alumni magazine summer 2002

Paul Bishop A day in the life of a Blue Heeler plus…

Discovery gives plants healing powers 10 steps to advance your career Time management: Tips for beating the clock Gifted children: Intelligent Ironies

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 1 19/2/02, 9:15 AM A new look and Contents feel for QUT volume [5] number[1]

he university thanks those alumni who took the time to Tparticipate in our 2001 QUT Links reader survey. Your Plants play key role in bio-breakthrough ...... 1 feedback helped us drive some important changes to your alumni magazine. News roundup ...... 2 You told us you wanted to see, or access, more: What’s in the air we breathe?...... 3 current research, especially that which could be applied in your work or home; Villagers benefit from nursing program ...... 4 knowledge, experts and facilities at QUT;

Tissue engingeering speeds healing ...... 4 the latest information about issues of concern to you; education opportunities to help further Legal-ease ...... 5 or change your career; and

10 steps to advance your career ...... 6 what’s going on at QUT and where the university is headed. Women face re-balancing act...... 7 To meet some of these needs, QUT Links will feature more cutting-edge research, plenty of useful information as Meet our latest Rhodes Scholar, a man of vision ...... 8 well as some issues-based and lifestyle stories.

Lavery conquers waves of change ...... 9 We have also redesigned the publication to reflect the increasingly diverse interests of the 100,000+ alumni who have studied or taught at QUT or one of its many predecessor Beating the clock … tips for better time management...... 10 institutions. COVER STORY: We hope that you enjoy your new QUT Links alumni magazine and that we continue to live up to your Go on set with Blue Heelers star Paul Bishop ...... 12 expectations.

Intelligent ironies ...... 14 If you would like to offer further feedback, suggest future stories or be the person to ask the Vice-Chancellor a few

Graduate helps smooth the road to Beijing ...... 17 questions, please contact us: [email protected] Nutrition the key to preventing weight 07 3864 2361 loss in cancer patients ...... 18 OR Inactivity and poor nutrition weighing us down ...... 18 The Editor Research aids prostrate cancer fight...... 19 QUT Links QUT Corporate Communication Department Early diagnosis improves survival chances...... 19 GPO Box 2434 BRISBANE QLD 4001

Vision 2020: Industrial design portfolio ...... 20 Can’t wait for your next Alumni news ...... 21 edition of QUT Links?

Keep in touch...... 22 You can visit one of these three university websites to keep up to date: Ask the Vice-Chancellor ...... Inside Back Cover QUT’s latest news at http://www.corpcomm.qut.edu.au/releases What’s On at QUT at http://www.whatson.qut.edu.au QUT Links is published by the Corporate Communication and Department of Queensland University of Technology, in Your QUT Alumni Online Community at co-operation with the QUT Alumni Relations Unit. Design http://www.qut.onlinecommunity.com and production QUT’s Publications Unit. Designer: Michael Kuhn. Edited by Trina McLellan. Photography: Tony Phillips and Suzanne Prestwidge. Editorial material is gathered from a range of sources and does not necessarily reflect the opinions and policies of QUT.

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 2 19/2/02, 9:15 AM Plants play key Proteins important role in bio-breakthrough in medicine can now be produced at a fraction of the cost thanks to new technology patented by QUT

Margaret Lawson “INPACT technology allows us to pro- proteins meaning their cheaper equiva- duce proteins where and when we want lents will be an attractive export. ew technology that will allow them and in large amounts,” Dale says. Dale says local primary industries Nhealing antibodies and vaccines “It will mean proteins can be pro- will particularly benefit from the new to be custom-grown by plants duced for between one tenth and one business, which is set to enter its com- has been developed and patented by hundredth of their current cost.” mercial phase soon with the launch of researchers at QUT. Dale says INPACT technology works Farmacule. The discovery means many impor- by replacing one of a plant’s protein- “We will contract local farmers to tant proteins – like insulin and human producing genes with a gene “trained” grow the protein-producing crops and growth hormones – can be produced to create the desired proteins instead. these crops will probably be able to locally at a fraction of their current cost. A range of plants is suitable for attract a price of two to three times that It will also create a molecular farming this job, he says, including bananas and of food crops,” Dale says. industry for Queensland, with QUT set to tobacco, from which the proteins can be “So it will be a very attractive launch a spin-off company, Farmacule, to extracted for commercial uses. sideline for some of Queensland’s top commercialise the discovery. “Our technology is unique in that primary producers.” QUT Science Faculty research director we can choose which part of the Dale says that, in light of some con- Professor James Dale, who made the dis- plant makes the protein, which is cerns surrounding genetic engineering, covery, says the INPACT (In-Plant Activa- less draining for the plant and there- the protein crops will either be grown tion) technology can replace many of the fore more efficient,” Dale says. in isolation or will be sterile to ensure traditional, time-consuming and expensive The discovery is expected to signal “genetic containment”. processes currently used to make proteins the start of a multi-million dollar industry The proteins harvested from these for medical and industrial use. in Queensland, with a looming world- plants, he says, will be structurally iden- wide shortage of medical and industrial tical to animal-produced proteins. ■

More information: [email protected]

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230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 1 19/2/02, 9:15 AM newsr undup

Commercial law professor Vice-Chancellor’s QUT senior podiatry lecturer Alan joins ASIC portrait unveiled Crawford says as a result of Coleman’s study tour practising Australian clinicians QUT Law Faculty Professor Berna Collier A portrait of QUT’s Vice-Chancellor, will be provided with a reliable and has been appointed as a full-time Professor Dennis Gibson, by Australia’s affordable measuring tool that will member of the Australian Securities and foremost portrait painter, Robert enhance health outcomes for patients Investments Commission (ASIC) for the Hannaford, was recently unveiled at the suffering lower-limb vascular disease. coming three years. QUT Art Museum. Professor Collier’s move to ASIC, where Based in Adelaide, Robert Hannaford was she will serve with chairman David chosen from a group of seven well- Exclusive course offered at Knott and deputy chair Jillian Segal, has known portrait painters to undertake the Caboolture study centre returned the commission’s membership commission. QUT is offering a new course to three. QUT Art Museum senior curator Stephen exclusively in Caboolture, after being A spokeswoman for the Federal Treasurer Rainbird says the portrait not only awarded 80 special Commonwealth- says Professor Collier’s skills and successfully captures a “very good funded student places. experience will be of great benefit to likeness” of the Vice-Chancellor, but also Professor Ruth Matchett, who is ASIC, particularly with a number of major captures his character. overseeing QUT’s northern corridor corporate investigations under way. “He has caught Professor Gibson with development, says Caboolture students For several years Professor Collier has a characteristic expression – it has a are being offered a unique course, been Clayton Utz Professor of Commercial contemplative, pensive quality,” Rainbird Business Information Management, Law in the Law Faculty at QUT. She says. “So not only is it technically very which combines business and IT has also been the faculty’s co-director of good, but it portrays his individual subjects. its Centre for Commercial and Property character very well.” “We believe we will produce multi- Law and a consultant with Clayton Utz, skilled individuals who will be able Brisbane. to work in a range of business and industry settings,” Matchett says. “We Faculty welcomes will be developing a special recruitment strategy in collaboration with North bio-business expert Point TAFE and the 17 schools in the Taking QUT’s scientific endeavours to the Caboolture area.” “top end of town” is a challenge right up She says QUT will share administrative Dr David Wyatt’s alley. staff with TAFE but appoint its own As the founder of Brisbane-based teaching staff. biotechnology success PanBio – and with a successful career in new venture investment – the university’s newest Science lecturers design adjunct professor is no stranger to ‘paperless’ classroom Brisbane’s business community. Two science staff members have taken Which is why the former outstanding a big step towards creating a paperless alumnus was the logical choice when the classroom at QUT, with the opening of Faculty of Science went looking for a the university’s first electronic science “bio-business” expert to lead its charge teaching laboratory at Gardens Point. into this increasingly competitive area. The high-tech E Block laboratory – in Wyatt’s new position sees him directing which notes and materials are delivered the faculty’s academic programs in to students on electronic touch screens biotechnology – including the Bachelor instead of on paper – is unique in that of Biotechnology Innovation – as well as it can double as both a forensic science assisting staff members who want to see and an electronics lab. their research “go commercial”. Costing around $500,000, the lab The latter will probably be the most features a smart theatre set-up that can exciting challenge for the scientist project from microscope and ultrasound and former QUT lecturer who turned equipment, a sliding wall system to entrepreneur out of a desire to “make Former QUT podiatrist wins display life-sized crime scenes, as well exciting things happen relatively quickly”. as chemical- and water-resistant touch Churchill Fellowship screens which can be operated by “I see this area as an exciting, growing The former clinical supervisor in QUT’s gloved hands. opportunity, and my role as being able Podiatry Clinic, Cliff Coleman, is one of to put something back into this industry,” School of Physical Sciences senior this year’s 101 Australians set to join the Wyatt says. “One thing I would like to lecturer Dr Serge Kokot says lecturers ranks of Churchill Fellows. try to set up is a bio-incubation process can file material for students to use – a process of (taking) ideas incubation Churchill Fellowships provide financial during experiments, which then appears and technology incubation through to support to enable Australians from all in an interactive format like a web business incubation here at QUT.” walks of life to undertake a period of browser. overseas study, or an investigative project “This works well for forensics because that cannot be readily undertaken in we can examine dangerous or unsafe Australia. materials like ballistics and blood stains As part of his fellowship, Coleman is to on the screen and not have to accom- visit North America and Europe on a study modate them in the lab,” Kokot says. tour where he plans to master clinical The facility can also be used for assessment techniques for measuring blood external forensic seminars. flow through leg arteries.

summer 2002 page 2 QUT

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 2 19/2/02, 9:16 AM What’s in the air we breathe?

Toni Chambers A world-class research team is taking QUT to the

ir pollution causes more deaths forefront of global efforts to reduce the risk of polluted Aand health problems worldwide air in indoor and outdoor settings than malaria and tuberculosis, sparking the need for an international research effort to reduce the risks. it is a very high priority for the World QUT has one of the top research Health Organisation.” teams in the world investigating air pol- Director of QUT’s Environmental lution and is forging a link with the World Aerosol Laboratory Associate Professor Health Organisation (WHO) to reduce the Lidia Morawska says the new centre health effects of air pollution. will provide an information base for Through the new International Centre local, national and international bodies of Air Quality and Health, QUT will to better protect human health from air evaluate people’s total exposure to pollution. air pollution – from indoor, outdoor “When working with the WHO, one and occupational sources – in different aspect is the big picture, for example, to regions of the world. develop a model of how many people Dr Dietrich Schwela from the WHO’s in developing countries are affected by Department of Protection of Human mass open fire burning,” Morawska says. Environment recently visited QUT to dis- “However, this sort of model is not cuss the establishment of the collabora- useful for providing solutions, so we’re tive centre. emphasising to the WHO that it’s very According to Schwela, up to important to go from those big assess- 2.5 million people die every year from ments down to national, regional and indoor air pollution and up to 500,000 local problems. die from outdoor air pollution. “This work will also benefit Austral- did you know? “The worst areas are in India, from ian cities because, although our research- burning wood and camel dung, China, ers have gathered some data, it does not The quality of the air people breathe inside office buildings in urban areas from its use of coal, and Africa,” he says. yet paint a full picture of the extent of of Brisbane is almost as poor as “And 20 per cent of the 750 million the problem in Australia. outdoor air and consists primarily cases of respiratory disease every year “We still cannot answer questions of vehicle emissions? The QUT are also either caused or exacerbated by like how much risk people are taking study showed that ventilation systems designed to protect office workers air pollution. by standing at a bus stop or walking to were only reducing outdoor pollution “As a result, further quantifying the prob- work along a certain road.” ■ by 34 per cent. lem and working out ways of minimising

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230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 3 19/2/02, 9:16 AM Carmen Myler Toni Chambers and Margaret Lawson Villagers Tissue engineering spee benefit from peedier recovery and longer-last- nursing Sing rehabilitation for post-operative patients may be within reach after recent discoveries by QUT’s tissue engi- neering team. program The first discovery may aid wound healing by using a special combination of n a culture where responsibility for proteins that can potentially repair tissue Inursing older people lies with fami- twice as fast as the body’s natural system. lies rather than the health care system, Dr Zee Upton and Dr David Leaves- carers and aged people from one Indo- ley – both from QUT’s Centre for Molec- nesian village are finding support from ular Biotechnology – have found a way PhD student Junaiti Sahar’s work. to assemble naturally occurring proteins Based in QUT’s School of Nursing, in a complex outside the body. Sahar says her research involves estab- “When tissue cells are damaged, a lishing and monitoring effects of commu- number of repair mechanisms are in- nity and aged-care intervention programs voked,” Leavesley explains. among 240 people from the villages “Initial experiments indicate that if of Tanah Baru and Beiji in the Depok we put proteins present in the blood Municipality of Indonesia. together in a certain way we can accel- The study’s purpose is to improve the erate the growth of skin cells. health status of older people living in the “This suggests the complex might be community through development and able to be used to influence the rate and testing of a family carers’ training program. type of healing we can get. This program trains carers in the com- “What we’ve got is absolutely natural plexities of looking after older people products and what we’ve done is assemble and encourages them to take advantage them in a combination that targets repair of local health services. in a better way than exists in the body.” A World Health Organisation scholar QUT has a provisional patent over and lecturer from the University of the protein combination and it will be Indonesia, Sahar says family carers in developed into a complex for injecting Indonesia often have little experience or into or applying to wounds. knowledge of the ageing process and its The researchers believe the complex associated issues. will help speed up the repair of major “In the family carer training pro- wounds from burns, accidents or major gram, we run workshops and lectures surgery, the healing of chronic ulcers in areas of personal care, mental health in diabetics and bedridden patients, in older people and physical health con- skin grafting, coating on orthopaedic cerns and how to cope with them.” implants and in tissue engineering to Nurses from the University of Indo- make replacement tissues. nesia and local health centre visit older Another biomaterial recently invented replacements and other orthopaedic people and their carers in their homes by researchers at QUT may benefit treatments to patients’ bones. to review work done in the training pro- patients who have had joint replace- Wei says current joint replacements gram, give practical demonstrations and ments by accelerating bone formation. frequently failed after 10 to 15 years – undertake health assessments and inter- The discovery by Centre for Rehabili- often because of loosening in the bond views. tation, Science and Engineering postdoc- between the implant and the bone – Sahar says preliminary results indicate toral fellow Dr Mei Wei, pictured, and requiring a new replacement joint. a “significant improvement” in the health colleagues in the School of Life Sciences “Initial tests showed the new status of the older people involved and in is a combination of natural and synthetic substance was so much better than carers’ knowledge, skills and attitudes. compounds that stimulates bones to grow existing orthopaedic materials, it could She aims for this model to become and attach onto implants more efficiently significantly extend the life of most joint an alternative program that can be imple- than current methods. replacements,” Wei says. mented in community health nursing. ■ The new compound is being “We also found that the substance developed into a coating to bond joint promotes a good healing response from

More information: [email protected] summer 2002 page 4 QUT

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 4 19/2/02, 9:16 AM eeds healing Legal -ease

Welcome to our new, regular column Legal-ease, where we discuss areas of the law relevant to our readers. This edition we ask Iyla Davies* all about pre-nuptial agreements.

QL: What are pre-nuptial agreements? ID: Pre-nuptial agreements are entered into by couples who are about to marry and who wish to detail and regulate their financial relationship both during marriage and in the event of death, separation or divorce.

QL: How long have pre-nuptial agreements been in use in Australia? ID: Pre-nuptial agreements have been in use in Australia for many years, although they only became enforceable and binding through amendments to the Family Law Act passed on December 27, 2000. Largely because of the non- binding nature of the agreements and an attitude in Australia that they take the romance out of marriage, pre-nuptial agreements have not been popular. However, it appears anecdotally that the number of agreements has increased since they became enforceable.

QL: Who should consider entering into a pre-nuptial agreement? ID: Pre-nuptial agreements are not for everyone. For example, they are not usu- ally considered by young couples or those with little wealth. Interest in the agreements usually comes from people marrying for a second time and who wish to preserve assets for their own or their children’s benefit; in cases where there is a vast disparity in the assets of the couples; and where rural properties or assets have been held by the family of one of the parties for generations and the family is anxious to ensure their preservation.

QL: Why should couples consider entering into pre-nuptial agreements? ID: More than 40 per cent of marriages in Australia end in divorce, so the agree- ments ensure assets are protected. It could, however, prevent the failure of some marriages because it encourages couples to talk about money and their plans for the future prior to marriage rather than finding out down the track that their plans don’t match.

QL: Can pre-nuptial agreements be revised at any stage of a marriage?

the body and in the lab it stimulates ID: Lawyers will usually recommend that couples, particularly young couples, bone cells to grow and heal faster than insert a ‘sunset clause’ into the agreement. This clause ensures that the parties re-negotiate the terms of the agreement every five years to ensure that it still the best currently used material.” reflects their wishes in changed circumstances. Wei says in the near future QUT’s tissue engineering team hopes to extend QL: What steps should couples take if they are interested in entering into the laboratory-based trials of the com- pre-nuptial agreements? pound, in collaboration with QUT’s Pro- ID: Couples should consult a solicitor who specialises in family law (the Queens- fessor of Orthopaedic Research and land Law Society can help). Community organisations, such as Relationships other clinicians at Brisbane’s Prince Australia, also offer couples help with the drafting of pre-nuptial agreements. Charles Hospital. However, consultations should take place at least six months prior to the mar- She says the compound, which is riage ceremony or, as US lawyers warn, “not within earshot of the wedding bells”! ■ awaiting patent approval, could be in general use within five years. ■ * Iyla Davies is a senior lecturer and co-ordinator of family law in QUT’s Law Faculty and an alumnus of QIT. She is also Queensland president of Relationships Australia, national co-ordinator of the Family Law Teachers Interest Group, and sits on the specialist accreditation board of the Queensland Law Society.

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230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 5 19/2/02, 9:16 AM Looking for a raise?

10 steps to advance your

Margaret Lawson Send your boss a monthly update of 6. Keep up-to-date with your progress and achievements. developments in your field ou’re hard-working, punctual, great Read widely and become involved 2. Develop partnerships when at what you do and you’ve been in your professional body. This will Y necessary in your position long enough to give you the ability to recognise the It’s rare to find any person who has know that no one else could do it better. future direction of the field and to be all the knowledge and skills necessary People are always telling you what a aware of any skill development you to excel in every area of their work. good job you’re doing – not to mention will need. It’s also a great opportu- It can be a strength to acknowledge that you’re the one your bosses always nity to share ideas with others, form areas where you don’t have expertise turn to in sticky situations. partnerships and network with valu- and suggest partnerships with others So, what are they waiting for? Surely, able contacts. it’s time you deserved a pay rise or maybe who do. This shows you’re a team even promotion. Right? Not necessarily. player and a leader. Strategic partner- 7. Maintain technical literacy Getting promoted in today’s work ships can result in a better outcome. Don’t be the technical dinosaur in the office. Technology is the means environment is no longer the time-hon- 3. Develop your interpersonal skills to access knowledge, so don’t get oured claim of the loyal employee, This is one of the most difficult left behind. Set some time aside according to career development expert skills to improve, but is one of every few months to keep up to Wendy Patton. the most important in team-focused date with software developments or Patton – an associate professor in workplaces. Take advantage of the system changes. Formal courses are QUT’s School of Learning and Develop- range of professional development also a good idea if you’re in a posi- ment – says that, far from being a right- seminars available on topics such as tion where you need to evaluate or of-passage, moving up is more difficult conflict management or team build- buy new technology. than ever in today’s work environment. ing, depending on your needs. “Just being in an organisation for a 8. Look for opportunities to advance 4. Learn how to network long period of time used to mean pro- your duties Network both within your organi- motion,” Patton says. “Today, it’s a per- Are you working to your job descrip- sation and outside it. Establish pro- son’s visible achievements that get them tion or are you extending yourself? fessional friendships and keep your promoted, not their longevity.” If you don’t want to stay where eyes open for opportunities, but not Patton – who is the author of three you are, you have to put in that just for yourself. Be prepared to books and several papers on career bit extra. Look for extra duties – help others without the expectation development (and has herself been pro- and make sure the boss knows that of return. Getting yourself known moted twice) – says that while there is you’re putting in the effort. no certain way to gain that elusive step will open doors. 9. Maintain an up-to-date resume of up, there are ways to put yourself in 5. Maintain your skills and skills and qualifications there with a shot. qualifications All your achievements won’t count Here are Patton’s top 10 tips: Show your employer that you are if you don’t remember them. Write committed to developing your skills 1. Learn to market yourself everything down regularly and try by enrolling for formal and informal But do it through your actions “not to quantify your accomplishments to training. “Lifelong learning” means words only”. Let your boss know show your boss what you’re worth. about your achievements in a way that you stay sharp and always have that gives tangible evidence about a range of skills and qualifications 10. Recognise the need for change your abilities. If a client or colleague to draw on. Organisations are looking for vibrant, sends positive feedback, pass it on. forward-thinking individuals. Show

More information: [email protected] summer 2002 page 6 QUT

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 6 19/2/02, 9:16 AM Women face re-balancing In Australia, women are legally entitled to be paid the same rate as men for the act same job. But, in reality, that’s not happening and new research is pointing to women’s inability to negotiate better deals for themselves.

Toni Chambers workplace in her role as senior executive consultant at Effective Negotiation Serv- hirty years on from the start of Ger- ices (ENS) International. ur career Tmaine Greer’s fight for women’s She says women are capable of being rights, Australian women are still effective negotiators when they are advo- fighting for things as basic as equal pay cating for others or on behalf of their you can look to the future, prepare for and accept change when it for equal work. organisation, but are reluctant to negoti- happens. If you can show that you Dr Kerry Brown from QUT’s School ate on their own behalf in matters such can anticipate and embrace new of Management studied the public sector as their pay or promotion. developments, you’ll be the one in Western Australia and found women Part of the reason for men’s chosen to lead others who can’t. were clustered at the bottom of the negotiating strength, she adds, is that And finally – if you’re stuck in career hierarchy in male-dominated agencies. they engage in “shadow negotiation” – limbo and can’t take the wait any more – However, in female-dominated agencies, a parallel negotiation in which parties there’s always hope elsewhere. Because men were evenly spread throughout work out how they are going to negoti- the words “career path” no longer refer all levels. ate, the terms of their relationship and to a long-term relationship with just Brown also found employees in male- their expectations. one organisation, looking for promo- dominated agencies receive 3 per cent “It’s the negotiation that occurs before tion beyond your current employer is more than the average wage increase the formal at-the-table negotiation and another option. while employees in female-dominated it’s the sort of thing that happens on the “People today have portfolio careers agencies receive 3 per cent less. golf course,” she says with a laugh. and we no longer have to be stuck The Australian Management Institute’s Women, Guthrie says, need to start within the confines of one job,” Patton 2000 National Salary Survey also found getting better at playing the same game, says. “If you’re adaptable to change, women in key managerial roles receive, starting with the language they use. have good interpersonal and network- in some cases, only two-thirds of the pay “Men tend to more naturally use ing skills, and the qualifications and of males doing exactly the same job. terms like ‘results’ and ‘achieve’ whereas experience that you can market, those QUT MBA student Annie Guthrie women will tend to talk in terms of attributes will take you anywhere.” ■ believes one of the important con- ‘we’ and ‘the team’ and ‘partnerships’, a tributing factors to these figures may language that has become theoretically be that women are not as effective at important, but in the end doesn’t neces- Could you help someone new to negotiating better deals for themselves sarily have the same influencing power,” your profession advance their as men. she says. “Women also tend to use tenta- career? Guthrie trains women and men tive language such as ‘maybe’, ‘perhaps’ ■ To join QUT’s career mentor scheme in how to better negotiate in the and ‘suppose’.” that matches final-year students Total Salary Package Position Male ($p.a.) Female ($p.a.) Differential with practising professionals, call Marketing Manager $89,859 $69,303 -23% Kelly Meaney on 07 3864 2687. Sales Manager $79,939 $53,398 -33% Administration Manager $66,889 $50,424 -25% Post your organisation’s job Branch Manager $83,407 $59,872 -28% vacancies on-line at QUT to offer Accountant $61,682 $49,146 -20% vacation or graduate positions to Technical Sales Rep. $68,671 $44,559 -35% our students. Email Sales Clerk $41,099 $35,150 -14% [email protected] or Purchasing Clerk $42,969 $32,730 -24% fax 07 3864 2368. Source: National Salary Survey 2000 conducted by the Australian Institute of Management (NSW) Limited

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230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 7 19/2/02, 9:17 AM Meet our latest Rhodes scholar, a man of vision

Toni Chambers But his father, Barry – who laughs at the University of Queensland, allowing and jokes with his son and wife Margaret him to pursue a career in ophthalmology. t only 24 years of age, Christopher (pictured above) as photos are being He leaves for Oxford later this year ALayton has been described as a taken – says it’s all his son’s success. to work at the Nuffield Laboratory of modern-day Fred Hollows. “He works incredibly hard and is up Ophthalmology which is involved in the He was the QUT university medallist until 2am almost every day. He’s driven development of the retinal prosthesis or in 1998, graduated from the Bachelor by the desire to excel at everything he’s the “artificial eye”. of Applied Science (Optometry) with involved with,” he says. “The project represents the most first-class honours after achieving a “My wife and I work long hours, so complicated and dramatic marriage of grade point average of 6.9, and was the I guess the example’s been set. We’ve medicine, physiology and engineering Faculty of Health’s valedictorian. also supported him along the way, but ever attempted,” he says. “It’s also the One of his greatest achievements he passed us a long time ago.” ‘holy grail of ophthalmology’ – the cure to date, however, is being named as Layton won the judges over with of irreversible blindness caused by such Queensland’s Rhodes Scholar for 2002. his determination to restore sight to the diseases as glaucoma. It was the second time he’d been world’s poor. “I also hope to bring what I learn interviewed for the right to study at Eng- “When I was at the QUT clinic – back to Australia. In Queensland, we land’s Oxford University. which is the best of its kind in the world have a sunny environment, an ageing “Because it was my second time – I saw a lot of people with irreversible population and a large Indigenous pop- I was really surprised. I was stoked that blindness and the effect that a small ulation who are at a very high risk of they picked me,” he says. change can make on their life and to developing irreversible blindness. “My parents were happier than I them being an active member of society,” “The research would have a dramatic was. I owe almost everything to them, he says. effect on the health of the nation.” so this is partly their success.” Layton is now in his final year of a Layton has already begun helping Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery people suffering blindness.

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230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 8 19/2/02, 9:17 AM Toni Chambers

Lavery conquers ack in the 1960s, Peter Lavery was waves of change Ba typical young actor. He had his sights set on star- dom and would never have dreamed that he would become an Australian leader in drama education. Lavery recalls that it was in 1970 – sharing the stage with well-known West End actor Ray Duparc in a Queensland Theatre Company production playing in Rockhampton – that he had a revelation about his future career direction. “Ray was such a good actor, he’d played the West End for years and years and there he was slogging it out in Rock- hampton. It’s funny but there was this gnawing feeling in me that there were of Drama in Education through the Board better things to do with drama than just of Secondary School Studies. He also be an actor,” he says. helped to establish the National Associa- “In a backhanded way, I thank a fine tion of Drama in Education. artist who I worked with for motivating By the 1980s, when he gave up presi- my development in educational drama.” dency of that organisation, he had taken In the 1960s, when Lavery began his educational drama from non-existence to acting career, professional theatre was being a stand-alone discipline and a prin- being established in Queensland. cipal teaching area. “That’s the time when they built the But his role in pioneering drama Twelfth Night Theatre, the SGIO Theatre education did not stop in the 1980s. and the Schonell Theatre, so it marked He then became head of the drama the beginning of a boom in the arts that department with the establishment of the really continued through to the 1970s,” says Brisbane College of Advanced Education Professor Lavery, now director of Creative (BCAE). In 2002, he plans to travel to Nepal Industries advancement at QUT. “There was a huge development with Vision Care Nepal distributing 4,000 “In the 70s there was the establish- agenda – when I started we didn’t even pairs of glasses to people in need. ment of La Boite and, of course, a lot of have drama as a secondary teaching area, He says there are 300 million blind Australian writers were coming to the so we just built and built and then we people worldwide, with three-quarters fore, so it was quite an exciting time for introduced degrees and by the end of the of them forced to suffer a loss of vision the arts, going from amateur status and decade we were offering honours and because they can’t afford to buy spectacles. being very English into professionalism masters degrees in drama,” he recalls. On being compared to Fred Hollows, and becoming distinctively Australian.” What followed was the amalgamation Layton remains modest: “Fred Hollows His calling in drama education devel- of BCAE with QIT to become QUT, and was a great Australian who had some oped during his years in the United in July last year, the introduction of the great achievements, I am flattered by any Kingdom from 1970 to 1975 when he Faculty of Creative Industries – where he comparison with him and I hope I can live undertook postgraduate studies and went has another pioneering role. up to it.” ■ on to head up drama in a new commu- “As I look back on the things I’ve nity college. been involved in, it always seems to have did you know? When he returned to Queensland, edu- been on the cusp of change and being cational drama was in an embryonic state. prepared to take a risk and trusting judg- Chris Layton is the third QUT Lavery is now recognised for pioneer- ment, and developing emerging direc- graduate to be selected as a Queensland Rhodes Scholar in the ing the subsequent development that sees tions,” Lavery admits. past four years. Medical Engineering drama education in Queensland schools “I hope that, as technology redefines student Tom Ward was selected recognised for its leading international the arts and other aspects of the econ- to study at Oxford University last reputation. omy, I remain passionately committed year and law graduate Ben White was named the Queensland Rhodes He was also instrumental, through to our work by remaining grounded in Scholar for 1999. the Colleges of Advanced Education, in doing things which relate to what is hap- establishing the Queensland Association pening out there in the real world.” ■

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230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 9 19/2/02, 9:17 AM 12 11 1 Trina McLellanMcLellan 10 2

Beating the clock… tips for better time management

If there never seems to be enough hours in the day or if there is something you are just aching to achieve if only you had the time, perhaps you need to do some serious thinking about how you organise your days

hether you are ment, Sargent is researching Wworking for your- work team effectiveness, stress self, for someone and stress management. Stu- else or simply trying to juggle dents in one of her under- a growing number of home graduate classes, Personal and and career responsibilities, Professional Development, more effective use of your spend a couple of weeks time is likely to provide you examining time- and self-man- with some valuable breathing agement issues. space. “Part of managing your- Having completed her self and being efficacious PhD through the University of concerns time use,” Sargent Toronto in the area of work explains. “There is plenty of transitions and careers, Dr research evidence now about Leisa Sargent is an organisa- self-management, self-moni- tional behaviour expert who toring, self-set goals and seek- tise your day to meet that pri- lectures at QUT. ing feedback.” ority first”. As an active member of She adds there are a Ironically, Sargent says, the Australian Centre for Stra- few guiding principles – like couples – especially those tegic Management and the goal-setting, firm self-talk and with children – are more place to have, Sargent insists, co-ordinator of QUT’s Master learning to delegate – but, likely to impose useful “struc- although she concedes that of Business (human resource when it comes to feeling tural boundaries” when it those in professional positions management) course, Sargent overwhelmed by the number comes to juggling diverse tend to have greater discre- is herself a busy person who of things being dealt with responsibilities and, hence, tion about how they organise watches how she spends her simultaneously, “it’s how you often manage their time better and spend their time. time, at work and after hours. interpret or perceive it more than singles, who are inclined “Women still have dual “It’s a matter of balance than reality”. to have less permanent roles, though, and structural and willpower,” Sargent To those who feel they boundaries and are at greater changes in organisations have admits, “you cannot afford cannot manage all that is risk of becoming consumed often meant the workload is the luxury of time-wasters or going on around them, Sar- by work. intensifying,” Sargent notes, procrastination.” gent suggests they go back Efficient use of time has “so you have to be pretty Based in the Business to what is most important to always been an important smart about how you manage Faculty’s School of Manage- them personally “and priori- skill for those in the work- yourself.”

summer 2002 page 10 QUT

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 10 19/2/02, 9:17 AM Active Resources

Sargent says the best “I’ve found you have to Which sites? way to deal with a raft of aim to only handle corre- time management and personal development competing tasks in what spondence once, so I deal seems a shrinking timeframe with phone and email mes- www.mindtools.com is to undertake an honest sages as soon as I get them www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/homemgt/nf172.htm appraisal of what you’re doing and I try to file regularly,” she www.johnsleigh.com.au and ask: says with a knowing smile, www.bigtimes.co.uk How do you spend your admitting filing is something www.balancetime.com/article-month.htm working days? that should be a daily task for families How do you prioritise because it can quickly get out www.jugglezine.com your work? of hand. betweenfriends.vjungle.com/time.htm How do you eliminate And as for larger, repeti- thechalkboard.com/Corporations/DayRunner/lessons time-wasters and tive tasks – like marking 300 procrastination? assignments in a week – Sar- for those wanting to study How do you effectively gent recommends “chunking” www.yorku.ca/admin/cdc/lsp/tm/time.htm fill up “wait time”? the project and attacking it just for fun How do you approach in blocks interspersed with www.queendom.com/tests/career/ daily, weekly or longer- other activities. time_management.html term goal-setting? Becoming the office’s – “It can be a matter of or the home’s – most time- AltaVista and Google search engines were used to compile this list spending a moment at efficient member can have its the end of each day downsides, Sargent admits. Which books? noting three simple “Especially when you are things to be done busy and someone, maybe First Things First: To Live, To Love, To Learn, To Leave the next day and your boss, asks you to do A Legacy by S.R. Covey, A.R. Merrill & R.R. Merrill (Simon & Schuster, 1994.) then you start yet another thing, learn to to find the first explain what you are already The Overwhelmed Person’s Guide To Time Management hour of each doing and to negotiate what by R. Eisenberg, K. Kelly (Plume, 1997.) day is struc- can be shed or delegated if Resource Management For Individuals And Families by tured and the new task is essential,” she E.B. Goldsmith (West Publishing Company, 1996.) you’re off to advises. Smart Guide To Managing Your Time by L. Rogak a good start,” Some of the most time- (Cader Books, 1999.) Sargent says. poor people Sargent meets The above is a selection from around 100 different time management Once you are executives who are also titles currently held in the QUT Library. Alumni can re-join the QUT identify areas for MBA students, many with Library for a discounted annual membership fee of $75.00 (+GST) at attention, accept the demanding jobs, home and any time by contacting the Alumni Office on 3864 1837 for an need for change family responsibilities, study identification card which can be presented as proof of graduation. and embrace small commitments and their own This associate membership allows you to borrow materials, but does but important new health and welfare to not include Internet access, e-mail or access to research databases. behavioural repertoires, manage. For more details, contact the Loans Desk (3864 2717 at GP, 3864 3376 at KG or 3864 4634 at Carseldine). Sargent says, the results and While it may seem daunt- the benefits will come. ing in an already busy “It will allow you to bal- schedule, Sargent says, it ance competing priorities and is especially important for achieve your goals, freeing people who are this busy to up time for different types exercise. of activities in the day,” she “Without exercise, you get explains. “I also prioritise into a dangerous place where tasks, ‘A’ for today, ‘B’ for this you sacrifice the very activity week and ‘C’ to be done in that keeps you healthy,” she the next couple of weeks. says, recommending early “I know, for instance, morning exercise for those I have had to become more who have limited control over careful with how I handle the rest of their day because correspondence,” she admits, of dynamic or turbulent work looking wryly around an environments. ■ office that is dotted with boxes containing materials for each of the subjects she teaches.

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230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 11 19/2/02, 11:04 AM Toni Chambers

aul Bishop bounds in Pto the cafeteria at the Channel Seven studios in South Melbourne and his personality fills the almost empty room. It’s Monday, he’s spent the weekend interstate and has rushed in from the gym, unshaven and still in his tracksuit pants. Life as a cast member of the top-rating police drama Bishop still Blue Heelers is hectic. It’s technically a Monday- to-Friday job, but in order to film an episode every week, having the time 12-hour days are the norm. “It’s sort of got an ele- ment of all the benefits of a 9 to 5 job, and it’s one of of his life the jobs the coppers in the country are looking in the COVER STORY: Busy actor Paul Bishop relishes his role Police Gazette trying to find,” on one of the nation’s most popular drama programs Bishop says with a laugh. “The hours are okay, the “Seriously though, as an the then Brisbane College of and then a couple of times I pay is pretty good, you always actor, it’s amazing when it’s Advanced Education, had his fell on my face and really let catch the crook within 45 your episode, it’s like you’re sights set on being a marine myself down on stage and I minutes and you’re down the hot-wired to some sort of biologist. was a bit shocked because it pub and there’s no paper- massive computer and you’re “I spent a lot of time on actually hurt me – I’d lowered work. just working and then you go Moreton Bay and Stradbroke my expectations of myself,” home, look at your script, go Island and I was always fas- he said. to sleep, and get back up and cinated by the things that “My tutors told me I had do it again. came out of the sea because to commit to some hard “It’s rigorous, but it was a bit murky there,” he bloody work, so in second you learn that thing laughs. year I really did start to put where you pat your head His love of people and myself on the line a bit and and rub your tummy at doing drama at school learned a lot about myself. the same time. You get changed his mind, but he I became the sort of actor that good at time management admits he didn’t get really I think I still remain, eager and multi-tasking.” serious until the second year and enthusiastic.” Bishop, 36, who grew of the course. As he politely excuses up in Wynnum and before “I was a young thing, 18, himself from the interview to entering a drama course at and having a really good time scurry off to the dressing and

summersummer 2002 2002 QUTQUT

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 12 19/2/02, 11:05 AM so it’s quite a phenomenal “Ben and I both love experience to put your body our kids (Bishop and wife through”. Elise have two children Izalea As he walks the corridors and Oskar) in a way that’s of the Blue Heelers studio inexplicable and defines who pecking the second assistant we are, but he’s able to exert director on the cheek as he much more of the full extent goes and joking with the of the law than I personally do crew on set, you can tell he’s I think I’m more forgiving.” enjoying every minute of his As for his future with Blue work. Heelers and as an actor gen- He likes the challenge of erally, he’s philosophical. a TV role – he says the char- “Someone said the col- acter is not defined in the lective noun for a group of same way a character in a actors is a ‘whinge’ of actors play is – and he’s continually and if I become one of the discovering things about his perceived whingers I would Blue Heeler’s character, Ben, sooner get out because I as he is faced with new situ- don’t think that’s contribut- ations. ing anything positive to the Bishop says there are industry,” he says. some similarities between “As long as I can work himself and Ben, an ambitious with good scripts and good plain clothes police officer people, and feel as though who was sidelined, returned I’ve got something to contrib- to uniform duties and sent to ute and something to learn, I a country posting. will stay acting. If and when makeup rooms, calling his land Theatre Company, the “As the character Ben, I’m that changes, or if something agent on his mobile phone as John Bell Shakespeare Com- enjoying the day-to-day of comes along, like marine biol- he goes, it’s clear he’s com- pany and the Sydney working with a group of cop- ogy or nursing or something fortable with the pace and Theatre Company. pers who make the most of else that appeals more to me, isn’t afraid of hard work. “When you go on stage their situation and I suppose then that’s something I’ll have The work ethic is reflected you feel like you have wings we share that,” he reflects. to go with, but for the time in his career achievements – and, at times, you also want “As an actor, I’m revelling being I’m really loving it.” before signing up with Blue to have an adult nappy on in the opportunities coming We watch Bishop filming Heelers three years ago, he because it can be a nerve- my way. I feel somehow his segment and leave shortly was best known for his stage wracking feeling,” he says. blessed. I feel very fortunate. after he’s taken a break, but productions. “They actually equate the In my career, almost every as we walk off set, we find He has worked on more amount of adrenalin that you job I’ve had has had some him outside sitting on a stool than 40 plays for compa- use on an opening night sort of importance, it’s sort of hard at work, still trying to nies including the Queens- to having a car accident, spoken to me in a way.” contact his agent. ■

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230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 13 19/2/02, 11:05 AM

Intelligent ironies Being extremely gifted or talented is no guarantee of academic success. For some people, it can be a burden that has a huge impact on their lives.

Margaret Lawson school without ever having to do home- “I could pass without studying, so it work. seemed like a waste of time.” oyce Lee’s IQ puts him above 98 “I had always wondered why school It wasn’t until later, when Lee hit Rper cent of Australia’s population, was so easy,” Lee recalls. “I wasn’t the university that things started to go yet he is failing university. star student, but I could spend a lot wrong. This is hard to accept for the 28-year- of time doing other things, mucking A former office holder in high-IQ old architecture student who admits he around and having a good time and still society Mensa, he was unable to moti- went through primary and secondary get by. vate himself to do the work.

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230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 14 19/2/02, 11:06 AM

He didn’t complete assignments, and “Most importantly,” he says, “you Ideally, Watters says he would like started to fail subjects. His grade point need a strategy for identifying potential, to see an institution in every Australian average quickly slipped below a pass. and this is where the school system state to take responsibility for educating “I think I’d developed some very bad should be instrumental.” teachers about gifted education. habits by not having to work, and I was Potential, Watters notes, is not always He says this will only happen when ill-equipped for the amount of work that as easy for a teacher to notice as an the $4million Australian gifted education I had to do at university,” he reflects. eight-year-old doing algebra. budget is revised to be comparable to the “I know I have the ability, but I have He estimates that 3 per cent of tens of millions spent in Germany, Singa- never learned how to apply myself to school children may fit the commonly pore, Hungary or the United States. academic work.” “When funding is cut,” Watters Lee’s story of early potential and “Ideally, Watters says he would laments, “gifted education is one of the later troubles is not that unusual among first things to go, when it actually should gifted youth, according to experts. like to see an institution in every be getting more support.” QUT’s Dr Jim Watters, a senior edu- Australian state to take Pat Burgess, a volunteer with the cation lecturer and vice-president of the responsibility for educating Australian Association for Gifted and Queensland Association for Gifted and teachers about gifted education.” Talented Children, echoes Watters’ call Talented Children (QAGTC), says an for more funding to train teachers about inestimable number of gifted children gifted education. go on to later struggle when faced with accepted definition of intellectual gifted- As a mother who has seen her four academic challenges. ness – having an IQ above 130 – and, gifted sons go through the state school This is because the school system therefore, have potential. system, and also a former teacher, Bur- fails to support and challenge many However, like Lee, they may not gess has witnessed the best – and worst bright children, Watters says. stand out to their teachers as having – of how the system deals with gifted “For every child who is [recognised any particular abilities. Take the case of children. as] highly bright, there are maybe another Albert Einstein, Watters says. “All teachers should be trained to five or six who have the potential, but “He didn’t speak until he was three recognise giftedness and do something don’t develop the necessary learning years old,” he points out. about it … because, when the parents skills at school,” he says. “He wasn’t identified as gifted at try to bring their abilities to the teach- Watters warns that Australia is facing school, and he dropped out early. As er’s attention, they are labelled as pushy a three-fold problem in fostering intel- we all know now, he had great poten- parents,” she says. lectual giftedness: a lack of teacher tial and he made it on his own, as some Burgess says her son Anthony* was professional development, insufficient people will do. “picked on and his marks downgraded” funding for gifted education and “But we don’t know how many by a primary teacher because he cor- a national culture that discourages intel- could have made it if they were identi- rected the teacher’s mistakes. lectual achievement. fied, but weren’t.”

More information: http://www.fed.qut.edu.au/watters/Gifted/Giftedbookmarks.htm

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230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 15 19/2/02, 11:06 AM “One day Anthony just got to the point where he said ‘if I’m going to be in trouble all the time, I might as well do something to deserve it’,” Burgess recalls. She says her son began to develop behavioural problems that continued to get worse when he reached high school. Anthony didn’t finish his education. “He just came home one day and refused to go back, and that was it.” Burgess believes good teaching is definitely a part of the solution for chil- dren like Anthony, so she visits Queens- land schools to raise awareness among teachers and to share her experiences. She also helps staff a help-line for the QAGTC to answer questions from curious, worried and sometimes “I think it should be done as part of At the moment, Watters says, it is up frazzled parents. teacher training, and that way all teach- to organisations like the Australian Asso- “You have to look for the signs and, ers would know something about it.” ciation for Gifted and Talented Children, importantly, know what to look for,” This recommendation was also put Mensa and individual schools and teach- she says. forward in the Senate Report on the ers to manage the education of gifted With a minority of gifted children Education of Gifted and Talented Chil- children. – like one four-year-old who learned dren released in October 2001. And what of the role of parents? multiplication by counting bricks in the The report also called for more “It can be hard for parents of gifted backyard – the signs can be obvious. research and funding for gifted children, because many don’t realise But, Burgess says, less apparent signs education, as well as for giftedness to their child is different until they get into such as sleeplessness, unquenchable be included in definitions of “special the school system,” Watters says. curiosity and perfectionism – particu- needs” children. “That’s why it’s so important for larly children who will not finish tasks But the report also noted that a teachers, with support from the school because they cannot do them perfectly major obstacle to achieving funding and system, to identify, co-ordinate and pro- – can also indicate giftedness. progress was that negative attitudes and vide enrichment for these children.” Others include seeking the company mistaken beliefs about gifted children Burgess says her main regret about of older children, or being labelled as seem to be widespread. her son’s education is that she did not bored or apathetic by teachers or nerds In other words, it is just not in the follow her instincts and remove him by other students. Australian ethos to uphold the intellec- from the school where his problems Burgess contends that a further edu- tually gifted. started. cation in a program like a graduate cer- According to Royce Lee, it is an “I just didn’t know at the time. What tificate in gifted education, which she attitude he knows too well. can you do if the school system is saying completed at the University of New “It doesn’t gain you anything in Aus- that you – the child’s mother – is wrong, South Wales, would make the difference tralia to be an intelligent or gifted child,” and is interfering?” in helping teacher awareness. he says. She now passionately advises par- “When you get teachers into a class “Other countries take a more nurtur- ents who suspect they have a gifted or like this, the transformation can be amaz- ing approach to intelligent children, but talented child to “fight if necessary”. ing. Many started out incredibly negative in Australia you’re a nerd and it’s not a Otherwise, she warns, they may end about the whole issue, and came back on good thing or something you’d want to up giving up like her son – who now a crusade for gifted children.” achieve.” has permanent mental health problems But not all teachers agree compul- Watters agrees. – or like Lee, who has spent much of the sory postgraduate education is neces- “We’re dealing with a cultural atti- past decade at university and still hasn’t sarily a workable solution. tude on one side that sees giftedness as completed his degree. Former maths and science teacher an endowment that the person doesn’t “Don’t leave your child in a class Martin Dorney taught secondary stu- need any support for – the tall poppies or a school if they’re unhappy or dents for 14 years, and concedes that, thing – but we forget the trauma that underachieving,” Burgess says. while there is room for improvement in many people have just being accepted “Ask for extension activities or, if the area, extra compulsory study is not for what they are,” he says. acceleration is an option, do it as soon the answer. “We can rectify this, but not while as possible, before the child has the “If you made it compulsory for the amount of money spent on one chance to switch off. teachers to do a graduate certificate in Olympic gold medal represents the “After they’ve switched off it’s very gifted education, would they also have entire Australian budget for gifted hard to turn them back on again.” ■ to do a graduate certificate in education education over 10 years.” * Name altered to protect child’s privacy. for poor learners, and so on?” he asks.

More information: [email protected] summer 2002 page 16 QUT

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 16 19/2/02, 11:06 AM Zhen helps smooth the road to Beijing

Preparations for any Olympic Games are always extensive and China’s first Olympics will be no exception, with health and medical research and health promotion strategies already being formulated with the help of QUT graduate Zhen Xiaozhen

Trina McLellan She has since helped draw together QUT air quality expert Associate QUT, the BHMB and Queensland Health Professor Lidia Morawska says one big teps being taken to prepare for the in a partnership that is set to address challenge facing Beijing will be to dra- S2008 Beijing Olympic Games will key health and medical issues in the matically reduce airborne pollutants. present some rare research opportu- 13 million-strong city in the run up to 2008. Morawska heads up a research team nities for QUT, thanks to Master of Health With the recent signing of a mem- that is about to form the International Science graduate Zhen Xiaozhen. orandum of understanding, research- Centre of Air Quality and Health under Zhen works in a small team that is ers based in QUT’s School of Public the auspices of the WHO. She is also preparing the way for a formal organis- Health and its School of Physical and president of the International Society of ing committee for 2008 that will come Chemical Sciences are set to get some Indoor Air Quality and Climate. into being later this year. rare opportunities. Pollution research work to be done The World Health Organisation (WHO) “They will be able to conduct exten- for Beijing is likely to include measure- fellowship student was completing the sive before and after checks on a ment of the city’s air for gaseous pol- second year of her studies at QUT’s School very large population to assess the lutants, various trace elements, chemical of Public Health when she was invited to effectiveness of particular interventions compounds, toxins, irritants, carcino- attend a meeting of China’s bid commit- and public health promotion strategies,” gens as well as particulates. tee in Sydney after the Olympic Games Zhen explains. And, with a budget of somewhere in December 2000 in preparation for the Head of QUT’s School of Public around $A20billion to clean up the Chi- upcoming IOC evaluation. Health, Professor Brian Oldenburg, says nese capital before the Olympic Games, The very next day – with the bless- the university will initially provide edu- the city is likely to see long-term health ing of her employer, the Beijing Munici- cation and training to some of Beijing’s benefits for its population from its efforts. pal Health Bureau (BHMB) – she was 160,000 healthcare staff in the areas of Meanwhile, Zhen will conduct research “lent” to the bid committee on a full- health services management, health care herself, as she completes doctorate stud- time basis. finance and chronic disease prevention ies on a part-time basis with QUT’s School Her first role was to prepare impor- and management. of Public Health with Dr Zonghan Zhu – tant health-related statistics that formed Health and environment issues that the director-general of the BMHB – as one part of her country’s presentation to the will need to be researched, Zhen adds, of her supervisors. ■ International Olympic Committee. Then, include drinking water, food safety, in July of last year, when Beijing was sanitation, first aid, disaster manage- announced as the successful candidate, ment, air pollution, emergency serv- Zhen was co-opted into her present role. ices preparedness and doping.

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230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 17 19/2/02, 11:06 AM Nutrition the key to preventing weight loss in cancer patients

Toni Chambers

n Western countries, cancer is the Isecond leading cause of death. But, interestingly, 20 per cent of cancer patients die from the effects of Inactivity and poor nutrition malnutrition rather than the cancer itself and anorexia occurs in at least half of newly diagnosed cancer patients. weighing us down Associate Professor Sandra Capra from QUT’s School of Public Health Carmen Myler the Inner Brisbane Community Learning says chemotherapy and radiation used Association to enact a local solution to to treat cancers cause a range of prob- t is widely acknowledged that this global problem. lems including nausea and vomiting, I Australians are getting fatter and Four mornings each week during altered taste and smell and learned food around 55 per cent of the nation’s school term, Cambourne and a team of aversions. adults are categorised as being over- volunteers collect between 25 and 40 “It’s a surprise for many people weight or obese. children from various points in West End when they learn these figures because Recent estimates suggest the propor- to undertake a 4km walk to school. our common image of malnutrition is tion of children in this category is now The program enables the children to small children with swollen abdomens,” as high as one in four. walk in a safe environment and they are she says. “But it’s a serious problem – Associate Professor Andrew Hills living proof that exercise can be incor- malnutrition not only impacts on mor- from QUT’s School of Human Move- porated into daily activities without too bidity and mortality for these people, ment Studies believes the root of many much effort. but also leads to a lower quality of life adult health problems lies in childhood Cambourne says the children and self-image. inactivity. responded so enthusiastically to the pro- “They feel weak and tired and this “As adults get busier, there are less gram, that she adapted it to become impacts on their ability to carry out traditional opportunities for kids to be a “walk-to-pool” program during the normal daily activities.” active and stimulate their own activity,” summer holidays. Capra says nutritional supplements Hills says. Early this year, the program was also and counselling has been found to “The consequences of that are that extended to incorporate a nutritional reverse the effects of cancer treatment we’re seeing adult-related health prob- aspect rather than focusing solely on and prevent severe weight loss. lems – and problems that used to be activity. QUT staff and students were recently isolated to the adult population – in “We’re providing the kids with a part of an international trial to investi- younger people.” healthy breakfast when they get to gate whether giving people with pan- These health problems include school, incorporating Weet-Bix, milk creatic cancer a drink containing fish type-2 diabetes, joint problems such as and fresh fruit,” Hills says. oils could prevent weight and muscle osteoarthritis and movement difficulties, “We’re also going to bring together loss. as well as cardiovascular problems such parents and community members from “The trial showed promise and as high blood lipids, high cholesterol a range of ethnic backgrounds to enjoy proves that nutrition interventions can and hypertension. a cultural food festival at which chefs make a difference in quality of life, lean Hills says it is up to people to take will cook meals from their menus and body mass and muscle and weight loss responsibility for their own health and we’ll demonstrate ways to modify them in people with pancreatic cancer,” Capra the health of their children by making to reduce fat content.” says. time in their hectic schedules for physi- Hills said his team would also pub- QUT has been involved in the area cal activity. lish guidelines for good nutrition in sev- for the past 10 years, devising ways of He and PhD student Brodie Cam- eral languages, with support from the detecting those at risk and how best to bourne – the proprietor of the Kidfit local community and Nutrition Australia. combine nutritional supplements with program that is based at QUT but oper- The program is being extended to include nutrition counselling. ■ ates throughout Brisbane – have joined more schools, thanks to funding from forces with West End State School and Sanitarium. ■ More information: [email protected] summer 2002 page 18 QUT

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 18 19/2/02, 11:06 AM Despite the statistics, prostate cancer receives a relatively small amount of research funding and as such is often referred to as the ‘forgotten disease’ Research aids prostate cancer fight

Toni Chambers “When the role of each gene is The Commonwealth Bank Australian known, a better test for the detection of Prostate Cancer Bioresource will operate t kills 2,500 Australian men every year, prostate cancer can be developed, along as a virtual bank, with physical storage I10,000 men are diagnosed with it and with drugs to inhibit their function and locations initially in Sydney and Adelaide. one in eight is at risk of developing it. new therapeutic treatments to replace However, researchers Australia-wide will It is prostate cancer, the most surgery.” access information on available tissue common form of cancer in men. Another development that is expected supplies from a website. ■ There are few known symptoms of to help is the commencement of Australia’s prostate cancer but many of the known first national prostate tumour tissue bank early symptoms are identical to those which will be co-ordinated from QUT. produced by benign enlargement of the prostate. The diagnostic test – known as the PSA test – is unreliable, and must Early diagnosis be confirmed by invasive and unpleas- ant rectal examinations. improves survival But a QUT research team headed chances by Associate Professor Judith Clements is leading the way in finding an alternative. Toni Chambers “The current test does not discrim- inate well between men with benign t’s hard to tell from his constant smiles enlargements and those that actually Iand laughs that Bill McHugh battled have cancer,” Clements says. prostate cancer just two years ago. What followed his diagnosis was “Some men have increased levels of But the 67-year-old is aware that the a six-week radiation program that can PSA in their blood but don’t have cancer ending to his story could have been quite often involve tiredness, a change and, at the other extreme, 30 per cent much different. of diet and incontinence. But, he says, of men who have prostate cancer don’t “I used to think I was detected early what helped him through the ordeal was have increased levels of PSA.” because I had no physical symptoms, the Prostate Cancer Support Network QUT has the only biotechnology but now I’d start calling it ‘timely’ rather and positive thinking. research team in Australia investigating than early,” he says. “In days gone by, cancer was a sen- a group of “marker” genes and proteins Not feeling very well generally, tence and the idea now is to tell you it’s called kallikreins, along with other McHugh went to a new doctor in 1999 only a word, but you do cope better by growth factors that may be responsible – not only did she diagnose him with being supported by people who have for the growth of prostate tumours. glandular fever but insisted he undergo a been through it,” he admits. That team has recently discovered series of unrelated tests. The 2000 South Australia Cancer Reg- seven new kallikrein genes present in A blood test result indicated the istry report shows that the five-year sur- prostate cells. need for further investigation for pros- vival rate after a diagnosis for prostate Clements says the genes can become tate cancer – a digital examination cancer has increased over the past 20 markers of early, or more aggressive and biopsy later confirmed that it was years, from 59.5 per cent in 1977-83 to cancers. advanced. 83 per cent in 1991-98. “There are two forms of prostate “If the doctor hadn’t introduced me McHugh says that, while the Prostate cancer – slow-growing and aggressive,” to the test I would have had symptoms Cancer Support Groups back research she explains. “Doctors want to use treat- down the track and the cancer could efforts to make the process of diagnosis ment that is appropriate to each type of have metastasised into the bone struc- and treatment better, education and cancer, but at the moment they can’t tell ture,” McHugh recalls. “I’ve seen men training of doctors and men in relation the difference between the bad and the die of metastasised cancer and it’s a very to prostate cancer, treatment options and not so bad forms. painful way of going out.” lifestyle choices are priorities. ■

More information: [email protected]

page 19

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 19 19/2/02, 11:06 AM Vision 2020

Industrial Design PORTFOLIO

Created in 2001 by teams of 3rd year graduating Bachelor of Built Environment (interior design) students

Magic Box Yennie Yohannes-Jong, Florentina Soemitro, Dominic Au

BLT – Bed, Lounge & Table Sarah Henry, Jacinta Siebert, Brooke Pollard

Booze Buggies Kathryn Martell, Lauren Barrell, Sarah Bladin

Photograhy: Leon Frainey summer 2002 page 20 page 20 QUT

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 20 19/2/02, 11:07 AM alumni

work activities or just meeting informally to offer help and guidance. Other Brisbane-based events last Events keep year and early in 2002 included thea- tre evenings and young alumni group meetings. One of the most successful events alumni busy in late 2001 was our golden graduates reunion that was attended by 180 people who graduated before 1951, as well as their family and friends. at home The reunion took place on a some- what damp November Sunday at the Gardens Pont campus. There were pharmacists and carpen- and ters, engineers and organic chemists, all of whom had studied at the Central Technical College (CTC). There was a large group of teachers abroad who had studied at various locations in and around the central city, includ- Julie Mannion ing Kelvin Grove, Turbot Street, Gregory Terrace and the CTC. he university’s alumni community Len Colville – who studied cabinet Tis flourishing, as graduates who agent-general in London, also attended making at the CTC between 1924 and attended a range of successful the function. 1929 and later worked as a teacher at the alumni events across Australia and over- Beverley Smith, executive services college – recalled the presence of sailing seas will testify. officer in the Office of Higher Education ships berthed along the south bank of the In late 2001, the Singapore Alumni in London says the event “proved to be Brisbane River – opposite the college. Chapter and the QUT Faculty of Busi- very successful”. Another golden graduate, Nan Dur- ness hosted a well-attended seminar on “Mr Dawson was very welcoming rans, completed her certificate of teach- crisis management, which was addressed and reminded graduates that Queens- ing at the Queensland Teachers Training by QUT graduate Justine Coleman and land House is a resource for all Queens- College in 1950 and later lectured in the head of QUT’s School of Manage- landers and he invited them to hold physical education at Kelvin Grove from ment, Professor Boris Kabanoff. other networking functions there,” Smith 1954 to 1988. “Crisis management is such a topical adds. She said viewing recent images of issue,” Kabanoff says. Here in Australia, there has been a QUT’s historic A Block precinct at Kelvin “The tragic events in North America host of well-attended gatherings. Grove, which has been given a facelift, and the economic downturn have had QUT’s growing community of grad- had made her “quite emotional”. a significant impact on the Singapore uates in Sydney gathered for pre-Christ- economy. Business graduates, in par- mas drinks at the Grace Hotel at an event Do you know an ticular, were very receptive to sharing organised by graduate Heath Mackay. ideas about handling crisis situations.” And, in Brisbane, QUT held a Career outstanding QUT Kabanoff says the meeting was Mentor Scheme reception in October last attended by more than 120 alumni and year attended by 120 mentors, students graduate? that the seminar was “a way of provid- and staff. If you know a graduate who has ing ongoing service to our graduates”. The scheme is managed by QUT’s made a significant contribution to “We like to show that we can still pro- Careers and Employment head, Col a profession and to the community, vide our alumni with interesting and useful McCowan. nominate that person now for educational involvement as well as on-going “QUT’s Mentor scheme connects the 2002 QUT Outstanding Alumni (Graduate) Awards. social links with their alma mater.” career mentors and students participat- QUT graduates were also well rep- ing in the mentor program,” McCowan All graduates of QUT, QIT, BCAE, CTC resented at a Queensland Universities explains. and their predecessor institutions are eligible. Alumni Function held at Queensland Graduates are encouraged to provide House, London, last October. support, an industry perspective and For more information and a nomination form contact Queensland Education Minister Anna encouragement to students, he says. 07 3864 2821, [email protected] Bligh attended the reception during Typical activities include “shadowing” or www.alumni.qut.edu.au her education mission to the UK. John a mentor at work, observing workplace Nominations close May 10. Dawson, the Queensland Government or professional meetings, participating in

page 21

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 21 19/2/02, 11:28 AM keep in touch

William (John) Archer Charles (Phil) Cullen Peter Downs based in Brisbane. [email protected] or BBus(Communication)(Hons) CertTeach 1945 MEd(Mathematics) 1987 0412 776 753. 1996; BBus(Journalism) 1995 Phil would like to inform After graduating, Peter took John founded Advanced 1944-1946 graduates of Kelvin a temporary teaching position Brad Fish Technical Publications Pty Ltd Grove Teachers’ Training at Nudgee Junior College. BBus 1988; CertCivilEng 1978 in 1999. The company now College that a meeting is held In 1991 he became the employs eight people and once a year at Orleigh Park, college’s deputy principal. The Brad is chief executive officer recently won the Sunshine West End, on the second following year he returned with Ports Corporation of Coast Export Excellence Wednesday of October. home to Sydney and took up Queensland, Brisbane. Award for Information and Visitors most welcome. the position of co-ordinator [email protected] or Communication Technology. [email protected] or of primary education at St 07 3224 7088. Most of its export activity 07 5524 6443. Patrick’s College, Strathfield, is to Indonesia, but ATP which he held for four years. Kylie Flack (nee Rickard) is establishing new markets Greta Dabrowski Peter then became involved BEd(In-Service) 1993; in other countries. ATP MEd 2000; in outreach education with an DipEd(Sec-Home Economics) specialises in the development BBus(Management) 1990 honorary position of itinerant 1990 and production of technical teacher to isolated students Towards the end of last After graduating, Kylie taught and training documentation in remote rural properties. in Cairns but returned to for industry, predominantly year, Greta was appointed This involved living in and to the new role in Boeing Brisbane in 1994 to get for the mining sector. tutoring students who had married and then worked with [email protected], Australia Limited of manager, no access to schools due to shared services. This central a group training company 07 5472 8285 or 0427 110 553. their remoteness. Last year for 18 months. In 1995 HR function provides a focus he started anew, teaching for recruitment, policy she returned to teaching Helen Besly English to mostly adult and taught at Kenmore State management and review, migrants and refugees. (nee Webby) compensation management, High School, later moving BBus(Communication) 1979 [email protected] or to the Sunshine Coast where corporate orientation and 0419 417 064. induction, and expatriate her husband’s family has Helen is general manager a sugar cane farm. Kylie of Brisbane public relations management. Carolyn Eaton [email protected], is on maternity leave from consultancy The Rowland (nee O’Neill) Tullawong State High School Company and has been 07 3306 3766 or 0421 056 795. AssocDipClinical Techniques with her second son. associated with Rowland since 07 5446 6583. 1996. Between 1988 and 1994 Di Davillas 1993 she was deputy managing DipEd(Sec-History) 1991 After graduating, Carolyn Jaclyn Fleming director of Burson Marsteller worked in the operating After graduating, Di joined in Hong Kong. Helen has theatres of the Royal Women’s BMusic 1999 The Heritage Hotel, Brisbane five children, including one Hospital and then the Royal (now the Stamford Plaza) Jaclyn was selected by the set of triplets aged 3. Brisbane Hospital until 1988. as part of its administration Queensland Premier’s [email protected], She went on to study for a management team. She later Department as the 2001 07 3229 4499 or 0413 628 479. ministry degree at the Bible joined Fidelio Australia, a official accompanist (on College of Queensland and hospitality software company. piano) to the ‘Queensland now works as a part-time Trina Bourke After fours years working Voices’ tour to Osaka, Japan. chaplain at Everton Park (nee Knudsen) as product manager, Di was The choir consisted of 17 State High School and youth AssocDipDance 1987 offered a position in the vocalists from South-East minister of St Jude’s Anglican software development office Queensland. Jaclyn works for Trina and her husband Patrick Church. Carolyn is keen to in Naples, Florida, US. She Education Queensland as a celebrated the birth of their catch up with people from has been in Florida since multi-instrumental teacher. first child, Emma, last her Lab Science (1990), Lab 1999 and is working with 07 3209 6737. September. Techniques (1991) and Fidelio’s global sales team [email protected] or Anaesthetics (1993) classes as a business analyst. Di Percy Fulcher 08 9403 3595. and also any friends from says it is a long way from CertTeach 1945 the Christian Student Group teaching but says she is having Tom Boyd during those years. After graduating from Kelvin fun. [email protected] or [email protected] Grove Teachers’ College, GradDipLegal Practice 2000 + 1 941 430 4184. or 0413 944 389. Percy went on to further study Tom is a solicitor with Blake and gained arts and science Dawson Waldron in Brisbane. Kylie Downes Christopher Elston degrees from the University [email protected] or LLB 1990 of Queensland as well as GradDipBus(Industrial 07 3259 7189. masters in education and in After graduating, Kylie worked Relations) 1982; arts (statistics) from Sydney Ariano Cella for Blake Dawson Waldron BBus(Management) 1980 for almost two years and University. He has taught in Since graduating, Chris has BBus(Accountancy) 1992 was admitted as a barrister public and private schools in furthered his academic studies Ariano is a sales representative in 1992. She obtained a Queensland and New South with an emphasis on human with Boral Masonry Ltd, Bachelor of Civil Law from Wales, including Brisbane relations as a function within Richlands. Oxford University and went Boys’ Grammar School and a business. He has held a [email protected] or on to lecture at the University The Kings School, Parramatta. number of senior corporate 07 3271 9292. of Buckingham, UK. Kylie Percy also lectured at the returned to Brisbane in 1996 human resource executive University of Technology, Theo Conomos and commenced practice as roles over the past 10 years Sydney in methods of teaching spanning such industries as mathematics and in pure BBus (Management) 1995 a barrister. [email protected], electricity supply, flour and applied mathematical Theo is store manager with 07 3360 3333 or 0419 785 852. milling, mining equipment and studies. He retired at 60 but Woolworths at Acacia Ridge. healthcare. Chris is the group continued part-time lecturing 07 3277 5571 or 0416 280 219. human resources manager for and teaching until he had a the Uniting Healthcare Group, stroke at 65. Now recovered,

summer 2002 page 22 QUT

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 22 19/2/02, 11:28 AM Percy lives happily in Sydney. Centre at the John Hunter Geoff Kelly into primary school physical [email protected] or Hospital, Rankin Park. BBus (Communication) 1979 education. This ignited an 02 9746 5369. Amanda says this is a big on-going interest in early step towards fulfilling her Last August Geoff launched childhood education. After Fraser Gifford lifelong dream of becoming his new consulting practice, gaining a Bachelor of Kelly Strategic Influence Pty BHealth Science 1999 a missionary, providing high Education, Janet has worked quality early childhood Ltd. A former president of The with various Brisbane state Fraser is an environmental programs in countries without Public Relations Institute of schools as a PE specialist and health officer with Queensland such facilities. Amanda thanks Victoria, Geoff has more than plans to return to study when Health and is based at her QUT lecturers who she 20 years’ experience managing her teenage children eat less! Redcliffe. says played an important and communication issues for 07 3856 2536. [email protected] pivotal role in this process. leaders at BHP, CRA, Coles or 07 3883 7480. 02 4932 3743 or 0414 851 429. Myer, the State Government Austin Mogha of Victoria, WRC Ltd and MEd 1994 Terry Harding Frank Hyam many other large- and medium-size organisations. Austin, a lecturer and head of MEd 1997 CertTeach 1952 He is undertaking research the mathematics department at Terry is principal of the After qualifying as a member into ways leaders can more Mzuzu University, in Malawi, Australian Christian Academy, of the Adult Group in 1952, effectively create and apply says he has achieved a lot by the largest home school Frank taught in primary and strategic influences. having two books published academy in Australia (with secondary schools in gkelly@kellystrategicinfluence. by the Oxford University more than 3,600 students). Queensland, in three German com.au or 03 9678 9218. Press, UK. He is working to help the education services in Bavaria [email protected] or community accept home and became a lecturer in Russell Krause + 265 333722. education and parents who 1969. He assists Masters and AssocDipArts(Theatre) 1987 choose this method of Doctoral candidates in Pamela Molloy educational practice for their Russell is managing director of bringing the quality of their BBus 1996 children. This work involves writing up to an appropriate Zest Factor, formerly Events & liaising with home educators standard for admission to Entertainment, an Pam originally trained as and the educational, legal those higher degrees. Frank entertainment consultancy that a teacher and taught in and bureaucratic sectors of has performed in a variety of has sent entertainers to New Queensland until 1994. After the community. This has led productions for stage, film and Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan graduating from QUT she to extensive domestic and television. He is a life member (for the Millennium moved to Canberra with the international travel, involving of the Australian Writers’ celebrations), Indonesia, Child Support Agency and is the training of parents in Guild. [email protected]. Thailand and all around business manager for Family home schooling as well as Australia. Planning ACT. Pam says that conference speaking work. Noel Jackson [email protected], working for a not-for-profit [email protected] or 07 3300 9900 or 0418 199 522. organisation in the community BAppSc 1991 07 3264 4125. sector is rewarding and After graduating, Noel gained Dr Lam Lai Sing teaches you to use resources Doug Hargreaves a graduate diploma and an MAppSc(Research) 2000 you never knew you had. BEng(Mech) 1975 honours degree from the [email protected] University of New South Wales Lai Sing’s masters thesis, or 02 6248 7979. Doug is associate professor before completing a masters “Origins and Development of and director of the Tribology degree in geology and lunar the Traditional Chinese Roof”, Tracy Mossop Research Concentration within geology at the Old Dominion was accepted for publication QUT’s School of Mechanical, by the world famous Edwin (nee Hordern) University in Virginia, US. He LLB 1989 Manufacturing and Medical has since worked for CSIRO Mellen Press of New York. He Engineering. His research and Geoimage Pty Ltd and was appointed deputy director Tracy has worked for the interests include the use of has lectured and/or tutored general of the International Legal Aid Office (Qld) for environmentally friendly at QUT, the University of Biographical Centre in the past 10 years, working lubricants in industry and Queensland and ODU. Noel Cambridge, UK, and deputy mostly for a few days a his teaching interests span is completing his PhD in governor of The American week so that she can look thermofluids and tribology. the area of lunar research Biographical Institute Research after her two young boys, Since graduating, Doug has at the University of Southern Association in August 2000. aged 4 and 7. She represents worked in the oil, refining Queensland. The ABI also presented Lai juvenile criminal law clients and sugar industries, obtaining [email protected] or Sing with its 2000 in Youth Legal Aid. In 1999 a Master of Science and a 07 3266 6324. commemorative medal in Tracy received the Legal Aid PhD from the University of recognition of his selection Office’s highest annual Award Leeds in the UK. Doug has Keith Johnston as Man of the Year for of Excellence for her work been with QUT for 14 years. outstanding community and MEngSc(CivilEng) 1998; in creating and developing [email protected] or professional achievement. BEng(Civil) 1993 an in-house legal advice tool 07 3864 2419. [email protected] or kit – an electronic library for Keith is involved in a technical + 852 2875 7109. solicitors giving advice in all Amanda Holt and engineering support areas of law. Tracy says she BTeach(Ext Child Care) 1997 capacity with Dindas Lew Janet Melius has been happily married to Australia, a national privately a non-lawyer for 11 years Amanda has been in the BEd(In-Service) 1994; owned wholesale timber and has used the benefit of early childhood field for 18 DipTeach 1973 operation based at Wynnum her advocacy and adversarial years, starting as a high school After graduating in the 1970s, that specialises in engineered skills at home to negotiate student and then becoming Janet taught secondary wood products and quite a few house renovations. a volunteer. After completing physical education for 10 preservative treatments. [email protected] TAFE courses she went on years before taking a career [email protected], or 07 3238 3221. to gain her degree and 07 3249 9888 or 0419 332 226. break to be a full-time mum recently obtained a long to three children. She returned desired position as director to work in 1990 and moved of Possum Place Child Care

page 23

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 23 19/2/02, 11:28 AM Charles (Chris) Mullins International Inc after serving staff communication with the other regions in Italy. GradDipEd 1996; BEd 1983; as chairman of directors of Commonwealth Bank, and [email protected] or + DipTeach 1982 Crime Stoppers Queensland has since been promoted to 328 672 7940. Ltd since 1997 and as the manager. Sandra says that she Chris is now living in the immediate past chairman of uses theories and knowledge UK, where two of his sons Sallyjane Walker directors of Crime Stoppers from her degree every day are working. After 27 years DipEducation(Primary) 1988 Australia Ltd. Jim is also and the communication, teaching full-time, Chris is president of the Victims of management and human Sallyjane lives on the Gold supply teaching in Essex. His Crime Association of resource subjects have proved Coast with her husband and spare time is taken up looking Queensland, an elected invaluable. After 20 years nine year old child, teaching after an enormous garden (at position he has held since of unsatisfying support roles, Year 7 at Arundel State School. least 2.5 acres) in rural Essex. 1999. [email protected] or Sandra says, QUT finally gave Last year she was a mentor + 016 2189 1304. 07 4632 3232. her the “leg-up” to a job she to a fourth-year QUT teaching student. [email protected] Lewis Newman loves! [email protected] or Tim Reid 02 9378 2509. or 07 5571 5595. BAppSc(Mathematics) 1989 GradCertManagement 1999 Lew has been with Sanitarium Garry Slik Irene Webb Tim is a partner in the Health Foods for 28 years, 16 BBus (Management & BA(Justice Studies) 1995 corporate group of Minter years in Brisbane and 12 years International Business) 2000 Ellison in Brisbane. He Previously a primary and high in Coorranbong, New South specialises in capital raising, Garry is a program manager school teacher, Irene took Wales, where he has been mergers and acquisitions, with Quality in Practice (QIP) up the position of education responsible for production financial services and at Milton. His role involves officer at a high security adult line technical support and securities law, and commercial co-ordinating a new correctional centre in 1994. quality control. He is working transactions, and acts for accreditation system for Since that time she has held on a masters in food many listed and unlisted optometrists throughout various positions in ministerial technology at the University corporations. Tim has a LLB Australia. He says it is an liaison, strategic policy and of Newcastle. (1990) and B.Com (1987) from exciting and challenging holds the position of manager [email protected] the University of Queensland position and one that would – policy and program services. or 02 4980 2777. [email protected], not have been achievable [email protected] or 07 3119 6000 or 0411 276 805. without QUT. Garry is 0414 616 909. Stephanie Oates interested in hearing from BMusic/BEd(Sec) 2000 Jane Ruane (nee Rogers) fellow course graduates. Colin Webber Stephanie says she is lucky to GradCertNursing (Critical [email protected] or 07 3876 Dip Sheep & Wool 1964 have her “dream” job working Care) 1998 6370. Colin is principal and licensee as a full-time specialist music After graduating, Jane gained of Webber & Associates Real teacher at West Moreton Philip Smith a permanent position in the Estate in Caloundra and would Anglican College, Karrabin. GradDipArts(Journalism) renal unit at Lismore Base like to hear from other [email protected] or 2000 Hospital. She was awarded wool-classing people from his 0411 240 918. a New South Wales Nurses Philip is involved in an graduating year. 07 5491 8821 Registration Board scholarship ambitious project to develop or 0418 712 870. Rachel Outen to attend an International a radio news service for BBus (Communication) 1999 Dialysis Conference in New United Christian Broadcasters Dale Whelan Rachel is communication Orleans, US, in February Australia. Drawing on five BEng(Mech) 1997 co-ordinator with McInnes 2001, which just happened years’ experience gained in Dale is employed as a Wilson Lawyers in Brisbane to coincide with the New establishing radio production project engineer and liaison and brings with her a broad Orleans Mardi Gras! Jane facilities for Adventist World officer with the Australian range of public relations has previously worked in Radio in various countries Army’s Engineering Agency experience including media emergency, coronary care and in Asia and Africa, he is (Land Engineering Agency). relations, corporate intensive care units. now using new skills and He also conducts liaison communication, issues [email protected] or 02 knowledge gained from his between the Agency’s staff management and government 6624 6006. degree at QUT to help and military and civilian relations. Rachel, a member organise a viable news service clients. A highlight of Dale’s of the Public Relations Ery Setiawan – UCB News – that is available career was his participation Institute of Australia, has MProject Management 1999 via satellite across Australia. in the Australian Defence worked within the public and UCB News will be partly Ery is an engineer, planner Force’s support of the 2000 private sectors such as Main sustained by subscriptions and controller with Multicon Sydney Olympic Games, Roads, Queensland Transport, from Rhema christian stations Corporation in Jakarta, where he was involved in Queensland Art Gallery and and other community stations. Indonesia, who is responsible capability development and Shandwick International. [email protected] or for high-rise building human resource management. [email protected] or 07 3808 6522. construction. [email protected] 07 3231 0694. or 03 9622 2845. [email protected] or Yasmine Strom + 6221 560 4823. Jim Parke BArts(Dance) 1997; LLM 1994; LLB 1992 Sandra Sinclair AssocDipDance 1994 Jim has been principal of BBus(Organisational Yasmine joined the the Toowoomba law firm Communication) 2000 contemporary dance Parke Lawyers since 1994. company, Corte Sconta, in Before her final exam, Sandra He is also a councillor on Milan in 1999. Since then she moved to Sydney to work the Toowoomba City Council, has performed in Stockholm, on the opening ceremony for where he chairs the Economic Venice (Teatro Fonda Mente the Olympics. She decided to Development Committee. Last Nuova), Florence and various stay in Sydney and started September he was elected as off as assistant manager in president of Crime Stoppers

summer 2002 page 24 QUT

230 343 Links Summer 2002.ind 24 19/2/02, 11:28 AM Ask the Vice-Chancellor with Rhodes Scholar Chris Layton

In a recent article in The Courier-Mail, In 1989, QUT became a university under an Act of Parliament University of Queensland humanities that gave it the power to do research for the first time, and to Q. academic Joe Siracusa denigrated the A. spend a part of its Commonwealth Grant on research activities. Dawkins Revolution of the 1980s. Over the past decade, QUT has steadily built up a research He felt the “newly anointed universities profile in terms of its publications, the generation of research leapt over the research culture that funding and expansion of research degree enrolments. I think would have taken 50 years to develop, we can take a lot of pride in these achievements. We are now and played at business instead”. How do in a performance-driven environment where research funding you feel about this and where is QUT’s from the Commonwealth is determined by research outputs. current research culture? I welcome this Government initiative because I believe that QUT will do much better in an environment where universities are funded on what they achieve rather than on acts of history that made them universities 50 years ago.

The success of QUT graduates has I think the achievements of the Rhodes scholars have been been particularly visible in the media a recognition of the quality and standing of QUT in the Q.lately and three out of the past four A. community, an endorsement of QUT’s reputation. We can all take Rhodes Scholars have come from the great pride in the fact that our students continue to gain these university. How have these successes glittering prizes. affected the standing and reputation of QUT in the wider community and how is this likely to affect undergraduate students in years to come?

How is QUT likely to change over the Over the next decade QUT will become increasingly global, next decade and how will this impact increasingly focused on lifelong learning for its graduates. Q. on the wider community? A. The nature of the student population will continue to change, as developments in technology open more doorways. However, contrary to popular belief, I am convinced that we will need more and more “high touch” initiatives along with the “high tech”. Basically, QUT will become a more important centre of innovation and excellence.

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