August/SeptemberJuly 2006

La Trobe UNIVERSITY

Dialogue of Civilisations New Centre tackles one of the most pressing needs in the world today

Who killed our giant marsupials?

73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd1 1 19/9/06 11:35:35 AM news Bulletin International survey IN THIS ISSUE New Centre for Dialogue 3 ranks La Trobe in State’s top three Forum features Anwar Ibrahim 4 Honour for work with La Trobe University has been ranked education and training underpinned by a alcohol-related brain injury 4 among Victoria’s elite three universities strong research profile. Onassis Prize for Hellenic Centre 5 – after and Monash – in the ‘It is very pleasing that independent Research grant from Greece 6 latest leading global academic rankings, the surveys of this sort continue to bear this Understanding 6 Shanghai Jiao Tong University index of the out,’ he said. world’s top 500 universities. La Trobe also featured among the top The Jiao Tong study surveys more than Research in Action universities in the world in the latest British two thousand universities world-wide on a Times Higher Education Supplement Who killed ’s giant variety of criteria including research prizes, league table. It gained 23rd place in the marsupials 7 publications and major citation indices. Arts and Humanities, 68th in the Social Modern tales of an In the table of the top 100 universities in Sciences, 86th in Biomedicine – and was ancient village 8 - 9 the -Pacific region, La Trobe was also ranked overall 98th among the world’s top Bass Strait seabird research 10 placed third in Victoria – and at equal tenth universities. Studies into Indigenous education 11 place among Australia’s 38 universities. Footwear not to blame for falls 12 In that survey, La Trobe University Arts Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian and Humanities was ranked equal 3rd Orthoses research surprises podiatrists 13 Stoddart, said La Trobe University prides in Australia (with Monash University), itself on being an internationally recognised after the University of Melbourne and the leader in the provision of high quality Australian National University. Roche Medal for biochemist 14 • Philosopher wins Eureka Prize 14 Students win EU awards 15 ABR - La Trobe Annual Lecture 15 Arts at La Trobe – writ large 16 Nursing bruises

The workplace for nurses can be ‘distressing and dangerous’ with nurses reporting being ‘shouted at, punched, stabbed and bitten’ according to a recently published study led by La Trobe University Head of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Gerald Farrell. Almost a third of the nurses who took part in the largest study of its kind in Australia said they had been subjected to both physical and verbal abuse in the last four working weeks, and a quarter had been physically abused had been struck considered resigning because of this. with a hand, fist or elbow and 34 per cent

August/septemberJuly 2006 La Trobe Cover: La Trobe UNIVERSITY The research was carried out by had been bitten. University launches Professor Farrell and a team from the Who killed our giant marsupials? new Centre for A further 49 per cent said they had Dialogue, see page 3. University of Tasmania before he joined been pushed or shoved, 48 per cent had Composite image. La Trobe early this year. It was supported been scratched and 38 per cent said that Dialogue of Design Greg Nelson. by the Australian Nursing Federation and Civilizations someone had spat at them. New Centre tackles one of the most pressing needs published in the latest issue of the Journal in the world today ‘We also discovered that six per cent had of Advanced Nursing. been choked and just under one per cent Two-thirds of the 2,407 nurses who took had been stabbed,’ Professor Farrell said. The La Trobe University Bulletin is published part in the survey reported some form of ten times a year by Marketing & Communications, Verbal abuse was most likely to take La Trobe University. abuse during the four-week period covered. the form of rudeness, shouting, sarcasm Articles may be reproduced with acknowledgement. This ranged from being sworn at, Enquiries and submissions to the editor, Ernest Raetz, and swearing. Two per cent said that their La Trobe University, Victoria 3086 Australia slapped and spat upon to being bitten, home or family had also been threatened. Tel: (03) 9479 2315, Fax (03) 9479 1387 choked and stabbed. The abused nurses, Email: [email protected] While nursing is a rewarding and Articles: Ernest Raetz, Adrienne Jones, Noel Carrick, who all worked in Tasmania, reported Photos: La Trobe University PDI challenging career, Professor Farrell said an average of four verbal incidents and Design: Campus Graphics, 73854 policies and practices must minimise La Trobe University. between two to three physical incidents. Printed by Work & Turner. workplace aggression, regardless of who Website: www.latrobe.edu.au/bulletin Sixty-nine per cent of nurses who had the perpetrators might be. •  La Trobe University BULLETIN August/September 2006

73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd2 2 19/9/06 11:35:38 AM news New Centre for Dialogue

‘Your undertaking comes at a period of sharply increasing intolerance, extremism and violence … That is why initiatives such as your Centre are so important. They can help us unlearn our collective prejudices, and promote contacts and dialogue among different societies.’ - Kofi Annan

‘I am pleased to offer my support for the launch … and congratulate the organisers and the University for what I am sure will be a highly successful institution’ - John Howard Professor Camilleri speaks at the launch of the Centre.

These two messages of support, The Centre is supported by a wide • community engagement across ethnic, from the UN Secretary-General and cross-section of educational, professional religious and cultural divisions – locally, the Prime Minister, were two of many religious and community organisations, nationally, regionally and globally received from leading local and world as well as many scholars in Australia • policy advice to governments, figures at the official launch of La Trobe and internationally. This is reflected in community organisations, and University’s new Centre for Dialogue. the diverse membership of the Centre’s international agencies Advisory Board. The Centre was launched in the Great • international networking. Hall of the National Gallery of Victoria by Its Board of Management is headed The Centre aims to establish a Global Mr John Pandazopoulos, Minister Assisting by Elizabeth Proust, Chairman of the Network for Dialogue, linking Melbourne the Premier with Multicultural Affairs, in Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. She with collaborating institutions in Naples, front of an audience of 800 people. was until recently Managing Director for Oxford, Frankfurt, Moscow, Vancouver, Esanda, and in the late 1990s Secretary of The Centre is the initiative of its Los Angeles, Hawaii, Kuala Lumpur, the Department of Premier and Cabinet Director, Professor of Politics, Joseph Manila, Jakarta, Shanghai, Nagoya, in Victoria. Camilleri. He said: ‘The violence that is Jerusalem, Istanbul, Athens and Nicosia. raging in different parts of the world is a Master of ceremonies at the launch salutary reminder that dialogue is not a was journalist and commentator Phillip moral luxury, but a practical necessity.’ Adams, who conveyed to the gathering The Centre for Dialogue – the first of its the enthusiastic messages of support ‘A world wild with kind in Australia – is of international and received from scholars and universities, national significance. Strongly supported religious leaders, as well as foreign the delirium of hatred’ by the Victorian Government, it places ministers and ambassadors – and both The launch also saw the Melbourne, and Australia, at the cutting the present Secretary-General of the Centre’s inaugural Annual Lecture, edge of the dialogue of cultures, religions United Nations, and his predecessor, Mr delivered by distinguished international and civilisations. Boutros Boutros-Ghali. jurist, Judge Christopher Weeramantry, ‘It is an initiative which the University Professor Camilleri said the key aims of the La Trobe University Centre for former Vice President of the International believes can make a significant Court of Justice. contribution through research, education Dialogue included: Renowned for his landmark judgments and community engagement,’ Professor • educational projects designed on the role of culture in international Camilleri said. ‘Our work will be inter- to promote inter-cultural/inter- law, Judge Weeramantry spoke on ‘The cultural – exploring a great many religious civilisational dialogue in schools Dialogue of Cultures: Religions and Legal and cultural traditions – and inter- and universities Systems - an Imperative of our Times’. disciplinary. It will bring together insights • research that addresses the challenges from many fields, including cultural and opportunities presented by cultural, He said: ‘Something is seriously studies, religious studies, education, religious and political diversity wrong somewhere with our attitudes international relations, sociology, law, and conflict towards our fellow planetary citizens. philosophy, history, and economics.’ Continued Page 4

La Trobe University BULLETIN August/September 2006 

73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd3 3 19/9/06 11:35:42 AM news

Continued from Page 3 Honoured for The most compelling task of all the social disciplines is to examine why we permit work with the paradox of entrenching differences when unity is our burning need. alcohol-related ‘What is the cause? There has been a total breakdown of communication and brain injury of understanding. Each community, each religion, each nation is locked in within its own inherited compartments of knowledge Martin Jackson, Director of and beliefs. Walls of separation prevent La Trobe University’s Psychology Clinic, a vision of the modes of thought, the has been recognised for his research and problems, the strengths and weaknesses of extensive community work in helping the other. people with alcohol and substance related brain injury. ‘Dialogue at every level is the answer and the promotion of dialogue is the most Arbias Ltd – which since 1990 has vital need of our time.’ provided specialist services for Victorians with alcohol (and substance) related brain He said dwindling earth resources, injury (ARBI) – recently opened a new instant electronic communication, training room bearing his name. The burgeoning international travel and an room was officially opened by University increasing world population were among Chancellor, Mrs Sylvia Walton. the factors forcing the realisation that we are one global family sharing a common Based in Brunswick, Arbias is a not- planetary home. for-profit company.I t has about 50 staff Forum features specialising in disability, alcohol and other ‘It is self-evident that we are drugs, counselling and management. Mr increasingly becoming global Anwar Ibrahim Jackson has been Director of the Arbias citizens rather than citizens of this Board of Management since 1992 and its or that sovereign state, for no state is senior clinical neuropsychologist since 1998. truly sovereign in this heavily Former Deputy Prime Minister interdependent world. of Malaysia, Dr Anwar Ibrahim, Mr Jackson’s research is into the effect of substances on cognitive functioning, ‘Though togetherness is the only was guest speaker at a recent forum, jointly sponsored by the Centre for particularly alcohol and benzodiazepines, prescription for human survival in this and the ability of neuropsychological nuclear age, we are a community torn Dialogue, the Victorian Council of Churches, and the Islamic Council testing to predict everyday behaviours, such apart with divisions, splintered into as driving and managing personal finances. groups and festering with resentments, of Victoria – one of many events in misunderstandings and hatreds. which the new Centre is involved. His research has been published in many journals, including the Medical ‘As Rabindranath Tagore so tellingly Addressing an audience of around 100 people, Dr Ibrahim stressed our Journal of Australia and the British Journal observed in one of his famous poems “The of Addiction. He believes that the greatest world today is wild with the delirium of identity as human beings cannot be compartmentalised. challenge is to modify people’s substance hatred”. use patterns to prevent the damage from ‘Every culture, every religion, every He said humility was required to occurring in the first place. legal system is a part of the universal recognise ourselves – whether we were Muslims, Christians, Hindus, As well as teaching and training inheritance of humanity and has so much students and clinicians at La Trobe and richness to offer to all.’ Buddhists – as parts of a great • cultural tradition, greater than any Arbias, Mr Jackson also trains workers of our particular traditions, and with Turning Point and the Department ourselves as players in the process of of Human Services. • developing human maturity. The key concept was not tolerance, he said, but how to ‘know, understand and appreciate one another – including one another’s faith’. • Photo top of page: Dr Ibrahim with the Rev Dr Duncan Reid from the Victorian Council of Judge Weeramantry delivers the lecture, watched Churches, Mr Malcolm Thomas, President of the by, from right, Mr Pandazopoulos, Ms Proust, and Islamic Council of Victoria, Professor Camilleri, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Stoddart. Centre for Dialogue Research Fellow, Dr Michális Michael. Mr Jackson, with Chancellor Walton.

 La Trobe University BULLETIN August/September 2006

73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd4 4 19/9/06 11:35:50 AM news Onassis Prize for Hellenic Centre

The National Centre for Hellenic Studies and Research at La Trobe University has been awarded one of two 2006 Onassis International Prizes for its promotion of Hellenism. The prize is widely regarded as second only to the Nobel Prize in international recognition and prestige. It comes with a grant of (US)$200,000, which will be presented to the Director of the Centre, Professor Anastasios Tamis, by the President of the Hellenic Republic in Athens in October. Professor Tamis says this year’s awards are unique since both have gone to universities – La Trobe in Australia, and Harvard in the US. It is also the first time an award has gone to Australia. Previous recipients include Harold Macmillan, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Helmut Schmidt, Vaclav Havel, Jimmy Carter, and the Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis. Welcoming the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Stoddart, praised the energetic direction of the National Centre by Professor Tamis, his colleagues and staff. ‘The award also represents a tangible and impressive return on investment for the many members of the Hellenic Professor Tamis at La Trobe’s Hellenic Centre. community in Australia who have co- operated to establish and enhance this the lives of Greeks and Cypriots Centre,’ Professor Stoddart said. and the wider Australian society in Focal point The National Centre for Hellenic which they live. The Centre – with its large library, Studies and Research was established in While acknowledging the quality archives and other collections – has 1997 with generous benefactions from of study and research on Hellenism become a focal point for Hellenic study Melbourne business man, Dr Zissis conducted in the Centre, he says the and research in Australasia and beyond. Dardalis and Marathon Food Industries. Onassis Prize means ‘we now feel With a staff of some 20 researchers, It operates under the leadership of stronger the responsibility to strive for it comprises three specialist research the Society for Hellenic Studies and excellence in our effort to enhance the institutes: the Australian Institute for Research, and is strongly supported by the precious values of Greek civilisation, Macedonian Studies; the Institute for Greek community. history, language and heritage in Australia Cypriot Studies and the Institute for Centre Patrons include the President of and the wider region of Australasia, Pontic and Asia Minor Studies. including China which, along with the Hellenic Republic, the President of The Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic the Republic of Cyprus and former Prime Greece, is one of the most important civilisations of antiquity.’ Diaspora are a key feature of the Centre. Minister of Australia, Malcolm Fraser. Their contents are accessible by digital The Centre has helped develop Former La Trobe Vice-Chancellor, technology to scholars world-wide. More and maintain strong academic links Professor Michael Osborne, Chair of than 60 collections are available on-line between Metropolitan Greeks and the Society for Hellenic Studies and and others on CD-ROM. Research, added that the National Centre Cypriots and Hellenes of the Diaspora The archives comprise original to enhance social, cultural, historical, would continue to expand its promotion and dissemination of Hellenism, and was documents, manuscripts, photographs, linguistic, anthropological, scientific journals, monographs, audiovisual and and other research. already successfully developing programs of study and research in China. other materials retrieved from Greece, Professor Tamis says the Centre the Middle-East, the Americas, Africa, brings practical benefits by enriching Asia and Europe.

La Trobe University BULLETIN August/September 2006 

73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd5 5 19/9/06 11:35:53 AM news Research grant from Greece

The Greek government has awarded an $850,000 research grant to the National Centre for Hellenic Studies and Research. The award was announced during a visit to the University in September by Greece’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Theodore Kassimis, accompanied by the newly appointed Greek Ambassador to Australia, Mr George Zois.

Professor Tamis said the grant, in ten Dr Bull, left, and Ambassador Julien with EU prize-winners Heidi Werner and Ella Bourke, see story page 15. annual instalments of $85,000, will be used to carry out research projects on the Greek language, history and Greek migration and settlement in Australia and Understanding Europe the wider Australasian region. La Trobe University Deputy Vice- The value of La Trobe University’s Dr Stefan Auer, from the Dublin Chancellor (Research), Professor European Union subject for advancing European Institute, University College, Erich Weigold, said the University was a deeper understanding of international Dublin, for whom the EU subject will be extremely grateful for this latest support relationships was demonstrated with a primary teaching responsibility. from the Greek Government. the launch of Innovative Universities Dr Auer is the author of Liberal ‘The award highlights the excellent European Union (IUEU) Centre at Nationalism in Central Europe, published work of the National Centre for Hellenic the main Melbourne campus at by Routledge in 2004 and recently Studies and Research. The National Bundoora recently. republished in paperback. He takes up his Centre is one of the distinctive features The subject was pivotal to La Trobe’s appointment in October. of La Trobe University and forms an successful bid for the Centre, one of the important bridge between academic Dr Bull says the EU subject has three Australian-based European Union work and one of the key community also achieved recognition outside Centres opened at Federation Square on groups in Australia and elsewhere,’ the University, among EU and other July 31 by European Union Ambassador Professor Weigold said. diplomats for generating better informed Bruno Julien. opinion about the EU. The University’s Greek Studies IUEU Centre Director, Dr Philip Program, in the School of Historical and Ambassador Julien said there were now Bull, says the core unit in La Trobe’s European Studies, also provides one of 22 such EU centres in the world – in the Bachelor’s degree course in the most diverse and dynamic programs US, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand Contemporary European Studies – and of its kind, in a city claimed to be the and Australia. a popular second and third year unit largest Greek-speaking polis outside of ‘The initiative is designed to for other students – will now be taught Greece and Cyprus. reinforce and broaden links between the in all six universities involved in the EU and the host country, to inform and It offers units in Greek language, Centre: in the lead institutions La Trobe stimulate debate on the European Union, culture and history from antiquity to the and Macquarie Universities, as well and to widen and deepen the relationship present day, at undergraduate, honours as Griffith, Newcastle, Flinders and at all levels. and postgraduate levels. Murdoch Universities. ‘Centres such as these are ideally Its undergraduate program in Modern Dr Bull says this will be the first time placed to encourage informed discussion Greek is offered both on the Bundoora in Australian tertiary education that a on bilateral and international issues in Campus for La Trobe students, and at subject from one university will be taught which we – Australia and the European Parkville for students of the University in other universities. of Melbourne. Union – play an important role.’ • He also announced the appointment of prize-winning author and academic Continued Page 15

 La Trobe University BULLETIN August/September 2006

73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd6 6 19/9/06 11:35:57 AM Research in action Who killed Australia’s giant marsupials?

he fact that an animal’s remains are ‘Our aim was to determine found in your hearth doesn’t mean whether human hunting or Tyou’ve made a meal of it…. climate change caused the That, at any rate, was the theory extinction of the megafauna at of La Trobe University archaeology this site,’ Ms Duncan explains. researcher, Jacqui Duncan. ‘During the excavation a Five years later, armed with the hearth – or ancient fireplace results of new field excavations at Lake – was uncovered that Menindee and expert archaeological contained the remains of a dating by University of Melbourne giant kangaroo-like marsupial, colleague, Dr Matt Cupper, the two implying that humans cooked scientists announced their evidence at a and consumed this megafaunal news conference held at the Museum of species. Melbourne at the start of Science Week. ‘Despite the discovery of Their controversial conclusions suggest this evidence, it is possible that prehistoric humans might not have that the megafaunal bones are been responsible for the extinction of a secondary deposit, and that Australia’s giant marsupials some 50,000 they are older than the hearth. years ago – creatures like the diprotodon ‘It may be that around 45,000 weighing up to 2.5 tonnes or the giant years ago people were camping kangaroo, a metre taller than today’s on a dune which contained just largest ‘big reds’. below the surface 10,000 year Instead, they argue that starvation old bones and when they dug brought about by arid climates of the the hearth, these ancient bones last ice age was a likely cause, casting became mixed up with the doubt on the more popular alternative hearth. hypothesis which blames human hunters. ‘We determined that there Ms Duncan says the archaeological site is no evidence of humans of the new research is a set of dunes at butchering the marsupials. Lake Menindee, on the Darling River in People were not even at the NSW, called ‘Sunset Strip’. scene, with the oldest evidence Ms Duncan at the Museum of Melbourne. Below, one of the Menindee finds. of humans at the site at least ‘The site, originally discovered 10,000 years after the giant in the 1930s, contains an extensive mammals went extinct. record of human occupation including hearths, human burials, middens, and ‘This seems likely because stone scatters. all of the other evidence uncovered during our ‘It also contains the remains of twelve investigation suggests that extinct megafaunal species including megafauna died of starvation five species of sthenurine or short-faced from drought caused by kangaroos, giant wombats, three large climate change at around macropodines, marsupial “lions” and 55,000 years ago. Diprotodons.’ ‘The results from this This site was re-excavated by investigation also demonstrate Ms Duncan in 2001 as part of her is significant, further research needs to that the human antiquity of the site Masters research in archaeology. Dr be done at other sites ‘to confirm the real extends to around 45,000 years ago, Cupper conducted geomorphological culprits of the continent-wide extinction making it the oldest archaeological site in investigations and dated the dune deposits of Australia’s megafauna’. the Darling River region.’ that contained the megafaunal and cultural The study was published in the remains. The research was funded by the Ms Duncan says while the finding that August issue of the international journal Australian Institute of Aboriginal and drought is the most likely cause of the Quaternary Research. Torres Strait Islander Studies. giant marsupial deaths at Lake Menindee •

La Trobe University BULLETIN August/September 2006 

73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd7 7 19/9/06 11:36:01 AM Research in action

Marki, Cyprus Modern tale of an ancient village

By Adrienne Jones

nce upon a time – around 2,400 BC – a few dozen people Excavations in progress. Oset up the small village of Marki on the island of Cyprus. and friendship between the villagers of need for privacy, and the sharing of They survived on their cereal crops and Marki and neighbouring settlements, but resources within and between households livestock – harvesting wheat and barley, over the next few hundred years, as their diminished. raising sheep, cattle, donkeys, goats and population expanded, the villagers’ lives pigs, and hunting deer – and engaged in Gradually the village itself changed became increasingly complex. mining and processing local copper. shape. Originally a small and close-knit Where once several families baked community of several households linked With an average life-span of thirty to bread in a common courtyard, individual by open courtyards, Marki soon acquired forty years, most village women died families now retreated to their own the accoutrements of greater sophistication. before their first grandchild was born. hearths. They stored their grain in jars Rectilinear, more individualised Yet these early Bronze Age people lived and bins inside their houses, instead of architecture and walled courtyards with in congenial style, in well-constructed communal storage facilities, and many doorways ensured greater household houses of stone and mudbrick, within villagers began making their own pottery privacy, while an increasingly dense large communal courtyards – the social in preference to bringing it in from larger network of village streets and laneways centerpiece of village life, where families centres nearby. controlled access between the houses. congregated en famille or with other Relationships became more formal, By about 2000 BC the centre of the families from neighbouring houses. households exhibited increasingly more village had shifted. An egalitarian, There were relationships of kinship community-oriented way of life had succumbed to village hierarchies and newly-evolved concepts of property G ownership, wealth, and inter-generational 22 e emplacement e inheritance: reflected particularly in h? h hearth 25 v oven the two biggest compounds, which 27 post hole 26 appear to have survived intact across 6 compound number pit e h ten generations. By the middle of the e h surviving wall e e e v ? probable wall edge of cli 29 Bronze Age, this thriving village had been access lane e deserted – no longer able to sustain itself, N 28 h ruin 18 Plan of the site showing or perhaps caught up in a wider migration e 24 ruin e ruin e e house compounds in use 0 10 m towards bigger regional centres. ruin ruin around 2000BC. ruin e e e open e We know these things about Marki ruin e space h 13 e e e 20 ? e open because La Trobe archaeologists Drs e 19 space e h 7 h h 23 David Frankel and Jenny Webb and 150 e 21 terrace Figure 11.7 student volunteers have spent ten winters ? 6 ? ? ? h 12 interrogating the archaeological clues the

 La Trobe University BULLETIN August/September 2006

73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd8 8 19/9/06 11:36:03 AM Research in action

villagers left behind – the the massive second volume of their pursuing two different ways of life. pottery sherds, human groundbreaking study – the 750-page ‘Within 100 to 200 years, there and animal bones, broken Marki Alonia: An Early and Middle Bronze was no trace of the Chalcolithic way jewellery, chunks of Age Settlement in Cyprus; Excavations of life. Everybody on the island was village walls, and other 1995-2000 published in ‘Studies in archaeologically Bronze Age,’ Dr detritus of their daily Mediterranean Archaeology’ by Paul Frankel says. lives over 500 years Åströms Förlag, Sävedalen, Sweden, 2006. Marki 1 and 2 constitute an in-depth and 20 generations of The volume includes a DVD which study of one of those groups – a Bronze occupation. contains all the primary documentation and Age settler community – at the onset of an extensive visual archive of the site and We know the social the Bronze Age. The authors have already artifacts. and economic status of embarked on their next big story: what it the householders, the In the first part of the project (published was like on the other side. That project – size of their households, as ‘Marki 1’ in 1996, after three involving the excavation of a Chalcolithic the structural, social and excavation seasons), Frankel and Webb settlement in the same region – will begin economic relationship argued that Anatolian migrants rather than in earnest in 2007. of each household to any internal events introduced metallurgy the next, and even quite and other Bronze Age customs and intimate details about technologies to Cyprus. relationships within They have reinforced that argument in A fundamental households – across five ‘Marki 2’ with new evidence from the centuries. suite of behaviourally-based research contribution If there’s a voyeuristic methodologies developed in situ over five element to such intense further excavations, between 1995 and site report such as Marki domestic focus, that’s 2000. As in all good stories, however, Alonia is a fundamentally quintessentially the the Marki narrative has many threads, important outcome of Frankel-Webb style: and running through both volumes of A archaeological excavation. This book Dr Frankel calls it the Marki tale is another original version makes contributions in three ways. ‘household archaeology’, of Cypriot pre-history: one side of a As a primary document presenting and Dr Webb describes compelling story of the coming together evidence it will be used as a source for it as ‘putting people back into the of ancient cultures. generations of archaeologists in the landscape’. The interaction between them was not future. As a contribution to archaeological It translates to a forensic examination of what recent history has taught us to expect. methodology, it introduces new domestic tools, technologies and practices Measured against more recent approaches to analysis and explanation. in order to understand the relationships colonizations, the arrival of Anatolian The broader interpretations change and and behavioural patterns behind them – peoples in Cyprus at the beginning of the significantly enhance our understanding including the mechanisms for transferring Bronze Age might easily be seen as an of the past. cultural knowledge and skills from one invitation to conflict.Y et – on the evidence • generation to the next. from Marki and other sites – these settler The result is an intimate profile of and indigenous groups lived side by side, village life in the early Bronze Age Cypriot Bronze Age pottery from Marki, and the 750-page Marki Alonia report. – revealing not only how life was lived in this village, but new insights into a much wider slice of ancient history. According to the archaeologists, Marki was one of a small but tightly integrated set of villages on Cyprus historically identified by their ‘Philia’ culture – a distinct, short-lived cultural system that emerged during the transition from the Late Chalcolithic era to the Early Bronze Age. Marki is the only site providing Philia artefacts from both settlement and burials, affording a unique opportunity for archeologists to look beyond the objects to the tightly networked cultural system that produced them. What they found informs the final chapters of their 15-year ARC-funded study of the Early and Middle Bronze Age on Cyprus – now consolidated in

La Trobe University BULLETIN August/September 2006 

73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd9 9 19/9/06 11:36:08 AM Research in action La Trobe’s Bass Strait seabird research

La Trobe University has taken that breed on Goose Island, including Dr Meathrel says little is known about over research on muttonbirds, or Short- Little (Fairy) Penguins and Sooty the Pacific Gull and only two academic tailed Shearwaters, in Bass Strait, nearly Oystercatchers. papers – one of them by Dr Robertson 60 years after it began. Goose Island is one of the more remote – have been written on this species. She The work is being led by the Marine islands in the Furneaux Group of islands, says there may be five distinct populations Ornithology Group in the Department of near Flinders Island, in Bass Strait. It in Australia, one of which is centred Environmental Management and Ecology is an elongated granite island of about around the Bass Strait Islands. at the Albury -Wodonga campus. 109 hectares. The northern end has She says Dr Robertson’s research has Formerly a joint project with the spectacular large boulders, the shoreline is revealed that there remain only about Tasmanian Department of Parks, Wildlife indented with deep gullies and occasional 8,800 Pacific Gulls and the fact that they and Heritage, it is the world’s longest, beaches while the south-western coastline are in distinct populations may make their continuous study of a wild vertebrate. has spectacular bays and headlands. plight even worse. It was started by famous Australian A lighthouse, rock walls, foundations The International Union for the ornithologist, the late Dr Dominic of buildings, and graves of deceased Conservation of Nature stipulates any Serventy of the CSIRO, in 1947. lighthouse keepers are at the southern end. bird species which has less than 10,000 Conservation biologist and head of Dr Meathrel spends five months a individuals is in danger of extinction La Trobe’s Marine Ornithology Group, year, from November to March, on Great within 10 generations. Dr Catherine Meathrel, has been working Dog Island in the Furneaux Group. Last To demonstrate they are endangered, on seabirds in Bass Strait since 1988. October, PhD student Dr Bruce Robertson Dr Meathrel says you have to prove began detailed research of Pacific Gulls In addition to her muttonbird research, two things: that they are decreasing in nesting on Goose Island, in a Tasmanian Dr Meathrel and her team of Honours numbers, and that their range is declining. Conservation area, while Dr Meathrel and PhD students and local Aboriginal ‘Because of the lack of research in conducted her mutton bird research 40 assistants have been working on the rare the past, we are unable to show they are nautical miles away. Pacific Gull over the last seven years, in declining. So we have much work to do. the Furneaux Group of islands. Dr Robertson, above, spent three and a We are sure our work will make a major half months on Goose Island studying the An attempt in 1993 to have Pacific contribution to the knowledge-base about gulls over the breeding season, banding Gulls – Australia’s only large native seabirds.’ more than 500 chicks. A retired Warragul • gulls – listed as ‘threatened’ failed as a veterinary surgeon, Dr Robertson is now consequence of the lack of information researching the gulls for his PhD, after about this species. having spent nearly 30 years studying Dr Meathrel is anxious to compile them as an amateur. enough information about the Pacific Drs Meathrel and Robertson have Gull to have it placed on the endangered also supervised the construction of a hut species list. It is one of 48 species of on Goose Island to accommodate up to seagull worldwide, about one third of four researchers. Life there will be more which are endangered. comfortable than in the small, 100 year Her group is studying various aspects old mutton‑birders’ hut Dr Meathrel uses of the birds’ breeding biology and on Great Dog Island. In February 2005, ecology and Dr Meathrel hopes soon 100 kph winds blew off part of the roof to initiate research on Pacific Gulls and and one of the walls. other seabirds

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73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd10 10 19/9/06 11:36:23 AM Research in action

Why education often fails Indigenous students – but there is Hope for the future

Research that examines the history Mr Nichol says he hopes the book will and practice of education for Indigenous increase understanding of the context students in Australia and its widespread of education for Aboriginal students failure to meet their needs – and suggests and their communities. ways to incorporate new forms of learning ‘It aims to provide insight for them – is the subject of a new book by and directions for students, educators La Trobe University’s Raymond Nichol. and those in allied professions, Titled Socialisation, Land and particularly in Indigenous studies, Citizenship Among Aboriginal Indigenous education and health, and Australians: Reconciling Indigenous and community development courses.’ Western Forms of Education, it has been Equally, he says non-Indigenous published by the Edwin Mellen Press, people have much to learn from the New York. The book is being distributed Indigenous world. ‘However Indigenous in the United States, the United Kingdom, knowledge and methods of learning Europe, and Australia. are often ignored or discounted by Mr Nichol, a senior lecturer metropolitan, industrial societies.’ in Education, played a significant Mr Nichol says the book and his role in developing Indigenous research, on which it was based, education programs and resources at have attracted interest around the world the Bendigo campus. for their relevance and comparative Head of Education at Bendigo, insights. Professor Vaughan Prain, says the book Professor Rob Gilbert, from offers ‘insights into the Aboriginal Queensland’s James Cook University, experience of Australian education which notes in the preface: ‘Combining the has largely been unacknowledged’. The careful eye of the historian, the author argues that culturally appropriate analytical techniques of the education for people of Indigenous anthropologist, and the descent is not a privilege – it is a educator’s appreciation fundamental right. of people’s potential, the The book explores Indigenous author creates a detailed Australian education, particularly over picture which should be read the last thirty years, and suggests ways by all interested in the to reconcile dominant western and education of minorities Indigenous forms of education. dispossessed by It is based on an ethnographic case dominant cultures. study and wide-ranging consultation with ‘The approach Indigenous Australians. taken here ensures The book has been hailed for the that the work way in which it traces the history of an is significant Aboriginal community from pre-contact not only for an times to the present, detailing its social Australian audience, structure, relationships, education and but for anyone wishing rituals prior to European contact. to understand the experience of First Nations peoples in this One reviewer described it as ‘a most globalised age … the book derives useful account of the social processes insights and recommendations which that produced the existing situation in offer positive directions for the future, which a large proportion of the Aboriginal and which will be of enormous benefit to population lack the motivation, skills and educators everywhere.’ power to effect changes in their lives.’ •

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73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd11 11 19/9/06 11:36:40 AM keeping australia on its feet

Barefoot and elderly may be heading for a fall But don’t blame the shoes

during the 12 month follow-up period. Of the 176 participants, 50 (or 29 per cent) fell indoors and 36 (21 per cent) fell outdoors, and those who fell indoors were more likely to have fallen while barefoot or wearing socks. These results defy many earlier studies which have implicated variations in footwear as a contributing factor to falls and fall-related fractures among the elderly. But they confirm at least two previous studies identifying a six to 10-fold increase in risk among old people walking around indoors in bare feet, socks, stockings or other Taking podiatry to Japan: Dr Menz and interpreter, Yoetso Ogata, prepare for a recent conference at Hirosaki sole-less footwear. University. Dr Menz spoke about his research into falls and balance – and the profession of podiatry. ‘There is no podiatry profession in Japan, so they were particularly keen to learn about it,’ he said. The chief investigator of the study, Dr Menz – a National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Clinical espite common assumptions – and to 96 living in a Melbourne retirement Research Fellow in the Musculoskeletal some scientific studies – linking village, aimed at comparing the different Research Centre at La Trobe’s School of Dfootwear to impaired balance in characteristics of footwear worn by Physiotherapy – says this study breaks elderly people, a new study by La Trobe elderly people prone to falling with those new ground in comparing the footwear researchers suggests their footwear may who are not. characteristics between ‘fallers’ and not be to blame for their increased risk of The study – Footwear Characteristics ‘non-fallers’, and assessing these experiencing a fall. and Risk of Indoors and Outdoor Falls separately according to whether the falls in Older People, by Hylton Menz (with occurred indoors or outdoors. Older people Meg Morris and Stephen Lord) – was The study had also excluded from published in the latest issue of the apparently are more at its final analysis any indoor falls that international journal, Gerontology. occurred among elderly people accessing risk of falling indoors By closely monitoring the kind of their shower or bath, to ensure the data on footwear worn indoors and outdoors falls associated with people not wearing when they walk by 56 men and 120 women – and their shoes was not erroneously inflated. around in their socks incidence of falling – the authors of the ‘The main implications for preventing study were able to compare the variations falls is that there may be some value in or are barefoot. in footwear between elderly people who recommending that older people wear fell and those who didn’t. shoes where possible inside the home, The result: whatever the conditions According to the new study, there is rather than going barefoot or wearing only or circumstances, and no matter what no evidence that structural variations socks,’ Dr Menz said. variations in shoe type – whether the in footwear make any difference to ‘Our results do not provide any height of the heel, the flex in the sole, the incidence of elderly people falling, guidance for recommending one style of the fit, or the fixing (shoe laces,V elcro, whether they are indoors or out. shoe over another to prevent falls.’ zipper, straps, buckle, or none) – there • These are the surprising results of a were no significant differences between one-year study of 176 people aged 62 older people who did and did not fall

12 La Trobe University BULLETIN August/September 2006

73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd12 12 19/9/06 11:36:44 AM keeping australia on its feet Orthoses research surprises podiatrists

hat is the best kind of footwear insert Wto treat plantar fasciitis – a nasty foot condition that can feel like a hot knife being driven into your heel, and afflicts up to 100,000 Australians every year? La Trobe University senior lecturer and research coordinator in the Department of Podiatry, Dr Karl Landorf, has come up with an answer that has surprised many members of the podiatry profession. His recently completed PhD research on plantar fasciitis found little difference in the beneficial effects of expensive, individually designed orthoses in the form of footwear inserts (insoles) compared to a ‘standard’ prefabricated off-the-shelf insert. ‘This finding was quite unexpected and surprised some members of the podiatry profession,’ said Dr Landorf who joined La Trobe last year. His research findings were recently Many are advised to walk to counteract effectiveness between all three orthoses. published in the journal Archives of their potential weight problem – but However, for the first three months both Internal Medicine. One of the top cannot do so because of the pain from the customised and prefabricated devices eight medical journals in the world, it their plantar fasciitis. produced small but significant benefits has a print circulation to over 100,000 ‘While podiatrists have for many compared to the sham orthosis. physicians in more than 75 countries. years prescribed footwear inserts for ‘So there is a short-term benefit from Dr Landorf’s investigation of 135 plantar fasciitis – and some research appropriately designed foot orthoses. patients with plantar fasciitis took two has been done on them in the past However, on average there was no and a half years to complete, and he says – nobody had ever carried out such a difference in effectiveness between the it was the most thorough and extensive rigorous randomised trial evaluating their relatively cheap prefabricated device and ever conducted. effectiveness. Further, previous research the more expensive customised orthosis had only investigated the effectiveness of used in our study, even up to 12 months of He explains that plantar fasciitis, which footwear inserts in the short term up to treatment,’ he said. affects the heel, is an inflammation of the three months,’ he said. plantar fascia, a band of strong tissue that Dr Landorf said there were significant supports the arch of the foot. An estimated After attracting 135 people with plantar cost differences between the customised 70,000 to 100,000 Australians seek fasciitis by advertising in local papers, and prefabricated orthoses. Therefore, treatment for this condition each year, Dr Landorf randomly allocated each if orthoses are deemed necessary for the many of them experiencing severe pain, participant to wear one of three types of treatment of plantar fasciitis, practitioners particularly when they first step out of bed orthoses for 12 months. should prescribe an appropriate in the morning. One group received a ‘sham’ orthosis prefabricated orthosis first, rather than a more expensive customised device. ‘The longer sufferers are on their – an insert of material so soft it quickly feet, the more intense the pain becomes, flattened and had little if any effect. ‘Fortunately there is a natural course making this an extremely difficult A second group received a standard, in the progress of plantar fasciitis as it affliction for people like shop staff and relatively inexpensive off-the-shelf normally gets better over time. It usually others who spend their working day on device and the third received an orthosis lasts about 6-12 months, but can be longer their feet,’ he said. specifically designed (customised) for or shorter for some patients. Nevertheless, them after analysis of their feet. The the need for cost-effective pain relief in ‘This condition often puts people in subjects were unaware which type they the short-term is critical, and this research a Catch 22 situation. People are usually had received. has made a significant contribution to about 40-60 years of age when they this,’ he added. develop this condition – the age when The trial found that in the long-term • they are often starting to put on weight. (12 months) there was no difference in

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73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd13 13 19/9/06 11:36:48 AM news

Medal win shines spotlight Philosopher wins Eureka Prize on Biochemistry

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Freiburg, Germany, where his research focused on the import of proteins into mitochondria in yeast. Dr Ryan also leads the Biology Group in the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science. Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Erich Weigold, in congratulating Dr Ryan, noted that PhD graduates of La Trobe’s Department of Biochemistry have now won this award twice in the last three years. La Trobe University philosopher, The 2004 medal went to Dr Trevor Associate Professor Janna Thompson, Lithgow, who also trained in the has received a prestigious Eureka Prize Hoogenraad laboratory. A former lecturer – one of Australia’s leading awards for at La Trobe, Dr Lithgow now works in science and science communication. the Department of Biochemistry and Dr Thompson’s win was for her Molecular Biology at the University of book Taking Responsibility for the Past Melbourne. (Polity Press) and other publications on Professor Peter Høj also won this this subject. award in 1992 while in the Department of She received the $10,000 Australian Biochemistry at La Trobe. He later moved Catholic University Eureka Prize for to the University of Adelaide and is now Research in Ethics for explaining Chair of the Australian Research Council. why members of societies have A recent member of the Department, responsibilities for the deeds of their Federation Fellow Professor David Vaux, predecessors and what they ought to do LA TROBE University biochemist, also won the Roche medal in 2000. in reparation for historical injustices. Associate Professor Michael Ryan, Professor Weigold said the Roche The result is a theory that deals has won the 2006 Roche Medal for Medal wins helped highlight the with central issues in political ethics outstanding achievement in biochemistry University’s strength in biochemical which has implications for policy or molecular biology. Dr Ryan and his and biomedical research, which has making in Australia. 12 member research laboratory in the developed under Foundation Professor of Dr Thompson teaches Department of Biochemistry focus on Biochemistry, Bruce Stone, and continues mitochondrial biogenesis. environmental ethics, feminism, through the leadership of the current Head political philosophy, and her major He says mitochondria are the of the School of Molecular Sciences, research deals with intergenerational ‘powerhouse’ of cells – essential for Professor Nicholas Hoogenraad. justice and global justice. cell viability. Mitochondrial defects are The School attracts more than $4 million associated with diseases ranging from She has spent the last three years in outside research grants annually. It as head of an ARC Special Research heart, liver and kidney problems to offers Medical Sciences and Chemical neurological disorders. Centre dealing with applied philosophy Science degrees, an immunology subject and public ethics based at the The production of mitochondria – and a new Medicinal Chemistry course, University of Melbourne. requires the constant synthesis of specific informed by its research effort, is being proteins. Dr Ryan studied a family of developed. Dr Thompson says her work in proteins, known as molecular chaperones, • applied ethics arises from a conviction for his PhD at La Trobe in the early 1990s Dr Ryan will receive his medal and that it is important for philosophers under the supervision of Professors Peter give a plenary lecture at the 1000- to critically assess the values of their Høj and Nicholas Hoogenraad, and later delegate ‘ComBio’ Australian Society society and to participate in debates at the University of Adelaide. for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology about important public issues. combined conference in Brisbane on In 1997 he won an Alexander von Some of these issues are: what 26 September. Humboldt Research Fellowship and historical obligations do we inherit led a research group at the Institute for from our family, community or nation? Are we responsible for the sins of our

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73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd14 14 19/9/06 11:36:51 AM news

Historian Dr Richard Broome was short-listed in the non-fiction category parents? Should we say ‘sorry’ for past for his book, Aboriginal Victorians: A treatment of indigenous people? Students win History Since 1800. It was cited as ‘an The Eureka Prize announcement says important and timely contribution to our EU awards Dr Thompson’s research provides an understanding of frontier conflict and race ethical basis to discussion of these relations at a local level,’ Continued from Page 6 controversial issues. ‘Based on impressive scholarship, ‘Many people,’ she explains, it offers a brave and compassionate La Trobe students Ella Bourke ‘believe that the historical past of their analysis of Aboriginal survival in the and Heidi Werner have won two family, community or nation is a source face of changing government policies EU prizes, presented to them by of moral obligation. of segregation and assimilation,’ the Ambassador Julien at the official ‘They lay claim to possessions or land judges noted. opening of the Centre. on the basis of history, they demand In the Queensland Premier’s Awards, Ms Werner chose to study recompense for historical injustices. David Corlett has made the shortlist for the European Union at La Trobe ‘They regard themselves as having his book Following Them Home: The Fate as part of her languages, business an obligation to honour their dead, of the Returned Asylum Seekers, in the and cultural studies degree at the especially those who sacrificed section for advancing public debate. University of Passau, Germany, during themselves for their community or The book is based on his La Trobe PhD her compulsory semester abroad under nation, to acknowledge the wrongs done thesis, supervised by Professor of Politics, the Study Abroad program. by their group, and to remember those Robert Manne. As a European, she was already who have made a contribution.’ And to complete the La Trobe east-coast familiar with EU history, but did Dr Thompson argues that treaties trifecta in Premiers’ literary awards, Head not understand how it worked – or (or agreements) that one political of Chisholm College, Terry Collits, earlier why its member states sometimes community (or ‘nation’) makes this year won the $15,000 biennial prize collaborated and sometimes found with another must be understood as for literary scholarship in the New South themselves at loggerheads. ‘transgenerational’. Wales Premier’s Literary Awards for his ‘I had a very idealistic view on As one reviewer said : ‘In other words, book Postcolonial Conrad: Paradoxes the EU feeling that it should be a the treaties our nation makes today place of Empire, on Joseph Conrad, one of supranational organisation shaped a significant moral obligation on us and the most important and debated western by cooperation among the member our descendants to honour those treaties, novelists of the 20th century. states rather than a platform for if not exactly to the letter, then at least intergovernmental bargaining.’ according to our considered evaluation She selected her major essay of them in light of our genuinely held ABR - La Trobe topic A Critical Evaluation of the standards of justice.’ Common Agricultural Policy from The Australian Museum Eureka its origin to EU enlargement in Prizes were awarded in Sydney late Annual Lecture 2004 ‘because the CAP is – due to in August in front of more than 900 its economic irrationality – one of he Australian Book Review - La Trobe leaders of government, science, the most controversial EU policies, University Annual Lecture – a literary industry, academia and the media. T permanently causing fights among event held in three states – this year • the member states. featured Ian Donaldson, Director of the ANU’s Humanities Research Centre. ‘It is a good example of intergovernmental bargaining, for The lecture, ‘Matters of Life and Death: Literary prizes in this matter the European nations The Return of Biography’ examined some Continued from Page 16 – the net contributors on the one of the forces behind the resurgence of hand and the main beneficiaries the way John Howard has skilfully interest in biography, and recent examples on the other – try to pursue their positioned himself in the centre of national of the genre. life, marginalising critics in parliament own interests instead of coming to Professor Donaldson is consultant editor agreements that suit both groups.’ and the media.’ for The Oxford Dictionary of National Ms Bourke, in the third year of ‘Using a series of deftly sketched profiles Biography and a general editor of The a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of of “ordinary people who vote Liberal”, Cambridge Edition of the Works of Ben International Relations degree, she shows how the Coalition government Jonson, due for publication in twenty-five undertook the EU topic as part of her has been able to transcend longstanding volumes in 2007, and is completing a life broader interest in global governance. partisan divides in Australia. This entails, as of Jonson for OUP. Her essay also dealt with obstacles Brett puts it, “taking seriously what people The lecture was held on La Trobe’s main standing in the way of a treaty to say about what they believe”.’ Melbourne campus at Bundoora, at the establish a constitution for Europe. Professor Brett’s latest book, Ordinary National Library, Canberra, and travels People’s Politics: Australians talk about to the Art Gallery of South Australia in Both students want to work Life, Politics and the Future of their Adelaide on Sunday, October 8. eventually in the international or Country, written with Anthony Moran, • multilateral arena. was launched by former Labor Senator, • John Button, in mid September.

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73854 Bulletin SepAug06 v3.indd15 15 19/9/06 11:36:51 AM Arts at La Trobe – writ large

La Trobe University this year sponsored the Melbourne Writers’ Festival opening Keynote Address at the Melbourne Town Hall. It was delivered by internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer, conservationist and author, Tim Flannery. Professor Flannery spoke about climate change at a session chaired by ABC Radio National’s Robyn Williams. Ten members of La Trobe University took part in the Festival. And one of the Festival’s major overseas guests, Bolivian writer, Edmundo Paz Soldán, brought a segment of the Festival to the main Melbourne campus at Bundoora. A leading figure in the urban, pop culture realist Latin American literary movement known as ‘McOndo’, Paz Soldán gave a talk on recent trends in Latin American literature, chaired by La Trobe Spanish scholar and Deputy Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr Lilit Thwaites. Dr Thwaites describes Paz Soldán as an important new voice in world literature. He has won the National Book Award in Bolivia and divides his time Dr Thwaites with Edmundo Paz Soldán on the Bundoora campus. between Bolivia and the USA, where he is an academic at Cornell. He has written Another focus of the Festival involved and media commentator, Morag Fraser; six novels – including The Matter of La Trobe History scholar and Media scholar, Dr Sue Turnbull; historian Desire and, Turing’s Delirium, recently ‘Summiteer’, Dr John Hirst, author Dr Corinne Manning, co-author (with translated into English – and four short of Sense and Nonsense in Australian Richard Broome) of the recent biography story collections, as well as co-editing two History. He chaired a conversation of Melbourne Aboriginal activist, Alick collections of scholarly essays. with Geoffrey Blainey – as well as the Jackomos; and anthropologist Sally Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Festival’s controversial closing night ‘The Warhaft, editor of Well May We Say: the Stoddart, said La Trobe was delighted to Last Word’ debate on ‘Stolen Generation Speeches that made Australia and The sponsor the Festival’s opening session. or hijacked history?’ This was the long- Monthly magazine. ‘Following the recent publication of awaited debate between Professor Manne Reflected Light: and Melbourne La Trobe Essays journalist, Andrew by Black Inc., Bolt. Trifecta in Premiers’ this is a further Other La Trobe way to highlight authors at the literary prizes the role the Festival included University plays multi-award winning as a principal Australian author, Works by La Trobe University authors centre for public Emeritus Scholar have been short-listed in Premiers’ literary intellectuals. Dr Inga Clendinnen, awards in all three mainland eastern states ‘We are whose latest book this year. building on our is Agamemnon’s Professor of Politics, Judith Brett’s previous strong Kiss; Professor ‘Quarterly’ Essay, Relaxed and support for this Marilyn Lake, Comfortable: The Liberal Party’s Australia Festival, as well Robert Manne, left, and who is working on was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Andrew Bolt answer questions as for other major at the Writers’ Festival. biographies of Australian Federal fathers, Literary Awards for ‘an essay advancing cultural, artistic HB Higgins, Alfred Deakin, Edmund public debate’. and literary events Barton and WM Hughes; Dr Richard The judges described it as a ‘subtle and in Melbourne and Broome, who specialises in the history of persuasive essay (that) identifies regional Victoria.’ Aboriginal Victorians; Adjunct Professor Continued Page 15 16 La Trobe University BULLETIN August/September 2006

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