community, and response. and Hayley Radke highlighted the respect in which The group, known as Flutes of Photo courtesy of Impact Image the Elder Conservatorium’s music “One of the most memorable Adelaide, travelled to Europe program is held. masterclasses was given by Michael “The trip has provided great recently for a series of performances, Cox, who is Principal Flute of the concerts and masterclasses in “International fl ute magazines such excitement and inspiration for the BBC Symphony and St. Martin-in-the- London, Paris and Switzerland. as La Traversie in Paris and Flute students,” Ms Koch said. Fields Orchestras – his teaching was Focus in New Zealand are wanting Flutes of Adelaide features Hayley colourful and exciting, and left us “It has been wonderful to learn to publish stories about the tour, and Radke, Clare Beens, Natalie Nowak, from the world’s leading fl autists, leading European fl autists made us thoroughly inspired.” Amy Ellks and Claire Walker, and is and to visit some of the best music very welcome in visiting their homes led by the Head of Woodwind at the Other masterclasses the group institutions in Europe – it is such and conservatories for lessons and Conservatorium, Ms Elizabeth Koch. attended were those with Felix a magnifi cent opportunity for the master classes,” she said. The group was joined by highly Renggli in Basel, Switzerland, and students, as it helps shape their regarded pianist and accompanist, “Our major performance of the tour Phillipe Bernold and Sophie Cherrier future and playing in many Leigh Harrold. was in London at Australia House in Paris. amazing ways.”

Mechanical Engineering students Daniel Post (left) Students exhibit and Philip MacDonald with their entry for this year’s project exhibition: a car brake energy regeneration system. engineering future The system is a compact method of storing the braking energy of a car and reusing it to assist with acceleration. Story by Jasna Rojevic Mechanical Engineering Photo by Ben Osborne

Final-year Mechanical Engineering students will “This year we hope it will be even more popular as, showcase their knowledge, skills and creativity as part mainly due to increased number of projects, we are of the School’s annual Project Exhibition, being held at moving to a new venue, the Union building. This has Union Hall on Friday, October 21 from 10am to 5pm. easier access for the general public, more room, and all of the projects displayed on one fl oor.” Organiser Mr Antoni Blazewicz said that by displaying their projects in the exhibition, students Some of this year’s projects include a self-balancing have the opportunity of direct contact with industry scooter, a robotic ping-pong player, and the Formula representatives, providing valuable experience and SAE racing car. future contacts. “There are also a number of projects dealing with “For the last few years the exhibition, held in the such important issues as alternative sources of energy Engineering South building, had a very good and user-friendly equipment for disabled people,” Mr attendance,” he said. Blazewicz said.

11 Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 | Adelaidean Obituaries

Professor Renfrey Burnard Potts 1925-2005

Professor Ren Potts was a very well of Sciences in 1975 and to the music: he was a strong supporter of known and popular graduate and Australian Academy of Technological the Elder Conservatorium; played member of the academic staff at Sciences and Engineering in the clarinet well; and acted as a disc the University of Adelaide. He was 1983, one of the few such double jockey for the University radio station the 1948 Rhodes Scholar, and then academicians. He was very active in after his retirement. Professor of Applied Mathematics ANZIAM, the Applied Division of the Contributed by Ernie Tuck from 1959 until his retirement in Australian Mathematical Society, and 1990. He served the University was awarded the fi rst ANZIAM Medal with distinction in many roles, in 1995. including Head of the Department The School of Mathematical Professor Potts’ undergraduate of Applied Mathematics, Dean of the Sciences is holding an lectures always were interesting, Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, afternoon memorial seminar confi dent, and even amusing. The and Chairman of the Education in honour of Professor Ren excitement of doing mathematics Committee. Potts, including brief talks by with actual relevance to the real his colleagues and students, Professor Potts was an internationally world was the key, and he was best on Friday December 2 in renowned applied mathematician. at conveying that excitement, even Room G08 of the Mathematics In particular, he was a pioneer in at early undergraduate levels. He Building. Operations Research, which concerns was also often in demand as an application of mathematics to after-dinner speaker at conferences, This seminar will be preceded business and commerce. He also and his speeches were full of witty by a concert featuring the contributed well-known research observations and jokes, some, but works of J.S. Bach (Professor in diverse application areas such not all, with a mathematical fl avour. Potts’ favourite) in Elder Hall as mathematical physics, road from 1.10pm to 2pm. traffi c analysis and robotics. He was also well known socially Generally his main interest was in in the University of Adelaide All are welcome to either or equations. He published about 90 using established mathematics to community. He was an enthusiast for both activities, and in particular research papers, and supervised analyse and improve the way the sports of all kinds, and an Adelaide the concert will be in the style more than 20 PhD students. real world works. He was also an Crows football fan to the end. He of and at the time of the regular outstanding theoretician who made He received many national honours, participated (very competitively) Elder Conservatorium Lunch new mathematical contributions to including an award of Offi cer of the in a University lunchtime running Hour concerts, though not the theory of networks, of matrices, Order of Australia in 1991. He was group for most of his academic life. formally part of that series. and of differential and difference elected to the Australian Academy Another great interest was classical

Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 12 Upgrade to make Wine Centre of attention Wine

The National Wine Centre continues to improve and strengthen our links with industry and the “We have made signifi cant improvements to the with age. community,” Professor McWha said. interactive videos which will now be more user friendly. We have also upgraded the software and And in fulfi lling its promise to the wine industry “It is therefore pleasing to note that we have not hardware,” he said. and the local community, the University of Adelaide only enhanced our links with the wine industry, but has undertaken signifi cant refurbishments to also encouraged Adelaideans to both visit and use “The Concourse Café is about to undergo a major enhance the wine experience. the Centre for various events. redevelopment that will further enhance the wine In early September, University Vice-Chancellor tasting experience. The hours will also be extended “We have also kept our promise by not charging an Professor James McWha unveiled a “new-look” on weekdays and weekends. entry fee and this is not going to change.” Exhibition Centre and announced plans to “In offering a wider range of wines and beers redevelop the Concourse Café area. He added that the Centre has become a in a Bistro-type atmosphere, there will be more He also said that many of the initial objectives had sought-after venue for banquets, weddings and traditional Australian food on the upgraded menu; been achieved. conferences, and overseas and local visitation has visitors will still be able to enjoy wine tasting; increased exponentially. and there will be selected merchandise in the “When we purchased the Centre two years ago, retail area.” we embarked on a major strategy to enhance Professor McWha said the Exhibition Centre our international profi le in wine education required considerable maintenance work. Story by Howard Salkow

Photo by Maya Linnell Jarrod Stehbens 1982-2005 Courtesy of The South Eastern Times

Jarrod Stehbens was a young man of in Norway with friends from Sweden On the third Southern Ocean enormous character. He died having and came home from Europe when expedition, when the camp got spent his short life living every bit of his bank balance couldn’t buy him a fl ooded, when we couldn’t fi nd his potential doing the many things beer. He lived and worked on Roko habitat, or relief, we could fi nd that he loved. Those who knew him Island in the Torres Strait (with heart by singing along with Jarrod deeply admired the way he lived and resident crocodile) and was just and his $1.50 CD of questionable are proud and privileged to have about to move to another - Helgoland German music. Jarrod was in charge been able to call him a friend. off the coast of Germany in the North of morale on fi eld trips and group Sea. For a bloke who loved a yarn, singing was one of his innovative Jarrod (or ‘Stehbo’ as many of us he was never short of material. and inspiring solutions that united knew him) grew up in the seaside fi eld teams through celebration and town of Beachport on the southeast Jarrod’s passion for all things marine diffi culty. Jarrod was also in charge coast of South Australia. Here, while fuelled his career in marine ecology. of retrieving snagged anchors – we catching rabbits and searching for Jarrod completed his undergraduate will lose many more for his loss. craypots washed up on the beaches, degree in marine biology at Flinders he developed a deep appreciation for University, where he was president Jarrod was tragically taken by a the ocean and for wide-open spaces. of the Flinders University Marine shark while diving on August 24. It is now that we need him most. During more recent times spent in Biology Association and was heavily He’d be the fi rst to show us the steps the city and overseas, it was clear involved in the university dive club. towards returning to what we love. that you could take the boy out of For his Honours degree at the He’d rekindle our passion for the sea. the country but you couldn’t take the Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar University of Adelaide, Jarrod He was a relentless optimist who saw country out of the boy. and Marine Research in Germany. investigated the roles of disturbance the best in every situation and helped Jarrod loved adventures. He dived and productivity on the diversity of Despite his age, Jarrod was the most others enjoy life for all it was worth. remote locations across the country, subtidal benthic marine communities capable fi eld worker many of us have His bond with the sea and humanity from southern Queensland to coastal at West Island, South Australia. ever worked with. He was strong and will continue to be an inspiration for NSW and along the full length of During this work, Jarrod collaborated practical, thoughtful, and a genius all who knew him. the southern Australian coastline with scientists from Europe, South under pressure. This, combined from Beachport to Perth. He rolled Africa and Chile in an international with his infectious enthusiasm, made his swag out a metre from the edge research effort coordinated by the Jarrod invaluable in the fi eld. If you of the limestone cliffs of the Great Leibniz-Institute for Marine Science ever needed someone by your side A contribution from all in the Australian Bight. He drove to Darwin in Kiel, Germany. In September, during moments of chaos or long University of Adelaide’s Southern on a whim, swam in freezing lakes Jarrod was to begin a PhD at the periods of low morale, it was Jarrod. Seas Ecology Laboratories

13 Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 | Adelaidean Going behind the scenes at Library

Alumni

A group of alumni and friends of “We also looked at the exhibition of the University recently had an some of the treasures of the Barr exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Smith Library, which are currently one of its greatest assets, the Barr on exhibit in the foyer area. These Smith Library. include manuscripts with the signatures of George Washington and The 28 attendees were invited by Queen Elizabeth I,” Mr Choate said. the Development and Alumni Offi ce and University Librarian Ray Choate, “We genuinely appreciate the and as part of the comprehensive ongoing support we receive from tour saw many of the Library’s most the University’s alumni and friends, valuable items. and it was a pleasure for us to show people around and give them the The tour commenced in the Ira opportunity to see what the Library Raymond Room, where Mr Choate has and what it does.” spoke briefl y about the history of • The University’s Bequest Offi cer, the Library and introduced Steve Mr Jon Russack, is organising a Thomas, the Library’s Senior Systems series of four fascinating events for Analyst, who demonstrated the new alumni and friends of the University Library Portal System. in 2006, including a day trip to The Special Collections area was a Roseworthy Campus, a visit to key major highlight of the tour. Among research laboratories and tours the items displayed by Special of other areas of interest at the Collections Librarian Cheryl Hoskin University. were a Trianon Press Facsimile The next event will be a tour of edition of Spencer’s Faerie Queen, research laboratories in the Faculty which was originally published in of Health Sciences to be held later London in 1609 and Epistolarum by this year. If you would like to receive Leonardo Brun, which was printed an invitation, please contact Jon in Venice in 1472 and given to the Russack in the D&A offi ce on University of Adelaide as part of Sir (08) 8303 3234 or email Judith (left) and Revett Cant examine some of the Samuel Way’s bequest in 1916. [email protected] rare items in the Library’s Special Collections

Development & Alumni Events

Roseworthy Old Collegians Date: Tuesday, October 18 Cornell Chapter Association (ROCA) - Annual Time: 1:05pm AGM and Dinner Dinner and ROCA Award Alumni Board Cost: Free Guest speaker Brett Sheehy, Artistic Director, Adelaide Festival of Arts 2006. membership Presentation and AGM Bookings: Karen Hickman on Live music by Flutes of Adelaide (08) 8303 4064 or email The 2005 ROCA Annual Award of Merit karen.hickman@adelaide. Place: Ballroom, St Mark’s College will be presented at the Annual Dinner. Date: Wednesday, November 9 Nominations are now open edu.au The Dinner will include 10, 25, 40 and 50 Time: 6pm for two General Member year Reunion group presentations, and MBA Chapter Event Cost: TBA positions on the Alumni will be preceded by the AGM Bookings: Gaynor Tyerman on The MBA Alumni Association proudly Association Board. Date: Friday, October 14 (08) 8303 6356 or email presents Robbee Spadafora MBA gaynor.tyerman@adelaide. Time: AGM 7pm, (Director Marketing, m.Net Corporation): edu.au Any member of the University of Dinner at 7.30pm “Riding the Next Wave: 3G” Adelaide Alumni Association can Venue: Glenelg Golf Club Friends of the University Date: Friday, October 21 apply, with applications closing Bookings: Dr David Cooper of Adelaide Library on Friday, November 11. 08 8363 4371; Time: 6pm for 6.15pm start Author Event A/H 08 8332 5882 Venue: Adelaide Graduate School of Gay Bilson, renowned restaurateur For more information about PO Box 503, Kent Town Business, NAB Room, and award winning author of Plenty: the nominations, including SA 5071 5th Floor 233 North Terrace digressions on food. Date: Thursday, November 17 selection criteria, visit Cost: $15 for MBAAA members, Friends of the University Time: 6pm for 6.30pm www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni, $20 for non-members of Adelaide Library Event Cost: Free (gold coin donation invited) or contact Kim McBride on Dr Mark Carroll will speak on the Ballets RSVP: Gaynor Tyerman on RSVP: Bookings essential with (08) 8303 3196 or email Russes National Research Project and (08) 8303 6356 or email Karen Hickman on [email protected] related discoveries in the Barr Smith gaynor.tyerman@adelaide. (08) 8303 4064, or email Library. edu.au by Monday, October 17 [email protected]

Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 14 Ole Wiebkin Photo and story by Ben Osborne

Ole’s entertaining design on show

“I was very lucky in that both my Gilbert & Sullivan musicals, and more parents were very talented artistically recently the sell-out season of Les Theatre Entertaining Mr Sloane stars – my father was a very competent Miserables featuring Normie Rowe. Ben Brooker, Tony Busch, Lindy landscape painter and my mother For Entertaining Mr Sloane, he Le Cornu and Bill Ramsay. was an outstanding embroiderer,” has sought to recreate the look It’s a matter of design for retired Performances are from Tuesday, Dr Wiebkin said. and feel of a London fl at, circa the University research scientist Dr Ole October 18 to Saturday, October early 1960s. Wiebkin. “I started out designing in the 1960s 22 and Tuesday, October 25 Now an honorary titleholder in England and kept at it when I “It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “I to Saturday, October 29 (note in two University departments came out to Australia to study and wanted to use as much authentic Opening Night is Tuesday, (Microbiology and Dentistry), Dr eventually live. I really enjoy being material as I could fi nd, so we’ll have October 18) at 7.30pm in the Wiebkin is able to further indulge his creative, and using colour and space the old-style iron from the 1950s Little Theatre. to create the appropriate setting and which you used to plug into the other passion: set design. Tickets are $20/$15, and available atmosphere for productions.” ceiling light globe socket, and an old His latest work is for this month’s from the Guild on (08) 8303 599, ironing board, and so on. University of Adelaide Theatre Guild Some of Dr Wiebkin’s design credits its website or BASS on 131 246. include the South Australian Jubilee production of Entertaining Mr “The director, Geoff Brittain, also has www.adelaide.edu.au/theatreguild Sloane, Joe Orton’s blackly comic 150 production of Duncan McKie’s a few surprises in store and the set ménage-à-trois set in 1960s London. Emperor’s Nightingale, numerous has been designed with this in mind.”

15 Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 | Adelaidean ASQ to delight in 2006

The ASQ (from left) Natsuko Yoshimoto, James Cuddeford, Jeremy Williams and Niall Brown Music Photo by Jacqui Way

One of Australia’s leading chamber “We start our season with what I feel Concert Three, “Shimmer”, on “Haydn’s Sunrise Quartet is a ensembles, the Australian String are some of the greatest quartets Monday, July 24 will feature guest piece which one never tires of Quartet, has launched its 2006 of the repertoire,” said cellist Niall clarinettist Catherine McCorkill to performing, and if I were stranded on national subscription season. Brown. “Beethoven’s Quartet Opus perform in the all-time favourite a desert island with the music of one The quartet-in-residence at the 127 is one of my all-time favourites, Mozart Clarinet Quintet. composer, I think Haydn would have University’s Elder Conservatorium and in the centenary of his birth, we to be the one!” said violinist James will perform one of Shostakovich’s “Mozart wrote the work for basset Cuddeford. of Music will perform four concerts clarinet and Catherine’s beautiful and of stellar chamber music across the best-known works, the deeply mellow tone on this instrument is a “This year’s program wouldn’t be country, including Adelaide. Other personal and vividly communicative testimony to his original intentions,” complete without a visit again to recent and scheduled performances Eighth String Quartet. said violinist Natsuko Yoshimoto. the world of Mozart, and this time include those at Wigmore Hall, Concert Two, “Amadeus”, on “The 250th anniversary of Mozart’s we present the compact, yet power- London; Esterhazy Palace, Austria; Thursday, May 11 features works by birth just couldn’t be celebrated with packed, Adagio and Fugue.” Konzerthaus, Berlin; The Forbidden City Concert Hall, Beijing and Mozart, Suk and Janacek, and guest playing this key chamber work.” violist Jurg Dahler. All performances will be held at 7pm Shanghai Concert Hall, China. The fi nal concert, “Soundscapes”, in the Adelaide Town Hall, with wine The 2006 national season begins “This is a great concert for me on Wednesday, November 8, features tasting from 6pm and a pre-concert with Concert One, “Distant Voices”, because Mozart, Suk and Janacek a range of composers and genres, interview with an ABC Classic FM on Thursday March 9, with works by feature the viola to the full,” said ASQ from Mozart and Haydn to Debussy presenter from 6.10pm. For more Shostakovich and Beethoven. violist Jeremy Williams. and Sculthorpe. information, visit: www.asq.com.au

Adelaidean | Volume 14, Number 8 • October 2005 16