Vice-Chancellor's Column
between academic areas of the staff and business services; University; • sUpJXlrting inCIe'dSed • meeting the emerging numbers of both Australian areas of teaching and leaming over (particularly postgrdduate) and the next 10-15 years, with intemationalstudents; particular inunediate emphasis on • developing a stronger multinledia and IT, as well as new entrepreneurial culture within the are-as in health, business, the University, and promoting stronger envirorunental sciences, and links with and support from professional education and alumni, business and indus\Jy; and training; • gaining increased public • fanning marc flexible and and private sector funded research penneable groups for teaching, for the University. research, research training and nle new Central Divisions service activities which tramcend will suppOtt these attributes ancl traditional academic boundaries; objectives, and play strong • providing solutions to suit facilitating roles for the faculties. I new jobs, industries and social am particularly keen to ensure that needs of the future, particularly for we have a high level of ownership the Hunter and Central Coast; of the new strucnlre by staff and • improving the quality of snldents of the University, and will services and teaching to our most do all that I can to assist. I am inlportant clients, our students; happy to meet with snldent and Discussions about the consultation prior to consideration • removing duplication of staff groups to discuss the University 'restmcture' are of the structure of the University courses across degree structure<;, underlying philosophy of the continuing following the 10 August by the Resources and and promoting cross-school and ciunges, as well as the impottant release on the University's web site Administration Committee (12 cross-faculty arrangements for details and timetable for of submissions relating to the October), and subsequently by degree programs; inlplementation. Central Divisions of the University Council on October 26. • breaking down the Best wishes with the changes from 2002, namely the University TIlere is obviously a great deal 'WEFfSU' silos and promoting as they effect you individually Services Division, Research and of work to be undertaken prior to team based delivery; within your area of activity, Intemational Division and the the commencement of the 2002 • retaining and promoting whether as a snlclent or staff Division of rhe Vice-Chancellor. academic year in preparation for disciplinary strengths for teaching member. Please remember that the The submissions from members of the new structure. May I invite all and research within restmcture process has alisen the Senior Executive Group on the of you to participate strongly in multidisciplinaty school-based follOWing a comprehensive review organisational stmcture and this important process. Our new academic organisational units; undertaken of our strumlre and administrative anangements of the structures, and particularly the new • establishing organisational arrangemenl<;, and a University from 2002 are now Faculties - Engineering and Built comprehemiveness in academic broad recognition by the O:mncil, complete. In addition to Environment, Business and Law, coverdge across undergraduate and executive members, as well as by participation and feedback at Health, Science and Infotmation postgraduate (coursework and staff and snldents, of the need for University FonnTIs, staff and Technology, and Education and research) progrdillS; change. I hope that you come to students will have until August 30 Arts, are planned to deliver many • delivering a more the same realisation as I have that to return submissions on any topic attributes for enhancing our roles comprehensive range of teaching tllese changes are necessary in related to these proposed new and functions as a University. Some and research programs and other order for us to prepare for an sttuctures and organisational of these include: services to the Central Coast increasingly competitive higher arrangement'l. • moving the University into community; education system in Australia and I am hopeful of being able to a stronger position as a successful • devolVing primary internationally. release a 'final' version by research based university; responSibility to the faculties for Roger S Holmes September 5, to allow for further • enhancing coopemtion the delivery of academic, snldent, Vlce-Chancellorand President
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Page 2 UNINEWS Scholarship fund relieves burden
The recipiem of the first Godfrey Tanner Scholarship, speech pathology student Judy Vajak, plans to contribute to the scholarship scheme herself when she has ,graduated and begins to earn a .5.'llary. Thilty four year old Judy, whose six year old son Ivan was diagnosed with leukemia in 1997, says she appreciates the chanc--e to improve her life by studying and would like to help others in the same way in the future. "I receive a sole parent pension and with medical expenses and education cost", we were on a limited budget," Judy said. "I am detem1ined to get my degree to he able to suppOtt liS but it '.vauld have been very cliff-kult and I would have had to accumulate debt to do it. The scholarship is wonderful and takes the added Director a/the Development Unit Dr Bernie Currdn (right) dnd Emeritus Proftssor Godfrey Mnner congratuldte financial pressure off. It's one less judy Vajak, first recipient 0/ the Godfrey Tanner scholarship thing to wony about." EmeJitus PmtCssor Godfrey assist with the scholarship." Judy, who was bOiTI in hegan schCX)1 this year, is CutTently Tanner, who launched the He called on other individuals Newcastle and attended West in remission and doing well. .scholarship scheme specifically to and companies to contribute to the Wallsend and Merewether High "I want to say how much I assist student.. who were scholarship scheme to enahle Schools, began a Bachelor of Atts apr)feciate Professor Tanner setting experiencing hardship, said there others to benefit from assistance. at the University in 1985, but up this scholarship," Judy said at a were tlh,ny people who fmd it "Ideally, we need around lacked motivation and dmpped moming tea to meet Godfrey and impossible to study despite having 550,000 each year to be able to out. She worked in banking and as scholarship selection panel the desire and the ability to do so. otfer a .scholarship to a new a shop assistant before returning to Chaillllan Dr Bernie CU!1(lO held in "I fear that in the face of student armually and maintain the the University to study nursing in the Development Unit on August present government policy the assistance for the t1m~e or four 1996. Her expeliences in hospitals 16. "A lot of people feel that numbers of people unable to years of their degree," he said. "} due to her son's illness caused her sometlling should bc done to help overcome the fmandal barriers to think evelyone has the ability to to change her mind about nursing the battlers but don't do anything teltiary study will increase," study and bright, motivated people and after ICX)king at the options, about it. \X7hen I grJ.duate 1 will be Godfreysaid. ''Judy is eX'd.ctlythe like Judy should be given the she decided tostudyspeedl giving back to the scholarship fllnd SOlt of candidate we wished to chance to do so." pathology. Six year old Ivan, who so others can benefit as welL" Older men get pensions, not jobs
Uncmployment among older "My calculations, using jobless since the mid '80s and paper to the 2001 conference of Australian men is consistently at pension statistics as well as possibly higher than 40 percent in the Society for Advancement of least 15 percent higher than official statistical models, are that the early '90s. Again the official Socio-Economics at the University figures, says researcher Martin unemployment rates for males aged rate is rarely over 10 percent." of Amsterdam earlier this year. O'Brien. 55-59 have been consistently over Martin is studying the "In Australia there arc Martin says that the 15 percent since the mid '80s, p UNINEWS Page 3 Barker scholarship fund celebrates maritime history years. Hi,> younger son Walter his son David graduated Witll a (Don's father), while pursuing a PhD in science from tlle University career as an electrician, was a in 1987. member of the naval cadets and Director of the University's the volunteer coastal patrol. Development Unit Dr Hemie Edwin's brother Frank drove steam Curran says that the Barker family trams for a living but his son (also is taking the University's motto, I Frank) worked for 50 years with Look Ahead, at it.'> full value with the Depattment of Public Works, their endowment. tIrst at Walsh Island until it closed "Instead of commissioning and subsequently at the State PhD research on the Barker family Docky.llu. or the malitime industry, they are "Altogether, across six looking ahead to the future of the members of the Barker family, we halix)lJr and its environmental amassed almost 200 years of health, which has obvious benefit.'> service to the port," Don said. "I'm to the whole Hunter region," sure that if the maritinle Barkers Bernie said. "It is also Significant were here today, they would be that they have chosen tlle region's excited at the knowledge of serious university to pursue this research." research work being done in the The Harker family will donate harbour and the river. TIley would $100,000 to the PhD fund over the also appreciate their families of next few years, establishing a tlUst today helping in the training of tlmt will generate funding for Descendants of a Newcastle ecotoxicoloh1', t Increased devolution of decision-making to the faculties and the creation of six executive positions to oversee operations are the key proposals in a submission outlining the pmposed structure of the newly fonned University SClvices Division. Vice-President (University Services) Linda O'Brien, commeming on the draft submission, says the University restmcture is providing "exciting opportunities" to reshape the way things are clone - opfX>rtunities which will implDve outcomes for (he institution and for staff. Staff will be given the chance (0 add to their skills and seek out new op[X>rtuoities being created by restmcturing, Linda said. Staffponder the jilttlTe at a recent forum to diJe/1SS the restructuring "We have guamnteed the unions that there will be no net job los..'>es and that is our expectation support and advice with respect to positions intemally," Lin(h said. evelyone due to the complexity of but the nature of the jobs available admini,>tration and selVice. TIle "Obviously there will be the division but I have met He continued in this area at UC's overseas travels will be useful for Riverside campus, before retuming the University. His interna[ional to UWA in the late '70s as a links include contacts in Malaysia, research fellow, working with the Philippines, Indonesia,Japan, aspects of l1mrine arsenic Thailand, China and HungalY. He chemistry. He then t(X)k a lectUring has also kept in touch with a position at the University of NSW number of PhD students he has before returning to UC, Berkeley in trained who are now in senior 1988 as Co-Director of what is academic positions in vatious now the Environmental, Chemical nations including Korea and and TOxicology laboratolY, where Guyana. research focussed on the mode of Robert sees envirorunent.'11 action and potential effects of science as a discipline that attempt.,> pesticides on human health and the to blidge the gap that was fonned environmental implic.. Studying abmad Gln be overcome them"j Noclsaid, when challenging for students as they asked hmv he summoned dIe confront being in a foreign culture, confidence to study abroad. "1 ;l\vay from home and family. have come to think that nothing is Americln chemical engineeting beyond me and I try not to have student Noel Romey has even any reservation.:;;. Everyone has more hurdles to face - he io:; blind difficult moments." and has a bone condition. Noel, who is in his fOUlth Despite this, 21 year old Noel year of'l Bachelor of Engineering has made himself right at home at (Chemica!), is enjoying his studies Edwards Hall and won the respect at NewGlstie. He has a notetaking and friendship of his fellow machine - a Braille Lite - that he residents. Noel, who came from uses to record lectures and other the University of Arkansas in (he information and asks others to US, says he feels comfortable in describe lab result'> to him. He will Au.stralia. go home to Arkansas at the end of "My grandmother was the year but hopes to return to Australian and met my grandfather Newcasde to undettake when he was stationed in Brisbane postgraduate studies in the future. during World War II," Noel Noel with his guide dog Fiona at Edwards Hall explained. "Her name was Coral West and she was a well known soprano - she taught me a lot about Australia and I have relatives all up and down the cast coast." Blind since birth, with no Start building light perception, Noel inherited his grandmother's love of music and your wealth today has played the piano since he was five. He has entelt.'1ined his houscmates at Edwards Hall on .several occasiom and plays his own As the world becomes Illore new age pi..'lno compositions on complex ;lIld demanding, ACB Radio Interactive - an online confidence in your financial future community radio station for blind is essential. Codfrey Pembroke DJs. He feels as dlough his can help you realise your vision grandmother has influenced him in odlerv.;ays as well. for financial security ,1Ild help "I have more in common with protect and enhance your we;llth. Australians than I expected," Noel said. "I think I've got a lot of Mark Arnold qualities from the Australian side l\Cum, Mr.-·, CH', rCPA of the family including my sen..<;e of humour and my bid back Mark can help you with: nature." Noel's constant companion, • Wealth creation strategies his gUide dog Fiom, has also made • Retirement planning a lot of friends at Edwards Hall. • Redundancy advice Kept in quarantine willie Noel travelled awund meeting his Please contact Mark Arnold, Authorised Representative, Australian family, Fiona has settled of the Newcastle office today on 4926 1033. in to life on campus and even has a toy kangaroo to take home as a souvenir. Noel will take home a didgeridoo, which he is teaching GODFREY PEMBROKE hiII'l.:;;elfto play. fiNANCIAL CONSVI.TANTS "My bones have broken a lot (.()Ofl\.f~· 1'~:MlJI\OKf t IMIH.D AIIN ~\ 001 II#. :~. and I have had a lot of setbacks, lit t~\tP~I<·t'IIIlI'Sllh'lFII; H(;IHtlltJlll1t t~\\!I1."'~( 11111,)10.111 but evelY time I have seemed to UNINEWS Page 7 aJ9iOl CaTplS Environmental facility established at Ourimbah "It is through the Envirorunental Network that we are ablc to pmvide students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Sustainable ReS When Gunilla Burrowes although an improvement on the chose to pursue a career in '80s when GuniUa was studying, engineering, she didn't think about were still low (at around 13 percent the fact that it was a non nationally) and Newcastle's figures traditional area of study for women were even lowel: and was unaware that onJy around "l1Iere are two major is.. <;ues two percent of engineering surrounding the JXlOr palticipation students in Australia at the time of women in engineering. The ftrst were female. is the issue of equity, with 51 Gunilla, now the Coordinator percent of the population female of the Diversity in Engineering and very few profes..'>ions that have Project and a lernlref in the remained so closed to women. The Department of Electrical and second is the fact that engineering Compmer Engineering, saw that has an im{XlC[ on the whole society her famer's career - engineering and we are c.."1JITently living in an was diverse and seemed to make a environment dIat has been difference to society. She was good designed and implemented almost at science and topped the school in solely by men." maths and her parent'> encouraged Gunilla believes that diversity her belief that she could do is essential if Australia is to be anything she wanted to do. Her successful in the global economy. fathers engineering colleagues were She applaud<; the Faculty of very supportive as well and Gunilla Engineering management for completed a Bachelor of SUPPOlting an ongoing program to Engineering (Electrical) at the encourage not only women but University of New South Wales. also Abotiginal and Torres Strait Interested in renewable Islanders, peoplc from non-English energy, Gunilla worked for BP speaking backgrounds and people Solar until she won an Energy Witll disabilities to study Research and Development engineering. Gunil/a Burrowes COiporation scholarship to do a In 1998, concerned that there PhD lcx:>king at putting renewable was no broader SUPPOlt for women energy into the power grid, which acros..<; the University, Gunilla brought her to Newcasde. began collaborating with the Ambassador Scheme where female Most of them don't want to be "When 1 came back to do my Equity Unit and with women from engineering students visit Hunter associated Witll affumative action higher degree, I recognised 1 was science, architecture and high schcx:>ls to try and break down programs because they want others being treated differently and felt com;truc..tion management. The barriers for prospective student'>. to see that they earned their that expectations and attitudes Vice-Chancellor supported the She also personally meet'> and success on their own merit'>. Thi'> towards my succe'>S were lower foonation of a working palty to maintains an email network with creates a major challenge for these than for male students. 1 realised lcx:>k at the palticipation of women women who are currently studying progrdms and requires a delicate dlat there were no female in non-traditional areas at tile engineering and regularly meets IYalancing act. engineering role models who I University in 1999 and the group, with female members of generdl "I don't believe that there was could emulate and became aware chaired by Dean of Shldents Phil and academic staff in a support ever any consdous intent by men of the importance of gender in Foreman, developed a range of network and informal mentoring to keep women out of engineering engineeling. " policies and strategies. arrangement. She has just but they create a patriarchal In 1996, after stmggling to ',\Ve lcx:>ked at the whole completed a study for her Master environment that is often off fmd support, Gunilla quit her PhD spectl1un from prospective, of Philosophy on gender in the putting to women. Changing this studies and applied for a 12-month undergraduate and graduate cngineering ciassf(X)m. envirorunent requires individuals position lcx:>king at women in students through to staff and the "Research says that most working witl1in it to recognise and engineering, which was funded by University culture. The document women who choose engineering promote the benefits of diversity. the Higher Education Equity we produced is still in use today have feminist views in tenns of a Each day that 1 walk into the Program CHEEP) and the Faculty and we are lcx:>king now at belief in equal opportunity and the corridor 1 feel challenged. We all of Engineering. The number of implementing some of the ideas." fact tllat gender shouldn't make a want to ftt in but my job asks me women studying engineering, Gunilla has instituted an difference to their career outcomes. to fmd ways to change attitudes and values and that is a tough call." UNINEWS Page 9 (• Special Education Centre Director, Associate Professor Bob for the Centre, which attracts more seeing the child. Joe began in the Conway, says the work of the than half a million dollars in morning program at the Centre Centre has changed since it first funding a year from various with Mary when he was under ran segregated classrooms for government departments. Despite two. While excelling at individual children with learning difficulties this. the funding falls far short of play with books and puzzles, he in regular schools. the demand for the Centre's found group time very stressful, services and there is a long screaming and covering his ears "We now provide no special waiting list. Firstchance, a charity when they came together for classes for school aged children run by a group of parents, is singing or games. By the time he as their needs are increasingly met constantly involved in fund raising. left the Centre, he was happy to within the education system. We socialise and was able have greatly expanded our range Firstchance President Mary Picton to cope in a regular pre-school. of early intervention programs, with says the Centre offers a unique many of them provided in regular service that is not only beneficial "The Centre has been wonderful early education settings such as to children with special needs but for us," Mary said. "Parents preschools or long day care centres." is also helpful to their parents. always have the opportunity to Mary's son Joseph had talk to individual teachers and The Special Education Centre significantly delayed speech team leaders. The Centre also currently works with more than and a range of other difficulties runs parent information sessions, 140 families each week through its follOWing a series of middle ear including the Hanen Program, nine programs and has an outreach infections in his infancy. a Canadian program that teaches centre in Port Stephens. It operates parents to facilitate speech under a non-categorical model that "We were referred to the Centre in their children. Parents of sees children with a range of by Joe's paediatrician and the children with special needs can difficulties attending the Centre initial visit by Centre staff is to often feel very lonely and corning including those with communication the child's home, which was really to the Centre not only empowers disorders and autism spectrum helpful because the person them to help their child. it also disorder, a condition characterised assessing him could see him in introduces them to other parents by difficulty with language his own environment," Mary said. with similar problems." and social skills. The Centre enters into an Firstchance runs raffles, family The University provides the individual family service fun days. golf days, sausage building and some funding agreement in collaboration with sizzles, walkatholls. and trivia and through the Faculty of Education any health professionals who are film nights to raise funds that are and Blind Children. Academic Training teachers for Brain Injury used to reduce the waiting list or researchers and research higher special education Rehabilitation to assist families in financial degree students are working on difficulties to access the Centre's a range of projects, some relating The Special Education Centre The Brain Injury Rehabilitation team services. They also try to attract to programs that operate through is involved in providing training is in the process of negotiating to corporate sponsorship and are the Special Education Centre, and across the University. The Special move their operations from the hoping to introduce payroll others to broader areas of special Education option is currently John Hunter Hospital to the Special deduction schemes at the education and disability studies. a very popular fourth year Education Centre. University and elsewhere. The Current research includes a specialisation for undergraduate "Most of the children who are next fundraiser is a Family Race longitudinal study of the teachers and the Centre also teaches treated by the team have spent Day during the Spring Carnival experiences of parents of children specialist courses at Graduate traumatic times in hospital with at Broadmeadow Racecourse on who have attended the Centre Certificate and Masters levels in their injuries so it is important Saturday, September 22nd. The and who are now in school Special Education and Disability. that they begin their 535 ticket fee ($30 for groups settings, an evaluation of Students from medicine, speech rehabilitation in different of 10 or more) includes admission language-based playgroups, an pathology, occupational therapy surroundings," Bob Conway said. to the races and finger food in a investigation of methods of early and psychology also make use of "We are also looking at carrying marquee. Tickets can be ordered diagnosis of students with visual the Centre as a training facility. The out joint research with them and from Jenine in the Special processing difficulties, and studies Centre is equipped with a range of they provide an additional Education Centre by telephoning of behaviour states in children one-way mirror viewing rooms that consultation service to our staff, 4921 6268. with severe disabilities. allow students and family members who will now have access to to watch intervention sessions, Centre for Special The research centre also specialists in occupational playgroups and pre-school classes. encourages cross-disciplinary therapy and physiotherapy." Education and It also boasts a purpose,built projects including biochemical play area, a hydrotherapy pool, Disability Studies profiling of children with reading lecture and teaching rooms, and difficulties and autism, which is Housed in the Special Education academic offices. Centre, this research centre was being conducted in conjunction formed last year and links special with Associate Professor Tim Around 35 people wmk at the education and disability staff at Roberts in the School of Special Education Centre the Callaghan and Central Coast Biological and Chemical Sciences. including academic and teaching campuses with Renwick College staff, speech pathologists and in Sydney's North Rocks, which is support staff. run by the Royal Institute for Deaf Mothers and Babies Research Centre blindness, deafness or learning disabilities. By focussing on uying to create healdlY babies we have an opportunity to improve tile health outcomes and productivity of the whole community." Structure The Centre attracts people from a wide range of diSciplines including obstetrics and midwifery, and many which would not nom13l1y be associated with the study of pregnant women such as endOCrinology, statistics, biochemistty, molecular biology, chemistty, engineeJingand mathematics. It is unique in the world in its single-minded focus on the question of the trigger for bilth, which has seen its reputation grow as an intemationalleJder in dlearea. "Increa.<;ingiy, people are applying to be involved in our Background research," Roger said. "We have TIle Mothers and Babies pregnant women. 1his previously cause of 50 percent of cerebral about 50 researchers from as far Research Centre, which is housed unsolved riddle has in<;pired dle palsy cases in Australia," Roger afield as Africa, the United States in the Department of Obstetrics groundbreaking, aoss-disciplinalY said. ''There are about 17,(XX) of America, and many parts of and Gynaecology at the John work of the Centre and its premature births in Australia each Europe working widl us. We have Hunter Hospital, was established in Director Roger Smith. year, resulting in 1300 deaths and been successful in reversing the 1989. It represents the interest of a "Premature birth is enoml0US ongoing health costs to brain drain, attracting Australian group of committed academics in responsible for 80 percent of those who survive but may have an researchers back fJDm overse'JS what regulates the onset of birth in newoom baby deaths and is the intellectual handicap, cerebral palsy, postings. TIle replacement value of Pathways for reconciliation The possible directions between Indigenous and non involved in tile process and the reconciliation can take, the Indigenous Australians has many meaning dlis journey could bring committnents needed to achieve it paths that it can take. to dlose who embarked upon it and tile goals tilat the process must "Reconciliation has always TIle lecnlre was preceded by a seek to make it meJningful were been flagged as a peoples' welcome to Awabakalland by addressed in the 2001 Morpeth movement and the challenge now elder, Uncle Rex Morgan, and Lecnll'e, delivered by Professor is to find a way to build upon the followed by a lively question time Larissa Behrendt last month. work already done to improve dealing widl issues ranging fmtn Professor of Law and understanding between black and law refoffil to proposals for an Indigenous Studies and Director white Australia," she said. Indigenous 'treaty'. of the Jumbunna House of Professor Behrendt examined TIle Morpeth Lecnlre, Learning at the University of flaws in the Constinltion and presented in partnersllip Witil the Technology Sydney, Professor brought the realities of Anglican Diocese of Newcas de, Behrendt said that after a decade reconciliation to life for her was held in the ConseJVatorium of reconciliation, the process of audience, stressing the need for Concert Hall on August 2. developing tile relationship people to become personally Professor Larissa Behrendt Page 12 UNINEWS equipment is around $12 million, report to an independent board partners to commercia lise tests to Sydney ul1974. After two years at \vhich also draws researchers to the and we are part of the recently predict the onset of premanlre the Royal North Shore Hospital, he Centre." fanned Hunter Medical Research labour and the wellbeing of the went to Perth, where he undertook While research funding Institute." baby wIllie a woman is still his specialist examinations before initially began with National Health Research pregnant." working in Chlistchurch, New and Medical Research Council The research being The Centre's work has lccl to Zealand. He then went to St (NHMRC) grants, the Centre was undertaken at the Centre ranges quite a lot of significant advances Baltholomew's in London, where the first from Newcastle to attract flDm molecular biology looking at including the development of a he did his PhD in endoctinology. State government funding and has the genetics of the placenta to new strategy for managing women He came to Newcastle 1981. also received Federal funding snldies of the honnones that presenting to hospital in premature "Even when I was at school I through the Targeted Institutions tligger the birth response and labour. Around Australi;;t, most wanted to become involved in Links Grant (TILG) scheme. The population studies to ttial the new hospitals will switch flDm treating research. I went into medicine to TILG grants aim to link Australian treatments. The researchers en<;ure women with Ventolin, which was get involveel in medical research resem'Ch centres with others in that the results of their work are unpleasant and dangerous for the and my interest in obstetrics was South East Asia, and the Centre incorporated into cliniGIi practice women using it, to the Lise of a heightened by tile birth of my own has regular contact with researchers straight away, proViding significant calcium d1..'lnnel hlockel~ which is c1llidren and by the discovety that in instinltions in Singapore, Hong benefits to Hunter patients, who expected to be more effective in the hOl1l1one I was ulterested in Kong and Shanghai, China. It also are ah-eady receiving impmveel preventing the onset of premature (CRH) was not only found in the attracts funding flDm philanthropic obstetlica.l care as a result of the labour as well as safer for the brain but also in the placenta." organisations and individuals, both research. Roger sees this retum to mothers using it. CRH was first discovered in locally and nationally. 'I1le National the conununity as an imrx>ttant "\Ve didn't invent the calcium (he brain and is implicated in stress Institutes of Health of the USA is aspect of the Centre's work, as the channel blocker," Roger explained, responses. Roger's work at the providing funding for the Centre's reSC'drch is made easier by the "but the Centre has been an agent Centre (and that of others around work on pregnant women with SUppOlt of pregnant women who of change, coordinating the the world) suggests it also regulates diabetes. come to the John Hunter Hospital. process of introdUcing tile the length of human pregnan<..y. "The Centre operates "We have patented discovelies treatment to hospitals. \Ve are also "Willie we are not yet at the according to a flat adminisli, Shot of grandma wins national award Fine Att honours student Penny Jones has won the Snldent Scholarship ptize in the national Yellowglen Young Photographers' Awarcl" with a photo of her grandnu In their fGluth consecutive year, the awards UNINEWS Page 13 New technology to clean contaminated land l1lis provides an economical incentive for landowners to dean contarninated sites, with the assurance that gases generated by the cleaning process will not hann the environment." MCM Manufacturing Pty Ltd at Cardiff is currently fablicating the first treatment unit, which can treat 40 tonnes of soil per hour. TIle $1.5m required to build the unit has been raised totally through local investment. MCM General Manager, Richard Tait, says the University-based research has the potential to create additional manufactUring opportunities, which will benefit the local connmmity. "We are proud to be Dr John Lucas (left) with company Chainnan Ron Robson OAM (Republished courtesy ofthe Newcmtle Hernld) associated with Innova Soil Tcclmology Pty Ltd and the A Ne\VGlstle-based lnnova has been offered environmentally friendly, totally University in tillS exciting venture," tedll1oloh'Y company is developing $1.1million in financial support transportable system which fits he said. "MCM Manufachlring Pty a treatment plant for contaminated from AusIndustry (the Department onto four semi-trailers and allows Ltd is suppOitive of this soils, which deans the land for half of Indusuy, Science and treatment to occur at the site of technology and has invested in the the elm-ent industlY price. Resources) to develop dle contamination. Innova company." IImov;] Soil Technology Pty treatment plant. "It provides a clean soil The first unit should be Ltd was founded in 1995, and DrJohn Lucas is Managing product, with significantly reduced completed in September, when it stems from rese-drch and Director of Innova Soil greenhouse gas emissions, and can will be used in a full-scale trial. development conducted at the Teclmoloh'Y and a Senior Lecturer do the job for less than half the Innova Soil Tedmology plaJ1S to be University. This research deveJoped in the Depaltment of Chemical price of other treatment options operating the unit on a commercial an innovative, encrgy-efficient Engineeling. currently available. At the moment, basis by 2002 and is cUl1-entiy system to femediate land "Industlial activities across dumping contaminated soil costs disc'LISSing severallarge-S(.~lie contaminated u.ith Glrcinogenic Australia have resulted in large around $70 per tonne, and cleaning projccl<;, including sites in Blisbane and persistent hycircx,uoon areas of land contaminated with a it is around $120 to $300 per and Sydney, with companies sllch substances such as oils and tars. vatiety of hazardous chemicals, tonne. The DFTD technology as Thicss Services Pty Ltd. Innova TIle ::.ystem is known as meaning healtb, ecosystem and allows hmova to dean plans to export its units under Direct-heated Fast-quenched urban detriment plublem<;," he contaminated soil for less than the licence to the UK, Europe and the Thennal Desorption (DF1U) and says. "The Irmova process is an cost of dumping. ,. USA. Help living with cancer New research in the cancer and shaling infon1lation," participant<; to share their feelings. phYSically and psychologically are Depaltment of Psychology is says Stuart. "Cancer patients ClO They stress that psychological those who whole-healtedly enter investigating the effects of leam how others have coped and interventions are not meant to into the notion that they can do psychologic·tJ intelventions on the can gain great satisfaction in replace medical treatments, but something for themselves. We can survival of cancer patients. sharing ideas about where they can rather compliment them. help them in tllis process." PhD student Stuart Edser and access c-ertain foods and exercise "If a patient has a positive Dr Shea and Mr Eclser have his supervisor DrJolm Shea will programs which may be mental attitude towards sUlvival, the medical SUppOit of Dr Phillip conduC( a three-year study of more beneficial. " they may be more likely to Tynan from the Hunter Area than 1500 people from across the The researchers use a number continue treatments like Pathology Service, who will assist Hunter region, using techniques of different strategies to help chemotherapy, which can be quite by analysing patients' bkxxl they hope will improve the patient<;, including helping them [0 draining both phYSically and s.'lmples. TIley are seeking patients' quality of life. identify destnlctive thought mentally," explained Stuart. "It is palticipant<; for their study. For "An)1hing can be a patten1S and reframe them; quite clear fwm our studies and infonnation contact Jolm 4921- psychological intelvention, even teaching meditation, relaxation, and from those elsewhere, that the 5956 or Stml1t on 4968-4747 or just meeting other people with self-hypnosis; and encouraging patient.s who gain the most IXlth mobile 0416 075 984. Page 14 UNINEWS World-renowned architect in Newcastle /' IIII " FORuM111_ 'h, ".'''''''} "I ~~ .. < .. ". ~p'"'' ol "4""" {","" • • 1 •• DID YOU KNOW? 'Lap It Up At Lunchtime Now there are no excuses not to exercise because you haven't got the time! 'Lap it up at Lunchtime' is the perfect lunch time swimming squad and can be easily fitted into your exercise schedule. Come along and enjoy the friendly and Lindsay Johnston at 'Riversda/e'during the MllJter Cla.ss relaxed sessions conducted by Australia's most (Denmark); the Asia Pacific Culture Swim Coach, Ex-Olympian, Donna Proctor. internationally famous architect and Architecture Design Award Glenn Murcutt visited the and the 2001 ThomasJefferson University for the second week of Medallion in the US, a two-week long Master Class in He is currently visiting Aqua Fitness Classes Architecture inJuly. Professor of Architecnll'e at Yale The first week was spent on University in the United States, and These classes are moves that combine resistance of the Shoalhaven Hiver near Nowra has been Professor at the water with directional movement to improve muscular at the Atthur and Yvonne Boyd University of Virginia, and visiting endurance, cardio-fitness, body composition and flexibility. Education Centre 'Hiversdale', Professor at the School of For a fun results orientated workout, include an Aqua designed by Glenn Murcutt with Architecture Aarhus Derunark, Fitness Class in your timetable today. Please see \,(fenciy Lewin and Reg Lark, and Graduate School of Fine Arts, reception for a timetable. recipient of several architecture University of Pennsylvania, awards. Montana State University, UNSW Senior students, graduate andurs. architects and practitioners from TIle two-week plUgmm Masters Squad the United States,Jama.iGl, included visits to University England, Ireland, Luxembourg, buildings including the Staff Club Masters Squad is a swimming squad designed to improve South Africa, New Zealand and (a 19(18 job on which Murcutt ~vas your swimming capabilities. Australia spent the two weeks the project architect); the Faculty This workout is suitable for tri athletes, open water working on a design project for an of Nursing; the Department of swimmers or just those who are looking to art gallelY for the Bundanoon Design; and the sr:ectacular new increase their swimming skills. Trust at the 'Riversdale' complex, Life Sciences Building beside the under the guidance of Murcutt and Auchmuty Library, deSigned by Scheduled at times before and after work, Masters Squad can be easily fitted leading Australian architect" Peter StutchbUlY and Suters into your already existing exercise program. Richard Leplastrier and Peter Architects. StutchblllY· TIle M.lster Class concluded Gleml Murcutt has received with a trip to Kempsey to Glenn PoD/Hours 25 Australian architature awards, Murcutt's Museum and Visitor Monday to Friday Sam - 10pm including the ROYdl Australian Centre (1976-1988) and the Saturday & Sunday 7am - 9pm Instinlte of Architects Gold Murcutt (Marie Shalt) F:mnhouse Medal. International awards (1974-1980l. Enquiries include the Alvar Aalto Medal TIle Master Class was (02) 4921 7001 (Finland); Richard Neulnt Award conceived and organised by the Please check with reception for Race Night and (USA); the 'Green Pin' Dean of the Faculty of Water Polo pool closure. International Award for ArchiteL"turc, Building and Design, Website: www.theforum.hl.com.au Architecnue and Ecology Profes..<;or Lind';..y Johnston. UNINEWS Page 15 can.~and, '-lities news, j' , ' , .- - 'y ,- , University wins Sui man 11le recently completed Life provides high quality labomtoty Sciences building designed by space for research and tcaching graduates Professor Peter pLliposes in the bioteclmology StutchbUlY (of Stll(chbury Pape) field. The building was also and Dina Di Paolo Cof Suters designed to enable future Architects) has brought the Sir mcxlification as rese-drch needs John Sulman award to Newcastle change over time - a challenging for the second time in six years. task given the exten,>ive servicing The previous recipient was James requirements of these PC2 Grose's Architecture Design (Physicdl Contairunent) and PC3 Studios. laboratories. Although the The Sulman is the most labomtorie'> required vet)' specific prestigious architectural award for lighting, ventilation and air public or commercial buildings in conditioning provisions, the New South Wales and is awarded building has been designed to be by the Royal Australian Institute of one of the most energy efficient Architects. The award is made only of its type. in those years that the jury The stnKture of the building considers the merit of the project has generated a considerable \Yammts this recognition of degree of interest amongst the excellence. engineeting fratemity, and has been Director Philip Ma1Jns in front 0/ the award-winning Life Science building Mos{ impressed by its siting, designed to both withstand the jUlY found the Life Sciences earthquake loads and minimise any Society's 2001 Green Building noted that the Life Sciences Building 'cnvironmenrally possible vibration tllat may impact Awards. building is recognised as being resrx:msible, unapologetic'aliy iXlld sensitive instmmentation. 'Ole Franci,> Greenway Society "excellent" in the application of and sensitively detailed, genemting Life Sciences wins another medal is a relatively new association of green building plinciples such as an appropliate iconic image for the The life Sciences building architects conmutted to promoting the "extremely well considered use Callaghan Campus'. was also recently awarded a Gold green building design in Australia. of daylight" and use where The Life Sciences building Medal in the FrJncis Greenway In making the award the Society possible of natuml ventilation. Setting toes tapping Gareth Koch, Head of "Flamenco is the spiritual and Dramatic Art in Vienna. He Plucked Stlings at the University's music of the guitar it'>elf," Gareth leamt flamenco from itinerant Conservatorium of Music, recently says. "It connects student,> with the players in Anclalucia. Web released his fifth solo CD, Colours guitar's basic ancestry and Co/Dun; o/Firefeatures four ofFire. encourages energy and rhytlmuc centuries of guitar favoUlites publishing Gareth has lectured at the vitality. The teaching of flamenco including the music of Albeni7:, University for the past five years has been neglected partly l:xx.'ause Granada.''>, de Falla, Saoz, Dowland, revision and in between undertakes the style is not understood. Bach, Rcxltigo, Vivaldi and Australian and overseas concert Flamenco is like folklore - it's traditional flamenco. Gareth will Development of the tours and runs the Newcastle passed down from gUitalist to perfonn at the Conservatotium University's new website is based Australian Guitar guitarist. " conceit hall on September 30, with proceeding with workshops being Competition and Festival. He is Bom in Milan and son of soprano Jane Edwards, as palt of held for web authors. Revisions to intemationally renowned for his novelist Cluis{opher Koch, Gareth the ABC's Sunday Live seIies. web publishing procedures are flamenco playing ancl has studied at the Mozarteum in for fLllther infomlation underway. Any questions or intrcxluced flamenco studies to the SalzbUlg, the Sydney contact Gareth on 4921 8834 or comments should be directed to ConservatoriuIll, making Newcastle Conselvatolium of Music, [he visit ,,"rww.clas.:;icalguitarist.net. The Dr Fran Flavel, Marketing and the only university in Australia to Royal ConservatOlium of Music in CD is produced by Attworks Media Services by emailing offer a graduate and postgraduate Madrid and the Academy of Music (AW026). [email protected]. flamenco program. Page 16 UNINEWS Crossing disciplinary boundaries for better health A lxxlk exploring health research using complexity tr.msclisciplinary thinking and the theoIY, which is dcsCiibed as a sythesis of different skills to means of understanding he-dlth pmsuc quality health research was problems as dynamic systems, It launched at the University last features detailed case studies month. demonstrating how a Health Social Science: A transciisciplinaIY framework can be Trnnsdisciplinary and Complexity used to prevent heart disease, Perspective details the control hospital infection, experiences of Newcastle understand the global academics in developing and pharmaceutical industlY, and in applying social science AIDS prevention. The final section concepts and methods to of the book features clinical and population health comprehensive reviews of research. Written by Nick epidemiological and qualitative Higginbotham, Glenn Albrecht study deSigns and methtxis. and Linda Connor, with "The book reflec.ts a key aim contributions from Julie Byles, of health social science, which is to Dick Heller, Kate D'Este, Carla define new and produc.tive ways to Treloar, Ann Saul, Jenny work across the many diSCiplines At the left): authors Linda Connor, Nick Higginbotham and Glenn Porteous and Sonia Freeman, and he-dlth problems that make up Albrecht, with ABC presellter Nonnan Swan (holding book) this is the first textbook to the field of population he-.alth comprehensively define the research," Nick Higginbotham said. health practitioners and health Oxford University Press, was field of health social science. "TIle volume is of practical use to adv()(" Shaping a nation by removing street kids Farewell John Nineteenth-centuIY middle physical and athletic successor. For the past 20 ye-dfS,John cias..'.;Australia removed 'neglected' In the decade or so prior to Freund has provided the University boys from their working class roots World War I, Martin argues, this with photographic selVices. Many in a similar way to the later removal ideal took on an increasingly University staff have been framed of Aboriginal children in the militarist and nationalist bent, within the viewfmder ofJohn's 'Stolen Generation', says Newcastle with disastrous consequences. camera and immortalised in one of historian Dr Martin Crotty. Respectable society sought to the thousands of photographs he In his first book, Making the press its ideals down the scx:ial captured of the life of the Australian Male, Middle-Class scale, attacking working-class ideas University,John has retired from Masculinity 1870-1920, Martin of manlines..<;. Writing about the the University to enjoy other examines changing ide-dis of boy rescue organisations of the late pursuits and I am sure all staff wish Australian manliness duting a nineteenth centllIY, Martin says him well in his retirement. crucial 50-year period in our middle-class movements sought to photographic services to histoIY and argues that middle instill a respectable manliness into Martin Crotty suPJX>rtmarketing, publications and class society moulded its idealised boys from across a class divide advertising will in future be Austrdlian male in an ever-shifting "rescuing" street boys considered some homes by members of the coordinated through the Marketing response to the times. to be living in 'reeking filth and rescue movement<; was an attempt and Media Services Unit. All The well-mannered, sin'. Many hundreds were 'rescued' to remove the ri<;ing genef'dtion as a enquiries for photographic supJX>rt intellectual, Christian male wa.s and sent to 'respectable' homes in means of stamping out a resistant should now be directed to M&MS. 'respectable' society's reaction to the country where their 'moral and culture," Mattin writes. Cllitiadand~hphctogrnpWc the fear of convict taint, but this industrial training' was undertaken. Making the Australian Male, services provided by staff based in meek and feminine ideal was "In a similar sort of way to Middle-Class Masculinity 1870- the David Maddison Building and nlpidly supplanted from the 1870s the attempts made to stamp out 1920 is published by Melbourne John Hunter Hospital will not be onwards by a much more rugged, Aboriginal rulnlre, the invasion of University Press. affected by this change. UNINEWS Page 17 Major scholarship to study architecture overseas University's Architecture Reunion present a record and sketches of last year. his travels to the University and the Eric Parker was the ftrst architectural pmfession at tbe 2002 pennanent teacher of architecture Parker dinner." at the University, aniving in 1957. Andrew Donaldson says he is He later became the University's looking forward to the opportunity. ftrst architect and planner. 'Til he focusing mainly on Bob Donaldson, Head of the modem archittxture, but will also Department of Architecture (and inspect some older works in Paris no relation to Andrew), says the and mher palt<; of Europe." scholarship allows the student to Andrew was officially spend between tIrree montl1S and announced as tIle scholalship one year overseas studying winner at the Eric Parker Memorial architecture. Ditmer, held at tIle Universily Club "Eric Parker always eanied a on August 11. Bob Donaldson's sketch book with him, and tIlis book, Architecture Newcastle. scholarship requires Andrew to Preserving its Education History, "vas sketch the buildings he visits also launched at the dinner. overse-.1S as a pennanent Anyone who contributes S50 or A third year student in the Twenty-ye-.u-ddAndrew impression of his tmvels," Bob more to tlle Parker scholarship Bachelor of Science (Architecture) Donalcl'ion has been selected fwm .5..'lid. "Andrew has chosen to spend fund will be given a copy of the has won a major scholarship to 27 applicant" as the winner of the his time in the USA, England, book. To donate or for infonnation study architecture around the Elic Parker Memorial Scholarship, Pari.s, Spain, Gennany, Austria and contact Bob on e).1 '5787 or email wotiel. which was established at the Japan. On his retum, he will [email protected]"'astle.edu.au. Letter to the Editor Sue and I would like to thank into noodle recipes. The letters, have time to look for a house to position. As expected the weather has been hot, cold, free7.ing, all that wished us well for OUf cards and emails I received were all buy. Our temporary digs on move to Melboumc. The farewell appreciated. aniving at La Trobe were in velY beautiful in hourly cycles. dinner held in the Brcrman Room I have attempted to write luxurious University Thankyou again for all your was a wonderful night for us and personally to many people and this accommcxlation tIlat oliginally best wishes and we hope to see the generosity of those who letter is a lazy way of coveling a fOllned palt of a large psychiatric you if YOli venture to the deep, attended and who cOIlttibuted [0 collective thankyoll. hospital (perhaps they knew a tl1ing cbnk, d'll"k south. the lx.Ultifui O(xxlle oowls and the Our news! We have organised or two about the new arrivals). La David Finlay John Earle painting is very much rental accommodation in Balwyn Trobe has been very welcoming Dean Faculty ofScience, appreciated. I am about to launch North for six months in order to and the pace has been frenetic (and TechnologyandEngineering enjoyable) since taking up tlle laTrobe University Remnants of Green Remllallts ofGreen was created environment. After the graduate environmental awareness of along with the historical by wildlife illustrators Herbelt exhibition at the Hunter Institute loss of rainforest habitat. documentation of the project, Heinrich and Anne Young of Higher Education, it was Kangaroo Press commissioned into a book, which has been (Llewellyn) as a postgmduate displayed at the 19HB Newcastle Heinrich and Young (Llewellyn) exhibited at University of project that visually documented Show and subsequently bEx.'ame a to write a children's book Queensland, TechTrain the rainforests of the Hunter permanent exhibit in the around the artwork (published Conference (Creativity Exhibit). Region. It incolporated large Newcastle Regional Museum 1989). The Remnants ofGreeu book was watercolours, together with anylics opened during 1988 bicentennial Over the 12 years of its life in displayed in the Foyer on paper, photography, movie mm, celebrations. the Museum, Remllants ofGreen Exhibition Space of the Design envirorunental sound recording..<;, The Hunter Institute of was used as an interpretive tool Building during August and will resin castings of collected organic Higher Education reproduced the for student groups. The go on show at Macquarie material, and tree sculpture, all set major altworks as greeting surviving altworks have been University Biological Sciences in a simulated rainforest cards and a poster for compacted and assembled, Museum and ANIl'vlALmagic this month. Page 18 UNINEWS Faculty of Engineering Safety Committee faculty's departments, and manage the scheme. by Dr Sh4lm Maiming • Safety Audits combines a mix of academic • Building evacuations To continually improve the (aNing Hazard Watch Saftty Officer) and general staff. The • First aid officers safety management system in Teaching and research representatives are: • Development and the Faculty, the committee has activities in the Factllty of • Tim Wylie - L1b adoption of a Faculty safety recommended the appointment of Engineering inevitably prcxluce an Manager, Computer and document. a dedicated Engineering Faculty extensive variety of hazards. Some Electrical Engineering Ongoing concerns relate to Safety Officer to work in support of the hazardous equipment • Geoff Martin - Lab providing safety to pedestrians of the PVC and the Safety include., overhead crdnes, forklifts, Manager, Computer Science negotiating roads and paths, and Conunittee. The Safety Officer will large tensile!compressive test and Software Engineering adequate lighting in car patks. coordinate the Faculty's safety machines and a variety of rotlting • Dr Eric Kennedy Theconmtitteeac~asa initiatives, ensure legislative machineI)'. In many buildings there Senior Lecturer, Chemical forum for raising safety concerns, compliance and work with tlle also exists substantial chemical, Engineering and all staff in the Faculty are University'S He-"lth and Safety unit. electrical, biological and manual • Dr Renhu Pan encouraged to raise safety issues A number of issues being handling hazards. De<;pite the Lecturer, Mechanical with their supervisors, and to raise considered by the Safety extent of the hazards, risks are Engineering any unresolved issues with dle Committee arise from the generally contmlled to acceptable • Dr Shaun Matming committee. expansion of the Faculty of levels. Pmfessional Engineer, Civil, Effectiveness of the Engineering as part of the nle fIrst faculty-wide Slllveying & Environmental Committee relies on members University rest11.lcture.1be larger coordination of risk management Engineering. fmding dle time to implement Faculty will involve more staff and came about by the fonTIation of The Conunittee has met strategies including monitoring, more individual buildings, with a the Faculty of Engineering Safety regularly since its inception, and controlling and reviewing the risk number of buildings located Committee in 2000. The Dean of has perfonned the functions of management scheme. This is often outside the traditional Engineering Engineering, Professor Adrian identifying safety issues and made difficult by work "cluster". Despite such challenges, Page, chairs the conunittee. TI1e focusing on solutions. Some of commitments, and because of the the Safety Committee will strive to conunittee is made up of the areas of concern that have Significant level of OH&S continually improve its safety representatives from each of the been tackled are: expertise required to effectively management system. University captures leading literary journal The University is bringing a postgraduate research around its presence will involve the Faculty For sale Significant cultuml icon to Newcastle its interest'). much more directly than before in Used in "Our Town" by supporting the new series of one A passionate believer in the production, dissemination and production, two wooden trellis of Austmlia 's leading litemry journals. quality literature, Ivor says: "No discussion of gocxl WIiting, as well type gardenarche.<;, as new, $75 The new series of HEAT, a area of knowledge need remain as in local, national ancl each. Four bentwcxxl chairs $65 paperback bcx:Jk-Iength journal of remote or too specialised if the international networks of writers, each. Contacl Foveaux Kirby, distinctive fiction, essays, comment, writing is good enough to carry publishers and critics," John says. Dmma Dept, ext 8665. poetry, art and photography, was it to the reader. HEAT is aimed FireandSbadowsstrikingred launched in Newcastle onJuly 18. at the wide audience of people and blue cover was designed by For rent Contributors [0 the first edition who enjoy writing that is Harry William<;on, whose Charlestown, Oceanview of tile new series, called Fireand committed, irmovative and achievements include the Mawson Parade - two or three bedroom Shadow, include some of Australia's adventurous." $100 note. original art deeo cement rendered most renowned authors, poets and HEAT was launched by Although HEAT is a literary house in bush setting. Includes old artists including David Malouf, Louis ProfessorJohn Ratnsland, Dean journal, it is published in book piano and wcx:xJ combustion Nowra, Beverley Fanner, Eva Sallis of the Faculty of Arts and foml (254 pages) and is available frreplace, with some furniture and Judith Beveridge. Social Science, and through bookshops and by aVdilable if needed, home .security HEAT was established in 1996 by distinguished poet Robert Gmy subscription. Cost is $23.95 or $40 plus spadous lockup garage. $185 a fonner editor of Southerly, Ivor on July 18 at the Watt Space for an annual subSCription (two week for six months lease and Indyk. The University has appointed Galleries. issues). SubSCription inquiries oond required. Available mid Ivor as a Senior Research Acadentic "I have encouraged and should be directed to Dr Indyk, September. Long term tenancy with a twofold brief - to edit and sponsored the move of HEAT, email [email protected] preferred. Contact Irene on publish the new series of HEAT and which remains self-funded, to visit the website at 49421884 (or leave a message). to encourage and supervise the University and believe that www.mytX)Stoox.com/heat. UNINEWS Page 19 The University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sandra will work with Bureau Convention Organiser Ruth Appleby to Newcastle City Council to collaborate in promoting Newcastle as a leading maximise the number of conferences they can attract, thereby providing destination for conferences and conventions. an economic boost to the region. She says one possible strategy would be to provide kits to academic staff travelling to conferences that would assist The MoU, signed by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Roger Holmes and the them to promote Newcastle for subsequent conferences. lord Mayor Councillor John Tate on July 25, recognises that University staff are potential generators of significant levels of conference business. It "Staff are high-end users of conferences and we hope they will ad as agrees that the University will work with the City to encourage staff and ambassadors for the city and the University," she said. "The Bureau is departments to bring their academic conferences to Newcastle. available to help people who want to bid for conferences and have worked with staff in the past to stage successful events both on and off campus." The Vice-Chancellor says the agreement with the city will help the University to attract conferences to Newcastle. Sandra says that anyone planning to bid for or organise a conference can get valuable assistance organising the million and one things necessary "The MoU is another step in the strengthening relationship between for success through her office or the Tourism and Convention Bureau. the University and the community it serves," he said. "By cooperating For a conference checklist or help in booking facilities or accommodation, to encourage national and international conferences to Newcastle, we are contact Sandra on 4921 6665 or Facility Hire Coordinator Clare Nader on raising the profile of the University and showcasing its facilities to a wider 4921 6664. To view the University's conference policy go to audience, as well as promoting the region's appeal as a holiday destination." WWN.newcastle.edu.au/cwis/Admin/ppe/policy/facilities-policy.htm. Senior Facilities Officer (Space Management) Sandra Jones says the University attracts more than 80,000 people to its Callaghan campus each year through Facility Hire (Space Management) bookings. "We view the visitors as prospective students, whose first experience of their future University might be through a ballet eisteddfod when they are children," she said. "The University's facilities have the capacity and the high-tech audio-visual technology required by modern conferences and the MoU means we will be working more closely with the Newcastle Tourism and Convention Bureau to devise strategies to attract conferences." Special Education Centre This is your 'FIRSTCHANCE' to help turn disability into ability Ou.]siolnl,y ii r!lild 1:..'110 i~as extra challcllfJC's is born into OUI community. Maybe they ale diagnosed '.vith a disability like DO'A'n syndrome, cerebral palsy, "LJtl~lll disorde~s, ADHD O~ emotional dlsorder~, Of COUf:,e such a child \vill bring a lot of joy to their families but they can also increase the common diffiCl;lties faced by other families lilankfullj' there is a pfocJram that (JIl nelp families of j'oung children '.vith disabilities right here on campus. Firstchance is the registered charity that supports the \\'ork of the SpecrJI Education Centre, a dynamic part of the University's training, resealTh and community service. The early childhood 11lt('f\.'(,~ltlon facillt:es CIt the centre cater annually for the needs of more than 140 families. Thirty 01 he!" families v,'ho are not able to access the centre plOgWIlS reCl'iw' '.':'eekly home visits. file Outreach Proglam supports the inteuration ,md inclusion of over 100 youl1CJ children "vith additional needs Into tileil IOG,1 Pdrl)' childhood centle r:l~tcllaIlCe is appealing to l'ou nmv because ":e 2.re faced v,lith a situation unique in tile history of the Centre, Increased referrals of young children vvith diagnosed disabilities mean that I,ve arc unable to provide a selvice for a lal-ge number of families I,·vho remain on our waiting list. Although ','.-'0 have the space and facilities to pro'/ide extra prOljfJflh I"ve do not have enough,funds to meet their very high running costs. By conating a smCll1 SIII11 of Illolley flOIll you' fortnightly pay YOU can help children to participate in a program which Will help them to reach their full potC'ntlal. Your ciOlidtiol1 is tax deductible. I FIR ST C HAN eE' Salary Deduction Authorisation Please return to firstchance, special education centre, university of newcastle Employee 110 Department: _____ Home address Please deduct S Per fortnight from my salary Si{]l1ature