Adelaidean Volume 10 Number 11 News from Adelaide University December 2001 INSIDE A sound solution The Lord of Spineless for carp the Rings invaders page 5 page 7 page 9 Securing the future: Lights, campus, action! major initiatives announced for 2002 Vice-Chancellor tackles budget issues

THE Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cliff University achieves a balanced budget in 2002 Blake, has announced a series of and significant surpluses in subsequent years. initiatives aimed at strengthening This will enable us to rebuild our cash reserves Adelaide University's position as one of and look to the future with confidence." Australia's foremost research and The budget strategy aims to boost revenue by education institutions. attracting more fee-paying international The initiatives include: a comprehensive students and reduce costs through tighter budget strategy to restore the University's internal controls, an early voluntary capital base and secure its financial future; a retirement scheme, and amalgamation of stronger marketing effort to build on an some small schools/departments. increase of nearly 30% in total student "Adelaide University is recognised nationally applications for 2002 [see story page 3]; a and internationally as one of Australia's great staff renewal strategy, incorporating a universities," Professor Blake said. recruitment drive and voluntary early retirement scheme to reinvigorate the "The initiatives announced ensure that the academic staff profile; a new Graduate University will be better able to meet the School for postgraduate research students challenges of the 21st century and continue [see story page 3]; new budget control to make a significant contribution to South measures; a $20 million capital works Australia and the nation." program [see story page 4]; a new University A total of 47 Adelaide University staff had Two scenes in the latest film to star Robert Carlyle (Hamish Macbeth, The Full Monty) have Planning Office with responsibility for been accepted for early retirement under the been shot at key locations at Adelaide University. Pictured above is Director Craig Lahiff strategic planning, resource allocation and University’s voluntary early retirement (centre) discussing a scene in the Mitchell Building with actor Colin Friels. Turn to page 8 to capital management; more partnership scheme, Professor Blake said. learn more about the film, and Adelaide University’s involvement. arrangements with overseas institutions to The group included academic as well as build on the University's position as the general staff; some are among the University’s largest onshore provider of international longest serving staff members, and many education in South Australia. have made enormous contributions to the Professor Blake said the measures were institution, Professor Blake said. Youth leadership supported designed to strengthen the University's Applications from other staff were still under performance in key strategic areas and to consideration, and it was expected that total FOR the second year in a row, Adelaide Other award categories featured as part of ensure that it was positioned to meet new and acceptances would exceed 50. Most of the the Showcase include youth achievement, emerging challenges. University is sponsoring the Youth early retirees would leave the University early Leadership Award as part of the SA youth and community service, natural "The budget strategy provides a in the New Year. Youth Awards Showcase. resources and environment, youth initiative, comprehensive resolution of the financial youth inspiration, sports, and the overall "The staff renewal strategy will enable some issues faced by the University," he said. There are eight awards in total being offered winner, the South Australian Young Person staff to retire early and will also involve the in the Showcase, which is an initiative of of the Year. "The major issue was the emergence of a appointment of new staff in areas of strong Paradise Community Services and deficit of an estimated $3.2 million which student demand or in areas of identified sponsored by the South Australian Prizes include $2500 cash in each of the will need to be carried over from the 2001 research strength," Professor Blake said. Government. Showcase categories, and the overall calendar year. winner will receive an additional $2500 Among the initiatives announced by the The Adelaide University Youth Leadership "Adelaide University's financial position is cash plus an overseas travel package for Vice-Chancellor was an expansion of Award is aimed at recognising the two, flying Qantas and staying with fundamentally sound. It has a strong balance international activities in 2002, building on achievements of young people who have sheet, but the issue of the declining surplus Novotel. the University’s position as the largest made a significant contribution as a leader has been recognised for some time and onshore provider of international education within any sphere of their community. Entry forms are available now, with entries reconfirmed and re-emphasised by Council in South Australia. Those who nominate for the award will closing on February 28, 2002. and senior management. The 2002 Budget is have already reached the finals in another For more information about entry details the next step in addressing this challenge. Currently around 1600 students from more than 70 countries study at Adelaide University. youth award in the last two years, not contact Paradise Community Services on "The new financial management systems necessarily in this field. (08) 8336 0066, or email: [email protected]. which we have put in place will ensure that the Continued Page 3

Advertisement PAGE 2 DECEMBER 2001 ADELAIDEAN GRADUATIONS PRIZES FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

In August, the Adelaidean ran a feature on working in the field for some time. two of the four staff members to receive this "Succinct summaries of principles of year’s Stephen Cole the Elder Prizes for management in clinical medicine can save Teaching. students a lot of time and unnecessary effort The $5000 prizes recognise excellence in early in their careers." teaching, and nominations come from students and fellow staff members. As the prizes are normally presented during IT’S a hat-trick of success for Adelaide graduations, and with December graduations University’s Department of Chemistry, with now approaching, we now welcome readers to one of its staff members receiving a Stephen the remaining two winners of this year’s Cole the Elder Prize for excellence in teaching prizes: teaching for the third consecutive year. This year’s winner, Dr Simon Pyke, joins Dr Geoff Crisp and Dr Mark Buntine as a LIFE has come full circle for Stephen Cole recipient of the prestigious award. the Elder 2001 teaching prize recipient, Mr Anthony Pohl. Dr Pyke joined Adelaide in 1992, after completing undergraduate and postgraduate As a teenager growing up in South Africa, he courses at the University of Sydney, and was fortunate enough to able to satisfy his working as a post-doctoral fellow in England. curiosity in medicine thanks to a friendly Mr Anthony Pohl. Dr Simon Pyke. surgeon, who once a week allowed Mr Pohl Dr Pyke said Adelaide was his first serious to watch him perform surgical procedures. taste of teaching after being concerned what he was doing," he said. mainly with research, and that he developed learners—they just can’t sit there and be Now, as Director of Orthopaedic Trauma at sponges, they have to get involved and engage "With my Adelaide University medical his passion for teaching virtually straight the Royal Adelaide Hospital and senior away. with the material. clinical lecturer in orthopaedics at Adelaide students, I like to be as open as I can, and use University, Mr Pohl has in turn been the knowledge of what I and others have "I hadn’t done much teaching before so I "I really enjoy getting involved with what the recognised for his contribution as an educator. experienced throughout our careers to help learnt an awful lot in a hurry," he said. "David students are thinking and doing. I think the students better understand clinical conditions Ward and Geoff Crisp have been excellent greatest reward in teaching is seeing the point Mr Pohl came to Australia in 1978 to pursue and their management." mentors in that regard, encouraging me to try where a student understands a new concept or an orthopaedic career after being educated new things. method—that’s just a fantastic feeling." and working in South Africa, and said the "I like to incorporate lots of examples and way he was educated has had a significant "for instances" in my teaching so students are "To me, students are really important to what Dr Pyke said it was a thrill just to be bearing on the way he now teaches. aware of the real-life situations that occur." I do—they’re people, not just numbers. I try nominated, as "I’m just doing my job". "I was fortunate enough that by the time I "And wherever possible, I also like to to be as open with them as I can, to always "There’s been some terrific people that have was able to go to medical school, I already incorporate the experiences of relevant have time to talk to them if they would like to received this award in the past, and to be in had years of "hands-on", if you like, medical practitioners. I believe it is of great discuss anything. the same company as them is a great honour," education in surgery by being able to watch a value to be exposed to other people’s "The teaching style that I have developed he said. very good surgeon, and talk to him about experiences, particularly if they have been encourages students to become active —Ben Osborne Adelaidean Graduation month is here! Writers MORE than 2300 Adelaide University graduand speaker: Brendan James King. Rob Morrison students will this month attend one of the Monday, December 17, 10am: Faculty of Ben Osborne highlights of the university year, the John Drislane Humanities and Social Sciences (Family Editor December graduation ceremonies. name A-K, plus all Department of Education David Ellis Nine ceremonies are being held this year, all courses). Speaker: The Most Reverend Contributors at Bonython Hall. This year’s ceremonies are Phillip Wilson DD JCL; graduand speaker: Layout Sheila Bryce Henry Jones. Julie Ryke noteworthy for the introduction of some new Sharna Pearce features, including: Monday, December 17, 3pm: Faculty of Simmons; graduand speaker: Vai Tak Victor Printed by Jane Russell • the singing of the national anthem as Humanities and Social Sciences (Family Wong. Cadillac Color Lee Welch part of each ceremony; name L-Z, and all other courses excluding Department of Education courses). Speaker: Wednesday, December 19, 3pm: Faculty of Room G07 Mitchell Building, South Australia, 5005. • a graduand or thanking speaker, chosen from the graduands from each of the Professor Fay Gale; graduand speaker: Susan Science. Speaker: Professor Peter Rathjen; Tel (08) 8303 5174; Fax (08) 8303 4838; Email: Lemar. graduand speaker: Leonie Kay Heilbronn. [email protected] ceremonies, who will speak briefly after the main speaker to thank them for their Website: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/pr/publications/ Tuesday, December 18, 10am: Graduate Thursday, December 20, 10am: School of Adelaidean/ attendance and speech. School of Management, School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and The dates, times and speakers for the Economics, Elder Conservatorium – School Urban Design, and School of Law. Speaker: Material may be reproduced without permission but of Performing Arts, and Australian Music acknowledgement must be given to the Adelaidean. December ceremonies are as follows: Professor Judith Brine; graduand speaker: Examination Board. Speaker: Professor Elysia Ryan. Friday, December 14, 10am: School of Charles Bodman Rae; graduand speaker: This year, extra measures will be put in place Advertising Medicine, School of Dentistry. Speaker: John Robert Crawford. External advertising is now handled by KRL Professor Basil Hetzel AC; graduand to counteract problems caused by possible hot Media speaker: Jane Chalmers. Tuesday, December 18, 3pm: School of weather, including selling bottled water prior Tel: +61 8 8231 5433 Commerce. Speaker: Mr Ross Adler AO; to the ceremonies, and increasing the number Friday, December 14, 3pm: School of graduand speaker: Damien Arthur. Fax: +61 8 8212 1238 Mathematical and Computer Sciences, of ceremonies to ensure less people in the hall Email: [email protected] Faculty of Agricultural and Natural Resource Wednesday, December 19, 10am: School of at any one ceremony. Sciences. Speaker: Professor Malcolm Oades; Engineering. Speaker: Professor John —Ben Osborne LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Uni Budget close to our GO8 comparators, all between would be revealed to be DETYA. They wouldn't solve all our problems, perhaps, but about 15 and 17, except for UWA which is would be saying your SSR is too low but we it would help. 14.4. Obviously, there are two ways to won't let you increase it by funding greater The large cuts in the salaries On another matter, there is the question of increase the SSR. One is to reduce staff, student numbers: unless you get rid of staff we amalgamating academic units. Time and budget will have an adverse which seems to be the favoured strategy at may put in an administrator and sack staff for again this surfaces, and I am confident that I effect on academic programs. present. But there is another strategy, which you. speak for the big majority of us when I say Two justifications have been is to increase fully funded enrolments. This In that event there is the fall-back to the that we are sick of constant reviews and proposed: enterprise bargaining and a low is not so implausible: the Government has tried-and-true alternative of increasing over- proposals for change. We're not naive about student-staff ratio. I would find it easier to promised an extra 28,000 fully funded quota enrolments. This is a sensible option the issue, we've discussed it at length with believe that enterprise bargaining was a places, and demand is well up across the as long as the marginal cost of the extra colleagues here and elsewhere, and the factor if our salaries were much higher than sector. student is less than what we get for such arguments for and against have been in other universities in this country, but it is A rise of just 1 point in our fully funded SSR enrolments. While eventually the marginal rehearsed ad nauseam. It has been amply not so. would generate well over $10m. Suppose cost goes up due to overcrowding, back-of- demonstrated that there are no financial This brings us then to SSRs [student- however that DETYA were to refuse, as they the-envelope analysis suggests that we could benefits. staff ratios]. Our SSR is 14.7, which is might. Then the source of our oppression get away with it to a reasonable extent. It Continued Page 4 ADELAIDEAN DECEMBER 2001 PAGE 3 Rise in applications: students Adelaide wins $25m in medical vote ‘yes’ to study at Adelaide research funding ADELAIDE University's reputation as ADELAIDE University has emerged the premier university in South Australia as the nation's biggest winner from the has been reinforced by the latest student latest round of medical research application figures, which show an almost funding from the National Health & 30% increase in total preferences for 2002 Medical Research Council compared with this time last year. (NHMRC). The figures, from SATAC (South Australian The University has secured more than Tertiary Admissions Centre), show that the $25.7 million in funding for 37 research number of students who have put Adelaide projects—the best figure for any University as their first preference has Australian university on a per capita basis. increased by 14.4%, while the total number of The projects funded span the breadth and preferences for Adelaide has jumped by depth of medical and health research at the 29.5%. University, and range across the "We believe there are many reasons for the departments of dentistry, medicine, marked improvement in applications," said molecular biosciences, obstetrics and the Executive Director of Student & Staff gynaecology, paediatrics, pathology, Services at Adelaide University, Ms Susan pharmacology, physiology, psychiatry, MacIntosh. psychology, surgery, and across the "The University has been responding to teaching hospitals. market demand by providing more flexibility The success rate for Adelaide's funding of study and new academic programs applications for project grants was 33.0%, designed to meet students' needs, and there up from 24.8% last year and well above the are more places available in some programs. national average (just under 25%). Double degree options are attracting many new students. In actual dollar terms, Adelaide was ranked only behind Sydney and "The Bachelor of Media, one of the new Melbourne universities, with Sydney programs, has received an excellent number receiving just 0.3% more funding than of applications, and the 239 first preferences Adelaide. However, on a per capita basis for the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) Adelaide received more funding than any reflects the level of interest in the study of other university—its per capita funding Psychology at the University. "This shows a recognition by students that Bonython Hall. This information evening Adelaide University is the place to study in will be vital for students in helping them with was 80% above the average for other "Law at Adelaide continues to be a popular South Australia, and that students are choosing final preferences for application to Group of Eight universities and 25% more than the next closest university (UWA). choice among school leavers, with interested in the wide range of high-quality university study. applications almost double those of last year. degrees and other programs that we offer. Some programs offered at Adelaide "This is an incredibly strong result for "We are also seeing a marked increase in the They know that by earning a degree from University were not advertised in the SATAC Adelaide University, and one that number of applications from non-school Adelaide University, their qualifications will guide when students made their initial continues to reflect the University's leavers, such as mature age students and those be recognised world wide," Ms MacIntosh choices for study. For instance, the Bachelor position as one of Australia's leading transferring from other tertiary institutions," said. of Business Information Technology is now national research universities," said the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cliff Blake. Ms MacIntosh said. Students who wish to find out more open to local applicants. In many cases, students applying for university information about academic programs at For more information about study at "For its size, Adelaide is doing study have been putting Adelaide as their first, Adelaide University can attend the Adelaide University, students can phone the tremendously well, and is showing the rest second and third preference, showing a great Information Evening on Wednesday, January Student Centre on 8303 5208 or freecall of the nation that quality research of an interest in earning a degree from Adelaide 2, 2002. There will be talks in Elder Hall 1800 061 459 (country and interstate international standing is being conducted University regardless as to whether or not they about academic programs and opportunities students only). here." receive their first preference. for one-to-one counselling and advice in —David Ellis Adelaide's successful research grants included two major program grants totalling more than $12 million. These two were among 16 announced nationally New graduate school to boost research by the NHMRC, and are: • Understanding the Human Genome— A NEW Graduate School for "It will constitute a resource centre for Professor Blake said Adelaide University's researching a number of areas of the postgraduate research students will open postgraduate students, a focal point for research strengths had been recognised yet human genome linked to genetically at Adelaide University next year. students and staff and will operate in again this month in the latest round of inherited illnesses, such as epilepsy, partnership with Faculties across the funding from the National Health & some forms of intellectual impairment, The School, which will cater for postgraduate University," Professor Blake said. Medical Research Council (NHMRC). [see and tumours (particularly breast research students from across all Faculties, separate story this page]. cancer). The funding is $7.7m over five will build on the University's strengths as one "Co-location of the core postgraduate years, awarded to Professor Grant of Australia's foremost research and research administrative and support functions within a Professor Blake said that the new Graduate Sutherland (Paediatrics). training institutions. single School will provide a clear focus for School would sit within the portfolio of the research education within the institution. It Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) and • The Early Origins of Adult Disease— The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cliff will also ensure that our quality assurance would encompass all matters pertaining to looking at how certain factors in Blake, said the School would offer resources activities are directed towards those priorities research education, including management of children, such as hormones that restrict and services designed to meet the special that are consistent with the expectations of the continuing students and postgraduate growth before and soon after birth, can needs of postgraduate research students as a Federal Government and the new Quality scholarships. impact on the development of diseases group. Assurance Agency." —John Drislane later in life (such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance and diabetes). The funding is more than $4.5m over five years, awarded to Major initiatives announced for University Professor Jeffrey Robinson (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), Professor Caroline From Page 1 Agreements have already been signed in area, a comprehensive International Student McMillen (Physiology) and Associate Singapore and Malaysia and these Centre has been established to support Professor Julie Owens (Physiology). The University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor agreements will be expanded to Vietnam and students in areas as diverse as finding Many other projects have also been funded (International) Professor Ian Young said Indonesia in 2002. accommodation, managing their studies and (37 in total), including research into all graduates today needed to work within understanding cultural norms within "The recently announced University methadone, fluoride, heart disease, sleep an international environment, and Australia. rhythms, premature delivery of babies, international students had become an Senior College will also provide an exciting new pathway for international students “In addition, the Centre for Professional and hormone replacement therapy, the nervous essential element of the life of modern wishing to study at Adelaide University. The Continuing Education runs a series of system, human jaw movements, child University campuses. College will provide a clearly focused path preparatory English language programs, behaviour problems, brain injury, bones, "The University intends to continue to from school to university for international aimed at ensuring international students are psychological trauma, cancers and expand its international activities in order to students, thus overcoming the cultural adequately prepared for their studies. hepatitis C. further enrich student life and and language difficulties faced by some These various services are being coordinated "The diversity and depth of the research internationalise the campus," Professor students. across the University to ensure maximum projects shows that there are many areas of Young said. support is provided to international "Adelaide University prides itself on the strength within the University's faculties of students as they undertake their studies," he "To this end, the University is continuing to support services provided to all its students, Health Sciences and Science," Professor said. develop collaborative relationships with a including career advice, course information Blake said. number of partners throughout Asia. and general counselling. In the international —John Drislane —David Ellis PAGE 4 DECEMBER 2001 ADELAIDEAN Major capital works and facelift planned

ADELAIDE University’s capital works the Barr Smith Library doors, adding the campus include: program for 2002 includes provision of final element to the Lower Level Site • new paving at the front of the University teaching facilities for the new Elder development. School of Music and completion of the • opening up more views of historic A new Plant Biotechnology building at the University buildings new School of Petroleum Engineering Waite campus is one of the other major and Management building at the North capital works planned for 2002. The $4.2 • replanting and additional seats along the Terrace campus. million building will be shared by the campus's North Terrace frontage The Elder School of Music, which will be University, the South Australian Research • moving the bust of Sir Douglas Mawson and Development Institute, and the headed by the Elder Professor of Music, to a location more appropriate to its scale Australian Genomic Research Facility. Professor Charles Bodman Rae, is being • moving the University carpark entrance created through the merger of the Flinders Other significant capital works planned for away from the Pulteney Street Street School of Music and the Elder next year include maintenance work at intersection (in cooperation with Conservatorium. During 2002 and 2003, the historic Urrbrae House at the Waite Campus; Adelaide City Council and the State Schulz, Hartley and Madley Buildings will be and the start of the relocation to the Physics Government). adapted to accommodate the increased Building of the Centre for Subatomic The chairwoman of the Vice-Chancellor's student and staff numbers. Adelaide Structure of Matter. campus design panel, Professor Judith Brine, University will contribute $2 million to the In addition, the University has injected an said the University had commissioned cost of this work. extra $500,000 into the buildings Adelaide architects Woods Bagot Pty Ltd to Construction of the new School of Petroleum maintenance program, bringing to $1.5 draw up a master plan for the campus. She Engineering and Management (supported by million the total amount available for said this would ensure that improvements building maintenance over the next three $25 million from Santos) is due to be were carried out in an orderly and consistent pedestrians and road users in the vicinity of completed by June 2002. The School will years. manner and would fit with the vision of the campus. Moving the University carpark enrol its first students next year. It will also Meanwhile, Adelaide University is backing North Terrace as a cultural boulevard. entrance will make the North house the National Centre for Petroleum the North Terrace facelift plan, announcing a "The University is working closely with the Terrace/Pulteney Street intersection much Geology and Geophysics and joint research series of improvements to link in with State State Government and Adelaide City safer for pedestrians, including students from facilities with the oil company Schlumberger. Government and Adelaide City Council Council," Professor Brine said. the new University Senior College who will The completion of the School will open up a initiatives. "As well as the aesthetic considerations we be crossing back and forth to classes." new boulevard and vista from Frome Street to Improvements planned for the North Terrace are considering issues such as safety, both for —John Drislane Building ties with a Thai university More national ADELAIDE University has established between Thailand and other countries," said (International), Professor Ian Young, and the awards for 5UV official links with Khon Kaen University the President of KKU, Professor Prinya president, deans and staff of five major (KKU), Thailand. Chindaprasirt. faculties at KKU. Radio Adelaide Since its foundation in 1964 as part of a "KKU’s commitment is not only to educate "What sets this MOU apart from the norm is decentralised development plan for higher its students, but also to promote research and that it provides official links between the two 5UV Radio Adelaide 101.5FM has education in Thailand, KKU has been the to carry out community work for the benefit universities and the mechanisms to actively again topped the awards at the national of the local society." leading educational and research institution pursue mutually beneficial programs across community broadcasting conference, in Northeastern Thailand. Adelaide’s links with the Thai university five educational and research areas," Dr Andrews said. winning three awards at the recent Located at the heart of the poorest and least- stretch back more than 20 years, when three event in Hobart. postgraduate students from Flinders "These include postgraduate research developed region in the country, the The station won awards for: university strives to prepare its students so University, Drs Ross Andrews and Trevor programs, undergraduate programs, staff that they can make a positive and active Petney (now at Adelaide and Germany) and exchanges/training, specialist workshops and Excellence in music broadcasting—for two contribution to society. One of the major Associate Professor Rojchai Satrawaha (from collaborative research programs. live broadcasts from this year’s responsibilities of KKU is to serve KKU), set in process foundations to achieve "This provides both universities with exciting Womadelaide festival, networked to more approximately 20 million people living in the official South Australian/Thailand links in opportunities to establish long-term links in than 50 radio stations nationally. northeast, people whose per capita income is education and research. Dr Andrews, from mutually beneficial programs," he said. General excellence in music broadcasting— only 40% of the national average. Adelaide’s Department of Environmental for the station’s wide-ranging feature The most immediate interaction is likely to Biology, has established at KKU reciprocal program strategy, recognising a range of From small beginnings, KKU has grown take the form of students from KKU studying programs and an international base for the special features made for local and national enormously (the campus covers towards PhD degrees at Adelaide University. "Pathogen Identification and Diagnostics broadcast and an innovative approach to approximately 900 hectares) and is today These students may either be fully enrolled at Program" that he directs. production including multi-media, CD and home to 17 faculties, three academic support Adelaide or may be in joint PhD programs. centres and a research institute, and together During the past two years the sustained effort internet delivery. with Adelaide University is ranked within the and focus by Dr Andrews and Rojchai Adelaide’s links with quality universities in Excellence in spoken word broadcasting— top 2.6% of 2000 Asian universities. Starawaha to realise their vision has developing countries also provide the for comprehensive coverage of the 2001 culminated in the signing of a Memorandum potential for access to support from agencies, Adelaide Festival of Ideas, in partnership KKU places a great deal of emphasis on of Understanding (MOU) by Adelaide such as the Asia Development Bank, World academic collaboration with overseas with the Festival and the State Library of University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cliff Bank and AusAid. This form of funding can SA. universities and institutions. Blake, and Professor Prinya. This was made support the research activities of both "We firmly believe in such exchange as a possible thanks to the endorsement and institutions and assist the development of These awards followed hot on the heels of means to improve mutual understanding support from Adelaide’s Pro-Vice Chancellor Thailand. a special commendation at the recent SA Institute of Justice Awards for the 20-part series "The Law Spot", and make a total of Advertisement eight national and State awards for Radio LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Adelaide in 2001. "These awards cap off an exciting year for From Page 2 us, with our long-awaited conversion to The issue of the university's finances should FM in October and a raft of special events not be linked with the issue of throughout the year," said Station amalgamation. Academic programs have to Manager Ms Deborah Welch. continue to run themselves, and "What many of these awards recognise is amalgamation is a proven recipe for conflict the capacity of our station to bring new between heterogeneous groups who sounds and ideas to our growing local struggle to maintain the academic integrity audience, and also to the huge national of their programs. It is also bad for the audience out there listening to community morale of staff and students, particularly radio stations around the country." postgraduates who want and need In December, Radio Adelaide will identification with their professions. premiere a new series, "Live at the Gov: 10 brilliant concerts of Australian music", The very recent Review of Structures which recorded at the Governor Hindmarsh looked at this question did not attempt to Hotel throughout 2001. The series kicks amalgamate Departments into Schools Leggy off with prolific independent singer- against their wishes, and indeed warned songwriter Ed Kuepper on Saturday, against erecting another tier of I refer to the picture on the front page of December 8 at 6pm. Other artists to be administration. In short, there is no way the November Adelaidean. featured in the series include Renee Geyer, but to respect academic disciplines with the the Dave Graney Show and Jeff Lang, all autonomy to run their own programs. No wonder there is interest in the anatomy at 6pm Saturday nights throughout of that horse. It appears to have five legs. Chris Mortensen summer on 101.5FM. Philosophy Brian Fotheringham www.radio.adelaide.edu.au ADELAIDEAN DECEMBER 2001 PAGE 5 Catch of the day: a sound solution for carp

Engineering students at Adelaide University effectiveness is limited in regions without a are investigating methods of reducing carp power supply. numbers in River Murray wetlands. The researchers were encouraged to find that, Science journalist Dr Rob Morrison reports on of all the deterrents, a simple low physical the hi-tech and simple solutions to the "curse of barrier proved the most effective, the carp". prototype being nothing more sophisticated than chicken wire. A physical barrier’s effectiveness may well relate to the bottom- European carp must be Australia’s most dwelling habit of carp, and be less of a hated fish. Introduced to the River Murray deterrent to native fish which swim more about 20 years ago, they have become such an freely in open water. It is this demand for environmental threat that they now bear the nickname of "river rabbits". selectivity that makes the application of these deterrents so challenging. Carp are bottom feeders, stirring up mud, engulfing invertebrates in their large mouths The researchers have also been developing an and dislodging weeds, which float to the electronic detector that can register the surface and die. This makes the fish movement of fish through a point of entry to particularly troublesome in the shallow a wetland. It consists of three electrodes waters of wetlands that border the river. running across the waterway. As a fish passes over them, the electric field between them is The Murray’s flow was always episodic, and affected, revealing the direction and speed of these wetlands periodically flooded and a fish’s movement as a trace on a monitoring drained—a natural cycle that prompted computer screen. A wave generator at one native trees to germinate and native birds and end of the flume can even create choppy fish to breed. The erection of locks and weirs conditions for the trials. ended that cycle, and the river is now a series of ponds. Only a fraction of its normal flow "The detector lets us work out what time of remains; its mouth has all but closed, and day or night fish are moving in and out of many of its wetlands are now dustbowls. these wetland structures so that we can get better ideas of when, and at what time of year, Some, however, are being reclaimed. River to implement these control devices," said water is diverted to flood them artificially, James Cox. then drained months later to simulate droughts. But carp come with the water. "We won’t want the devices to be turned on all the time, and there are going to be Some wetland access points are fitted with particular periods when carp are moving. If carp screens, which admit only the smallest of we can work out when those times are, we carp (no larger than a human finger). These can activate the deterrent devices then." die when the wetlands are drained and before they can grow large enough to cause Using the detectors in conjunction with other problems, but excluding carp means devices, even to activate them, may prove excluding most native fish as well. Other especially valuable where electricity supply is gates, built with larger mesh, admit larger Left to right: James Cox, Tim Champion, Amy Ide and Nadine Kelly introduce carp to the testing limited to the small output available from carp. tank to study how they are affected by different sound frequencies. batteries or solar devices. Civil & Environmental Engineering students "If we had these detectors just a small at Adelaide University have been researching monitored as each test is run. Tim Champion has been exploring the distance before the deterrent devices they a series of deterrents which they hope may "We found that light can be a barrier to carp effectiveness of bubble curtains. "These have could be triggered to turn on and it might selectively prevent carp from entering movement, and it has the potential to be a been tried overseas with some success to startle the fish more, as we saw with the wetlands under rehabilitation. barrier to them moving into wetlands," Amy prevent fish from entering the openings of bubble curtain," said James. "It worked a lot hydroelectric stations," said Tim. "We feel that we might be able to use one of said. more effectively if we turned it on just as the our deterrents to exclude or at least reduce So does sound. Through an underwater "We thought we’d try to see how carp fish were approaching and, with a detector, it carp movement into wetlands, and that one speaker the researchers subject the fish to a responded to them, and they do seem to act would be quite simple to do that of these behavioural methods might not range of sounds. as a deterrent to their movement." automatically. But we need to find that it doesn’t have the same effect on native fish." affect native fish so much," said Amy Ide, one "After testing frequencies from zero to a Startle reactions among the carp showed that of the team of Honours students. thousand Hertz (cycles per second), we found these deterrents are more effective when they The work by these student researchers The researchers are examining a range of that carp were deterred most by 20 Hertz," are turned on suddenly, rather than being features in a series on the Murray currently options, including light, sound, bubble said Nadine Kelly. "We think that maybe constantly applied. They can also be used airing on Radio Adelaide, FM 101.5, and will curtains and physical barriers. A giant flume native fish won’t be deterred as much by this together, and appear to enhance each other in be in the first series of “Cutting Edge”, a new in the department is flooded with water, and frequency, so it might prove to be a species- repelling carp. But bubble curtains, lights television series to be broadcast throughout carp introduced to it, their behaviour specific barrier," she said. and hydrophones rely on electricity, and their Asia next year. CRC to fight salinity Engineering students put to the test INNOVATIVE solutions to research THE Adelaide branch of the as Murray Darling 2001 and salt and design problems were the order of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for interception schemes." day for Mechanical Engineering students Plant-based Management of Dryland He said the CRC would play a vital role in recently. Salinity has been officially launched by improving the understanding of how native Fourth-year Mechanical and Mechatronic the Minister for Water Resources, Mr plant systems controlled salinity before Engineering students displayed projects Mark Brindal. European settlement. Information gained solving problems as defined by industry or Based at the University’s Waite Campus, the would be used to develop improved engineering staff, with previous students’ CRC is a partnership between several agricultural systems, enabling farmers and solutions having led to patentable systems. land managers to better manage salinity. research institutes across southern Australia, The overall winners for 2001 were Jeremy including Primary Industries and Resources "This is a substantial and exciting South Glaros and Mark Hergott for their design of SA (PIRSA) and Adelaide University. Australian investment," he said. an active vibration isolation unit for optical The State Government has invested "The great thing about the CRC is that it applications. $700,000 in cash funding into the CRC, brings together such a vast array of scientific In second place were David Harvey and with a further $7 million in-kind support talent from several academic disciplines through PIRSA. Adelaide University has Benjamin Longstaff for their development of across the nation to address many issues. a prosthetic arm, and third were James invested $525,000 in cash support with a We bring to the CRC the excellent SARDI further $3.7 million in in-kind support. Telford and Daniel Tucker for their work on facilities and its staff, besides the prestigious a RAAF P3 Orion multi-site repair Mr Brindal said salinity threatened up to 17 Waite and Roseworthy resources of assessment. million hectares of land across Australia, Adelaide University." There were joint winners in the MechTest "but significantly for South Australians it In addition to its scientific work, the CRC category of the exhibition: Kathrin Peter, Ben imperils our very existence by will be responsible for training many of the Tattersall and Tom Poole for their design, test compromising our water resources". next generation of technical experts and and manufacture of a synthetic heel pad; and "Our State is making a significant advisers through graduate and post- Owen Lucas and Karel Meeuwissen for their investment in salinity management through graduate courses. The CRC will also design and construction of a thermoacoustic the National Action Plan for Salinity and develop and encourage strong networks Water Quality—$100 million over seven between scientists, farmers, land managers device. years. That is on top of what we're and government to ensure that technology The Postgraduate Poster prize was awarded contributing to other ongoing projects such transfer is efficient and effective. to Alasdair McLean. PAGE 6 DECEMBER 2001 ADELAIDEAN Summer School takes the witness stand Have you got an enterprising idea?

THE Enterprise Education Group at Adelaide University is once again running its successful three-day New Venture Feasibility Assessment course as part of the University’s Summer School for 2002. This practical course is aimed at anyone who wishes to pursue their entrepreneurial spirit and assess the feasibility of their own business venture or self-employment opportunity. The course is designed to assist entrepreneurs in increasing profits, market share and sales of new products and services, while reducing the cost and time needed to achieve success. The course also provides a strong introduction to the many issues surrounding the establishment, management and growth of a new venture. For those who have a strong interest in developing their entrepreneurial skills, the course also represents two units towards the University’s Graduate Diploma in Business Enterprise. The new Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme (PELS) can make studying more affordable than you think.

Don’t be caught out - becoming an expert witness takes some skill. Photo from Legally Blonde, courtesy of 20th Century Fox. The feasibility assessment course now has a number of success stories to boast about. LEARNING how to provide expert Monash University’s Law Faculty. be examined. Previous students who have evidence in court headlines the exciting The new range of Community Courses has Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, gone through this course, and have line-up of 2002 Summer School something for everyone. the notion of Western democracy and values completed or are studying towards the programs at Adelaide University this has been increasingly under the spotlight. Graduate Diploma in Business summer. Aspiring writers will love the Creative Where have these ideas and values come Enterprise, include: Writing course, no matter if they are a Another feature of this year’s offerings is the from? The Great Books: Summer with • Ramy Azer (Papyrus Australia): beginning or developed writer. Experienced Socrates course will examine the work of brand-new range of Community Courses,as author Steve Evans will present a fun week of an innovative paper-making well as 65 other courses aimed at improving such vaunted writers as Plato, Socrates, Kant, technology company that has secured hands-on activities, which includes a Writers’ Dante and Voltaire, and the impact their personal and professional development. government research and Week function at the 2002 Adelaide Festival. thinking has had on what we now know as development funding and $125,000 Internationally regarded barrister Ian The five-day drawing workshop The the Western World. Freckelton will present the Expert Evidence from AusIndustry to commercialise Garden: Landscape Drawing will bring out Elizabeth I was one of the most interesting course over five days, detailing the its technology. the artist in you—in your own garden! Using people to ever rule Britain—even becoming groundwork needed to be an expert witness the garden as inspiration, participants will the subject of a recent Hollywood film • Pearl Field (Gorgeous Kid): to the courts, as well as providing information work in the open air in a number of gardens starring Australian Cate Blanchett. Find out developing contemporary popular about alternative dispute resolution. around Adelaide and Hahndorf, under the the truth about this complex person and the music to help teach children Professor Freckelton is a barrister in full-time tutelage of painter David Reid. Different times she lived in with Sex, Politics and the with speech and communication practice, and is Vice-President of the philosophies used by both Western and Single Queen: The Reign of Elizabeth I of difficulties has earned this SA International Institute of Forensic Studies at Eastern artists in ordering the landscape will England, 1558-1603. entrepreneur and business partners $30,000 from the Hewlett Packard/Adelaide University For more information about any of Adelaide University’s 2002 Summer School offerings please contact Professional and Continuing Education Entrepreneurs Challenge. on 8303 4777, email: [email protected], or visit Adelaide University’s website: www.adelaide.edu.au • Leonie McKeon (Chinese Language and Cultural Advice): providing language and cultural consultancy services to Australian businesses Understanding others – and ourselves dealing with Chinese partners, and is now forging a strong path into A NEW workshop being held this become embedded in our lives through participants to media analysis, the the Australian-Chinese education summer can help you gain a better contexts such as museums. appreciation of socio-cultural phenomena, sector. understanding of human behaviour. "This interactive workshop provides an the study of difference and conflict and some • More than 20 businesses have been introduction to the discipline of patterns of everyday life that may surprise established as a result of this course Aimed at anyone who wishes to improve you. their understanding of others and anthropology and the idea of ‘difference’ (and and the Graduate Diploma in themselves—especially practitioners, similarity) between groups and persons. By Business Enterprise. systematically studying variations in social managers, or service providers who may need OTHERS - AND If you have a burning ambition to to solve problems that involve and cultural characteristics, anthropology create your own business, change misunderstandings or bias between builds skills in discernment, forming OURSELVES: FROM career direction, or just want to individuals or groups—the workshop is being perspectives and the analysis of social CULTURE TO run by Adelaide University anthropologist situations and phenomena. As well as explore your options, contact the Dr Jon Telfer from February 11-13, 2002. helping us understand others, we also come ANTHROPOLOGY Enterprise Education Group on (08) to better understand ourselves. 11-13 FEBRUARY 2002 8303 3094, or email: shane.cheek@ "By understanding how ‘culture’ works, we adelaide.edu.au, website: www.eeg. can appreciate and respond differently to "The workshop explains concepts that can be 9.30am to 4.00pm adelaide.edu.au various predicaments," Dr Telfer says. practically applied in various work contexts, For more information contact Ms Colleen "Comprehending ‘culture’ can increase our as well as enhancing appreciation in our lives as family members and citizens," he says. Solly on (08) 8303 5730, or email: See the Adelaide University Summer insight into the ways people and social groups [email protected] School Brochure for more details. work, as well as the ways fears and desires can This interactive workshop will introduce ADELAIDEAN DECEMBER 2001 PAGE 7 One tale to rule them all and in the darkness bind them

AFTER the events of September 11, it’s "I guess you could say it’s been a mixed not hard to imagine a world in which blessing," said Ms Le Lievre. those who represent freedom and "The first effect The Lord of the Rings had on democracy are threatened by a source of the general field of fantasy literature is that it great power and evil. separated it from the body of mainstream It’s a feeling that was shared, no doubt, by fiction. The precursors of Tolkien’s work, those who lived through or were born during authors such as Lewis Carroll, William World War Two, the people who were the Morris, Robert Louis Stevenson, wrote first in history to read a book that many now something that was generally called regard as one of the greatest stories ever "romance", but it was also part of the written. mainstream. There was no sense in which Stevenson’s romance writings were Since its publication in 1954, The Lord of the considered different from his more Rings by JRR Tolkien has endured as a tale of mainstream or gothic writings. heroism in a world of increasing darkness. Although a "fantasy", its themes of good "The Lord of the Rings was a massive versus evil, the changing nature of the world commercial success, and that meant that it and heroism are still just as applicable to started having imitators very quickly. The Western society today as they were half a imitators were published because people century ago. wanted to read more things like The Lord of the Rings, and they started being bracketed This month The Lord of the Rings, considered away to this strand of publishing, or the grandfather of modern fantasy literature, marketing, which got labelled "fantasy". comes to life on the silver screen. One fan People started thinking of fantasy as only lining up at the box office to buy a ticket will things that were roughly like the The Lord of be Adelaide University PhD student Kerrie the Rings, and that went on until it started Le Lievre from the Department of English. becoming only things that were like The Lord Tolkien’s novel plays a major role in Ms Le of the Rings. Lievre’s PhD thesis, which examines a "The problem is that a lot of the imitations number of "high fantasy" novels and the weren’t the best; they tended to understand themes common to them all. Her thesis is the rough shape of Tolkien’s creation but titled Worlds and Mirrors of Worlds, and missed the subtleties and complexities that explores how fantasy writers use the Tolkien built into it. The Lord of the Rings secondary worlds they create to critique and does have a very replicable form, but it challenge the dominant paradigms of modern combines that with a unique and Western society, and to provide alternative extraordinary content that nobody has been models. The other novels dealt with are the able to surpass," she said. Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen) examines the One Ring. From The Fellowship of the Ring, directed by Earthsea trilogy by Ursula K Le Guin and Peter Jackson and released by New Line Cinema these holidays. The Riddle-masters’ Game by Patricia A While Tolkien claimed that his work was not McKillip. specifically a retelling of World War One or, even more likely, World War Two, he is on "I’m working on a close reading of the three record as saying the issues and themes dealt high fantasy texts," Ms Le Lievre said. with in his works were applicable to the "Because they’re all high fantasies, they’re all modern world. closely related in terms of their structure and the issues that they deal with, and there’s also "Many of the issues that were current in a sense in which both Le Guin and McKillip Tolkien’s day remain current today," Ms Le can be seen as writing back to Tolkien; they Lievre said. both took inspiration from The Lord of the "Things like industrialisation—that was Rings and started thinking about it in definitely a big one. Mordor as a culture or as different ways." an image is very much to do with For the uninitiated, The Lord of the Rings is industrialisation. There are also issues to do divided into three books: The Fellowship of the with the environment, damage to the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return Of The environment and how the world is King. The first of these will be seen on changing because of the industrialisation cinema screens around Australia from process; with the changing nature of evil and December 26, with the others to follow in how that’s perceived in the world; with the 2002 and 2003. need for a different model of heroism, one that doesn’t focus on a central hero but Fellowship tells the tale of Frodo Baggins, a becomes a shared sense of heroism; and Hobbit (about half the size of a normal man) related to that are the issues about our who discovers he possesses a ring of great sense of community and a shared power. This ring is being sought after by the responsibility for the world. evil Sauron, a dark lord who hopes to rule over all of Middle-Earth (the fictional "Tolkien's rethinking of the nature of "secondary world" created by Tolkien). With heroism in the modern world is one of the his friends and with the help of the wizard most important strands of The Lord of the Gandalf, Frodo leaves his home and seeks to Rings," she said. rid himself of the ring. He is then entrusted "A lot of his heroes look like old-fashioned Kerrie Le Lievre with some of the fantasy novels she’s examining for her thesis. with the mission of destroying the ring, and epic heroes striding off into battle with Photo: David Ellis. to do so he must enter the very heart of swords and so forth, but really they’re not. darkness itself: the land of Mordor where Tolkien’s heroes are always collective, so the Sauron lives. incoming enemy or a moral wrong. They all you go to see a performance of Hamlet it’s journey into Mordor isn’t just about Frodo, play an important role in the scheme of always going to be somebody else’s Hamlet, In its most basic form, The Lord of the Rings is it’s about Frodo, Sam and Gollum working things, and without their collective effort the not the one I have in my head. So if you see a grand adventure, a tale of against-the-odds together as a unit. At the same time, the heroes, plural, would not win through to the the movie of The Lord of the Rings you’re heroism. But Tolkien has created a world other strand of the story isn’t just about end." seeing one interpretation of it. with such depth that scholars like Kerrie Le Aragorn; although Aragorn is the hero he Lievre continue to search its text for theme wouldn’t be able to function without Legolas While the upcoming film of The Fellowship of "A lot of the changes that I’ve heard of [from book to screen] seem to make sense according and meaning. So strong was the influence of and Gimli backing him up. And there are the Ring will not have any bearing on Ms Le to the logic of film. I’m comfortable with Tolkien’s novel that it can be seen again and many other characters added into the mix, Lievre’s thesis, like many Tolkien fans and what I know about the film so far, but I’m again in other works of fantasy, even in the each from different races of elves and men, scholars she is both enthusiastic and reserved suspending judgement until I see the results," Harry Potter novels by JK Rowling. Like dwarves and hobbits. So it’s not just an about her feelings on the film. she said. those novels, in its time The Lord of the Rings individual who sets things right, it’s a group "I’m approaching it as though I’m going to was also a huge commercial success. of people who stand against an see a particular production of a play. When —David Ellis PAGE 8 DECEMBER 2001 ADELAIDEAN Carlyle on campus for racial injustice film

A FILM about the controversial trial of The Production Designer for Black And White an Aboriginal man charged with the rape is Murray Picknett, a two-time winner of the and murder of a country schoolgirl in the AFI award (for Bootmen and Passion) whose 1950s will feature Adelaide University in other projects include the controversial Blue two key scenes. Murder. Rupert Maxwell Stuart was found guilty of "Craig, the director, is from Adelaide, and so the rape and murder of a Ceduna schoolgirl is the location manager, and he liked the look and sentenced to hang. It was revealed that a of the University," Murray said. "Because the confession had been beaten out of him, and film is set in 1958 it narrows down what you his case was appealed all the way to the Privy can use, and this particular building [the Council in London. Physics building] has really good corridors, real period corridors. And the rooms have The film, with the working title Black And great windows. White, is about efforts to establish Stuart’s innocence. Currently shooting in and around "Period movies are always interesting. Power Adelaide, it stars Robert Carlyle, most points, light fittings, everything has to be famous for his roles in Hamish Macbeth, right. Light switches are the absolute bane of Trainspotting and The Full Monty, as David our lives, and exit signs—and see the lock on O’Sullivan, an Irish-Catholic lawyer who that door? We have to take that off and put comes to Stuart’s defence. Also among the finger plates over it. You have to go to that cast are Kerry Fox as O’Sullivan’s partner, detail otherwise it gives the game away," he Colin Friels as a sympathetic Catholic priest, said. and Ben Mendelsohn as a young Rupert "With the Mitchell Building we had to find Murdoch. something that says Catholic Bishop, and it’s The $7 million film is based on a screenplay got a sensational stained-glass window. It by Louis Nowra and directed by Craig says religion instantly." Lahiff. Art Director Sarah Gilligan said she enjoyed Two scenes have been shot at the University’s researching Black And White, and found that North Terrace Campus: one in the Physics Adelaide University was closely involved in Building, and another in the foyer of the the Max Stuart saga. Mitchell Building. "Father Dixon, who was a priest [played by The Physics shoot involved re-creating the Colin Friels], and Adelaide University got office of linguist Dr Strehlow, who was a very involved in a campaign to actually scholar of Aboriginal language and society. question the judgement against Max Stuart. To carefully represent the era, the production There were many meetings held at this company’s Art Department enlisted the help University about the issue," she said. of the University’s Archives. Father Dixon and David O’Sullivan also Helen Bruce, Archives Officer, was able to visited the University to seek advice from Dr furnish the film-makers with photographs Strehlow, who had been out of town during and documents dating back to the 1950s and the initial court case. It’s this scene that was The Black And White crew sets up a shot in the Mitchell Building, for a scene involving actors ‘40s. These included photographs from filmed in the Physics building. Colin Friels and Paul Sonkilla. Photo: David Ellis. expeditions to Aboriginal settlements, copies Set Decorator Robert Webb praised the of the minutes from academic meetings, University staff for their help during the reports from field trips, and even old copies of production. Theatre Guild programmes. "Everyone has been fantastic. The Law Many of these items were carefully placed department has helped us with a number of throughout the ground-floor office that prints, and the Archives, they were just so doubled as a movie set, adding a strong sense willing to help us. We’re very grateful for of 1950s realism. Aboriginal artefacts were that. We’ve had some incredible also used, representing some of the many restrictions on scheduling and we’ve had to artefacts collected by Dr Strehlow in his make last-minute changes, and the travels. Some were in fact from Strehlow’s University has been very accommodating," he own collection. said. In the Mitchell foyer, portraits of former Anyone at the University inconvenienced Vice-Chancellors were taken down and by the filming should spare a thought for replaced with portraits of eminent figures the people of Port Wakefield, one of the from the Catholic Church, transforming towns used by the film-makers as a substitute the building into the house of a Catholic for Ceduna. bishop. "We took over the town, but the locals were Prints from the Law School and furniture really helpful, very friendly," Murray said. from the Waite Campus have also been used "Except when we asked them to move their to help recreate the era and establish TV aerials on Melbourne Cup Day. They authenticity in other scenes filmed both on weren’t very thrilled about that." and off campus. —David Ellis An office in the Physics Building is transformed into Dr Strehlow’s office in the 1950s. Adelaide Uni gives Year 12 students a head start GIFTED and exceptionally motivated status if the student is later admitted to an already undertaken. Applicants must also be secondary school students will benefit academic program. This will enable students recommended by their school principals. from an Adelaide University scheme to fast-track their academic program or take Applications are due by February 8, 2002. designed to give them a challenge beyond a wider range of courses than usual. Only a limited number of places will be the Year 12 curriculum. If a HSP student withdraws from a course at offered, and each application will be assessed The Headstart Scholarship Program (or any time, or fails that course, this will not on its merits. HSP) exempts successful applicants from affect their chances of university selection. HSP recipients do not have to pay any fees. tuition fees for a half-year’s workload of first- No record of failure or withdrawal will be For the purpose of their enrolment, they will year university study. registered on the University’s database. be recorded as non-award students and all Each HSP student will have a staff member costs associated with their tuition will be The main benefit of the scheme will be the from their home school as a mentor. The absorbed by the Faculty or School providing extra challenge and stimulation provided by mentor’s role will be to monitor the student’s the course they are studying. university study, although HSP students will progress and act as a contact person linking attend classes and sit examinations on the Upon enrolment, students will receive an the University to the student within the same basis as other students. Adelaide University Union Card which school. provides full borrowing rights at the Barr Courses available to HSP students are based To be eligible for a HSP place in 2002, Smith Library and a range of services offered in a wide range of faculties, including students should be completing SACE Stage by the AUU. Commerce, Economics, Humanities and 2 or the International Baccalaureate (IB) at For more information, or to obtain an Social Sciences, Mathematical and Computer Year 12, with less than a full year’s workload. application form, contact the Prospective adelaide.edu.au>, or Julie Hayford on phone Sciences, Music and Science. In addition, they must have attained certain Students Office: Paula Ritchie on phone (08) (08) 8303 4204 or email . ADELAIDEAN DECEMBER 2001 PAGE 9 Spineless invaders under the microscope

INVERTEBRATES are not everyone’s favourite animals. Cockroaches and Biology centre now a mosquitoes get a bad press, snails and slugs destroy gardens. A spider can national benchmark trigger a phobia while locusts were one of the biblical plagues. TWELVE months on, the Centre for But invertebrates include oysters, prawns and Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity crayfish. Earthworms enrich our gardens is, according to Director Andy Austin, and, just as the great food chains of the sea "poised to usher in a new era of are based on tiny invertebrate plankton, research collaboration". insects and other small invertebrates provide The centre has proven to be a great the foundation for terrestrial ecosystems that attraction to the innovative joint SA would collapse without them. Museum—Adelaide University Invertebrates will be the subject of the Fifth appointments, including ARC Fellows Drs Invertebrate Biodiversity and Conservation Mike Lee and Greg Rouse, from Conference, to be held at Adelaide Cave crickets. Queensland and Sydney universities University’s Waite Campus from December respectively. Their expertise will 1-4. It will bring together leading national significantly build on the research strengths invertebrate researchers as well as many from of Dr Austin and ARC Professorial Fellow overseas. Bob Hill at Adelaide University, and A stick insect. evolutionary biologists Drs Steve The invertebrates are also extremely Donnellan, Steve Cooper, and Museum numerous, both as individuals and species. Director Tim Flannery, who also holds a They comprise more than 90% of species devastating impact of the ‘crazy ant’ on the professorship at the University. Apart from diversity on the planet. Despite this, fewer ecology of Christmas Island. his ARC Fellowship, Professor Hill has than 20% of their species have been formally also recently been appointed as the Head of identified and described, and more are being This is an extremely topical concern for Science in the SA Museum. discovered every day. Australia, where the invasion of fire ants, first reported in Queensland, now appears to have Dr Austin said Adelaide’s physical "Invertebrates, particularly the insects, are spread into New South Wales. geography, with the SA Museum and the part of our everyday lives, but most people do University as neighbours on North Tce, not know this," said Dr Andy Austin, from Other important invaders to be discussed at had been a key factor in the development the University’s Department of Applied & the conference are marine organisms that of the centre’s collaborative nature. Molecular Ecology. Dr Austin is also come to Australia attached to ship hulls or in their ballast water. These have the "We are now the benchmark nationally for head of the organising committee and developing close working relationships Director of the Centre for Evolutionary potential to cause millions of dollars worth of damage. between research institutions of this type," Biology and Biodiversity at Adelaide he said. University. Special symposia will deal with invertebrate "The over-arching mechanism of the biodiversity in the arid zone and ephemeral "On the one hand, they cause problems by Wasps on a nest. centre has enabled and encouraged the waters, the importance of habitat spreading disease, eating crops and disrupting development of a critical mass of staff now fragmentation, molecular tools used in our social life at barbeques, yet they are perform in all ecosystems." working so closely together that soon it responsible for pollinating many plants, invertebrate conservation and invertebrate will be difficult to tell who works for which keeping the numbers of other animals and legislation and education. The conference is being supported, and partly institution, rather they come together as a plants in check, and helping to create fertile "Rather than dealing with esoteric aspects of sponsored, by a number of important South team to work on specific projects." soil," he said. insects, spider and marine invertebrates, the Australian organisations, including SARDI, Dr Austin said this gathering of expertise SA National Parks, the SA Museum and While the conference will discuss important conference will bring together many of the had put Adelaide at the forefront of WMC. academic aspects of invertebrate classification best national and international researchers," research in evolutionary biology. said Dr Austin. and biology, a significant part of it will deal —Rob Morrison "Almost overnight, Adelaide has become with the impact of invasive species. The "They are at the front line in trying to mange the pre-eminent centre for this area in keynote speaker, Dr Dennis O’Dowd, will numerous invasive invertebrate pests, as well Details of the full scientific program are Australia," he said. present a paper on Invasional Meltdown— as conserve both the phenomenal biodiversity available on the University’s website at: —Lee Welch Lessons From Islands, which will reveal the of invertebrate and the critical functions they www.waite.adelaide.edu.au/bio2001/ Hypertension project Hosts needed for students wins silver Serif award

A NEW program to help GPs and more systematic and managed approach to patients better manage hypertension has the use of medication and lifestyle changes in resulted in a national communications order to better help patients and to save costs. award for Adelaide University's ADAGE, developed with funding and Department of General Practice. support from four pharmaceutical companies The General Practice Department and its (Astrazeneca, Aventis, Bayer and Pfizer) partner Foundation Studios have received a provides information to GPs and patients via silver 2001 Serif Award, Australia's leading the internet and on CD-ROM. It also national awards from the communications provides information for other practitioners, industry. such as nurses and dietitians. The annual awards are presented by the "The project has developed a Disease Australian Institute of Communicators and Management Program for hypertension with the Society of Business Communicators a sound theoretical foundation and based on Australia, and recognise excellence in best practice," said Dr Justin Beilby, Head of innovation for professional communication the Department of General Practice. activities. "Such a program can only improve the General Practice and Foundation Studios quality of health care provided to patients, worked jointly on a project called ADAGE, and helps to raise their awareness of their which provides a new approach to GPs and own health." HOSTS are being sought for overseas single people. patients dealing with hypertension. Dr Deborah Turnbull, senior lecturer in students participating in 2-4 week Hosts are currently paid an honorarium to Chronic hypertension (high blood pressure) General Practice and co chief investigator of English language and cultural exchange cover the costs of having a student in their is a major public health problem that affects the project, said: "We are very pleased to be programs run by Professional and home. The personal benefits of hosting an up to 30% of people in Western nations. honoured with the Serif award. It is strong Continuing Education. overseas student are also significant, as Around 44% of men and 52% of women aged recognition from the commercial arena for Home stay is a crucial part of the success many host families have discovered. between 65-69 years have high blood work that we have done with industry. It also of the programs because students are If you are interested in hosting an overseas pressure. highlights how research and clinical expertise actively involved in a family environment student, know of someone who might be, or The ADAGE program encourages patients in our department can be applied to the and gain an understanding of the Australian would like more information, please contact to take charge of their own health, and medical profession and the wider community lifestyle. Susan Boehm from Professional and provides support for both doctors and to produce benefits for all." Hosts may be single-parent families, Continuing Education on 8303 5236 or patients. It also reinforces the need for a —David Ellis couples with and without children, or Rebecca Glen on 8303 3344. PAGE 10 DECEMBER 2001 ADELAIDEAN

WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER Lecture Theatre, Level 1, Eleanor Harrald Building, Royal Adelaide Hospital. 1.00pm Friends of the State Library Talk: COMING EVENTS 1.00pm Chemical Pathology Seminar: A Speaker: Angela Heuzenroeder (Author/Teacher/ Brief History of Coopers Brewery in South Librarian). $6.60/ $5.50 Conc/$4.00 members. December 2001 Australia by Coopers Brewery. Seminar Room The Auditorium, rear of SA Art Gallery. 1, 4th Floor, Reiger Building, Women’s & 4.00pm Applied and Molecular Ecology MONDAY 10 DECEMBER Children’s Hospital. Seminar: A novel approach for the THURSDAY 6 DECMEBER identification of coagulation proteins in Galleria 4.00pm Applied & Molecular Ecology St John’s what? The implications of mellonella by Ms Dongmei Li (PhD final 1.00pm Microbiology & Immunology Seminar: Seminar: Title to be advised by Professor genetic variation for biological control of Title to seminar). McLeod Lecture Theatre, Waite 12noon Hanson Institute Seminar: Amanda Goodman (School of Biological Hypericum perforatum by Ms Gwen Mayo (PhD be advised by Professor Perry Bartlett (Head, Campus. Sciences, Flinders University). Room 102, final seminar). McLeod Lecture Theatre, Waite Neurobiology Group, The Walter & Eliza Hall Campus. Molecular Life Sciences Building. Institute, Melbourne). Robson Lecture Theatre, FRIDAY 7 DECEMBER Level 1, Eleanor Harrald Building, RAH. FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 1.00pm Chemical Pathology Seminar: THURSDAY 13 DECEMBER The effects of recombinant osteogenic protein-1 11.30am Social Inquiry Seminar: The on growth plate repair in a sheep model by Ms Metropole as Antipodes: Australian Women in 1.00pm Centre for the Molecular Belinda Thomas (PhD student, Orthopaedic London and Constructing National Identity in the 12noon Hanson Institute Seminar: Genetics of Development Seminar: Out on Surgery). The turnover of chondroitin sulphate early 20th century by Professor Angela Scavenger receptor CD36 - control of a limb: putting muscle and nerves in place by by Mr Julian Adams (PhD student, Matrix Woollacott (History, Case Western Reserve expression and possible functions in lipid Catherine Krull (Division of Biological Sciences, Biology Unit). Semianr Room 1, 4th Floor, University, USA). Seminar Room, Level 3, 10 metabolism by Associate Professor Graham University of Missouri). Room 102, Molecular Reiger Building, WCH. Pulteney Street. Mayrhofer (Molecular Biosciences). Robson Life Sciences Building. GENERAL Gene technology resources NOTICES —just a click away Christmas Cards Farewells

The Department of Environmental Biology invites colleagues and friends of:

David Christophel Russ Sinclair Mike Tyler

to attend a farewell function to be held on Tuesday 18 December from 4.00 - 6.00pm at the Staff Club.

Nibbles will be provided and a cash bar is Copies of the University Christmas card are now available. available ($2.25 each) from the Media, Marketing & Publications Unit. Method of RSVP: Bec Dunstan, ext 5576 or email payment is by internal transfer only. To order, by please email Pue-San Ng with the internal transfer code of phone her on ext 36479.

Adelaidean 2002 schedule

publication date printing/distribution editorial deadline (Monday) (Thursday) (Thursday) ADELAIDE University has launched a advisory body to one operated by a new gene technology resources website, Government agency with wide powers FEBRUARY providing vital information for staff and backed by legislation. This legislation February 4 January 31 January 24 students involved in gene technology provides for increased public access to education and research. research in gene technology and genetically MARCH modified organisms. March 4 February 28 February 21 The site explains the responsibilities of researchers and biosafety officers under new Pictured here clicking on the site are the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), APRIL government legislation and sets out some of the penalties for breaches. The aim of the site Professor Edwina Cornish, and the Secretary April 2* March 28 March 21 is to make staff and students aware of their of the University’s Institutional Biosafety obligations and the regulations governing Committee, Mr John Perkins. MAY them. April 29 April 26* April 18 The website can be found at: Regulation of gene technology in Australia www.adelaide.edu.au/VCO/staff/biosafety/ JUNE has changed from a system conducted by an index.html June 3 May 30 May 23

JULY July 1 June 27 June 20 Investigator Centre celebrates AUGUST August 5 August 1 July 25 10-year educational milestone

SEPTEMBER MORE than 10 years ago, the have been more than 9250 school visits and September 2 August 29 August 22 Investigator Science and Technology more than 50 exhibitions staged. Centre opened its doors at Wayville, Prestigious visitors have included Sir David OCTOBER Adelaide for the first time. Attenborough, Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Mark September 30 September 26 September 19 Brain-child of Adelaide's Dr Barbara Oliphant, Dr David Suzuki, Dr Andy Thomas, Dr Alan Hale, David Malin, Dr NOVEMBER Hardy, AO, the Investigator has a mission "to establish and maintain a centre of Kathy Sykes, Dr Brian Gaensler and Dr November 4 October 31 October 24 excellence which will facilitate a spirit of Mamoru Mohri. scientific enquiry and strengthen the Information about the centre and DECEMBER technological and engineering capability exhibitions can be found at: December 2 November 28 November 21 and understanding of the community". www.investigator.org.au * April 1 and April 25 are public holidays. Official publication date of the April issue is April 2 (Tuesday) and the printing Over the past 10 years more than one Adelaide University is a key sponsor of the date for the May issue is April 26 (Friday). million people have visited the centre, there Investigator Centre. ADELAIDEAN DECEMBER 2001 PAGE 11 Religion course puts understanding on the agenda

HOW have religious beliefs and practices community. Religions of China is taught by shaped the concept of "Chineseness", and a variety of methods, including temple how has being Chinese shaped people’s visits and having representatives of local religious beliefs and practices? Chinese religious communities give presentations. Was it Buddhism that changed China or China that changed Buddhism? Is The first of these visits was from a Confucianism a religion? What is the Chinese Buddhist priest, the Venerable Shi religious significance of yin and yang? Is Jie Wen. A priest from the Zhu-Lin Falun Gong an evil cult? Why do Chinese Temple in Ottoway, the Venerable’s talk was people worship their ancestors? Can ghosts given in Chinese and translated by course turn corners? What is fengshui? coordinator Dr John Makeham. His visit was followed by a class excursion to the Zhu-Lin A new course called Religions of China, Temple. offered for the first time this semester, has allowed students at Adelaide University to "After surveying the students' reaction to take a closer look at these and a range of the course in the last workshop we found that other questions and themes. the visit by the monk, our class visit to his temple and a visit by Falun Gong The course, run by the Centre for Asian practitioners were regarded as highlights by a Studies, introduces students to the basic large number of students," Dr Makeham premises of the major traditions of said. Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism and Chinese folk religions, by examining aspects "Some students found that the course greatly of Chinese religious theory and practice from increased their understanding of Chinese ancient times until the present. The focus is society and culture and that this also helped on the unique assumptions that inform provide a basis for comparing Australian Chinese religious practice and how they have religious traditions in which they had grown influenced the development of Chinese up. society and culture. "One student claimed this process was Themes explored include, "shamans, monks quite revealing and served to strengthen her and immortals", “ancestors", "ghosts", existing faith. This comparison of "scripture and holy books", "drugs, Christian and Chinese beliefs also provided immortality and meditation", "ritual", "secret the basis for animated class discussion," he said. The Venerable Shi Jie Wen (centre) was a visitor to Adelaide University to give a talk to students societies, "sacred space and place", and as part of the new course in Chinese religions. Photo: Alyssa Sawyer. "communism as a religion?" Dr Makeham said the course served a further The course has been taken by a wide purpose than simply satisfying students’ cross-section of students, including those curiosity of Chinese religions. other religious traditions (particularly those our cultural biases and how far we fall short studying Asian Studies, Anthropology, "Well-founded knowledge of the religions as exotic as Daoism, Confucianism, and of our professed ideals. Architecture, Classics, History, Law, of other peoples is invaluable for helping to forms of Chinese Buddhism) provides "To borrow a popular Buddhist image, it Mathematics, Philosophy, Politics, and minimise potential cultural different perspectives—often radically so and provides a mirror to reflect on our own Science, as well as members of the wider misunderstanding. An understanding of a degree of detachment from which to view culture." Olympic team awarded for Advertisement industry-linked research

M S McLEOD RESEARCH FUND POSTGRADUATE STUDY AWARD (PhD SCHOLARSHIP) As a result of a bequest from the estate of the late Murdoch Stanley McLeod, the Women’s and Children’s Hospital has established the M.S. McLeod Research Fund. The purpose of this fund, in accordance with the wishes of the benefactor, is to support in perpetuity the furtherance of research in the field of paediatrics, and child and youth health. The Trustees of the M S McLeod Research Fund will fund a PhD scholarship at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, to be known as the M.S. McLeod Research Fund Postgraduate Study Award, for a period of three years, commencing in 2002. Applications for this scholarship are invited from University graduates with an appropriate honours degree in science. Intending applicants should approach a ADELAIDE University has crowned an Olympic torch as well as for the cauldron Department of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital to discuss the proposed PhD outstanding year of research used at the 2000 Sydney Games. topic and programme of research. achievements by winning a major Congratulating all of those involved, the The AWARD will be for three years from the date of commencement, with the collaborative award in the 2001 Business Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), possibility of an extension for up to a further six months. The SALARY will be Higher Education Round Table Professor Edwina Cornish, said it was equivalent to the Australian Postgraduate Awards and Adelaide University (BEHRT) Awards. pleasing to see such recognition for Adelaide’s research expertise. Postgraduate Scholarships for PhD students, commencing at $17,609 per annum The awards promote research collaboration in 2002. between industry and higher education. "This year has also seen the establishment of The Departments of Chemical Engineering Adelaide Research and Innovation, FURTHER INFORMATION about this Award, including documents describing and Mechanical Engineering have been combining the University research branch the conditions of the Award and the application format, can be obtained from Ms honoured, along with Adelaide company Fuel with its commercial arm (formerly Luminis). Nikki Johnson, Research Secretariat,Women’s and Children’s Hospital [Telephone and Combustion Technology (FCT), for The stronger links between our research (08) 8161 6390, Facsimile (08) 8161 6112, E-mail: [email protected]]. their work on the development of advanced activities and commercialistaion activities will combustion systems. The partnership has open up new opportunities for researchers," APPLICATIONS must be made in the prescribed format. Completed applications been named winner of the BEHRT Award she said. (four copies) should be forwarded to the Research Secretariat, Women’s and for Outstanding Research and Development "During the year we have also put in place a Children’s Hospital, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, S.A. by no later than involving a small-medium sized company and range of support strategies for early career Friday 4 January,2001. a program that has been in train for more researchers. The opening of a new Graduate than five years. School for postgraduate research students The Trustees of the M.S. McLeod Research Fund reserve the Researchers involved in the project were next year promises to ensure that our strong right to make any enquiries of any person regarding any responsible for developing the fuel focus on research and research training is applicant’s suitability for this Award, not to grant the Award, or WOCHHO0168 combustion technology for the flame of the maintained into the future." to grant the Award by invitation. PAGE 12 DECEMBER 2001 ADELAIDEAN ADELAIDE ACHIEVERS

Recognition for suicide prevention present papers at the Cooperative Research and benefits of new technologies are to be and overseas, and is regarded by many Centre for Sensor Signal and Information distributed, what public costs or benefits will architects as an early mentor. Dr Sheila Clark from the Processing, Mawson Lakes. Adelaide arise and how wide a political debate is Department of General "Her prolific output and industry are University is a partner in the CRC along with possible." remarkable not just for volume but for Practice has received the other universities, DSTO and industry. prestigious Farberow Award Earlier this year Dr Hicks was Academic quality, which is evidenced by the senior from the International The winner of the PhD competition was Adviser to the Federation History of the positions she has held in prestigious Association for Suicide judged based on the novelty and quality of Commonwealth Department of Health. universities and the demand for her services Prevention. scientific content, the quality of their "That experience made me think again about from government," the citation said. presentation, the appropriateness of delivery what is important in health policy," he said, The award is given "in recognition of Professor Brine said she was very honoured to an audience of technical and non-technical "and I’m excited about the new issues for to receive her life fellowship. outstanding contributions in the field of backgrounds, and the evidence of potential for public health ethics which work with the bereavement and survivors after suicide", and commercialisation of their research project. gene technology committee offers." is given for both research and clinical work. Darren was chosen the winner from a strong Dr Clark is an expert in grief and suicide and field. His topic, "Parameter Estimation for Music Council election has worked in the field since 1986, when she Computer Vision Models", has major Physics and Maths medals to Graham Strahle has been elected to the was asked to help establish a support group in implications for the accurate reconstruction researchers Music Council of Australia. He is Adelaide for people bereaved through suicide. of scenes from multiple images, and is finding representing Music criticism/journalism on Associate Professor Tony Her experiences led her to write a book, After increasing application around the world in the Council. Williams, from the Suicide: Help for the Bereaved, which has been visual security and surveillance. The use of Department of Physics & Dr Strahle, a Visiting Research Fellow with adopted by many suicide prevention multiple cameras to enable a computer, or Mathematical Physics, has the Elder Conservatorium, is the Adelaide programs in Australia and overseas. robot, to better estimate distance and shape been awarded the Walter music critic for The Australian and also could also have many applications in other Dr Clark has been actively involved in suicide Boas Medal for 2001 by the writes regularly for the Adelaide Review. industries—even in space. prevention programs and has established Australian Institute of support networks for those experiencing The Music Council of Australia is a peak Darren’s prize was a hand-held computer Physics. music organisation for Australian music, grief, in particular the Grieflink website notebook from Compaq. project in 1998 and as a member of the Keep The award is for research deemed by the representing various styles of music and the Yourself Alive national educational program. awards committee to be "the most important many categories of activity surrounding these contribution to physics" carried out in styles: performance, composition, She has published papers on suicide and grief Librarian elected to Academy Australia over the past four years. presentation, recording, publishing, in medical journals and co-authored a broadcasting, education, musicology, Dr Williams, who is the Deputy Director of chapter with Professor Bob Goldney in the Adelaide University’s Librarian, Mr Ray criticism, copyright, and others. It seeks to the Special Research Centre for the new International Handbook of Suicide and Choate, has been elected an Honorary accelerate and enhance the development of Subatomic Structure of Matter (CSSM), Attempted Suicide. A member of Suicide Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Australian musical life by building received the medal for his work in subatomic Prevention Australia and chairperson of the Humanities. communications and cooperation within the physics, in particular for advances in association’s bereavement stream, she has He was one of four outstanding scholars music community and by advocating its understanding of the quark and gluon recently finished a term as president of the nation-wide to become an Honorary Fellow interests to decision-makers and the wider substructure of matter. National Association of Loss and Grief for to the Academy last month. national and international community. South Australia. For the last three years Dr "It is very pleasing to have this kind of Mr Choate has been the University’s Librarian Clark has been a member of the South professional recognition for my work at the since 1990 and has taken a leading role in Australian Suicide Prevention Advisory Centre over the past four years," Dr Williams Kym off to Cambridge promoting books in Australian humanistic life. Group, which advises the Minister for said. Law graduate Kym Taylor Human Services. He has also played a prominent role in the Australian Library Publishers’ society, of which "It's also a great reflection on the quality of has been awarded a Dr Clark said the award was a great honour. he is the founder, and in fostering scholarly work being done here in Physics at Adelaide Chevening Scholarship to "I value the award because of the recognition publishing in Australia. University," he said. study the Master of Laws at Cambridge University. that it gives to a previously neglected area of Dr Williams’s research in theoretical health care," she said. subatomic physics requires a major effort in The Chevening Scholarships Public health teacher appointed to high-performance computing. This is Program is financed by the gene technology board currently being carried out using the Orion British Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Awards recognise staff efforts supercomputer. He has recently become Administered by the British Council, the Dr Neville Hicks, Reader in Dr Eileen Scott from the Department of Director of the Centre for High- program offers outstanding graduates and Public Health, has been Applied & Molecular Ecology has been Performance Computing and Applications young professionals ("the future leadership appointed by the named Adelaide University’s Supervisor of (CHPCA). The CHPCA is a newly formed generation") the opportunity to study at Commonwealth the Year. University Research Centre aimed at British universities. government to serve on the The annual awards are made by the facilitating inter-disciplinary research using Ms Taylor, who until recently was working as national Gene Technology advanced supercomputers. Postgraduate Students' Association in Ethics Committee. a solicitor at Wallmans Lawyers, decided to recognition of excellence among those staff "The University is well-poised to develop a undertake the Masters degree to further her Dr Hicks, who teaches graduate courses in who support the research and education of major research strength in the application of knowledge of human rights and international Public Health Policy and Public Health postgraduate students. Nominations for the high-performance computing to cutting- law. Ethics, said the publication of the ‘script of awards are made by students and colleagues. edge scientific research," Dr Williams said. life’ by the Human Genome Project raised a "I greatly enjoyed studying Arts and Law at While not all nominees can be winners, to number of questions for public health. "The advanced techniques are applied across Adelaide University," Ms Taylor said. receive a nomination is an honour in itself. many fields of study and the resulting "There has been understandable excitement "My studies and involvement in student Lecturer of the Year went to Dr Margaret interdisciplinary nature of the research effort about the science," he said, "but, perhaps, some representation sparked my interest in law and Secombe from Education. Dr Ray Peterson is a major plus for all of us," he said. over-excitement about its consequences." justice, in particular the rights of the from the Medical Education Unit received a Meanwhile, Dr Peter Bouwknegt, an ARC disadvantaged. Studying at Cambridge For example, the Chief Commonwealth Special Commendation; particularly cited Senior Research Fellow also in the provides me with an invaluable opportunity was his care and attention to new Medical Officer has warned that the specific Department of Physics and Mathematical to learn more about human rights. In international students. therapies arising from the Human Genome Australia, human rights issues such as illegal Project may be few and expensive—and the Physics, has won the Australian Mr Rikki Wilde, the President of the PGSA, Mathematical Society Medal for 2001. This immigrants and refugees are becoming awarded Dr Michael Thalbourne, a Visiting application of screening tests widespread and increasingly important and I hope that what very expensive. means that two researchers from the one Scholar in the Department of Psychology, the department have won both the Physics and I learn overseas I will be able to use to help special President's Award for excellence in "That is not a new problem," Dr Hicks said. Mathematics medals in the same year—quite address problems at home." supervision. "The influence of genes relative to an achievement! Upon completing her studies at Cambridge, The General Staff Award was presented to environment in human health may be as Ms Taylor hopes to utilise a grant she has Mr Gordon Crabb, from Clinical & controversial in the 21st century as the claims been awarded by the Foundation of Young for drug therapy, relative to clean water and Experimental Pharmacology, who was Life fellowship for architect Australians to undertake an unpaid nominated by many postgraduate students pure food, were in the 20th century." internship with a non-governmental for "keeping the department functioning". Similarly, he said, "a language of eugenics, Professor Judith Brine,the organisation working in the area of human rights. There were many nominees for awards this which ebbed and flowed during the 20th University’s Pro Vice- year, and each were presented with century, retains significant grip on the way in Chancellor, Special Projects, Ms Taylor studied at Adelaide University certificates by the Deputy Vice Chancellor which some aspects of genetics are discussed, has been awarded a Life from 1993 to 1999 obtaining a Bachelor of (Research), Professor Edwina Cornish. even now". Fellowship to the Royal Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Hons). She was Dr Hicks believes that "much of the Australian Institute of President of the Students’ Association in argument, so far, has used religious or Architects. 1996 and a member of University Council individualist moral language: Should we play The citation for the life fellowship said from 1997-1998. She was Associate to the Computer vision takes the prize God? Why can’t we have the kind of baby we Professor Brine’s life "has been one of Honourable Justice Duggan in the Supreme Computer Science PhD want? Similarly, some of the debate about continued achievement and selfless Court of South Australia before joining student Darren Gawley has genetic modification of food plants and contribution to the profession and related Wallmans Lawyers. been rewarded by Compaq animals has concentrated on property rights, disciplines, architectural education, and the Further information on the Foundation for for the quality of his work in to patents, to private profit from ‘common community through the agency of local Young Australians or the Chevening the field of computer vision. use’ genetic material, and so on". government". Scholarships can be found at the following Darren was one of a number "Those are valid questions," he said, "but Professor Brine has held key positions in a websites: http://chevening.fco.gov.uk, and of postgraduate students to there are also questions about how the costs number of tertiary institutions in Australia http://www.youngaustralians.org. ADELAIDEAN DECEMBER 2001 PAGE 13 New approach to prevent brain drain

ADELAIDE University is the first at the University needed a voice and needed university in Australia to establish its own to come together to discuss common issues". Research Staff Association—an Not only is the association unique among organisation that not only gives staff a Australian universities, "it's also unique voice, but could also help stem the "brain because the University is supporting it", Dr drain" from South Australia. Morcom said. "We are in regular The Research Staff Association (RSA) was communication with the Deputy Vice- established to fulfil the needs of research Chancellor (Research), Edwina Cornish staff. [who officially launched the RSA in August], and with the Director of the Research Research staff are often "forgotten" within Branch, Janet Dibb-Smith, both of whom any university; they take on much of the have offered great support to our efforts." research work but many are not tenured and therefore have less security than other Membership of the RSA includes more than academic staff. The tasks handled by 100 of the 250 or so research staff at the research staff are many and varied: they University, who range across all faculties and conduct research, supervise postgraduate across all campuses. students, teach, write papers, and write "The networking has been very beneficial," funding applications for research. Dr Morcom said. "It gives us a chance to "Research staff are the people who make this share information and hold seminars on, for place work, with new, fresh ideas," said Dr instance, early career advice, job security, Nicole Morcom, a member of the RSA grant applications, and other things of working party. interest to our members." Dr Morcom is a postdoctoral staff member in Dr Morcom believes the association could the Department of Geographical & have another spin-off for the University: by Environmental Studies. Her research was helping to prevent the "brain drain" of featured in a profile in the May issue of the research staff to overseas or other universities. Dr Nicole Morcom. Photo: Ben Osborne. Adelaidean this year. "One of the issues that always comes up in "The aim of the RSA is to improve the career discussions about researchers taking up other provide a level of satisfaction for research For more information about the RSA, contact prospects of all Adelaide research staff. Even opportunities is that, provided they're staff and helps them to feel more involved, though we are considered academic staff, we satisfied in their work here, most of them are Dr Nicole Morcom on (08) 8303 3795 or not just within their own departments but at email: [email protected], are not tenured staff, and that makes our not going to chase jobs overseas," Dr a University-wide level. Hopefully we will situation precarious," Dr Morcom said. Morcom said. or check out the RSA web site: see that having some impact on staff who www.adelaide.edu.au/RSA. "A number of us thought that research staff "The Research Staff Association helps to decide to remain here in South Australia." New book: is there a Third Way? POSTDOC

DISTINGUISHED economist and series of critical responses to it. PROFILE author Hugh Stretton, in association The impetus for the book came from a with the Don Dunstan Foundation, will conference on the theme of 'Left Directions' Dr Kemal Türker (Physiology) this month launch a new book on left held at Adelaide University in 1999, politics, Left Directions: Is There a Third sponsored by the Politics Department and Way? democratic freedoms. the Don Dunstan Foundation. DR TÜRKER obtained his Bachelor Tony Blair was inspired in part by the of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the Edited by Adelaide University Associate The Foundation sponsors projects like 'Left Faculty of Dentistry, Aegean Professors Paul Nursey-Bray and Carol Australian Labor governments of Bob Directions' to foster more widespread Hawke and Paul Keating and he made a University (Izmir, Turkey) in 1973 Bacchi, the book explores the debate about discussion of issues influencing public policy, and PhD from the Institute of the Third Way within the Australian number of visits to Australia and held by facilitating exchanges between the context. discussions with members of the Australian academic community, policy-makers and the Physiology, Glasgow University in Labor Party. 1978. The Third Way idea came to prominence wider community. with the victory of Tony Blair in the United Australian proponents of the Third Way Left Directions: Is There a Third Way? is He was a Lecturer at Hecettepe Kingdom, and emerged out of the new type argue that it is now time for Australia to published by the University of Western University (Ankara, Turkey) for four years of thinking by the left of British politics post- debate the issues engendered by a Australia Press. It will be launched at and was conferred a Doçent degree Thatcher. It advocates a middle passage, consideration of Third Way politics. 5.30pm on Thursday, December 6, Adelaide (similar to DSc) from the Turkish between a commitment to a socialist concern Left Directions: Is There a Third Way? University Staff Club, North Terrace Universities Commission. for equality and community and an canvasses the arguments of prominent Third Campus, Adelaide. In March 1983 he took up the position of acceptance of capitalist market society and Way proponents, including politicians Mark —Jane Russell Research Associate with Dr Timothy private property as the basis for liberal Latham and Geoff Gallop, and presents a Don Dunstan Foundation Miles in the Department of Physiology, Adelaide University. Dr Türker subsequently became a Research Officer, and eventually Senior $22 million for Whyalla and the region Research Officer in that department. In January 1991 he was appointed a National Health and Medical Research ADELAIDE University and the Coober Pedy and Ceduna); and a multi-site The Rural Clinical School will provide Council (NHMRC) Research Fellow in University of South Australia have program developing novel models of substantial clinical training for Adelaide Physiology, which enabled him to set up secured funding totalling $22 million chronic disease self-management." University medical students in general his own laboratory in the Physiology over the next five years for the South In addition, a contract valued at $ 2.5 practice, obstetrics, surgery, medicine, Department. Australian Centre for Rural and paediatrics and Aboriginal Health. million per year for five years (totalling Dr Türker has established himself as one Remote Health (SACRRH) and the almost $13.5 million) has been secured for Students will go to the country for several weeks on clinical placement. of the leading researchers in the field of Adelaide University Rural Clinical the new Rural Clinical School. The School control of human muscles in general and School, based in Whyalla. will be based in Whyalla but will also have Through SACRRH, students in nursing, control of human mastication in Centre Director Professor David learning centres in Port Augusta, Port pharmacy and allied health disciplines such particular. Wilkinson said a new contract valued at Pirie, the Yorke Peninsula, Booleroo as physiotherapy and podiatry will also go Centre, Coober Pedy and Ceduna. to the country on placement. He has made significant $7.5 million over the next five years had breakthroughs for normalising reflex been secured from the Federal Department Already substantial capital works have been The Centre will continue its wide range of measurement in human subjects, and of Health and Aged Care for SACRRH, completed on the Whyalla Campus of the projects in partnership with many has recently worked out a way to allowing it to continue the work started in University of South Australia and the community groups and professional estimate the profile of the synaptic 1998. Whyalla Hospital, with new offices and organisations. To date, these projects have potentials in motoneurons in human "The contract secures around 20 jobs and student learning space developed. generated $6 million in grant income for volunteers, which was not possible ensures several major project initiatives will Major new information technology the region. previously. continue," Professor Wilkinson said. infrastructure has been established, and For organisational reasons, the two Acknowledging the advancements "These include recruitment of rural doctors several new jobs created. A $1 million universities have now created the Spencer he has achieved in the area of human in partnership with the state workforce contract to refurbish offices, student Gulf Rural Health School, comprising motor control, Dr Türker has been agency; development of new models of learning space, and accommodation has SACRRH and the Rural Clinical School. regularly invited as key speaker at rural medical practices run by the been signed, and work will begin in all international conferences and University (such as those in Whyalla, learning centres in the next few months. —John Drislane symposia. PAGE 14 DECEMBER 2001 ADELAIDEAN Music ensemble prepares for world stage

THERE'S high praise from some of the everybody's doing that, you can feel it in the world's leading music figures for music. Adelaide's Elder New Music Ensemble. "So much that is being played today is so The ensemble, which comprises student mediocre, but here everybody was challenging performers conducted by Elder the others at the same time, and the students Conservatorium senior lecturer Mr Grahame realised that they can go over their limits." Dudley, featured recently at this year's Barossa Mr Dudley said the experience for the Music Festival. students was tremendous. The ensemble was the resident group of "In the time they spent with Lorraine, they performers at the Barossa Festival, and was spent as many hours with her as they have led in a major concert by guest conductor with me for the whole year. And eight weeks Lorraine Vaillancourt. before she came we were doing preparatory Ms Vaillancourt is the director of Montreal's work, so they have had a wealth of experience Nouvel Ensemble Moderne (NEM) and is from it," he said. one of the world's most respected figures in Ms Vaillancourt went so far as to say that the the field of new music. Her role with the Elder New Music Ensemble is a better music festival came about as part of an ensemble than some professional ones she's ongoing collaboration with Mr Dudley. seen and worked with. She had nothing but praise for the Adelaide "It's a very special experience working with students, and compared them with her own young people like this. It went very well ensemble. because of their attitude and because they wanted to be the best," she said. "The students were so very giving; we worked The director of Montreal’s Nouvel Ensemble Moderne, Lorraine Vaillancourt (centre) with Grahame very hard, but when you are generous you More praise has come for the Adelaide Dudley (far right) and the Elder New Music Ensemble at this year’s Barossa Music Festival. give it your best. I was so happy to work with ensemble, in the form of an invitation from the students. NEM is really working with world-renowned composer Sir Peter Maxwell this kind of spirit. It is hard to find in the Davies. A former teacher at Adelaide professional world this same willingness; too University and now a colleague of Grahame often professional musicians have a lazy Dudley, Max Davies was so impressed with attitude, especially with new music," Ms the ensemble's work at the Barossa Music Vaillancourt said. Festival last year that he composed a piece for them. He has extended an invitation to the "When you work with young people like this ensemble to his annual St Magnus Festival in they are willing to try—they trust the music Orkney, Scotland, in June next year. and the composer. The challenge is to find professionals still able to do that, so it was "That invitation means quite a lot to the nice to have that with these students, to work students, because they are in esteemed hard, to push things as far as possible, but company in being invited to play at the St always having fun. They respond to that." Magnus Festival," Mr Dudley said. Because of the number of performances they The Helpmann Academy will next year were involved in, and with rehearsals, organise a fundraising concert for the Elder sometimes the Elder New Music Ensemble New Music Ensemble to help pay for the was playing and performing for many hours students’ trip to Scotland. Mr Dudley said he with few breaks. would also welcome donations from interested members of the public and organisations. "It was quite demanding on them," Ms Vaillancourt said. "The repertoire was also For more information phone Libby Raupach at quite demanding, but they accepted it and the Helpmann Academy on (08) 8463 5013. ...and at last year’s Barossa festival, with leading composer Max Davies (centre). Photo courtesy pushed the limits, and when you do that and —David Ellis of Chateau Yaldara. Online learning a step closer at MyUni Call to preserve strengths AT THE start of the year, the Adelaidean Teaching Unit and Project Plato are looking ran a story about plans to deliver online to a full implementation in 2002. of federal financial system educational material in 2002. There will be an entry in MyUni for all courses with enrolments by the start of That vision is now taking a step closer to AT A TIME of renewed controversy over the States. And indeed this has been reality. Semester 1, 2002. This will enable all staff to have a managed email list for their courses in Australia’s federal finances, a new study reflected in the fiscal equalisation processes MyUni is the name given to the entry point order to facilitate communication and an of the history and future of Australia’s the Commonwealth has operated since the to online learning at Adelaide University. announcement page for important reminders. federal finance system has been 1930s. However, an important conclusion of MyUni provides students and staff with Staff can also use additional features published. this study is that there is also a strong access to course materials, discussion available in MyUni. Training sessions for efficiency case for fiscal equalisation." forums, announcements, online assessment The study argues that some recent criticisms staff are scheduled for December, with of Australia’s federal financial system are Mr Hancock goes on to argue that the large and many other features to help manage others planned for January and February. volume of Commonwealth grants to the study or teaching. misplaced. More information about MyUni will be States is not likely to seriously undermine the The trial period for MyUni is nearing available in the Adelaidean and online in Called Financing the Federation, the study accountability of State Governments. completion, and the Online Learning and Inside Adelaide next year. was published by the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies and written by "The reality is that the existing structure Jim Hancock (an economist at the centre) requires that, at the margin, States fund their Advertisement and Julie Smith (a tax historian at the own discretionary spending decisions dollar- Australia Institute and the Research School for-dollar from their own revenue or savings of Social Sciences at ANU). It was efforts." Our help makes hosting commissioned by the South Australian However, they say some reforms to the Department of Treasury and Finance as its allocation of taxation powers are still worth your conference easier. contribution to the Centenary of Federation. consideration, "such as giving the States "Two features of Australia's federal financial modest access to the income tax base, National and international recognition in any area of • Intensive conference training through including some capacity to vary the tax take expertise can attract many opportunities for those who are the “Essential conference organiser’s system stand out in contrast to other able to present and promote their work with style and workshop”, held each quarter. nations," said Mr Hancock according to State priorities". professionalism. And what better backdrop is there than The opportunity to successfully promote your expertise and Julie Smith explains the origins and evolution the attractions of Adelaide’s internationally renowned "The first is that unavoidable differences in research to industry, government and the community will of the federal finance system to 1970. She entertainment, food and wine regions? always be important.With our local knowledge and an ideal the financial capacities of State Governments shows that the framers of Australia’s Which is why the Adelaide Convention & Tourism setting to help, you will be able to focus on what you do best. are offset by the distribution of Authority (ACTA) provides free assistance through its Constitution deliberately provided flexibility Find out more by contacting ACTA’s University Commonwealth grants (otherwise known as University Project to attract and stage outstanding Project on (08) 8303 2333 or [email protected] to deal with the different economic and conferences. Our services include: "fiscal equalisation") and the second is a high Adelaide Convention and Tourism Authority budgetary circumstances of the federating • Preparation of proposals to attract Level 2, 18 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000 degree of State Government reliance on States. regional, national and international Phone +61 8 8303 2333 Commonwealth grants. conferences to South Australia; Facsimile +61 8 8303 2355 "Fiscal equalisation was not, as some would • Conference facilities, venue and http://www.visit.adelaide.on.net "These features have attracted criticism in the catering advice; have it, a compensation for uneven impact of public debate, but our report shows that Australia’s now defunct protective tariff. • Videos, posters and brochures for much of the criticism is unfounded," he said. publicity, delegate satchels and Rather the system was to protect our conference promotion; "There has long been a view in official circles fledgling nation against political and • Conference budgeting, organisation that fiscal equalisation has merit on grounds financial instability due to excessive and planning advice; ACTA297 of equity and in the interests of viability of all geographic economic disparities." ADELAIDEAN DECEMBER 2001 PAGE 15 Chance meeting, renewed contact for alumnus

IAN WING is one of those Adelaide with him again on his recent trip to Adelaide. University graduates whose job has Mr Wing said he enjoys walking through the important spin-offs for Adelaide and the University’s North Terrace Campus whenever nation. he comes back to Adelaide. Mr Wing, who graduated in 1973 with a "I made a lot of friends here and it’s always a Bachelor of Economics with Honours, is the good feeling to be back on campus. The Senior Trade Commissioner - USA with the grounds haven’t really changed that much, Australian Embassy in Washington DC. His but obviously there are major changes at this duties involve helping Australian companies university, as in many other universities, in to win export business and generate commercialising research," he said. investment for Australia. Although Mr Wing’s own children have He remembers his studies at Adelaide fondly, attended universities in the United States, and was reminded of them again earlier this "it’s just a matter of geography". year when he happened to meet the "If I’d still been living in Adelaide I would University’s delegation at the Bio2001 have sent my kids here, because the good biotech convention in the United States. quality of the education, the rigour and "I was very surprised and at the same time discipline of study compares very favourably very pleased to see Adelaide University with universities in the US," he said. represented at Bio2001," Mr Wing said. "It Mr Wing, like many, has been affected by the was good to see the University reaching out terrorist attacks in New York and and pushing its expertise commercially at the Washington on September 11. He said the conference." mood in Washington was "subdued, but One of the Adelaide delegates, Ms Janet there’s also determination there". Dibb-Smith, Director of Research Policy and "Many people have become security-aware, Support with the newly formed Adelaide but the reaction of most is very consistent Research & Innovation (ARI), has with the US spirit—in some ways it’s brought maintained links with Mr Wing and met out the best in the community," he said. Mr Ian Wing. Photo: David Ellis. 1951 Golden Jubilee ALUMNI NEWS THE 1951 Golden Jubilee Guest speaker at the commemoration Commemoration Ceremony was held in ceremony was fellow 1951 graduate Dr Rex J NEW SENIOR DEVELOPMENT OFFFICER Bonython Hall on Friday, October 19 to Lipman, who received a Bachelor Degree in The Alumni and Community Relations staff are pleased to welcome Elaine Baker as the honour those graduates celebrating the Dentistry from Adelaide University and is a newly appointed Senior Development Officer. Elaine brings a wealth of experience and 50th anniversary since graduation from well-known member of the Adelaide valuable knowledge in the field of fundraising and development to the Alumni and Adelaide University. community. The Golden Jubilee celebration Community Relations office. She has previously held development positions at the The ceremony was set to reflect a similar was an enjoyable experience for guests and Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Australia, Wilderness School, the Muscular Dystrophy format to that of the original graduation graduates alike, enhancing the many fond Association, the Crippled Children’s Association and, most recently, as the Development ceremony in held in 1951. memories of their University days. Officer at St Peter Girls Collegiate. This was the 15th Golden Jubilee Following the commemoration ceremony, "It is with much pleasure that I have joined the enthusiastic and vibrant team in the Alumni Commemoration, the first having been held graduates and guests attended an afternoon and Community Relations office," Elaine said. "I look forward to helping Adelaide in 1986 to coincide with the 50th anniversary tea which included a presentation of images University build rewarding philanthropic relationships with its alumni and friends so that of the opening of Bonython Hall. Seventy- and reminders of their student days. The they may have the opportunity to make a significant contribution towards the University eight graduates travelled from overseas and afternoon tea offered a wonderful achieving its goals for the future." interstate, as well as many parts of South opportunity to catch up after many years, to Australia, to attend the event. swap old stories and to share new ones. KEEPING IN TOUCH… AdelaidE-Link Have you received your first edition of AdelaidE-Link? The Alumni and Community Relations office has just released its enewsletter, a new and effective way to stay in touch THERE’S A GENE with our many and varied alumni! To register your email address and to read the news and UK Chapter information in our first edition visit our website: www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni IN MY FOOD! PROFESSOR Peter Langridge of the reception AFTER- HOURS PARKING PERMITS Department of Plant Science will be the The Alumni and Community Relations office is now offering Alumni After Hours Parking guest speaker in the final presentation for THE UK Chapter held its first Permits for 2002. These permits allow you to park on our North Terrace Campus before the 2001 series Evening Talks organised by Christmas function in London at the 9.15am and after 4.30pm Monday to Friday, as well as all day Saturday, Sunday and Public the Sciences and Mathematical Sciences Art Workers Guild on November 16, Holidays and are available for an annual fee of $75.00 (including GST). To apply for a Chapter of the Alumni Association. with up to 100 alumni attending. permit, apply online at www.psb.adelaide.edu.au/parking. Professor Langridge has an international The function venue was a beautifully reputation as a leading research worker in preserved Victorian hall and created a MARES-EADEN FUND the occasionally controversial field of unique atmosphere for the alumni present, The Mares-Eaden Fund has been established as a memorial to the life and work of Tim genetically modified foodstuff production. most of whom had graduated from Mares and Robin Eaden following their tragic deaths in a car accident in February. Both From its earliest days genetic engineering Adelaide University in the last two decades. Tim and Robin were former members of staff at Adelaide University’s Department of was viewed by scientists as a powerful The Hon Greg Crafter, Chair of the English. Their contribution to literary scholarship is valued by friends and colleagues here technique for improving the quality of life Adelaide University Alumni Association, and overseas. and the environment, and also as a provided an update on progress with The Mares-Eaden Fund has been established to provide perpetual endowment for a prize technology with the potential for harm. Alumni Chapters around the world as well for an undergraduate essay or honours thesis in Shakespearean and Elizabethan Studies, for After a long period of relative disinterest in as the positive developments taking place students enrolled in the Department of English at Adelaide University. the technology by the Australian at the Elder Conservatorium and in the community, the techniques of genetic Further information on the Mares-Eaden Fund and how you can contribute can be Law School at Adelaide University. The obtained from the Alumni and Community Relations office, ph (08) 8303 5800. engineering have recently attracted event also gave alumni a chance to network considerable attention and concern. The and meet old friends over a glass of South role and use of genetic engineering in crop Australian wine or Coopers Pale Ale. HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT MAKING A GIFT TO THE UNIVERSITY? and food production has raised particular A bequest is a gift to the future generations of students and scholars who will continue our concerns and led to strong opposition by Guests included alumni from the two tradition of excellence. For information contact: Ms Carol Ible, Development Officer, several groups. This science talk will other South Australian universities as well Alumni and Community Relations, Level 1, 230 North Terrace , Adelaide University SA summarise the current status of genetic as Sydney University and the Menzies 5005. Tel: 8303 6356, Fax: 8303 5808. Email: [email protected]. engineering in crop and food production Centre, Kings College London. A and look at some of the major areas of highlight of the night was the 'Oz Raffle', concern that have developed in recent years. which was made up of a basket of HOLIDAY MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Australian goods not readily available in The presentation will be on Wednesday, the UK. On behalf of the staff in the Alumni and Community Relations office and the Alumni December 12 in the Rennie Lecture Association I would like to thank the many members of our alumni community who have Theatre, Johnson Building, Adelaide The evening was generously supported by dedicated their time and effort towards the achievement of a progressive and successful year University at 6pm. Admission is free and a number of South Australian companies: in 2001. The University gets its strength from its relationship with alumni, friends and bookings are not necessary. For more Penfolds Wines, Coopers, Lindemans staff and we have been proud to foster some of those ties in 2001. May I take this information call the Chapter Chair on Wines, The Australia Shop and Two opportunity to wish each of you a safe and peaceful festive season. We look forward to the 8303 4965 or the Alumni and Community Dogs, as well as the Office of the Agent exciting year ahead in 2002. Relations office on 8303 5800. General for South Australia. —Rachael Oliphant. PAGE 16 DECEMBER 2001 ADELAIDEAN Melbourne Festival success THE WINNING streak enjoyed by a team of five young percussionists from Adelaide University’s Elder Conservatorium continues unabated with a series of wins at the International Percussion Festival held during the recent Melbourne Festival. The team of Nick Parnell, Joseph Fragnito, Jamie Adam, Paul Butler and Andrew Buchan spent five days in Melbourne picking up awards, attending workshops and giving concerts. First to win was Nick Parnell who claimed first place in the Open Individual Competition with Jamie Adam second and Paul Butler in fourth place. In the Open Ensemble section Joseph Fragnito, assisted by Paul Butler, Jamie Adam and Andrew Buchan, won second prize. Nick Parnell, 24, is a Masters student and his record of achievements continues to grow. Earlier this year he was a finalist in the Young Performers Award and currently is a finalist in the Arts category for The Young The successful team. Photo courtesy of the Helpmann Academy. Australian of the Year. He performed with the percussion group Hormingo in Malaysia and in Musica Viva's new season's opening are Honours students and are both seasoned will be a round of recitals and a Riverland concert. performers and consistent winners of awards. tour with the award-winning Adelaide While still only in his first year of study, Paul This tight-knit group supports and University Wind Ensemble. Butler, 18, is already showing his mettle as a encourages each other in their work and over The group claim that they owe it all to talented percussionist. Earlier this year Paul a short period have established themselves as Percussion lecturer Jim Bailey, who heads the won first prize in the Open Solo section of accomplished percussionists and achievers of Elder Conservatorium's Percussion the Sydney Eisteddfod followed by his awards for their skill. Asked the secret of Department and has made this one of the successes in Melbourne. Not bad when up their success, they all say "practice and more leading departments in the country in terms of against the best of the country's student practice—every day if possible". consistency and standards. He agrees with the percussionists. Having more or less conquered the local scene, students when they say it's all about practice Jamie Adam, 21, already has two other wins the group is now turning their attentions to "Dedication, training and a passion for this year under his belt from the Sydney international competitions. Already members percussion is what it all boils down to," says Percussion Eisteddfod, where he came first of the group are drawing up plans for an Jim, "and with these we're created some in the Two Mallet Marimba section and equally successful sortie on the competition at remarkable musicians." second in the Open Snare Drum section. the Stuttgart Percussion Festival next May Admissions to Elder Conservatorium 2002 Jamie gave his recital in November in the and an international percussion festival in the courses are open until December 10, 2001. Scott Theatre and performed in the David United States. The US trip, funded by the Advertisement Galliver Memorial Awards final, in the Helpmann Academy, will take in Nashville, The Elder Conservatorium is a Helpmann Elder Hall [see story below]. San Francisco and New York. Academy partner. Both Joseph Fragnito and Andrew Buchan Closer to home over the next two months —Sheila Bryce, Helpmann Academy

PERCUSSIONIST Jamie Adam (second from left) is the winner of the inaugural David Galliver Memorial Awards, held recently at the final Elder Hall Lunch Hour Concert Series for 2001. Jamie, who came second in the annual awards last year, performed Prism Rhapsody by Keiko Abe, and was presented with his prize by Professor Galliver’s widow, Gabrielle Galliver. Previously known as the Elder Conservatorium Classical Music Awards, the awards were renamed in memory of Professor Galliver, who died earlier this year. He was Elder Professor from 1966 to 1983. Other finalists were cellist Pei-Sian Ng (far left), pianist Yuh T’Sun Wu (second from right) and Pei-Jee Ng (far right). Also pictured is the current Elder Professor of Music, Charles Bodman Rae.

NEWSMAKERS

An irrigation technique developed by Powerhouse Museum. exposure during this time with its own horse 2002, on 31 houses and found the system did Adelaide University and CSIRO scientists The thorny media issue of koala culling on story, that of using breath testing on horses to not correlate to the actual energy being has made it on to the list of the 100 most Kangaroo Island kept Dr David Paton detect a disease that causes particular consumed. "We got zero correlations. It’s the important innovations of the 20th century (Environmental Biology) busy in the early problems in the racing industry. Dr David first time the scheme’s computer modelling (The Advertiser, November 20). Partial part of November. Among others, Dr Paton Tivey (Animal Science) told ABC South East has been compared to reality and it has shown Rootzone Drying (or PRD) was jointly was featured on Triple J (November 8), (November 6) about the work of Honours to be incomplete," he said. invented by Dr Peter Dry (Horticulture, Channel Nine’s A Current Affair (October student Belinda Argent to use breath testing Viticulture & Oenology) and Dr Brian Adelaide University Science student and 31), and The Advertiser (November 2) to to find traces of Inflammatory Airway Loveys from CSIRO, and enables grape yield intrepid adventurer Ben Kozel reflected in describe how the island’s population of koalas Disease in horses. to be maintained with half the normal The Advertiser (November 24) on his history- is literally eating itself out of its habitat, with amount of water, while at the same time Proposed changes to house energy ratings in making rafting expedition down the world’s culling the only real solution. The State possibly significantly increasing wine quality. South Australia saw Dr Terry Williamson fifth-longest river, the Yenisey, in Mongolia Government has ignored Dr Paton’s findings, PRD is now being used commercially in (Architecture, Landscape Architecture & and Siberia recently. He said even after saying the State’s tourism industry would vineyards in Australia, USA, Argentina, Urban Design) gain an appearance in the spending four months in such isolated places, suffer badly if koalas were culled. Spain, Israel and South Africa. The list of Financial Review (November 22). Dr he felt as if he hardly knew the place and its innovations was a joint project of the Another animal-related story received strong Williamson tested the accuracy of a people at all: "On a map, we cut through the Australian Academy of Technological media attention in early November—the computer-based rating system, to be very heart of Mongolia and Siberia. In reality, Sciences and Engineering and Sydney's Melbourne Cup. Adelaide University gained introduced to all homes built in SA after July we barely managed to glimpse their souls."