ISSUE 49 2017 Research that saves lives every day A warrior for world justice Devils’ champion hangs up his lab coat Alumni A strong foundation for a lifetime of learning

BUILDING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE STUDENTS OF THE FUTURE CONTENTS

Vice-Chancellor government and community. We have Professor Peter coupled this with a regionally relevant Rathjen: Moving on research agenda, knowing that the future but will keep an eye on the progress of of current industries – and the creation Tasmania and the of entirely new economic sectors – will University. require innovation delivered through new knowledge, along with human capital to become signatory to the Magna equipped to use it in imaginative ways. Charta Universitatum in 2013. It says that We now see the green shoots of “approaching the end of this millennium, these ideas in powerful research

PETER MATHEW the future of mankind depends largely collaborations, such as the establishment on cultural, scientific and technical of the University’s Advanced Sensor development, and that this is built up in Manufacturing Facility in Launceston, and centres of culture, knowledge and research world-first research which has unlocked as represented by true universities”. the reality of on-land lobster farming, WELCOME Our commitment to academic and now enshrined within a commercialisation research excellence has underpinned a agreement with a local firm. 011 027 The only fitting way to begin my final sustained increase in each of the credible We are reimagining the concept introduction to Alumni magazine is international rankings. This has, in turn, of a contemporary university and are with an expression of deep gratitude to allowed us to build on historic strengths pursuing a model which is founded in our alumni, staff, students and the wider by attracting scholars of world standing in excellence in teaching and research, but community: Thank you. I leave the identified research themes. that is philosophically and physically University of Tasmania (to the equivalent The further emergence of our University embedded in the heart of our State and role at the University of Adelaide) after within the international community has our communities. We have revised our six-and-a-half years with a sense of pride allowed us to fulfil our promise of being curriculum to ensure relevance to all and humility, knowing that collectively a bridge from Tasmania to the world Tasmanians, now and into the future, and we have left an indelible mark on our and from the world to Tasmania. New to expand employment opportunities for 053 institution, and that it also has left an partnerships and collaborations have our students. indelible mark on me. brought economic benefit – education We have accomplished a great deal and 02 Welcome It seems to me we have reached a now being one of the State’s significant this has been the result of effort across the 04 Recognising donors better understanding of the duality of our exports – along with the social value of breadth and depth of our institution, and 05 Refugee scholarships University in terms of its importance within intellectual and cultural exchange which further afield. It is something about which 06 University news the global community, intertwined with its comes to a community which embraces we should share a sense of collective 08 Tracey Dickson critical role in delivering a brighter future diversity. pride, especially that we have come to 042 10 Mia Palencia ISSUE 49 here, through its unique place as the In recent years, the University’s focus demonstrate so comprehensively the 11 Minh Hien sole provider for higher education to this has been to increase the productivity and transformative power of education. 16 Foundation dinners magnificent island home. prosperity of the State’s citizens, thus 22 Northern transformation We have navigated recent years faithful enabling social and economic revitalisation Kind regards, 24 The Hedberg to our strategic intent, and guided by a in our cities and regions. This has been Professor Peter Rathjen, 25 Sunken treasure set of principles which led the University done in historic levels of accord with both Vice-Chancellor CONTENTS 28 Alumni events 30 Michael Breadmore 32 House Rules 34 Toby Leonard Moore Alumni Advisory Committee SUICIDE PREVENTION CHARTING THE COURSE AHEAD 36 High-flying lawyer The new Alumni Advisory Committee met in May for the Lee-Anne Britcliffe from Science, Engineering and Young Dawkins (Executive 12 Jane Pirkis has devoted herself 20 The University is creating educational 37 Artful engagement first time, buoyed by a groundswell of support from alumni the Australian Maritime Technology); Associate Director, Advancement, to tackling one of society’s most precincts in the heart of Tasmania’s 40 University Lions globally and the senior leadership of the University. College; Professor Nathan Professor Martin Grimmer ex-officio); and Michaela devastating public health issues major communities 42 Kicking goals Bindoff (Institute for (Tasmanian School of Lightfoot (Committee 44 Future-proofing Marine and Antarctic Business and Economics); Administrator). FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE A RIGHT TO A FAIR GO 45 Mushrooming career The committee will assist Studies); Sally Thurley Danielle Kidd (Community 14 Alice Edwards takes up the 26 Helen Szoke is championing the 46 Winter graduations the University in setting (College of Arts, Law Partnerships and Regional For more information about battle for human rights right for everyone to have equal 48 Marine landscapes the new Advisory Committee the future strategic and Education); Scott Development); Sara Franz access to life’s opportunities 50 Art treasures visit: utas.edu.au/alumni/get- direction of the Alumni Sullivan (Faculty of (Global Division Office); involved/alumni-committee 51 Tourism tracker and Friends program. Education); Matthew Clark Cooley (Tasmanian FOND FAREWELL FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS 52 High achievers The 2017-18 Stevenson (Faculty University Union); Lisa 18 Greg Woods hangs up his lab 38 Geoff Wiseman on the advice that membership includes of Health/Menzies Morisset, Robyn Phillips coat after a 36-year career set him on the right track Associate Director, Institute for Medical and Catherine Williamson Alumni Relations, Research); Professor (elected alumni position to be filled; Andrew Chan (Faculty of members); Cover image: The new student apartments at Inveresk, located on the banks of the North Esk River.

02 — Alumni 2017 03 SCHOLARSHIPS

SCHOLARSHIPS GIVE ASYLUM SEEKERS A NEW START AND CHANCE TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE THANK YOU YOUNG By Gilda Sorella ARRIVALS ON NEW JOURNEY scholarships and prizes annually, enabling By Anna Osborne talented young students to access the life- changing power of a university education. Student scholarships not only provide critical financial support that enable

students to access higher education and ALASTAIR BETT perform their best, but also inspire them to chase their goals. Debra Ploughman embodies the spirit of the Domain Society, having donated to the Annual Scholarship Appeal for the past Young people seeking asylum Mohammad Hanif Haji Mohammad Alizada, 21 Ali Almteri, 22 11 years, and to the Foundation’s Save the in Tasmania from some of Iqbal Zada, 21 At 16 years of age, Haji fled Ali arrived in Tasmania in Tasmanian Devil Appeal for the past seven the most troubled parts of Hanif arrived in Australia in Afghanistan, arriving firstly in 2013 to pursue his dream of

JIM RICE years. the world have been granted 2013 after fleeing Pakistan Indonesia before being taken becoming a doctor. He was “It has been amazing to see the new University of Tasmania due to safety considerations. to Christmas Island where born in Kuwait into a stateless cumulative impact of my regular gifts to scholarships, giving them He is the sole income provider he was granted a bridging family, which meant he was Where there’s a will: Members of the Bequest Society, who came together for a morning tea the University,” she said. access to the transformative for his family, after losing visa in 2014. Since arriving in not permitted to study (at recently, pictured with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Brigid Heywood, back “It brings me such joy to think that my power of education. his brother and father. Since Tasmania Haji has volunteered any level), along with other row, far left; the Executive Director, Advancement Office, Young Dawkins, back row, second contributions can help talented young arriving in Tasmania Hanif at a number of organisations, restrictions. Since arriving in from the right; and Advancement staff members. students access a university education by studied English at TAFE and including the Migrant Resource Tasmania, Ali has volunteered alleviating financial hardship. And to think Three young asylum seekers – Year 11 and 12 at The Friends Centre and the Hobart Hazara with the Red Cross (translating The University of Tasmania Foundation Research, receiving the Dianne Eerden that my donations to the Tasmanian Devil awarded places in the inaugural School. This year, he is enrolled Community Association, and for Arabic clients) and the has created two new societies to Research Scholarship has provided Appeal have helped fund the cure to save Tasmanian Asylum Seeker in a Bachelor of Medical regularly speaks on issues Migrant Resource Centre and ISSUE 49 recognise the generosity of our alumni significant support as she continues her the Tassie devils is beyond incredible.” Scholarship scheme – are set Research. “I have always been facing refugees and asylum has spoken publicly on human and friends – because we can never say PhD in motor neuron disease (MND). Domain House was recently restored on making a difference in fields interested in studying in the seekers. He is enrolled in rights issues. He is currently thank you enough. “It means so much to me,” Ms Jiang said. to preserve the 168-year-old building including medicine and arts/law. medical field because of my the University’s Foundation enrolled in the University’s “During my study I want to understand for future generations. The sentiment The University’s new experiences growing up in Studies Program, leading to the Foundation Studies Program, The Bequest Society recognises the why neurons degenerate in motor neuron befits the naming of the Domain Society, scholarship is part of the Refugee Quetta, Pakistan, as a Hazara Bachelor of Arts, and hopes to leading to the Bachelor of nearly 100 donors who have decided to disease, to make a difference and to help whose members’ generosity, alongside Council of Australia’s Education where I saw the impact of one day help those in need. Biotechnology. leave a gift in their will to the Foundation, people with the disease,” she said. the legacies left by the Bequest Society, for All Campaign. the lack of access to proper gathering them together each year The Domain Society, named in honour will continue to make an impact for The 2017 Tasmanian Asylum medical care. My father died at a morning tea to celebrate their of the University’s original home, the generations to come. Seeker Scholarship recipients are: of a preventable disease, philanthropy. historic Domain House, recognises those “The commitment and generosity that is tuberculosis, and other family Drawn to the concept of leaving a who have donated to the Foundation for shown by the members of the Domain and members have suffered from legacy, the late Dianne Eerden left a five consecutive years or more. Bequest Societies enable the Foundation malaria throughout their lives.” gift in her will to establish a scholarship Together the society’s 300 members to support our fantastic programs, named in her honour, with the intention have collectively contributed more than including student scholarships, for which Unlike holders of permanent The scholarships will be seeking asylum in Tasmania to of supporting talented young women $3 million towards University projects, we are deeply grateful,” Executive Director humanitarian visas, people presented annually to support pursue undergraduate tertiary entering the traditionally male-dominated which has funded research, new facilities of Advancement Young Dawkins said. seeking asylum and refugees Tasmanian asylum seekers studies at the University of field of neuroscience and neurosurgery. and perhaps most importantly, student on temporary protection living in Tasmania and on a Tasmania. Applicants are “I want what I have worked for and left scholarships. visas are not eligible for Temporary Protection Visa; assessed on demonstrated to help a young female person with their Thanks to donations such as these, the The University of Tasmania Foundation is the programs and concessions to applying for a Safe Haven involvement in their local heart set on improving the lives and living University is able to award more than 900 philanthropic arm of the University. assist students with financing Protection Visa (SHPV); on an community, commitment to prospects of other Australians,” Ms Eerden tertiary education. equivalent bridging visa; or education and financial need. said before she passed. For Tong Cui Jiang, a third-year To make an online donation to the Tasmania Asylum Seeker Scholarship Fund visit utas.edu.au/ international student studying at the To find out more about making a donation, visit utas.edu.au/giving or phone the donate. For more information contact the University’s Foundation on (03) 6226 1920 or utas.edu.au/advancement University’s Menzies Institute for Medical Advancement Office on +61 3 6226 1920

04 — Alumni 2017 05 UNIVERSITY NEWS UNIVERSITY N NEWS

STEM STAMP OF APPROVAL Planning, at the University of Melbourne. Infrastructure Australia’s A second new college will approval of the business come into effect on January 1, case for Hobart’s proposed 2018. The College of Health $400 million Science and and Medicine will incorporate Technology Precinct is a ringing the Menzies Institute for endorsement of its capacity to Medical Research, the School fundamentally and positively of Medicine, the School of shift the state’s economy and Health Sciences, and the community. IA has added Wicking Dementia Research the project to the nation’s and Education Centre. Infrastructure Priority List. CALE – THE SUPER COLLEGE Professor Denise Fassett, “The Hobart precinct will current Dean of the Faculty GALA EVENT TO CELEBRATE relocation from Newnham: draw together the world- The University’s shift towards a of Health, has been appointed 10TH ANNIVERSARY “In 2007 the School of class science and technology college model took a significant to the role of Interim Executive Architecture and Design moved disciplines of the University in step forward on July 1 with Dean. The School of Architecture into this converted 1951 diesel a way that promotes multi- the formation of the College and Design has celebrated the locomotive workshop. This disciplinary research, providing of Arts, Law and Education 10th anniversary of its move award-winning conversion a foundation for the expansion (CALE). CALE incorporates to Inveresk with a gala event provides an extraordinary of new research endeavours the School of Humanities, attended by local and state backdrop to the school’s across the state,” the Vice- the School of Social Sciences, politicians, senior management activities. It is this building, its Chancellor, Professor Peter the School of Creative Arts from the University and past location in Launceston and the RIAWUNNA RELOCATED Rathjen, explains. (formally the Tasmanian College Establishing a and present staff. Head of staff, students and activities it “In the south, STEM will of the Arts) and the faculties of Darling Harbour the School of Architecture contains, that drew me to the With the help of three be linked with the medical Law and Education. presence will and Design, Professor Kirsten University in March last year as Aboriginal dancers, a new sciences, marine and Antarctic The Head of School in the allow the AMC to Orr, reflected on the school’s the new Head of School.” Riawunna Centre on the Sandy sciences, and arts and cultural The Science and Technology Faculty of Education retains Bay campus has been officially precincts to create new Precinct will be built at the the title of Dean as is the strengthen ties with launched. Now relocated to opportunity. In the north, corner of Argyle and Melville case for the Head of School the surrounding DARLING HARBOUR AMC’S engineering and maritime colourful, spacious offices in ISSUE 49 STEM will provide a platform streets, initially accommodating for the Faculty of Law. Each ports, logistics, NEXT PORT OF CALL and logistics management the School of Social Sciences, for an expanded opportunity 3,000 students and 700 staff of these academic units engineering and – from February 2018, with Riawunna was formerly a in defence, maritime science, in contemporary teaching The Hobart STEM continues to be responsible The Australian Maritime plans for a third degree to long-term occupant of Hytten defence industries wood science, agriculture, environments and cutting-edge precinct will draw for the development and College will expand its come online in 2019. “Darling Hall above Churchill Avenue, design and education.” research facilities. together world- delivery of their curriculum and reach into key national Harbour is an iconic location blessed with a beautiful garden their research. The expanded and international markets for the national maritime but invisible to the majority class science college is expected to generate following the establishment sector and Sydney is the of students and staff, and to AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST and technology exciting opportunities for of a study centre at Sydney’s centre of operations for the visitors. disciplines of the interdisciplinary teaching and Darling Harbour. The college Royal Australian Navy, offering The Provost, Professor Mike The University of Tasmania University in a research as well as enhanced will deliver two Masters AMC prominent exposure to Calford, who spoke at the is continuing its climb the way that promotes professional experiences. level courses – in maritime recreational, commercial and launch, sketched the humble world’s major academic A leading cultural historian, naval activities in the area,” beginnings of Aboriginal studies multi-disciplinary rankings. In the latest, the QS Professor Kate Darian-Smith, AMC Principal Professor Neil at the University more than 30 World University Rankings, research will join the University on Bose explained. years ago “… in a single room at the University climbed to 313 December 1 as the inaugural “Establishing a local presence Hytten Hall, before a wing on from 370th place. It is usually Pro-Vice-Chancellor and will allow us to strengthen level one was dedicated to the accepted that there are 20,000 was rated among the world’s Executive Dean (Arts, Law ties with the surrounding Riawunna Centre, mirrored in universities globally and the top 10 in three key subjects: and Education). She currently ports, logistics, engineering the establishment of a facility University now ranks at 313th ranked fourth in the world for holds joint appointments as and defence industries; as on the Newnham campus”. according to QS, 292nd in the marine and freshwater biology, Professor of Australian Studies well as providing our students “It is important that this centre Academic Ranking of World and seventh for both fisheries and History in the School of with access to internships is now much closer to the Universities and 317th under and oceanography, according Historical and Philosophical and project work within those central hub of the campus, the Times Higher Education to the Centre for World Studies, and Professor of sectors.” The study centre will where it will be seen by more World University Rankings. In University Rankings’ inaugural Cultural Heritage in the Faculty be based at the Australian students and will provide better April the University of Tasmania subjects ranking. of Architecture, Building and National Maritime Museum. access for those who use it.”

06 — Alumni 2017 07 RA EVERSPISCIUM AUT IDITAM,

Brain power: PROFILE Tracey Dickson marvels at the incredible capacity of the BRAINS ON human brain. THE MIND Tracey Dickson is on a mission to tackle brain disease

By Miranda Harman

It’s no surprise to Associate Professor As well as MND, her research group of Foundation, which has continued to Tracey Dickson that in 2017 there isn’t five scientists, five PhD and two Honours contribute philanthropically to her a supercomputer that comes anywhere students is investigating the cellular research. near the power of the human brain. She mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s “My PhD studies focussed on identifying knows the brain more intimately than Disease, dementia and traumatic brain some of the earliest pathological changes most of us and, 20 years into a career in injury. that occur in people with Alzheimer’s, neuroscience, her enthusiasm for this Associate Professor Dickson completed when they are still in what is termed a fundamental organ shows no sign of a Bachelor of Science with Honours at the pre-clinical phase. Our studies focussed on dimming. “I know I’m biased,” she says, University of Tasmania and then took up this group of people, as the most effective “but our brains are truly amazing.” her first real job working as a laboratory intervention in Alzheimer’s is likely to be assistant with Professor James Vickers, treating people to either cure them or slow Associate Professor Dickson is Deputy who is now Director of the Wicking the progression of their disease before the Director at the Menzies Institute for Dementia Research and Education Centre. important nerve cells actually die.” Medical Research and the leader of the But it could all have been very different. After graduating with her PhD she Institute’s Neurodegenerative Diseases After growing up in Scottsdale and then was awarded the CJ Martin Postdoctoral and Brain Injury research theme. She is a moving to Burnie, she started out at Fellowship from the National Health and national leader in motor neuron disease the University of Tasmania enrolling in Medical Research Council and spent two (MND) research and in 2017 received a double Degree in Law and Science, and a half years at the Mount Sinai School ISSUE 49 almost $1 million in research funding realising fairly quickly that she was more of Medicine in New York City. through FightMND, the foundation inspired by the latter. Further funding from the NHMRC inspired by AFL legend Neale Daniher, She followed the Australian tradition and other competitive grant schemes, who has MND. of backpacking overseas, and for a short in addition to philanthropic funds, have In between being one of the two time had a job looking after an elderly enabled Associate Professor Dickson Menzies Deputy Directors, leading a couple who needed a driver to take them and her lab group to make inroads in research theme, running her own lab between their city and country homes. “I understanding what is happening in group and raising a young family, Associate knew it was the job for me when the first the brain and central nervous system in Professor Dickson puts considerable question I was asked when I was being neurodegenerative diseases. In 2016 her energy into communicating her research to interviewed was could I drive a Jag?” lab celebrated the publication of research the community. After a few months of cucumber showing where MND begins in the central sandwiches and gentrified English life, nervous system. she realised that it was time to get back “Despite its humble appearance the to the benches and contacted Professor brain truly is an amazing organ,” she said. Vickers about beginning a PhD in Hobart. “How it performs many of its functions is She secured a scholarship through the still a mystery but we, and others around Tasmanian Masonic Medical Research the world, are working hard on this. “The brain is made up of 100 billion nerve cells, all connected in a complicated series of networks via 176,000km of I knew it was the job for me when the axons and 100 trillion specialised junctions known as synapses. With this level of first question I was asked was could I sophistication, it is no wonder that even drive a Jag? the most advanced computer is still unable to come close to its abilities.”

08 — Alumni 2017 PETER MATHEW 09 ALUMNA

MANY HANDS MAKE THE

WORDS SING SUPPLIED SUPPLIED

By Anna Osborne

A composition dedicated to the that you get to perform in front of On song: composition So Many Hands to life. unsung heroes in elite sports 87,000 people.” Conservatorium “The amazing team of musicians Long journey: Minh Arriving in Tasmania, able to speak led Conservatorium of Music The South-east Asian Games of Music PhD and engineers spanned three Hien, left, pictured very little English, Minh Hien took adult PhD student Mia Palencia to an hosted 11 nations in more than 400 student Mia continents, including musicians in a Singapore education classes in English and studied Palencia in Kuala international sporting stage. events in late August. “Watching and engineers in Hobart and refugee camp, and at Hobart Matriculation College. She was Lumpur. the ceremony unfold from Melbourne, traditional musicians right, at Blackmans among the top five to matriculate in the The Tasmanian-based student was backstage, and realising just how in Malaysia and a studio orchestra Bay near Hobart. state in 1982. invited to compose, produce and many people were involved in the in Bratislava,” she said. She then enrolled in engineering at the perform the opening night theme production of the ceremony itself Mia is a Conservatorium University of Tasmania, graduating with song at this year’s South-east Asian was very humbling,” Mia said. graduate, having completed her PROFILE a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours Games in Kuala Lumpur. Over the past year, Mia worked Bachelor of Music (Honours) (1987) and a Master of Engineering “It was amazing and terrifying at with a team of musicians, engineers in 2014. Science (1990). the same time. It’s not every day and an orchestra in bringing her MY MOTHER, MY “Studying at the University of Tasmania was one of the best decisions I made and I cherished being able to follow my MOTHERLAND educational goals in peace and freedom,” she said. A refugee from Vietnam, Minh Hien was determined Minh Hien has continued to pursue to make the most of her new life through education her love of learning and now boasts eight university qualifications. Her current By Elizabeth Stacey occupation is a systems accountant. ISSUE 49 She also provided the Minh Hien and Farshid Scholarship at the University of Tasmania from 2008 to 2014, supporting Alumna Hien Minh Thi Tran’s memoir My offered us support and friendships,” Minh Tasmanian refugee students. Heritage: Vietnam Fatherland Motherland Hien said. The culmination of her years of English encapsulates a life of experiences that While she endured separation from her classes and study was the launch of her few of us could imagine. family, Minh Hien never forgot the values memoir last year. that they had instilled in her – especially Minh Hien said writing My Heritage had Minh Hien, who grew up in Saigon, lived the importance of education. given her the opportunity to preserve a through the Vietnam War and its atrocities. Having left Vietnam at a time when significant part of Vietnam’s history and She was only 17 when she and her brother communist rule banned her from going her family’s story. escaped Vietnam in a small wooden boat. to university, Minh Hien was determined “I feel good that the stories of three Rescued by the crew of the USS John to make the most of her new educational generations of my family, and especially Young, the pair spent time in a refugee opportunities. my memories of my mother, are now alive,” camp in Singapore before arriving in “My family and I have great respect she said. Tasmania in 1981. for education,” she said. “Since we were While Minh Hien’s mother lived through “When I arrived, Hobart was covered children, it had been a clear goal in our a great deal of suffering and hardship, she with snow – yet I felt warmed by the family that my siblings and I must get a always made her family believe all was kindness of many people on this island university qualification. To progress in life well, to allow her children to concentrate and will always remember the people who we need to learn.” on their studies “After years of studying I have been able to write her life story and now I feel good that the stories of three that the book is held in libraries and generations of my family ... are now alive stocked in bookshops, I hope she will be remembered,” Minh Hien said.

010 — Alumni 2017 011 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Doubly special: Professor Jane Pirkis returns to the Newnham campus, a place she once used A LOVE OF PSYCHOLOGY HAS TAKEN PROFESSOR JANE PIRKIS to call home. ON A PATH THAT SAVES LIVES BY UNDERSTANDING WHAT TRIGGERS SUICIDE AND HOW TO PREVENT IT RESEARCH THAT Up, in partnership with the SAVES LIVES Movember Foundation and Heiress Films, screened by the EVERY DAY ABC last year. “If you work in suicide By Gilda Sorella prevention and you know that three-quarters of all suicides are by men, you can’t help but be interested in male mental health and some of the For more than 30 years As one of the world’s foremost large-scale evaluations of Returning to Tasmania issues that might underpin it,” population mental health experts in suicide prevention, mental health programs, major to accept the award at the Professor Pirkis said. researcher Professor Jane Professor Pirkis’ research studies on mental health Foundation’s Launceston “Our role was providing Pirkis has devoted herself to has been used to influence literacy and research into dinner was doubly special for scientific advice to the show tackling one of society’s most international media guidelines culture and mental health. her, as a visit to the Newnham and completing an evaluation devastating public health on suicide reporting, implement The alumna’s stellar research campus meant a return to her of the show’s impact – which issues – with life-saving suicide-prevention barriers career, during which she has childhood home. indicated that [viewing the results. around the world and change been published in more than “My father was a lecturer show] had increased men’s the way Australian men think 260 peer-reviewed journal at the Tasmanian College of likelihood of seeking help.” about mental health. articles, attracted nearly $50 Advanced Education (TCAE), A second body of Professor “Suicide is a terrible public million in research funding now the location of the Pirkis’ work investigates health problem, but it’s been and held National Health and Newnham campus, and during whether suicide can be ISSUE 49 rewarding to work on it from Medical Research Council some of my primary school prevented at public sites that a prevention perspective. I fellowships since 2003, has years I lived there. I was thrilled have a reputation as places really like the fact that I can been recognised with the to be able to tour the campus, where people often go to end see my research having a direct University’s Distinguished visit my old bedroom and see their lives. impact on policy and practice,” Alumni Award. how much it’s transformed.” “The research has shown she said. “I am very excited to be With the value of a that implementing preventative Now the Director of the receiving this award. I have university education instilled structures, such as barriers, Centre for Mental Health at really fond memories of my in her as a young child and a not only prevents suicide but the University of Melbourne, time at the University of passion for psychology sparked also prevents subsequent

Professor Pirkis (BA Hons Tasmania - it was a great during her pre-tertiary studies, SCOTT GELSTON attempts. You can have 1986, MPsych 1990) leads a launching pad for my career,” Professor Pirkis moved to quite a dramatic impact on team of researchers conducting she said. Hobart to start university in suicide by what are relatively 1983. straightforward interventions “I left home and went that you wouldn’t necessarily to Hobart at 17 to study a think of from a mental health Bachelor of Arts. I crammed in The realisation spurred her research has been on suicide irresponsible reporting, by context.” I left home and went to as much psychology as I could decision to undertake a Master reporting by the media, which which I mean inflammatory In addition to reviewing because I loved it,” she said. of Applied Epidemiology at has informed Australian and reporting, or reporting that national and international Hobart at 17 ... I crammed “Studying psychology Australian National University, international media guidelines glorifies suicide, can lead to mental health grant programs gave me a great foundation and then combine her two on safer ways to present others copying that behaviour,” and serving as Acting President in as much psychology as I in research, but I found that passions, population health suicide-related stories and she said. of the International Association clinical psychology just wasn’t research and psychology, into contributed towards Australia Her second body of for Suicide Prevention, could because I loved it for me, and I realised that I was post-doctoral study at the becoming a leader in the field. work in masculinity and Professor Pirkis is dedicated to more interested in populations University of Melbourne. “The work we’ve done on suicide led to the creation building the next generation of than individuals.” A primary focus of her media reporting shows that of the documentary Man suicide prevention researchers.

012 — Alumni 2017 013 FOUNDATION GRADUATE AWARD

Hoping to inspire other female graduates … Dr Alice Edwards pictured inside the Law Library POVERTY, DESPAIR, WAR AND HUNGER on the Sandy Bay DRIVE DR ALICE EDWARDS IN HER FIGHT campus, on the eve FOR HUMAN RIGHTS of receiving the Foundation Gradu- sparked her interest in human rights law. ate Award. A WARRIOR “The class resonated with me because we studied the Bosnian conflict while it was being broadcast in the news. It really FOR WORLD hit home because many of us had friends who were of Serbian, Croatian or Bosnian JUSTICE origin,” she said. At the time, Dr Edwards could never By Gilda Sorella have predicted that she would ultimately come to work on the ground in the aftermath of the Bosnian War. However, with an innate humanitarian spirit and a yearning to travel, sparked by seeing as a young girl her father’s photos of travels

Trail-blazing lawyer and humanitarian neighbourhood to come and buy it! I raised abroad in Europe and North Africa, it’s KAREN BROWN Dr Alice Edwards (BA/LLB Hons 1997) just under $3.” fitting that Dr Edwards steered her life on has negotiated with war criminals, lived Now the Head of the Secretariat for an international course. under security curfew in war zones, the Convention against Torture Initiative After graduating she undertook a year- monitored arms movements across (CTI), in Geneva, Dr Edwards is striving long journey through Africa, then landed borders and interviewed hundreds of to achieve the universal ratification and in Geneva, where she interned at the survivors of persecution and violence. implementation of the United Nations International Service for Human Rights and abroad working at Food for the Hungry The Whistleblowers starring Rachel Weisz. demanding role, but it allowed me to But no matter the challenge, she has Convention Against Torture. the United Nations High Commissioner for International in Mozambique, before Academia beckoned and Dr Edwards influence the international agenda at its always been driven by one thing: justice. The alumna’s remarkable 20-year career, Refugees (UNHCR). returning to Australia to complete her legal obtained a Master of Laws in Public source.” which has shaped the lives of millions of The insight into the poverty and despair articles and become admitted as a barrister International Law with Distinction from During the world’s largest refugee “I’ve had a social justice outlook since I was refugees through her contributions to in war-afflicted areas made Dr Edwards and solicitor. the University of Nottingham in 2003, crisis, she provided advice to the High ISSUE 49 very young,” said Dr Edwards. policy and law, has been recognised this even more determined to make Dr Edwards went on to work in legal followed by a PhD in Public International Commissioner on ways to better protect “I remember at about age eight, making year with the Foundation Graduate Award. a difference. and policy positions for the UNHCR in Law from the Australian National refugees and was responsible for nearly popcorn and selling it at my front gate, Born in Hobart, Dr Edwards enrolled “I knew by then that working for war-torn areas in Rwanda and Bosnia and University in 2008. 100 interventions submitted to major of my own accord, to raise money for at the University of Tasmania after international humanitarian causes was Herzegovina, during which she authored She spent five years in research and courts to protect the rights of refugees, the Salvation Army. I later learned that matriculating from Fahan School. what I wanted to do,” she said. a large-scale study that led to major teaching positions at Oxford University, with more than a 95% success rate. my mother had to call every friend in the It was an international law class that first Dr Edwards spent a further year improvements in the assistance provided and the University of Nottingham, until She also personally initiated, galvanised to female victims of war violence. she was headhunted for the position of support for and steered the UNHCR’s She also helped develop rescue Chief of Protection Policy and Legal Advice global strategy to end the detention of mechanisms for the thousands of trafficked at the UNHCR – becoming the youngest asylum-seekers and secured more than $2 women and girls in the Balkans, in part woman to reach its top legal position, million for projects related to human rights in response to a scandal surrounding the which she held from 2010 to 2015. and research. international community’s collusion in “I was honoured to be invited back “I hope that my receiving this award human trafficking, later depicted in the film to the UNHCR. It was an extremely will inspire others, especially female graduates, that it’s possible to have Seeking sanctuary: an impact in the international sphere Rohingya refugees as a University of Tasmania graduate. fleeing the violence in It’s not easy, but if you’re sufficiently Myanmar disembark I remember at about age driven and committed to the issues that from a boat in Teknaf, you’re passionate about – it’s possible,” Bangladesh. Alice eight selling popcorn at my she said. Edwards’ career has

EPA/ABIR ABDULLAH “I’d like to live in a community, in a shaped the lives of millions through her front gate. I raised just under society, in a world where everybody has contributions to human their equal chance. And some of the work rights policy and law. that I’ve done over the years I hope has $3 for the Salvation Army contributed to that.”

014 — Alumni 2017 015 FOUNDATION DINNERS FOUNDATION Hobart Foundation dinner DINNERS Wrest Point Casino, September 21

A woman who has combined in introducing Dr Edwards. her two core passions, social The guest list also included justice and law, to forge a the Premier, who addressed remarkable career dedicated the gathering of 350 to human rights was honoured afterwards. at the Foundation’s Hobart Dr David Warren (BSc Hons dinner. 1981, Hon DSc 2008), who Dr Alice Edwards (BA/ made the largest single private LLB Hons 1997) received the donation in the University’s Foundation Graduate Award history last year, was the other from Chairman Stuart Clues notable alumni recognised that (see her profile pp.14-15), as night, being presented with the her parents Jill and John, and inaugural Benefactor’s Robes. sister Skye, who represented His $2.6 million gift led to the Australia in the 1994 Miss establishment of a $5 million World pageant, looked on. Endowed Chair in the field of Launceston Foundation dinner “Her work has made a major astrophysics, bearing his name. Hotel Grand Chancellor, June 29 contribution to the field of The evening began with the human rights policy and law, presentation of the southern A moving speech by scholarship recipient and has impacted on the lives 2017 scholarship recipients, Ashlea Hull, pictured above, was among of millions of refugees and one of whom, Oliver Markey, the highlights of the Foundation’s annual persons in need,” Mr Clues said later spoke on their behalf. Launceston dinner, attended by more than 250 people. After a welcome by the Chancellor, Burnie Foundation dinner the Honourable Michael Field AC, the Burnie Arts and Function Centre, May 18 2017 northern scholarship students were presented on stage. ISSUE 49 Miss Hull, recipient of the 2017 More than 150 staff, alumni, at the same time provide for my Channel RSL Sub Branch Miss Cluny students and donors gathered local community.” Portnell Memorial Scholarship, spoke of to hear from three inspirational Lee’s dream is to achieve the transformative impact that a student speakers and toast the 2017 this by becoming a mycologist scholarship has had on her life, by enabling North-West scholarship (mushroom farmer), which her to relocate to Launceston to study a recipients. she’s on the path to achieving Bachelor of Nursing, and providing her After an address by Acting by studying the University’s with the support necessary to undertake Vice-Chancellor Mike Calford new Associate Degree in future rural placements during her degree. and the presentation of the Agribusiness (see page 45). She spoke about growing up on the recipients, the audience heard The audience also heard West Coast of Tasmania, where she from Lee Jefferies, recipient of from industry partner Sandra developed an awareness of the increasing the Blundstone Scholarship for Knowles of Sassafras Farm need for health care professionals in Agribusiness, pictured bottom and Professor Janelle Allison, regional areas, and of how receiving the right. Principal of the University scholarship would enable her to realise Inspired by the agribusinesses College, before finishing with her dream of working as a rural nurse in on her King Island home, Lee an address by the Chancellor. Tasmania. is determined to tackle one of After an address by the alumni the key issues facing the local Premier of Tasmania, the Honourable community: access to fresh fruit Will Hodgman (BA/LLB 1993), Professor and vegetables. “I am amazed at Jane Pirkis, a world-renowned population how these businesses run and mental health researcher, was presented cope with all the challenges,” she with the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award said. “They inspire me and I want for her lifelong dedication to the study of to be a part of this industry and suicide prevention (see profile pp.12-13).

016 — Alumni 2017 017 PROFILE

AFTER LEADING THE CAMPAIGN TO DEVELOP A Fond farewell: VACCINE FOR THE DEVIL FACIAL TUMOUR DISEASE, Professor Greg PROFESSOR GREG WOODS HAS STEPPED BACK Woods has FROM FULL-TIME RESEARCH retired from full- time research.

he and colleagues published on drug resistance in cancer patients. On his return from Canada, Professor Woods began WOODS research in pathology and cell biology and teaching in immunology under the Head of Pathology and internationally eminent HANGS UP pathologist, Emeritus Professor Kon Muller, who died this year. At Professor Woods’ farewell the Head LAB COAT of the School of Medicine, Professor By Miranda Harman Ben Canny, remarked on Professor Woods’ generosity and contribution to the University. For example, as a senior academic he continued to supervise exams If there’s one thing Professor Greg Woods Professor Ray Lowenthal. “When I started and throughout his career regularly gave has learnt in a 36-year career in science, my PhD here there were two of us doing community talks for the many members it’s that things get more complicated the PhDs in the entire faculty,” he said. of the public who were interested in more you understand, particularly when His PhD investigated T-cell proliferation his research. “You are the consummate the focus of your research is cancer and and the way they interact with cancer cells, academic who understands the complexity the immune system. in the context of treating leukaemia. In and completeness of what university life is those days diagrams in PhD theses were all about - going from the undergraduate Professor Woods recently retired from hand-drawn – “one mistake and you had teaching through to the high-level science full-time work at the Menzies Institute for to start the whole thing again”. Computers and bringing it all together,” Professor Medical Research, where he has led the were essentially high-end typewriters and Canny said. team that is developing a vaccine against only useful for playing Pacman, unlike the Since 2006 Professor Woods has the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), sophisticated software available today. But focused on DFTD. “I was interested in how and the School of Medicine, where he in some ways, it was easier to get things cancer escapes the immune system so this ISSUE 49 has lectured in immunology for 30 years. done. One of Professor Woods’ most was a logical step for me. We set out to He estimates that equates to about 780 memorable and well-cited papers, try to find out why this tumour is being weeks of teaching, but he remains upbeat on the effect of anaesthetic gases on transferred from animal to animal when it about it. At his packed farewell seminar in T-cell activity, was knocked out in three should get rejected. The devil has a good July, he described teaching as “one of the days over Christmas/New Year with Dr immune system. It should recognise these joys of working in a university”. David Griffiths, the Chair of Anaesthetics cancer cells as foreign and reject them.” Professor Woods completed his at the Royal Hobart Hospital, while the His group has found that DFTD is a Bachelor of Science with Honours at wards were quiet. Schwann cell cancer, a type that is very

Monash University but in 1978 he left Professor Woods, his wife Rhonda rare in humans. The problem lies in the CHRIS CRERAR Melbourne to come to the University of and their young twins moved to Toronto fact that the devils’ immune system does Tasmania, enrolling in a PhD with Hobart in 1986 where, through a molecular not recognise the DFTD tumour cells. In cancer specialist and clinical researcher focus on immunotherapy and melanoma, the laboratory, the team has been able to modify the tumour cells to make them visible to the immune system. They have had some devils contract the cancer and then fight it off with immunotherapy and Dr Bruce Lyons will now lead the a devil vaccine is being trialled in the wild, with mixed results. Ultimately the goal is devil research. Typically understated, to develop a “one-shot” vaccine. Discovery: Professor Woods said he will be DFT1 tumour To contribute to the Tasmanian cells, which have devil vaccine research please been stained donate via the University of Tasmania’s watching, “and when things go brown with Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal at anti-Periaxin. tassiedevil.com.au well, I’ll reappear”.

018 — Alumni 2017 019 BUILDING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE STUDENTS OF THE FUTURE

By Professor Peter Rathjen

In Tasmania’s cities, you are or new ways of using Charting a new starting to see, in glass and knowledge, perhaps invented course: The 120 stone, the philosophy that here, perhaps imported. studio apartments we’ve recently adopted as an However, new knowledge in at Inveresk institution. That philosophy itself is of no use if you don’t epitomise the University’s is to sit much closer to the have people able to use that recently adopted knowledge in creative ways. community, to try to find philosophy. ways to interact much more The innovation base will have intensely with the community, to be matched with human and to find ways in which the capital - clever people who can DAVE GROVES University of Tasmania can use new knowledge. contribute more to Tasmanian We bear a particular life. responsibility as the only university in Tasmania. I What marks this community, don’t really talk about us as a beyond all else, is the low university anymore. I talk about by aligning state needs and the State be predicated on space between TAFE and the average wage when compared us as a university system, the capacity of a university to the ability of the University bachelors’ programs. to the rest of Australia. because everything that is deliver in all sorts of different to harness innovation and to Transformation is partly about The transformation taking Tasmanians earn 20-25 per higher education [in this State] ways, you are able to build a build human capital? education, but it’s equally about place here is about education, cent less than the average we have to find some way to more prosperous future, in The upshot was but it’s equally about our ISSUE 49 wage on the mainland, and that represent. whichever way you choose to a memorandum of our campuses themselves campuses themselves. We will, lack of resource is manifest When we started to realise define prosperity. understanding, encompassing if we’re fortunate to secure everywhere you look. that Tasmania needed a Such a system was obviously a 10-year period, which the funding, spend about $1.2 At the heart of this university system, rather than transferable to Tasmania defines targets that we disadvantaged parts of the Local industry has funded billion over the next decade in disadvantage is the appalling a university per se, we decided because we have one think will make for a better state. The chancellors all made 100 per cent scholarship relocating our campuses into outcomes that the Tasmanian to visit California, because, university. We approached our Tasmania. These are shared the point that the killer cost for coverage for our agribusiness the CBD areas of Tasmania’s education system delivers. at that time, I knew of only State Government to discuss targets, including increased disadvantaged communities is associate degree. And all of cities. For example, if you are a rural one university system in the how we might do something levels of education, a bigger not the cost of education, it’s it’s embedded in a structure This is partly born of a male in Tasmania you have a world. We have since visited similar. Was there a way of contribution to the economy the cost of living away from that means that the students recognition that the student 14 per cent chance of finishing 14 other states [in America] embedding the University as of the State, new and different home. bring 100 per cent credit population our current year 12. and have found that all had possibly the most important economies that can revitalise Affordability. Regionality. from their associate degree campuses were built to Statistics such as this are university systems crafted from driver of economic betterment industry here, and revitalised Increased participation. These should they want to go attract is not the student confronting. What should we their individual universities and and social well-being in this regions. objectives all apply to the on and enrol in a bachelor population that we have now. do about them? Here there are community colleges. State? Could the future of Now that’s part of what Tasmanian context. So we program. More than 50 per cent of different schools of thought. As we went around the we learnt when we went have started to offer associate We’ve been given special our students are mature-age, The new Tasmania will country, we were told that around the United States, but degrees as of this year. permission by the Federal trying to balance a complex need a new economy. The 49 of the 50 American states Could the future of the there were more learnings. Associate degrees, which Government to take students combination of part-time jobs which have served us have moved to a system-based As I talked to chancellors of are two-year degrees, cost into these programs, using work, part-time study and reasonably well here are approach for their universities State be predicated on the university systems, two words less, are locally delivered, it as a pilot for the rest of their social and family about extractive industries - over the past decade or two. ability of the University to kept coming up: affordability and they should lead to a the country. I’m guessing we responsibilities. Study is not you chop things down, you It’s a movement we don’t and regionality. These job. Why do we think they will need even shorter and easily accessed in suburban dig things up. The new hear anything about in harness innovation and to universities were consciously should lead to a job? Because more targeted education locations which are not well industries that we need will Australia, but a movement build human capital? trying to reach out physically we’ve designed them with products as I think there is serviced by public transport. come from some form of which could be embraced into regional communities, industry input. Does industry a desperate need for high It is easier to balance the innovation - new knowledge here. The idea is simply that, setting up new campuses in think these are valuable? Yes. levels of innovation in this competing demands of life

020 — Alumni 2017 021 We are trying to create The master plan includes the construction of three main cosmopolitan ecosystems which University buildings, each are quite different complementing the other in providing density and definition for the precinct to be vibrant and dynamic into the future. It also includes the construction when studying in the middle We are trying to create of a new pedestrian and cycling of a city. cosmopolitan ecosystems bridge linking the Willis St site We need to make education which are quite different from to the Inveresk Precinct. visible. You can’t see our the isolated campuses that The master plan for the current campuses. Tasmanian have characterised Western new $40 million precinct at kids don’t see education, they universities for about the Burnie sets out the long-term don’t see university, and they past 100 years, but which are vision for the development of don’t see what a university startlingly similar to the oldest the site over coming decades. student looks like. universities of all. This is what Incorporating extensive As we move the university Cambridge and Oxford, and feedback, the master plan into town, we will see a Bologna and Boston, look includes a lower-scale Stage 1 reinvigoration of cultural like. This is the direction that main building, along with amenities. As we better we think suits the future and a waterfront teaching and engage with industry, with future students. learning facility as part of business, with politicians, we The greatest economic Stage 2. will find better ways to help benefit of what we’re doing NORTHERN Each of these projects with the revitalisation of the will go to North-West complements other inner-city economy, and, as we move into Tasmania, which is where it is TRANSFORMATION developments completed in cities, we will see a process needed, and the north of the recent years, including the which the Prime Minister calls State. It’s because of these THE MASTER PLAN FOR THE NEW Medical Sciences Precinct on value capture. He talks about it improvements in human capital $260 MILLION INVERESK EDUCATIONAL Liverpool Street and the Marine in the context of railway lines and in economic value that the PRECINCT WILL LEAVE A LASTING and Antarctic Precinct on the – that as you put them through State and Federal governments LEGACY FOR THE COMMUNITY waterfront at Salamanca. ISSUE 49 regional towns, land values have agreed to support us. Together, these initiatives rise, rates rise, prosperity is Last but not least, we By Kate Huntington seek to deliver the core created. are enjoying a measure business of the University – What is particularly of grassroots support, as Grand designs: A strong partnership between research and teaching – while interesting about this process communities around the Renderings of the the University of Tasmania, harnessing higher education is not so much the buildings State start to appreciate what master plan for the TasTAFE and all levels of to address some of Tasmania’s new $260 million but their connectivity. Our new is possible if an institution Inveresk Educational government is seeking to most serious social and campuses will be a dispersed such as this collaborates with Precinct, released at reinvigorate the CBDs of the economic challenges. set of assets within the various government and industry to the start of the public State’s North and North-West. The University is creating Tasmanian cities, where the life realise a shared vision for consultation period. inner-city networks of people, of the city takes place in and Tasmania. To build new inner-city Educational Precinct, developed This master plan outlines a facilities and knowledge to around the university buildings. campuses in Burnie and by architecture firm McBride propel innovation and drive They will be porous campuses. This is an edited version Launceston the Federal Charles Ryan, was publicly dynamic higher education economic growth as well as As we move to the new of a keynote speech given Government has committed released in mid-June ahead of and research ecosystem attracting a new cohort of campus in Burnie or the new by the Vice-Chancellor to $150 million in funding, the formal planning approval Tasmanian students to become campus in Launceston, you the University of Tasmania while the State Government process, which will include a graduates prepared for an can see that they are co- Symposium Reimagining and and the University each public consultation period. Professor Peter Rathjen, said evolving global economy. located with the major sporting Revitalising Communities committed $75 million. The This project is the single at the time of the master facilities in those towns. Through Higher Education City of Launceston and the highest infrastructure plan’s release. “This master They’re also co-located with – Engaging, Informing and Burnie City Council are making investment in Launceston’s plan outlines a dynamic the respective major cultural Learning, held at the new strategic land allocations and history and will be a lasting higher education and research centres – in Launceston, the student accommodation investment in associated public legacy for the community. ecosystem as part of the Queen Victoria Museum and complex in Hobart’s CBD. infrastructure. “We are not proposing to Inveresk precinct and the Art Gallery; in Burnie, The The master plan for the build a traditional university beating heart of Launceston as Further information: utas.edu.au/ Makers’ Workshop. new $260 million Inveresk campus,” the Vice-Chancellor, a University City for the future.” northern-transformation

022 — Alumni 2017 023 RA EVERSPISCIUM AUT IDITAM,

The Tasmanian-based of-the-art home for the HED-LINE ACT Alcorso Foundation, established Conservatorium, it will become in 2001 in honour of the the foundation upon which DRAWS CROWD Tasmanian Arts patron and future musicians, artists, founder of Moorilla Estate dancers and performers, THE GENEROSITY OF TWO FOUNDATIONS HAS Claudio Alcorso, has made an scientists, mathematicians GIVEN A WELCOME BOOST TO THE HEDBERG, $80,000 donation. and all creative design HOBART’S NEW $96 MILLION CULTURAL AND “The incredible generosity thinkers can gather together PERFORMING ARTS PRECINCT of the Ian Potter and Alcorso to explore new models for foundations will undoubtedly creative and interdisciplinary By Gilda Sorella have a transformative impact endeavour, including, of Two major donations to the within the University and course, to make new music,” University’s Foundation community as this project Director of The Hedberg and have given a boost to comes to fruition, and serve the Conservatorium of Music the $96 million creative as a reminder of the power Professor Andrew Legg said. industries and performing arts of philanthropy within higher “The artistic and cultural development that promises to education,” Director of opportunities it will provide transform the heart of Hobart Advancement Young Dawkins will be felt not just by the into a vibrant arts and culture said. University’s students and local precinct. Built out of a partnership arts groups, but the Tasmanian between the University, the community in general and The Ian Potter Foundation, a Theatre Royal, government and beyond.” major Australian philanthropic community, The Hedberg will Engineering firm ARUP and foundation, has awarded a encompass the Theatre Royal, architecture firms Liminal grant of $2 million towards the the University Conservatorium Studio and WOHA Architects project, with an additional $3 of Music and the Creative are collaborating on the million contingent upon the Exchange Institute (CxI), a project, which, once finished, out of the water to be assessed University matching it with new interdisciplinary research will have the potential to RECLAIMING A by the University’s Centre for funding from other donors. institute with a focus on deliver $660 million in direct Sustainable Architecture and performance, design and and indirect economic benefits VAST RESOURCE Wood (CSAW). “We needed to creativity. and will generate 280 jobs know if the timber was sound, It will contain inviting during construction. TO GIVE NEW whether it could be used for The artistic and cultural opportunities public spaces to welcome The Hedberg name is drawn building, joinery, flooring and will be felt not just by the University’s the community and tourists from the Hedberg Brothers LEASE OF LIFE how we could dry it with the ISSUE 49 to observe practice and Garage, which was built on By Claire McLaren right regime of air-drying and students … but also the Tasmanian performances. “The Hedberg Collins St in 1925. kiln time,” Andrew said. community in general and beyond. will not only provide a state- CSAW explored worldwide findings about salvaging submerged timber. CSAW Headturner: In hydroelectric dams around reclaimed after being preserved found that despite Hydrowood An artist Tasmania, forests of dead in the cold, dark fresh water. losing water in a unique way, if impression of The timber are still standing. He asked his business partner it was dried properly it became Hedberg, Collins Flooded to create water and fellow director Andrew a very stable and pleasing St perspective, storage for energy production, Morgan, “Why can’t we do this product. showing the incorporated the dead 200 to 1000-year- here?” “It was gratifying to see – 1920s garage old forests have been “There is high demand for getting it dry and getting it into facade. submerged for more than 30 Tasmanian special species a saleable product so that it years. Thanks to innovative timbers, but very low supply. was commercially viable. It is harvesting and processing So this dead timber was a world-first on a Tasmanian

SUPPLIED methods, this valuable timber potentially a valuable resource,” species,” senior technical is now being reclaimed from Andrew said. “But we didn’t officer Michael Lee said. the depths and marketed as know how to recover it or how SFM now has about 15

LIMINAL ARCHITECTURE/WOHA Timber treasure trove: Hydrowood. it would perform after 30 years years’ worth of timber resource Lake Pieman on the under water.” in hydro dams around Tasmania West Coast is a current SFM Environmental Solutions They initiated a feasibility that they can supply to the focus for Hydrowood’s director David Wise went to study with the University of marketplace. SFM are working reclamation operations. British Columbia four years Tasmania and the Department with the University of Tasmania ago and saw timber being of State Growth and assessed on underwater technology to pulled out of lakes. It was being five lakes. Divers pulled timber improve visibility for harvesting.

024 — Alumni 2017 025 Global challenges: Dr Helen Szoke, left, in quake- stricken Nepal, has been a strong advocate for foreign aid.

Hands-on: Left, Oxfam wonderful course but it was A: I had two drivers. One was Australia’s Chief Executive really the politics that captured that my dad was a refugee after Officer Dr Helen Szoke in my heart at that time. the Second World War and to the South African town of some extent as our economic Ixopo, Kwa Zulu-Natal. What were some of the circumstances changed I felt advantages of coming to a the stigma of being poor and my dad had lost his business regional university which is of being different and felt that in Adelaide so we were living obviously smaller than the that was unjust. And then, XAVIER VAHED/OXFAM AUSTRALIA in the bank homes – I think ones on the mainland? of course, once I began at that is what they’re called university, I began to see that in Tasmania – in Smithton A: For me relocating from the actually my circumstances were and then in Wynyard. I can North West to Hobart was pretty good but there were a remember having this moment coming to the ‘big smoke’. The whole lot of other things that thinking that I really want to go University had perhaps 10,000 really needed to be challenged to uni because I want my kids students in those days and – such as what should people ISSUE 49 to be proud of me and my dad we used to congregate at the have the right to access, equal at the time saying it’s a waste Ref. The University was small access at least, to give their Q&A Psychology) at the University of money. Gough Whitlam got enough for you to be able to self a chance. And I think the of Tasmania and then went on me to university – no fees. engage and be involved and great thing about university HELEN SZOKE CHAMPIONS EQUAL to a PhD in Public Policy at the big enough to kind of give courses is that it gives you an ACCESS TO LIFE’S OPPORTUNITIES University of Melbourne. What did you study here? you a sense of being pretty opportunity to take a glimpse important. There was a lot of into the different types of What was your university A: Politics and psychology student activism at that time. circumstances that people life like when you were here? were my passions so I ended experience. A RIGHT up majoring in political science. You’re a strong advocate The other thing that I A: It was a very particular time In those days we had Bill for foreign aid, international think is important is that in Australia – between 1972 Mollison at the University development, and human Tasmania is small but it is very TO A FAIR GO and 1975. That’s when Gough – he went on to set up the rights - why do you think it is multicultural now – there Whitlam won and lost power. permaculture movement. He important for people to get are pockets of resistance to By Tamani Nair I was from a family who’d taught environment psychology interested in these topics and that still but I think we need A young Helen Szoke was Now Oxfam Australia’s Chief race equity. Dr Szoke joined come to Tasmania because which was a weird and in social justice in general? to take the journey with our determined not to let her Executive Officer, Dr Szoke Oxfam in 2013. Before this global brothers and sisters to humble beginnings in north- has throughout her career appointment, she served understand what’s happening west Tasmania dictate her championed the right for as Australia’s Federal Race in the world. There are some future. She wanted to get everyone to have equal access Discrimination Commissioner We need to take the journey huge global challenges and an education and follow her to life’s opportunities. She and as the Victorian Equal so we want the young people passion in political science has been a strong advocate in Opportunity and Human ... and understand what’s coming through to have a and public policy. particular for foreign aid and Rights Commissioner. framework for understanding international development, She completed her happening in the world that and hopefully an ability to human rights and gender and Bachelor of Arts (Politics and influence that.

026 — Alumni 2017 027 ALUMNI EVENTS BEN SMITH

ALASTAIR BETT London alumni reception 23.05.2017

The Ham Yard Hotel in Soho was the venue for ALUMNI EVENTS a gathering attended by the Vice-Chancellor. Pictured, clockwise, left to right: Damon HERE’S CHEERS Thomas; Professor Monica Skidmore, Lawrence Foster TO GOOD YEARS and Michelle Visser; Luke Kay, Tom Forrest, Clare Cowley, AND MEMORIES School of Medicine Tyler Acres, Scott Semmens 30-year reunion and Benjamin Eastman; ­­­Nicola By Peter Cochrane 31.03.2017– 2.05.2017 Castle, Margaret Rodgers and Cathryn Pocock. Former classmates between Hong Kong alumni networking evening the years 1982 and 1987 9.07.2017 turned out for a trip down memory lane, beginning with 100 Years of Australia-US A reception at the Cordis Hotel attended by a tour of the old Biomedical Mateship ISSUE 49 the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor Sciences building on the Sandy 1.06.2017 brought together both expatriates and Bay campus, and including a graduates from the University’s joint program visit to the Menzies Institute Pictured at an Australia Global Alumni with Hong Kong Universal Education. The for Medical Research, a dinner networking reception held at the JW alumni guest speaker was Tia Poole (BIS 2014), at Urban Greek and a farewell Marriott Los Angeles are from left, Ingrid who grew up on Tasmania’s North West coast lunch at Frogmore Creek Vazquez; alumnus Philip Uren; alumna and and is married to fellow alumni Isaac Poole, winery. Executive Officer, Global Engagement, both pictured right. Sabrina Konings; Manager, Global Learning Opportunities World-Wide, Arlene Peace; alumnus Jonathan Buckley and

Managing Director, University of Tasmania SUPPLIED Foundation USA, Cynthia Stenger Riplinger.

Shanghai alumni reception 6.07.2017

HONG KONG PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO Seventy-three alumni and AIEN Institute (Shanghai Ocean University) staff members enjoyed the opportunity to network over drinks and canapes in the Majesty Plaza Hotel ballroom. The keynote speaker was Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen, while the alumni speaker was Mike Ma (BIS 2012; MIS 2014), now an AEIN staff member. Pictured from far left, Wenyi Xu and Merry Joyce; Stuart Crispin and Xinxia Zhang.

028 — Alumni 2017 029 PROFILE

Driven: Professor TAKING SCIENCE Michael Breadmore after receiving a Doctor OUT OF THE LAB of Science during this year’s winter graduation AND INTO THE ceremonies; right, with former colleague REAL WORLD Dr Rosanne Guijt – their research focused on the microfluidics of By Anna Osborne nutrients in waterways and drugs in blood. Professor Michael device that can measure drug After completing secondary Breadmore’s quest for concentrations in blood in less studies at Scottsdale High excellence in science than five minutes. School and Launceston College innovation moves beyond the It was his unrelenting drive he enrolled in a combined academic world. and passion for chemistry science/law degree at the which led to him receiving University of Tasmania. It is the challenge of a Doctor of Science during Realising a career in law transitioning science from this year’s winter graduation was not for him, he eventually the laboratory to real-world ceremonies. pursued a major in chemistry applications which fuels “Our work would not and graduated with a Bachelor

his energetic approach to have been possible without PETER MATHEW of Science (1st Class Honours) excellence. the ongoing support and in 1998. “These days, I’m driven mentorship of Professor Paul He remained at the by how we can move from Haddad, who established University to complete his academia to impact,” he said. ACROSS almost 20 years ago,” PhD, under the guidance Professor Breadmore (B Professor Breadmore said. Way of the future: of Professor Haddad, Sci, 1st Class Honours 1998; “It was Paul’s vision to bring Professor Michael before venturing overseas PhD 2001) is an analytical together a group of scientists, Breadmore’s work to undertake research chemist, ARC Future Fellow working collaboratively, to in developing ‘lab- opportunities in the US and and a Professor of Chemistry achieve internationally leading on-a-chip’ portable Switzerland and working in analytical devices at the Australian Centre science outcomes.” industry in the UK. has the potential to for Research on Separation Professor Breadmore grew “There was never any revolutionise clinical, ISSUE 49 Science (ACROSS), based on up in Bridport, Northern forensic, environmental question of me not coming the University’s Sandy Bay Tasmania, where his parents and industrial back to Tasmania to work,” campus. owned and operated the local applications. Professor Breadmore said. “I am very interested in supermarket. In 2015, he was one of three impact – how our technology Australian academics to be can be used, for example, to recognised in The Analytical run farms, test the quality There was never any Scientist magazine’s inaugural of our drinking water or to Top 40 Under 40 listing. manage personalised medicine.” question of me not coming “I am a very proud Tasmanian His work in developing ‘lab- back to Tasmania to work and the University of Tasmania on-a-chip’ portable analytical has provided me with ample devices – which allow users opportunities,” he said. to submit a sample and get an “There is international answer out on the spot – has excellence at this University the potential to revolutionise which is among the best in the clinical, forensic, environmental world, and I wanted to come and industrial applications. back and help educate the next Working with a team of generation of scientists. scientists, his research has “If I can help other people underpinned the IntrepID fast like me to realise what they DNA fingerprinting system can do, what they haven’t PETER MATHEW

ALASTAIR BETT developed in the US; the even dreamed of doing, that’s GreyScan technology for a pretty awesome job to screening improvised explosive undertake.” devices; and a hand-held

030 — Alumni 2017 031 RENOVATION CHALLENGE HOUSE RULES TAKES ALUMNI OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE By Elizabeth Stacey

While paramedicine training and forced them to learn on Learning curve: Bachelor of Paramedic Practice duration – we were really tight is ultimately about saving their feet. Paramedics Ella degree, because of its two- and it was a lot of fun.” lives, it also proved valuable While Ella and Sean did not Cuthbert and year length and the practical Drew’s Tasmanian upbringing for University of Tasmania win the $200,000 in prize Sean Mackay were experience it offered. was also a solid grounding for alumni Ella Cuthbert and Sean money they did walk away forced to think on “Mine was a small class of the environmental aspect of his their feet during Mackay during their recent with their 1960s Hobart home only 40 students which meant work. their stint on fully renovated – something plenty of hands-on time with “It’s about finding the stint on television renovation House Rules. series House Rules. they could not have otherwise the equipment,” Ella said. truth in environmentalism hoped to achieve for many “The University also has and sustainability – and “We took seven months off years. its own simulated ambulance that has always been in our work for the show – however, I “At times I was wishing which was really good conversation,” he said. think our work prepared us and we were back at work and for learning and summer “My father worked for we coped with the long days, thinking, ‘What the hell are we placements also gave us a the Hydro and they were on late nights and fatigue better doing here’, but coming out of chance for plenty of real-life the frontier, exploring the than some of the other teams,” the show I am so happy and experience.” Tasmanian wilderness with Ella explains. feel so lucky,” Sean said. Sean and Ella said the strong geologists, photographers and ISSUE 49 Their professional skills also The two are now enjoying link between the University historians.

proved useful on set when a being back in Hobart, and Ambulance Tasmania was SUPPLIED “I’d like to think that’s fellow contestant cut an artery concentrating on their careers also of great benefit during and how we would all approach in his wrist on a pane of glass. as paramedics. after their studies and both felt environmental matters of However, when it came Ella (BParamedPrac 2014) very privileged to have secured sustainability and development, to renovating, the couple and Sean (BParamedPrac jobs in Hobart. with all experts trying to get the admitted that the show was 2013) were initially attracted Post-House Rules, life is a “It’s fun, though, and you that I could bring to the show, Eye for design: best out of it for everyone.” way out of their comfort zone to the Faculty of Health’s “new normal”. have to enjoy it while it lasts, I as well as a kind of honesty Top right, Drew has run his own very “A lot of patients want selfies guess.” and integrity,” he said. architecture successful architecture firm in now,” Ella said. For Drew Heath, Drew graduated from the graduate Drew Sydney for the past 20 years “Some are actually quite sick Architecture graduate and one University of Tasmania in Heath is a judge but says there is still plenty to on House Rules; and you have to say, ‘Hang of three 2017 House Rules 1993 (BArch Hons) with great learn. above, an example on, let’s talk about you for a judges, appearing on the show memories. “Architecture is the best of Drew’s work. minute’. was a “baptism of fire”. “As students, our first three profession as it just covers so “It was a great experience years were in the Jones and many different aspects of life but I was really petrified,” he Co Arts School building on the and travel. You can take an said. “It was only half way Hobart waterfront and it was artistic side to it or a scientific through the season that I just the most creative place side to it – so there are A lot of patients want selfies started to feel comfortable.” to be – it was such a fantastic places within architecture for Once he relaxed into his role, location,” he said. everyone,” he said. now. Some are actually quite sick Drew was able to communicate “I then studied for two “My aim is to just keep ELIZABETH STACEY and you have to say, ‘Hang on, his passion for architecture. years in Launceston, when the concentrating on building “I realised that common School of Architecture moved homes for people - and let’s talk about you for a minute’. architecture has principles there, with a group of students eventually get really good – Ella Cuthbert, paramedic and House Rules contestant about light, materials and plan who I lived with for the at it.”

032 — Alumni 2017 033 PROFILE

Going places: Hobart’s Toby Leonard Moore is now carving out a TV and film career in New York.

HUMBLE TASSIE ACTOR STARS ON STAGE, TELEVISION AND SCREEN AS HE TAKES THE UNITED STATES BY STORM TOBY’S A REAL ROLE TAYLOR JEWELL/INVISION/AP MODEL By Anna Osborne

If recent roles are anything Outback, Toby then set his said. “Playing Brian on Billions was a degree of love,” he said. to go by, chances are we’ll be sights on the US market. was completely different as “I actually started with law seeing a lot more of University “I started in LA, but didn’t he has such a strong moral as well, because I like the of Tasmania alumnus Toby like it very much,” he said. fortitude.” performance aspect of it, but Leonard Moore. “I had a friend in New York Toby’s desire to pursue gave it away and just focused who suggested I come out acting started at a very on Japanese. The humble actor’s star is there and I’ve stayed ever young age. “I had such a good time certainly on the rise, having since. In a lot of ways, the city “I knew from when I was at uni. I loved the academic ISSUE 49 secured parts in major hit chooses you.” nine years old that I wanted aspect. I made such great series including Netflix’s And choose Toby it did. to do acting and NIDA [the friends while I was there, many Daredevil and most recently, Since arriving in the US his National Institute of Dramatic of whom I still keep in contact Showtime’s Billions. career has gone from strength Arts] was where I wanted to with now.” The talent and versatility to strength. go,” he said. He graduated in 2002, and of the 36-year-old Tasmanian Among his acting credits he Born in Sydney, the son set to work honing his love of actor, moving between is best known for his roles as of acclaimed voiceover artist acting at NIDA. voiceover work, TV, stage and Victor in cult-hit movie John Robyn Moore (best known It was at NIDA that he met screen, has translated into an Wick; James Wesley, criminal as the voice of Blinky Bill), his wife, Australian actress ever-growing body of work. underworld figure Wilson Fisk’s he moved with his family Michelle Vergara Moore, with Initially starting out on right-hand man in Daredevil; to Hobart when he was both actors now based in New Australian stage and television, and law-abiding Bryan 11 years old. York. working with the Sydney Connerty in Billions. The ensuing years saw “I did a lot of theatre early on Theatre Company and in the “I have played quite a lot of him pursue theatre work in my career, but I have tended television film Murder in the villains, which is great fun,” he around Hobart, landing roles to gravitate to film and TV in in productions by the Gilbert recent years,” he said. and Sullivan Society, among “Although there is something others, before he enrolled in a about theatre. It has the I have played quite a lot of Bachelor of Arts (majoring in adrenalin and you get an villains, which is great fun. Japanese) at the University of immediate reaction. It’s Tasmania. something that I’d really like Playing Brian on Billions was “I have always loved Japan. to get into again.” completely different It’s been a big part of my life ever since I was an exchange student in 1997, so it really

034 — Alumni 2017 035 Q&A Corporate Council Australia. As part of receiving the The Hobart forum: Pictured left, Arts award, I have been fortunate Tasmania’s David Sudmalis with Ten Days SKY’S THE LIMIT enough to be flown around on the Island CEO Jane Haley; below, part the country, delivering talks on of the audience in the Dechaineux Theatre; FOR SARAH contemporary legal practice Tasmanian College of the Arts Director and Head of School Professor Kit Wise and BANKING, ROBOTICS AND AVIATION management. Liminal Studio’s Peta Heffernan. ARE JUST SOME OF THE PATHS SARAH THORNTON HAS FOLLOWED Most students at the University know the Stanley By Gilda Sorella Burbury Theatre – I hear that you might be related to him.

(Sir Stanley was a former ALASTAIR BETT Governor of Tasmania and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, after whom the University’s Stanley Burbury Theatre is named).

A: My great great great grandfather was Thomas A CREATIVE LOOK Trail blazer: Burbury, a well-documented Sarah Thornton Tasmanian convict who AT THE VALUE

SUPPLIED has enjoyed an acquired land east of Oatlands, exciting and which is still farmed by the OF ART TO THE diverse career. Burburys today. Thomas Burbury’s son had about 18 COMMUNITY children, so it’s hard to keep Named Australian Corporate Robotics is quite a niche, at a rate of 400 per cent per track of how I’m related to By Peter Cochrane Lawyer of the Year for 2016, how did you get into it? annum. Stanley Burbury. the career of Sarah Thornton (BA 1986, Dip Ed 1987) has A: It was the 1990s and I You’re currently wrapping Describe your time at the spanned working as in-house had moved back to Tasmania up a seven-year stint at the University of Tasmania. The Burnie forum: The Advancement office brought together professional community? What does it really ISSUE 49 legal counsel with Virgin Blue and worked for a Tasmanian Brisbane Airport Corporation, Below, the Cradle Coast partnered with the Tasmanian practitioners, researchers and mean to be ‘creative’? How Australia, selling Tasmanian- company that designed what was your role? A: I would describe my time Authority’s Brett Smith College of the Arts and the Ten interested community members can art have an impact on the made robotics and helping and manufactured research at the University of Tasmania addresses the audience at Days on the Island festival to to discuss and celebrate the wider agendas of this island in to secure Australia’s biggest robots. Seeking to sell them A: I was General Counsel and as ‘liberating’. I was studying the Makers’ Space; below present a series of public forums many creative activities being particular? right, from left, panellists aviation infrastructure internationally, the owner hired Group Company Secretary. English literature, history and earlier this year. pursued by communities across Kit Wise, Director and Head Scott Rankin (Big hART), me as international sales and Aside from putting a lot basically all of the things I loved Tasmania, the outcomes they of School, Tasmanian College of project. Brett Smith, Dr Ellie Ray marketing manager. of time into legal practice in a supportive and nurturing (Devonport Regional The Art of Community achieve, and what to do next. the Arts, and Jane Haley, Chief Where did your management innovation, a learning environment. Gallery), and the University Engagement series, which was Among the key questions Executive Officer of Ten Days on career begin? You then studied a law highlight was securing the of Tasmania’s Joanna Gair staged in Hobart, Launceston posed: how can art reflect the Island, led a panel discussion degree at the Queensland funding to build a new $1.3 You’ve passionately and Professor Kit Wise. and Burnie in late March, the energies and values of a of experts in each city. A: After I graduated from University of Technology - billion runway – the biggest supported the University’s the University of Tasmania in where did that lead you? aviation infrastructure project Save the Tasmanian Devil 1987, I was offered a Westpac in Australia. It was a team Appeal for more than five graduate traineeship in Sydney. A: I was hired by national effort and my contribution years, where does this passion At 22 I wanted to see the ‘big law firm Clayton Utz in included developing strategy come from? smoke’ and they paid me $500 Brisbane. Shortly afterwards, and negotiating with airlines to to relocate ... so I packed my I was seconded to Virgin get their support. A: I feel strongly that to lose belongings into my Datsun Australia Airlines. I enjoyed another iconic Tasmanian 120Y and got on the ferry! it so much that I continued to What’s your most recent marsupial less than 100 years After a short period in banking, work for Virgin as its in-house achievement? after the last Tasmanian tiger

I spent eight years in sales lawyer. It was fast-paced and walked the Earth would be SHANTELLE RODMAN and marketing, in industries full of challenges – not long A: Last year in November unacceptable. I’m so grateful as diverse as publishing and after I joined, September 11 I was named Australian for the work the Appeal team is robotics. occurred and Ansett collapsed, Corporate Lawyer of the doing to find a solution. all while Virgin was growing Year by the Association of

036 — Alumni 2017 037 PROFILE RA EVERSPISCIUM AUT IDITAM,

IT WAS ADVICE PROFESSOR GEOFF WISEMAN RECEIVED AS AN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT THAT SET HIM ON THE RIGHT TRACK SETTING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS By Anna Osborne

‘Learning for life’ is an It appears that advice has (ANU) after completing his approach Professor Geoffrey stood Professor Wiseman (BA studies at the University of Wiseman has embraced 1972, BA Hons 1973) in good Tasmania, which opened doors whole-heartedly. stead. to a career in foreign affairs. Not only has he worked It was during his time at In a decades-long career, which across diplomacy, philanthropy the University of Tasmania spans continents and sectors, and academia, but he has he earned the first of many it’s the advice he received as an also published extensively on career highlights – representing undergraduate student at the defensive security concepts, Tasmania and then Australia in University of Tasmania which the diplomatic corps, the surf lifesaving. set his success in motion. United Nations, American “As it turns out, I did a “One of my teachers at the diplomacy, adversarial states Masters degree at ANU and ISSUE 49 University, Professor Peter and public diplomacy. joined Foreign Affairs where Boyce, emphasised how Born and raised on the my first posting was Stockholm, important it is to take higher North West Coast of Tasmania, Sweden; my ambassador being education and learning for life Professor Wiseman’s interest Tasmania’s own Lance Barnard, to the furthest extent possible,” in politics has always been a who had been deputy Prime he said. constant. Minister,” he said. “I was interested in Professor Wiseman went politics, both domestic and on to work as an Australian

international, from a very young foreign service officer in Hanoi JIM RICE age,” he said. “I remember and Brussels, and as private when I was 11, making an secretary to the then Australian appointment to see my Foreign Minister, Gareth Evans. He has also worked in the published numerous articles His ties to Tasmania continue. my continuing studies and Distinguished Braddon member in the House In 2006-07, he worked philanthropic sector, serving and co-edited several books. In In addition to family visits, he research,” he said. “At the career: Professor of Representatives. Politics has within the Strategic Planning as program officer at the Ford 2015, his edited book, Isolate recently received a Visiting University of Tasmania, I was Geoffrey Wiseman always fascinated me.” Unit of the Executive Office Foundation in New York City. or Engage: Adversarial States, Scholarship at the University introduced to a Tasmania- has worked With the support of of the UN Secretary-General, He holds a Masters US Foreign Policy, and Public of Tasmania, presenting a wide, even national, group of across diplomacy, philanthropy and Professor Boyce, he pursued dealing with issues involving degree, and a doctorate in Diplomacy, was published. public lecture at the Sandy Bay friends who became teachers, academia. a summer scholarship at the nuclear non-proliferation and international relations, from After working as Professor campus and also delivering lawyers, politicians, business Australian National University disarmament. Oxford University, and has of the Practice of International the Annual Australian Institute entrepreneurs, social workers Relations at the University of International Affairs/ and doctors. Wonderful people, of Southern California for Government House Lecture. many of whom I still count as I was introduced to a group of friends who several years, he returned to “There is no doubt in my friends and keep in touch with Australia and is now Director at mind that my University of to this day.” became teachers, lawyers, politicians, business ANU’s Asia-Pacific College of Tasmania education provided entrepreneurs, social workers and doctors Diplomacy. a strong foundation for

038 — Alumni 2017 039 Game on!: The Geelong Cats run on to the ground at University of Tasmania Stadium in PAUL SCAMBLER/THE EXAMINER a pre-season match Homegrown talent: against Hawthorn. Back row, from left: Viivi Hokkinen, Brielle Quigley, Rioko Learmont, Jess Dobbie, Rebecca Hyland, Tahni Champion-Peakman, Kira Maass and STADIUM SPONSORSHIP of various codes from Hannah Butcher; The University of an early age. And it far left, between Tasmania’s move to claim creates opportunities rows, Eloise Struwe; naming rights for the for partnerships built front row, from left, former Aurora Stadium in around business and the Michaelyne Arumbi, Launceston introduced a community, using the Lauryn Cooper, school of hard knocks into stadium as a hub.’’ Wynonah Conway, its outreach program. Since then the stadium Lucy Featherstone,

HEATH HOLDEN has hosted four AFL Kristina Farrelly, The agreement was games scheduled there Ebony Hicks and Caitlin Ryan. finalised as the University for the 2017 home- and its partners and-away season while progressed a $300 a second football code million transformation made its University of THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA LIONS, IN THEIR In a historic step for Australian students selected for the side August 25 when the first of Olympic gold medallist Nicole program in the north of Tasmania Stadium debut BLACK AND RED JERSEYS AND WITH AN ECLECTIC female sport, a University of were Michaelyne Arumbi, four tournaments in the series Beck, returning to the elite the State. in August, with the MIX OF STUDENTS AND ELITE ATHLETES, HAVE Tasmania team was one of Wynonah Conway, Jessica kicked off. level only five months after Speaking on the staging of the first round ROARED TO LIFE IN THEIR NATIONAL DEBUT eight selected to compete in Dobbie, Kristina Farrelly, Coming off bottom-of-the- the birth of her second child, eve of the first major of the new national the inaugural Aon Women’s Rebecca Hyland, Caitlin Ryan table finishes in the first two helped the team step up. fixture to be staged women’s Rugby Aon Uni Uni 7s Series, staged by the and Brielle Quigley. tournaments, the Lions put on The Lions upset Canberra at the newly renamed 7s Series. Australian Rugby Union. They donned the black and a strong performance in the 19-5 on day one of the fourth arena – a Women’s Big The latter featured LIONS THE red jerseys alongside high- third round to take fifth place. round before a thrilling 12-all Bash League (WBBL) eight teams, one ISSUE 49 Dubbed the University profile national players who Coach and former Wallaby draw with Bond University left game – Provost Professor being the University of of Tasmania Lions, the included Shanice Parker and Burgess said the insertion of them in fourth place. Mike Calford said the Tasmania Lions, a 24- PRIDE OF 24-strong squad comprised Olympian Ellia Green, as well sponsorship of the strong squad comprised students, local players, as Sydnee Watanabe and Kiki stadium reflected the of current students, Australian women’s sevens Morgan from the US. We have some superstars of Rugby 7s pride the University felt local players, Australian UNIVERSITY for the region. women’s sevens representatives and elite The team made its national By Peter Cochrane athletes from abroad. debut at University of Tasmania playing for the Lions, but for many of “We want to representatives and elite University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston on the girls this is a relatively new sport strengthen the US athletes relationship between Launceston will also the University and the host its first Big Bash community and to League fixture on BOATS TO THE RESCUE Sports Fund, the and competing across donations to sports – A seed donation encourage more people, December 30, when the In the lead-up to the 2020 Tasmania University multiple boat classes as the boats will benefit from the University’s particularly Tasmanians, Hobart Hurricanes head Tokyo Olympic Games Boat Club will receive – and accommodate the club’s 100-strong Foundation kick- to extend their north for a home game trials, para-rower and three new Olympic- our growing number membership. started the University education,” he said. against Sydney Thunder alumna Sara Waitzer faced standard rowing boats, of athletes from all age “This has allowed of Tasmania Sports “University of at the University of a challenge: the University’s helping talented athletes groups, and especially us to rebuild our fleet Fund, created to provide Tasmania Stadium will Tasmania Stadium, part heavyweight fleet just such as Sara reach their new female athletes,” and will enable our a dedicated trust for lift our profile and let of a double-header also wasn’t suitable for training potential. she said. talented athletes to sporting philanthropy us speak to young fans involving the respective female rowers. “The new boats are a The club is a compete on equal and support the WBBL teams. fantastic contribution prime example of footing with bigger clubs, University’s Vision The naming rights

Now, thanks to a to our fleet,” said the power of sport in and additionally serve To Reinvigorate Sporting HEATH HOLDEN New ground: sponsorship agreement, $40,000 grant from Sara. “The new boats bringing communities to attract new talent to Experiences Within Women’s rugby is which began on the newly launched will provide better together, and the the club.” said the club’s the University. still an emerging January 1, 2017, will University of Tasmania suitability in training benefits of philanthropic president Mick Casey. sport in Tasmania. continue for five years.

040 — Alumni 2017 041 NATIONAL SPORTS

Team spirit: Brendon Bolton, Rodney Eade and Chris Fagan have more than football in common – they share a connection to Tasmania. COACHES WHO DEVELOPED THEIR ACADEMIC ACUMEN AT UTAS ARE NOW USING THEIR TEAM BONDING SKILLS IN THE AFL UNIVERSITY A GOOD TRAINING GROUND FOR FIELD OF SPORT

By Peter Cochrane

While a university degree is who coached University to four not a prerequisite to forging premierships). a career on the footy field it Bolton and Fagan were both certainly doesn’t hurt if you previously with Hawthorn – have coaching ambitions. a club that Fagan has likened to a football university – as Two of the current AFL football director and assistant coaches are University of coach respectively. But they go Tasmania alumni: Brendon back even further, to the late Bolton (Bachelor of Human 1990s, when Fagan coached Movement, 2001), in his Bolton in the Tassie Mariners. ISSUE 49 second year of the Carlton Interviewed for a former rebuild, and Queenstown’s issue of Alumni magazine, Chris Fagan (Bachelor of Brendon Bolton said his Education, 1982), in his first experience here had held year at the Brisbane Lions, him in good stead. where the Development Coach Dealing with the mind of a is another alumni – Zane sportsperson was something Littlejohn (Bachelor of Human that he first started to get his Movement, 2010). own head around at university. (Rodney Eade, who was “How people think until August 8 coach of the determines how they feel Gold Coast Suns, also has a and how they feel determines University of Tasmania link – how they play. he is the son of Brian Eade, “Dean Cooley, who lectures in sports psychology at the University, often made us look at our readiness to perform, That’s something I’ve shown and that’s something I’ve shown an interest in since I’ve an interest in since I’ve left left uni – making sure the mind uni – making sure the mind is is ready to play.” The three Tasmanian ready to play coaches came together for the Celebration of Tasmanian Footy

dinner in Melbourne in May. TIM CARRAFA/NEWSPIX

042 — Alumni 2017 043 A PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE ADVANCED Aspiring CIRCUIT BOARD COMPONENTS AND ELECTRONIC GROWING mushroom farmer: HARDWARE PROMISES RICH DIVIDENDS FOR ALL Lee Jefferies has DESIRE changed the way she sees food after attending TO LEARN Associate Degree FUTURE-PROOFING in Agribusiness BEARS FRUIT workshops. MATHEW TYSON THE NORTH LEE JEFFERIES’ QUEST TO GROW FOOD IS By Carmen Stephens NOT ONLY PERSONALLY REWARDING BUT ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE

Lee Jefferies, aspiring King for fun to build a business out course looked to have a mix resource management, weather The University of Tasmania’s Advanced University of Tasmania Deputy Vice- Definium’s global reputation. Importantly, Island mushroom farmer and of it and encourage other local of theory as well as actual monitoring, cleaning and Sensor Manufacturing Facility (ASMF), Chancellor (Research) Professor Brigid it will serve as a training and education current scholarship recipient, people to do the same so we real life/real agribusiness equipment that has gone into which is being operated in partnership Heywood said the new facility was a centre for students at the University of brought an unusual prop can have our own local food knowledge. I then saw an getting this bag of carrots into with Launceston firm Definium stellar example of the type of advanced Tasmania. with her to the podium when sources, as currently we rely opportunity to apply for a my hands. Technologies, was opened in March. manufacturing that will define the future Sense-T Director Dr Stephen Cahoon she spoke at the Foundation on importing more than 98 per scholarship from Blundstone The owners of the capability of the state. “This is smart, said Sense-T had developed a close dinner in Burnie. Here she cent of our fresh produce. so I applied. So far, the course businesses we have visited at The facility is born out of both future-facing manufacturing,” Professor working relationship with Definium explains why she no longer I didn’t have the required is exceeding my expectations. I the workshops have been so opportunities and demand created by Heywood said. “This will position Technologies in recent years and it was sees a bag of carrots as just skills and knowledge to love how much real-life content open and transparent, very the growing Sense-T research program, Launceston and Tasmania as an innovative the natural partner for the ASMF. a bag of carrots: jump straight into building is included in the course, using enthusiastic and willing to a collaboration of the Australian provider of advanced circuit board “The ASMF is an important component an agribusiness, so I started a mixture of media, including answer any questions that we Government, CSIRO and the University components and electronic hardware of our data value chain as it will enable looking for places where I TED talks, Landline segments had. From seeing how carrots of Tasmania. design. 21st-century sensor technology to be could build up my practical and the theoretical knowledge are processed, how tomatoes “This is a direct return on investment developed in Launceston for our suite skills. I undertook a few short from texts, industry leaders are grown hydroponically, by our government in the Sense-T project of innovative projects,” Professor Cahoon courses through TAFE in cattle and teaching staff. One of the where my soil test samples Leading the way: and shows what can happen when we said. Good evening. My name is handling, weed management, course features that has blown go and even getting a glimpse Sensors are assembled marry our distinctive research strengths, “These sensors will collect the necessary Lee and I am a mushroom chemical handling and my mind is how lucky we are to into pyrethrin farming, which in the new Launceston our capacity in the STEM disciplines, and a real-time data that, when combined with farmer – the technical term operating machinery. This have the subject co-ordinators is exported around the world facility. Definium strong partnership between the University, Sense-T’s data analytics capabilities, is a mycologist. But I feel the satisfied my initial needs of and other teaching staff. They from Tasmania. Technologies general government and industry.” will provide new business insights and need to put an asterisk above getting daily work done but I put so much work into industry These visits would not have manager Mike Cruse ISSUE 49 The ASMF will manufacture sensor evidence-based, decision-making for this statement as it has some still didn’t feel confident with relationships that have enabled been possible had it not been is pictured in the prototypes to be embedded across the managers in a range of sectors from conditions attached. the business side of managing us to visit agribusinesses in the for our teaching staff building background. emerging Internet of Things and build on agriculture to transport logistics.” I am trying to be a a farm so I started looking workshops. these relationships over many mushroom farmer and in the around to build my knowledge. Attending these workshops years. My attendance at early stages of growing an I already had a bachelor has changed the way I view these workshops would not agribusiness. I am not there degree in information food. I bought with me tonight have been possible had I not yet. I live alongside many management from 15 years a bag of carrots because this received the scholarship from agribusinesses on King Island, ago so I investigated what particularly is something that Blundstone. It was the deciding both large and small, and courses were available in the has changed for me when I factor in me being able to I am amazed at how these area of agriculture through buy produce. I no longer see undertake the course as the businesses run and cope with universities. I came across this as a bag of carrots. I see cost of travel to and from King all the challenges. They inspire information on the Associate the agribusiness behind it and I Island is high. me and I want to be a part of Degree in Agribusiness at the can appreciate the time, effort, I am aiming that by the end this industry and provide for University of Tasmania. This business decisions, human of the course, when I see my local community. you again, I will be able to Access to fresh fruit and introduce myself as Lee, the vegetables on King Island I am hoping to go from being just mushroom farmer without an is limited and leaves our asterisk. community very vulnerable. I someone who grows food for fun am hoping to go from being to build a business out of it just someone who grows food PHILIP BIGGS

For further information about Blundstone scholarships: utas.edu.au/news/2016/11/23/196-these-boots-were-made-for-learning/ … and the agribusiness associate degree: utas.edu.au/courses/z2a

044 — Alumni 2017 045 GRADUATION CEREMONIES

Launceston 26.08.2017

The hard work and scholarship of more than 2500 graduands were celebrated during the winter 2017 graduations round.

In Hobart, 1,663 graduands received their WINTER testamurs; in Launceston, the total was 925. “For our students, these ceremonies mark the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another,” GRADUATION Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen said. “Their studies have helped identify, shape and hone their talents, and now they will take those CEREMONIES talents out into the community to the benefit of Pictures by Alastair Bett (Hobart) and Scott Gelston (Launceston) us all.”

Hobart 18.08.2017 19.08.2017 ISSUE 49

046 — Alumni 2017 047 SECRETS OF THE SEA An innovative new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) capable of diving to 5000 metres, operating underneath the ice and gathering data on Antarctic research missions has been unveiled at the Australian Maritime College

The $5 million polar vehicle bears the name nupiri muka, which means ‘Eye of the Sea’ in palawa LAVA BRAIN kani, the language of Tasmanian Australia – ACOUSTIC IMAGES Aborigines. Southern Ocean Nupiri muka is funded by Lava flowing from REVEAL BEAUTY the Australian Government a recent submarine through the Antarctic Gateway volcanic eruption OF MARINE Partnership – a $24 million takes the form Special Research Initiative of the of a brain in its LANDSCAPES Australian Research Council that complexity and aims to provide new insights into shape. By Andrew Rhodes the role of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in the global DUNE climate system. Australia – AMC AUV facility co-ordinator Southern Ocean Technological advances in scientific Norwegian coast that bears an uncanny Peter King said the vehicle’s Strong east to west imaging of the seafloor are allowing resemblance to a bird’s head. features made it ideal for currents shape the researchers to reveal stunning landscapes “My colleague Margaret Dolan and I deployment in challenging, submarine landscape previously hidden at the bottom of the wanted to share the sense of wonder under-ice conditions. revealing the highly world’s oceans. that we often experience when studying “At nearly 7m long and dynamic nature ISSUE 49 acoustic images,” Dr Lucieer said. weighing 1.5 tonnes, nupiri and power of the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies “Through Visual Soundings we are muka’s endurance enables it to circumpolar current. (IMAS) scientist Dr Vanessa Lucieer has sharing some of our favourite images and travel more than 140km or 24 joined with fellow marine scientist Dr inviting others to contribute their own hours without needing to be ISSUE 49 DWARF GUYOTS Margaret Dolan, from the Geological acoustic images.” recharged,” Mr King said. Australian – Survey of Norway, to catalogue captivating “It’s also highly customisable, Sub Antarctic acoustic images of the seafloor through a such that the engineering team Previously new website, Visual Soundings. The Visual Soundings can install a range of instruments undiscovered Dr Lucieer said seafloor images are website address is in addition to those already on visualsoundings.org dwarf guyots off usually studied with a scientific eye rather board.” McDonald Island in than from an artistic perspective, which the southern ocean means the breathtaking beauty of marine pepper the seafloor landscapes is often overlooked. like jewels. “In recent years, however, new techniques such as multibeam echo sounders have revolutionised scientists’ knowledge of the appearance, shape and structure of the seabed. “In doing so, they sometimes reveal startlingly beautiful glimpses of the seafloor that look more like works of art than scientific data.” Dr Lucieer said the images featured on Eye of the sea: the website include a 1km-long feature, The AUV nupiri in the shape of a figure ‘9’, incised by an Eye-opener: muka, ideal for MICHAEL RAYNER Institute for Marine iceberg on the seabed of the Barents deployment DAMEIN GUIHEN and Antarctic Sea off Norway’s north-east coast, a in challenging, Studies scientist haunting tattoo-like pattern formed on the under-ice Dr Vanessa Lucieer. seabed off Malta, and a structure off the conditions.

048 — Alumni 2017 049 TOURISM

“a great opportunity to build SWEDES EMBRACE TASSIE PROJECT TO MONITOR ART TRAVELS relationships and global TOURISTS’ CHOICES AND CATER FOR THEIR NEEDS connections with scholars and ACROSS TIME the community at large”. “It is significant the collection AND PLACE has travelled across time and TRACKER SHOWS TROVE OF COMMUNIST-ERA ROMANIAN place – from 18th-century ART NOW GLOBALLY ACCESSIBLE Romania and ... post-war WAY FOR WORLD Keeping track: Europe to Washington DC and Visitors to By Peter Cochrane now to Tasmania.” TOURISM Tasmania can Lynn Davies, Tyler Collection share their The largest collection of of communist-era Romanian Digital Curator, added: “By By Lucy Poskitt and Sally Glaetzer travel data. Romanian art from the art, the collection also contains digitising and publishing these Ceausescu era outside religious icons and works from items and objects we not only Romania is now publicly Australia, Europe, Africa and showcase the collection to the A ground-breaking tourism research accessible. the US. Last year, the Tyler world but the repository has project by the University of Tasmania Research Project team began allowed us to build interlinked is expanding to Sweden, Europe’s most The collection was assembled classifying and digitising the connections and layers innovative country according to the by University alumnus Geoffrey 1500 artworks (paintings, about the artists, their works, European Commission. Tyler after meeting Romanian works on paper, sculptures, friendships and context. It’s artist Corneliu Petrescu while ceramics and religious icons), early days but relationships Led by Hobart-based tourism researcher

working for the IMF. exhibition catalogues, letters, Rich story: Above, are forming and the repository Dr Anne Hardy, the Tracer Tourism ALASTAIR BETT Petrescu introduced Tyler books and photographs. Geoffrey Tyler, right, is transforming into a rich Tracking Project was established in 2015 to many of his artist friends The online Tyler Collection pictured with Corneliu interconnected story.” as a partnership between the Tasmanian and Tyler supported them by of Romanian and Modern and Mariana Petrescu; Government, tourism industry and a buying their works. In 2011 Art is, according to Rachael above right, an untitled research team at the University’s Institute work by Corneliu Geoffrey and his wife Frances Rose, Registrar and Keeper of The repository for the Study of Social Change. Tasmanian Petrescue, 1978, mixed can be accessed at: gave their collection to the the Fine Art Collection and ICT company Ionata is a key partner and into partnerships and collaborations, as dashboard. This project demonstrates media. tylercollection. University. Consisting largely Curator of the Tyler Collection, omeka.net creators of the technology. a research group we have decided to how an innovative research product can Stage one took the Tasmanian industry grow the research program incrementally become an exportable product and has put by storm last year, providing the data every by forming a strategic partnership really the University of Tasmania on the tourism operator wants – why visitors with Tourism Skåne, the government map.” come, where they go, what they actually tourism agency responsible for tourism Fredrik Albihn, project manager for do while they’re here, and for how long. development in Southern Sweden,” Tourism Skåne, said the collaboration will ISSUE 49 Early in 2016, more than 450 visitors Professor Eccleston said. allow his organisation to gain invaluable to Tasmania were recruited and given Dr Hardy said the Swedish partnership knowledge about how tourists use the smartphones with an app which tracked will allow real-time data from Scandinavia new bike trail. their movement and surveyed for to be analysed in Hobart, highlighting “The crew from Tasmania has been demographic information in the most how innovative technology products and providing us with valuable feedback and comprehensive tracking study of its kind research services can be exported. freely sharing their experiences with us. in the world. Institute for the Study of “Our research partnership involves us They have also been extremely fun to Social Change director Professor Richard linking our tracking technology to the ‘back work with and amazingly well equipped to Eccleston said the project’s success had end’ of an existing app to track cyclists on handle Skåne’s country roads, local food led to a partnership with the Southern the brand new 274km Sydostleden Trail,” and occasional hard weather,” he said. Sweden tourism authority. Dr Hardy said. “The GPS and survey data This year sees the launch of stage two “While we have been inundated with will be sent to our servers in Hobart in real of the University’s landmark tourist study. requests from around the world to enter time and visualised via our Tourism Tracer From February 1, the project team began recruiting 1000 new participants for this year’s study. If it’s a large outdoor venue, they Stage two is unfolding during a period of strong growth – particularly may want to know how people move in the international sector – in Tassie through the site; and also where they tourism. This time, tourists are either receiving go before and after visiting that site, a handset or instead agree to simply download an app onto their own phone, so they can target their co-marketing and receive free Wi-Fi with Optus for the with other operators duration of their trip for agreeing to do so.

050 — Alumni 2017 051 RA EVERSPISCIUM AUT IDITAM,

Back to school: DAMIEN POWER Rebecca Cody will BA/LLB 1994 take the helm of Geelong Grammar School next year. The writer-director’s chilling first feature film Killing Ground opened in Australia in late August after its international premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

The thriller is “part of a long tradition of Australian cinema exploring our

SUPPLIED sense of unease in our own backyard”, according to its creator. Variety hailed it as a “white knuckle debut” REBECCA CODY and The Guardian as BEd(Hons) 1995 “Deliverance Down Under OUR HIGH …. beautifully made and Ms Cody will take up the reins utterly disturbing”. as Geelong Grammar’s first Damien grew up in ACHIEVERS female principal in the second Launceston, where as a term of 2018. teenager he joined the local film society with Currently Principal of Methodist his grandfather, “and fell LEADBy Peter Cochrane WAY Ladies’ College in Perth, she started in love with the movies”. her career in the classroom as After graduating from the an English and drama teacher at University of Tasmania St Michael’s Collegiate School in he went on to undertake ANDREW HARMAN Lay of the land: Hobart, continued at PLC Perth, an MA in directing at the BSurv 1986 TGM Group where she rose to Head of Senior Australian Film Television Managing Director ISSUE 49 School, before securing her first and Radio School. Andrew Harman The Managing Director of principal’s position at New Zealand’s is President of TGM Group, one of the largest the Association Woodford House in 2004, at 31. engineering and surveying of Consulting She will be Geelong Grammar’s consultancies based in regional Surveyors Victoria. 12th principal in its 163-year history Victoria, Mr Harman was and the first to be born in Australia. recently appointed President of “Geelong Grammar School is the Association of Consulting an iconic leader in education,” she Surveyors Victoria, which said. “I feel honoured to be offered represents more than 120 the opportunity to continue to private surveying firms strengthen the legacy of Sir James throughout the state. Darling and, more recently, Stephen

SUPPLIED Meek.” After graduating from the University of Tasmania, he joined Campbell Smith, Phelps, Pedley in Launceston, I feel honoured before moving to Melbourne to join KA Reed Group in 1989. He left KA Geelong, and, through subsequent to be offered Reed Group in 1992 to establish acquisitions, TGM Group has grown the opportunity his own land surveying practice in to employ more than 100 specialists Maryborough in central Victoria. in engineering, surveying and town to continue to In December 1995, he merged planning in offices in Ballarat, strengthen the his business with two other Geelong and Melbourne. He was legacy leading engineering and surveying appointed Managing Director in consultancies in Ballarat and 2014.

052 — Alumni 2017 JEWELL/INVISION/AP TAYLOR 053 Strong foundation: HIGH ACHIEVERS CONTINUED… Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn.

DENITA WAWN In announcing her BA/LLB 1993; Grad Cert appointment, the National FAST FACTS Legal Practice 1994 President of Master Builders, Dan Perkins, said: Mrs Wawn became “Denita has impeccable 5 the first female CEO in credentials for success the 127-year history including her wealth of of Master Builders experience spearheading Australia in March this game-changing advocacy year. She took on the and industrial relations top job after spending campaigns at the National Tasmanian Devil Vaccine Trials 12 months as General Farmers Federation and Manager Operations the Australian Hotels Research has shown that immunotherapy can cure of the organisation, Association. which represents the “As CEO of the Brewers 1 Tasmanian devils of DFTD. $200 billion building Association of Australia and construction. and New Zealand, Denita implemented a highly The vaccine “turns on” the immune system to attack successful reputational 2 change strategy at a the cancer cells. national and international level.” At least 30 devils will take part in the wild devil 3 recovery project this year. AAP

Recognised: The trials will look at release Her Excellency techniques and the effectiveness ISSUE 49 Professor the 4 Honourable Kate Warner. of the vaccine.

ALUMNI HONOURS the Honourable Christopher the Queen’s Birthday Honours. To continue vaccine research, Wright were made Officers Dr Cameron (BA-GS, 1991; BA, The Governor of Tasmania, in the General Division of the 2007; MA, 2008; DLit, 2016) is 5 funding is still urgently needed. an Emeritus Professor and Order of Australia (AO) while now an AO. Dr David Daintree, a former Supreme Court Adjunct Professor and leading who served as a principal of the Our goal - $2 million. of Tasmania Justice were architect Robert Morris-Nunn University’s Jane Franklin Hall Photo: Mike Calder among this year’s Australia and alumni Mitchel Martin- for 18 years, was recognised as Day Honours recipients with Weber and Steven Chopping an AM. Professor John Biggs links to the University of were all made Members in the also received an AM. Other Tasmania. General Division of the Order alumni honoured with an AM of Australia (AM). Christopher included Sheree Vertigan, Her Excellency Professor the Fagg received the Emergency Michael Brown, Jody Heald, Honourable Kate Warner Services Medal. Dr Timothy Mooney and

PETER MATHEW was awarded the highest Dianne Snowden. Robert Harry Australia Day honour when Dr Patricia Cameron, an Wilsdon was awarded a Medal she was made a Companion Aboriginal Elder who has (OAM) in the General Division in the General Division of the spent 45 years working to and Public Service Medals Order of Australia. Emeritus improve access to education went to Karen Gee and Lynne To help secure the future for the Professor Bill Mulford and for Indigenous Tasmanians, was McDougall. alumnus and former Supreme among a strong representation Court of Tasmania Justice of University alumni and staff in Tasmanian devil donate here: 054 — Alumni 2017 www.tassiedevil.com.au 055