The University of Newcastle

ISSN 1032-2272 Number 16, November, 1990 Regi_OIl NB09461

University qfNewcastle scientists have made a breakthrough in cancer research. UN/NEWS interviewed Prqfessor Robert Burton and Dr Cheng Smart about their groundbreaking research. Details, Page 7.

**,*." •• *.**,.*._ •••• ,.*.*,***,* PISS H E (;JJlT,fOJd' AUC'H'"'UTY [, T IIRilR Y lJ:~, T V uF \J~'<,JC l\:"j'1 Ld;' /.._ ](J)1 **************,*.,.f****'****'*'* CONTENTS Concern for environment Research News A GLOBAL ISSUE cancer cells Breakthrough, P.7 The University ofNew castle may play a "Establishment of a Centre forEnviron­ key role in the study of the environment mental Management at the University of and provide possible long-term solutions Newcastle will draw on this data base, University \inks with CSIRO to environmental problems such as global seek to combine it with the research and Defence for Computer warming and the deterioration of the strength already in the University and Power Project, ozone layer. identity new areas for research priority. P.S The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Keith "The University of Newcastle is well Morgan, in his article on page 3, outlines placed to provide valuable research in the University's proposal to make the what is becoming a global trend in University's sporting Hunter Region a centre for such studies. environmental concern andmanagement" facilities expanded, "The Hunter Region offers an P.14 unmatched opportunity within Australia for a practicable environmental resource base," Professor Morgan said. Convocation News, "It has the most comprehensive data P.15 base on environmental, economic and social factors of any region in Australia. UNINEWS interviews Mrs Virginia Chadwick, NSW Minister for SChool Education and graduate of the University of Newcastle, Australian Geographic P.16 features studenfs' work Aviation graduates selected Students enrolled in the plant and wildlife illustration specialisation of the byQANTAS, Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) have been invited to submit their work to P.IS Australian Geographic for a poster feature in the magazine.

Editor lohn Armstrong, Itl/ormation and Public Relations Unit

COntributing Writers lohnMiner Keith Powell cae Pattison

Design and Artwork Bill Mitchell

Photography Instructional Media Unit

COver Picture Ms Angela Waller, Amanda Wilson and Ms Nicole Moore (pictured left to right) are three of the students who have been selected to illustrate butrerflies DeonOslond for the poster. Our stoty, and pictures of some of the illustrations to be published in Produced by Australian Geographic. appear on pages 22 and 23. Cogan Associates

Page 2 UNlNEWS

CENTRE FOR Environmental Management COULD LEAD THE WAY The University of Newcastle has submitted a proposal to the Federal Government for a $5million Centre for Environmental Management to accommodate expansion in environmental studies within the area of applied sciences and to integrate environmental programs into studies in economics and information sciences. Here, Professor Keith Morgan, who represents the Australian Vice­ Chancellors' Committee on the COmmittee of the Environmental Research Trust established by the NSW Minister for Environment, explains how Newcastle could become a focus of serious environmental research not only for Australia but for regions around the world.

Concern forthe environment has become culture which incorporates a full range of a pervasive global issue. concern despite its inherent incompatibil- It is evident at alllevels ofsociety in the ities. This culture stands emotionally developed world and is recognisable as an alongside the more rational, but still internationally unifYing response to the selective, philosophy of 'Green' organis- impact of industrial activity. ations. It embraces, simultaneously, an intuit- This means there is no single, coherent iverejectionoftechnologybypeoplewho policy within the environmental lobby, do not understand the ••••••••••• and consequently gov- technology, and a reject- ernment is unable to ion of the effects of ever- provide a rational re- expanding consumption. H sponse. It accommodates "The unter It is a recipe for frust- equally those who reject R " ration. emotionally our history eglOn There is no short-term of exploitation of natural offers an remedy. Arbitrary fund- resources and those who ing of instant programs extrapolate from scient- opportunity is likely to be ineffective. Prq/essor Keith Morgan ilic evidence of decay. The effective answer The impact of this con- unmatched must lie in a coherent from the comntitrnent of these resources, cern is made evident in WI"th I" n program which allows national and state governments must demands that immediate, considered appraisal of complement the macroscopic effort with explicit action be taken . Australia environmental phenom- programs which identify appropriate - both generally and ena, their interrelation- detail and ensure effective delivery. specifically - to protect 10 r a ships and their social and The Hunter Region offers an unmatched the environment from "bl economic consequences opportunity within Anstralia for a pract­ damage. practlca e - and not forgetting the icable environmental resource base Environmental concern " t I extended periods oftime according to these criteria. about the behaviour of envlronmen a which may have to pass The region, of31,OOO square kilometres, commerce and industl)' resource base"" before those consequenc- possesses geographically well defined draws on a powerful es appear. boundaries. combination of evidence Formulation of such a It contains Newcastle, the sixth largest and suspicion. program is itself depend- city in Australia, and a population of And history, unfortunately, provides a ent on acceptance of policies based on 500,000. persuasive sequence of industrial disast- defensible priorities and these, in turn, It provides, per capita and per hectare, ers sufficient to sustain arguments against require access to four enabling provisions: the largest contribution of any region or anynew development, even to the extent existence of a comprehensive data base; State to the generation of wealth in of accepting existing practice when that establishment of a co-ordinated research Anstralia by manufacturing, mining and practice is defective. program; availability of effective tech- agricultural indnstl)'. It is a short step to identifYing virtue in nology for delivery; and appropriate Almost 75 per cent of the electricity simple resistance to change. educational programs. used in NSW is generated within the Most perversely, this attitude discour - At the same time, it must be appreciated region. ages analysis of existing major industrial that there are no boundaries to environ- It also provides a microcosm of global hazards. mental effects, and awesome resources environmental issues. The popular response - and particularly will have to be expended to mount global These are reflected in the presence of that of young people - is to identify a programs. To gain the maximum effect the major government agencies dealing

Page 3 UNlNEWS with water resources, soil conservation, effective regional environmental models; Board, Hunter Water Board and Hunter pollution control, agriculture, forestry and resource engineering and management, Valley Research Foundation have all marine biology. with particular reference to coal and collaborated with the University in these It would be difficult to find any other mineral extraction, soil erosion and programs. region inAustralia which rehabilitation; econOnllCS The existing provision of the University can approach this agg­ of natural resources and and the HVRF within the Hunter Region regationofecononllcand mineral economics; conforms well to the basic specification environmental factors. water resources, polIut- for a comprehensive regional Centre for In addition, the Hunter ion control, sewage and Environmental Management. has one, unique advant­ water treatment; coal For the Centre to be fully effective, it age - the most comp­ ''This Centre combustion and electric must widen its research base, provide rehensive data base on would power generation; and stronger infrastructure and extend its environmental, econOnllC the epidemiology of managerial capacity. and social factors of any serve the factors affecting environ­ Augmenting the existing capabilities in region in Australia. mental health. this way would provide a Regional Centre The Hunter Valley Re­ immediate The Centre is also to unavailable elsewhere without a prolong­ search Foundation was needs of provide a focus for four ed incubation period and the ability to established in 1954 pre­ major educational pro­ interact directly with a key industrial cisely to establish such a the Hunter grames: Bachelor degree Region. data base. inEnvironmentalAssess­ This Centre would serve the immediate Establishment of a Region." ment and Management, needs of the Hunter Region, provide a Centre for Environmental MastersdegreeinEnviron- means of monitoring and delivery of Management at the Uni- mentalStudies; Arliculatfd environmental management policy, and versity of Newcastle programs with NSW sec­ offer an effective model for future deve­ draws on this data base, ondaIyschools; and post- lopments elsewhere. seekstocombineitwiththeresearchstrength experience programs (existing programs already in the University and to identify include coal combustion, water resources, new areas for research priority. resource management and environmental From our existing activities, six major health). Retired Lecturers' areas of research are to be integrated Association through the new Centre: development of In 1971 some retired members of staff of the former Newcastle Teachers' College formed the Newcastle Retired Lecturets' Association to maintain social contact with their former coll­ eagues and continue their interest in higher education. The Association has flourished, growing in numbers as further retire­ ments have occurred over the years. Its main activity is to meet four times a year for a luncheon with attendances now reaching about 70 members, spouses and friends. Originally, members were academic and senior general staffwho had retired from the Teachers' College and its successors - the Newcastle College of Advanced Education and the Hunter Institute of Higher Education - or who, after having worked in these institutions had retired from elsewhere, usually the University of Newcastle. The Association has now extended its membership to retired academic and senior general staff members of the amalgamated institutions. Secretary, Ray Hodgins, says annual subscription is $3 and the last luncheon for the year will be held at the Western Suburbs Leagues Club, New Lambton on Wednesday, December 12. Former University and Conservator­ ium Staff who may be interested in joining the Association are invited to contact its President, Dr Jess Dyce (telephone: 522176) or Ray (telephone: 435667) for any further information or to be included on a contact list.

Page 4 RESEARCH Amalgamation to stimulate increased research With a much larger institution following amalgamation and a of research from the Faculty of Economics more diverse range of interests, one of the University's aims and Commerce. "Looking at the national figures for is to maximise the pursuit of research across all of its universities, in relation to its size, New­ disciplines and identify and foster particular areas of castle is placed a little better than the strength in research and scholarship, average on the list for ARC and NH&MRC grants. There are also several large grants This is the message from Professor of other types going to ptincipal research­ Geoffrey Kellerman, Dean for Research ers and principal departments, such as the and Executive Officer of the Research Deon qfResearch, Prqfessor Department of Mechanical Engineeting's Management Committee. Approximately Geqffrey Kellerman - responsible project in relation to bulk materials handl­ 500 academic staff have been added to Jor the administration qfthe ing," he said. the University by virtue of amalgamation University'S research resolUces. Earlier in 1990, the Vice-Chancellor, with the former Hunter institute of Higher Professor Keith Morgan, made a special Education and the former Newcastle allocation of $1 million available under Conservatorium of Music. the Areas of Research Excellence Scheme Early in 1990 the University allocated to lift the research profile of the University $200,000 in seeding funds to promote so that more large, external grants might research by staffin the Schools of AdmIn­ be obtained. seven projects valued at istration and Technology, Education, $588,000 have so far been selected, Pro­ Health and Visual and Performing Arts, fessor Kellerman predicted that some of who had not previously had access to these research groups that had been Commonwealth funding for research. The successful should be able to qualify for objective of the 'seeding' funding was to ARC or NH&MRC program grant status assist the staff to become competitive for within a few years. outside monies allocated for research. This year the University established a Professor Kellerman said a number of special office to facilitate the research staff from the former University and effort inside the amalgamated institution. Hunter Institute had commenced jOint The Office for Research's functions research projects and it was hoped more include disttlbuting information on re­ of this kind of research would emerge as search matters and opportunities to apply the staff became aware of their new coll­ versity's research funding also included for external research funds, providing eagues' interests. two ARC program grants. One was for administrative support to committees that The University's commitment to re­ research being catried out by Professor B. direct research activities and processing search has been rewarded with record Antonia and Dr L. Browne in the Depart­ the actual research grants. funding in 1990. ment of Mechanical Engineering, investi­ The Office for Research administers Professor Kellerman said that this year gating Transfer processes in Turbulent monies allocated from inside the Univers­ had seen a 20 per cent increase in the Shear Flows and received $102,919 per ity for research ($2,460,000 in 1990). support allocated to researchers by the annum for three years. The second was Australian Research Council (ARC) and a awarded to Professor G. Goodwin, Dr R. 16 per cent rise in the grants approved by Middleton, Professor R. Evans, Dr J. Hill the National Health and Medical Research and Dr C. De Souza, in the Department of Council (NH&MRC) over the 1989 figure. Electrical and Computer Engineering. The The ARC awarded the University a total project, Robust Control and Communic­ of$I,811,182 to fund 75 applications for ation Systems, received $116,049 for support. 1990. Since 1987 the amount of funds which Professor R. Sanson-Fisher, in the the University has received from the ARC Faculty of Medicine, has an NH&MRC for research projects has exceeded $1 Public Health Research Development million eve!)' year. Committee program grant of $132,000 Researchers, mostly from the Faculty of per annum for three years for a project Medicine, had been allocated $1,625,423 entitled, Development and Evaluation of by the NH&MRC. aWomen'sHealthProgram. TheNH&MRC Most prominent in the research awards Public Health Research Development was the one made by the Commonwealth Committee also awarded a grant of Government to the Centre for Industrial $200,000 per annum, over a five year Control Science (CICS) in the Department period, to Professor R. Heller, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer A. Dobson and Dr N. Higginbotham, for a Science, which received $701,800 in 1990 project entitled, Prevention Program in under the Government's Special Research Cardiovascular disease. Centre Scheme, which provides funds for He said the University continued to research centres of excellence. support research in the Humanities and Professor Kellerman said that the Uni- Social Sciences, and an expanding output PageS RESEARCH

HEART STUDY ESTABLISHES WORLD REPUTATION FOR RESEARCH TEAM

A research project which commenced in Maitlandalso had higher risk factor levels, atrack rates are higher. Nevertheless there 1983 has highlighted some startling facts while Port Stephens had the lowest levels has been a dramatic decline in death rates which have implications for the health of in the region. in the Hunter during the last five years. residents of the Hunter Region and has Chief Investigator, Professor Dobson, "Even though the Australian rates are also established a Newcastle research said that last year a second survey was very high nationwide, there has been team as leaders in their field. completed to assess the extent of change amazing progress since the 1960's which The research project, known as in the community. She said thatdecreases has resulted in a decrease of deaths from MONICA, was established to monitor in cigarette smoking and cholesterol levels heart disease. Some European countries trends and determinants of cardiovascular were found which were small but such as Russia and Finland still have high disease and is being conducted by the important. rates and they are very interested to know Hunter Region Heart Disease Prevention "Our research shows that people are why ours are coming down," Professor Progranune at the University. now more aware of the risk factors in Dobson said. The 10-year project is part of a world­ heart disease and are making changes in "The World Health Organization is wide study in 39 countries and has been their lifestyles. That's a step in the right collating all information and will be set up to monitor heart disease on a global direction," Professor Dobson said. recording differences in mortality rates, basis. Other projects are also being con­ A second part of the Project is being heart artack rates and risk factor levels ducted in Perth and Auckland in New conducted with the co-operation of hos­ throughout the world. Zealand. pitals and doctors in the region. This "They are also interested in advances The overall study is co-ordinated by the involves monitoring all suspected heart in medical care, taking into consideration World Health Organisation, while in atracks in the region among residents how this can affect how a person recovers Australia it is sponsored by the National aged 25-69 years who are admitted to from a heart attack as well as new Health and Medical Research Council, the hospital and all heart disease deaths in technology and procedures in coronary National Heart Foundation and local this age group. Comprehensive inform­ care," she said. health authorities. Recently the Newcastle ation is sought about each case. Nurses Professor Dobson has recently returned section ofthe study has received valuable visit hospitals daily and interview anyone from Lugarno, Switzerland, where she support from the B.H.P. Ltd. who may have had a heart atrack (with attended a conference with other principle A team of researchers led by Chief their written permiSSion) collecting data investigators involved with the project. Investigators, Professor Annette Dobson including age, sex, place of residence, These meetings are held about every 18 and Professor Richard Heller, and Project occupation, what medications and other months to monitor the quality of the Manager, Mrs Hilary Alexander, has treatment (for example by-pass surgery) project and review the scientific progress. gathered a formidable amount of inform­ the person has had, as well as any possible In a comparison of quality, Newcastle ation about the incidence and treatment risk factors, such as cigarette smoking. came out as the top research centre of heart atracks and heart disease risk The Project also monitors all deaths from because of its precise measurements and factors in the Hunter Region. heart disease, contacting relatives of the laboratory procedures and overall Worldwide, the research has found that deceased for the same information as performance. heart disease is more prevalent in indust­ those interviewed in hospital. "We performed well. I hope that the rialised countries, especially those in Heart disease rates are high in Aust­ knowledge we have gained through Eastern Europe, and can vary within a ralia' by world standards. Comparisons MONICA can have a positive impact on country and from region to region. It has between the MONICA Projects in the the health of Hunter Valley people," also identified that lifestyle trends have a Hunter and in Perth have shown that our Professor Dobson said. large bearing on the risk of heart disease. In 1983 the project conducted an initial survey ofthe risk factor levels in five local government areas, Newcastle, Lake Mac­ quarie, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens. Information on these risk factors such as blood pressure, blood cholesterol and cigarette smoking was collected from 2466 men and women aged 35-65 years who were randomly selected from the electoral roll. This survey established a base line for the project. As with the world-wide study, the variation in the risk factors was also found in the Hunter. The results showed that Cessnock, which has the hlghest coronary heart disease death rates in the region, also had the highest levels of blood pressure and blood cholesterol, and, PrQ/essor Richard Heller, PrQ/essor Annette Dobson and Mrs Hilary Alexander look for men, the highest smoking rates. over some Q/ the statistics Q/ the research prqject.

Page 6 RESEARCH Cancer research brings cure one step closer A monoclonal antibody to isolate natural 'cancer killing' cells from mice has been developed by University of Newcastle staff members Professor Robert Burton and Dr Cheng Smart, bringing the world a step closer to effective treatment against some cancers in humans. Prqjessor Burlon, PrqjessorqjSurgica[SCience.

Professor Burton, Professor of Surgical Science, and Dr Smart, Chief Scientist in Surgical Science, have been researching the killer cells, called natural cytotoxic or NC cells. The NC cells, which occur in the immune system, are able to recognise certain types of cancer cells and kill them by punching a hole in the cancer cell wall. Professor Burton said the cells can be likened to 'soldiers in the trenches' as they seek out foreign bodies such as cancer cells, to kill them, thus protecting the body. "Our research, which has been going on in Newcastle for almost six years, is particularly concerned with locating these cells in the body, with a long term view to use them in effectively treating cancer," (L to R) Ms Shu-Ching Shih (PhD student), Dr Cheng Smart, Professor Burton said. Ms Margaret FarrellY (Research TechniCian). "Our research has been undertaken using mice and has not been trialled on cation of different cancers which may in providing a clearer understanding of the humans, however, as the immune system the future be treated by both sets of cells. activity of the cells in fighting cancer in of mice and humans are very similar, we "We cannot be certain, but our research humans. have no doubt that these cells perform the indicates that many people may have had Dr Smart said that although the research same function in the human body." cancer and 'cured' themselves by the is yielding promising results in mice with Professor Burton and Dr Smart are the existence and work of the cancer killing some cancers. Therapy for humans with first researchers in the world to isolate the cells. these cancers is still a long way down the NC cells using a monoclonal antibody, He said that not all cancers are able to track. which they have produced. be killed by the cells, as the cancer cells "Although ourresearch indicates a cure The initial discovery of a similar group must look foreign to the killer cells before some time in the future, it is important to of cells called Natural Killer on NK cells the killer cells will attack and destroy recognise that medical science has already was made by accident in 1975, when them. developed ways of curing or slowing researchers found that normal mice killed Cancers which have been identified by down some cancers, benefiting 50 per cancer cells better than mice which were the killer cells as 'foreigners' in mice cent of cancer sufferers. immunised against these cancers. Such include melanoma, fibrosarcoma (cancer Professor Burton and Dr Smart said that an unusual occurrence was eventually of the connective tissues) and lymphoma the public's knowledge of some of the attributed to the action of natural killing (cancer of the defence sYstem). causes of cancer, such as sun exposure cells. Professor Burton said the next step in and cigarette smoking, was the most Professor Burton was involved in the the research process is to study the cells promising strategy for reducing the incid- discovery of NK cells in those early days, outside the body. ence of cancer. and he and Dr Smart have continued to "We hope our research into the cells "Ifeveryonegaveupsmoking,protected research ways ofidentifYjng and collecting will provide us with enough information their skin from too much sun, women had these cells. to be able to develop an effective way of annual pap smears and we could better Their research has culminated in the treating cancer by boosting the activity of detect cancer of the breast by more wide- discovery of the antibody which provides the NC and NK cells in the body. spread use of mammography, then the a way to study the natural NC cells, which Professor Burton and Dr Smart expect occurrence of cancer in humans would be are a sub group ofNKcells. This antibody, to identify and isolate those killer cells reduced dramatically:' or reagent, has also made possible identifi- from humans in the near future, thus

Page 7 RESEARCH PROFESSOR SCHRODER LINKS UNIt CSIROt DEFENCE FOR COMPUTER PROJECT Heiko SchrOder, Professor of Micro­ aim to satisfy these needs and over the The image processing machine being electronics in the Department ofElectrica1 past 40 years the available computing designed at Newcastle University incor­ Engineering and Computer Science, has power has grown by a factor of 10 every porates these design philosophies and been involved in the design of parallel five years. foUows the idea of the Instruction SysroJic systems for several years and has recently "State-of-the-art technology used for Amlyi.e. instructions are pumped through joined the University. design of fast computer components is the processor array at constant speed. His first project, together with Dr Bryan VLSI (very large sca1eintegration), where "Each processing element contains all Beresford-Smith in the area of parallel up to a million transistors can be placed the pixel information needed for one line on a single chip the size of a thumb nail. of an image, allowing for the efficient computation, is a systolic array for image ThIs technology is close to reaching its processing being carried out in the Centre implementation of scan-line processes. of Industrial Control Sciences at the physica1limits determined by the speed of "Image processing tasks such as per­ light. These limitations dictate the design spectiveviewlng, whlchnowtakemlnutes Universityinconjunction with the CSIRO's philosophy of future high perfOtrnance Division of Information Technology and of computation time, wiU be executable In the Australian Defence Force Academy. machines: they must make extensive use fractions of a second. Hence, for example, Funding of about $1,400,000 is provided of parallelism, use disttibuted memory, simulated flight over a realistic landscape by the Industry Research and Develop­ be restticted to local communication and will become feasible," Professor Schroder be composed of few types of simple ceUs said. mentBoard. connected in a regular grid," Professor Professor SchrOder sald that there is a SchrOder said. The Department ofElectrica1 Engineer­ steady increase in the demand for "Ifspeedis of the highest concem, then ing and Computer Science has employed a computing power in many areas of science a special purpose machine should be de­ microelectronic engineer, Dr Edward La, and technology. Image processing and signed. Thus the set of operations the from Hong Kong, starting in January, computer graphics are two such areas individual processing element can perform 1991. His experience will be directed where robot vision and computer aided and the size and kind oflocal memory can towards 'helping Professor SchrOder and design require real time image analysis. be tailored towards the special problem Dr Beresford-Smith. He said computer engineers continually area,"

PrQ/essor Heiko SChrOder and Dr Bryan Bereuord-Smith (seated)

PageS RESEARCH

Soil erosion has long been a major make accurate findings about erosion in Equally, the technique can be applied to concern in Australia. The loss ofvaluable modem soils subject to modem farming determining the extent of siltation in topsoil represents a most serious threat to methods and recent climatic conditions," river, lake and lagoon systems. farm productivity. Mr Campbell added. The university of Newcastle, the Australian Nuclear Science and Tech­ nology Organisation (ANSTO) and the New South wales Soil Conservation Service have been awarded a joint grant to map soil erosion throughout Australia using fallout from atmospheric nuclear weapons tests in the 1950s. The grant was made by the Common­ wealth Department of Primary Industries and Energy under the National Soil Con­ servation Program. The study will use the radioisotope caesium-137 deposited as fallout, as a tracer to track soil movement and loss from pasture and farmland. The radio­ isotope attaches strongly to soil particles. The grant, worth $266,000 over three years, provides the first broadscale scient­ ific measurement of recent soil loss and movement which will provide Information and guidance to farmers on the rates and circumstances of erosion. Initial work in the national reconnaiss­ ance survey began last March with 100 sites nationwide being sampled by the group. State departments of agriculture and conservation agencies are liaising with the group to nominate seriously eroded sites for the study. A workshop at which methods of sampling the sites were discussed and approved was held at ANSTO's head­ quarters at Lucas Heights in September. One of the research team, Assoc. Pro­ fessor Bob Loughran, of the Department of Geography, said: "The technique we will be using has been developed from pioneering work COlloborators In soil erosIon research - Assoc. Prq/essor Bob LolllJhran, undertaken in the United States ofAmerica Mr Greg EllIott, Ms Susan curtis and Mr Brian Compbell. in the 1960s and 1970s by the Department of Agriculture. The method gives a rapid and scientifically-based measurement of Initial research work on the caesium- "We have surveyed Lake Macquarie soil loss since the 1950s," he said. 137 method was undertaken in the vine­ near Newcastle and lagoons at Terrigal, "The key resnit we expect from this yards at Pokolbin. Estimations of the soil Avoca Lake and Lindisfame Bay, near project is information for farmers about losses from the vineyard, based on the Tasmania, by reversing the caesium-137 damage to their land," MrBrian Campbell, caesium-137 sampling, varied from 1.2 method to determine the buildup of the Principal Research Scientist in the Isotope tonnes of soil per hectare per year to as isotope and, therefore, the soil It is Technology Program, ANSTO, said. much as 50 tonnes per hectare per year. attached to," Mr Campbell said. "Many farmers see soil erosion as a "The loss of the valuable topsoil rep­ "The application of this knowledgewill problem that occurs because of damage resents a most serious threat to farm assist local councils and shires to take done in their father's or grandfather's productivity in Australia today," Mr Greg steps to eliminate erosion sources up­ time. Because we know the first caesium- Elliott, a scientist from the Soil Conserv­ stream which are contributing to the 137 was not laid down until 1954 we can ation Service of New South wales said. siltation of the waterways," he said.

Page 9 UNINEWS FRANTIC DAYS AND NIGHTS AFTER QUAKE " If ever a single event united the University and the City of Newcastle, it was the earthquake of December 28, 1989 "

Along with so much of the city, the "You can do mathematical modelling University suffered great damage though, OK, but there were no empirical happily, no loss of life. Many students observations. were disrupted when they were left without "We can do a model of the Workers' accommodation and the UniversityViIlage Club, but what do we feed in as the end stands, along with the damaged buildings, forces?" as testimony to how much the city's No replication of the Newcastle quake suffering was shared by the University was possible, but discussion among community. experts was. But through those confused days and While Dr Page continued the work of weeks immediately following the quake, secondary inspections, Professor Melchers one group at the University worked and his secretarial staff began organising frantically to impose some order on the a conference. chaos. "I think we organised the fastest Professor Rob Melchers, Head of Civil conference ever. We had to hold it by mid­ Engineering and Surveying, was on February because after that it was term holiday in Melbourne when he heard time again. about the quake on the radio. "We started planning for 100 people "We were getting ready to come home and we were worried about accom­ when I heard the news and, like everybody modation. Much of Newcastle's accom­ else we jammed the phones trying to get PrQ/essor Rob Melchers modation was lost, of course. through to our neighbours to find out if "We planned for 150 and then, two our house was OK. "There was no realisation that there days before we were due to begin, we had "When we did arrive back in Newcastle, were earthquake experts in Australia" more than 200 emolments. I was sort of roped in with my colleague As the dust cleared, after the evacuations "In the end, we had more than 350 Adrian Page, to help the Newcastle City and the rescues and the massive efforts of people". Council. individuals in so many walks of life to Organising the conference, while the "Adrian was taking pictures of the deal with the immediate events of daily battle to examine and if possible damage and when the Council found out December 28, it appeared that nobody make safe individual buildings around who he was they asked if he could help knew what to do next because nobody the city ground on, was a mammoth task. them with a few problems. really knew what had happened. Professor Melchers and Dr Page were "When I arrived, he'd had a day of it "When the immediate urgency was also on a steering committee of the already, and I went in the next day to help. gone, I called the Institution of Engineers Institution of Engineers prepating a report "You see, there were only about half a to try to organise a conference as soon as on the earthquake for the State Govern­ dozen engineers around who weren't possible, to end some of the anguish from ment -with a two-month deadline. already tied up with insurance companies a profeSSional point of view. "I couldn't have done it without my and builders and so on. "The President was here - !think it was secretarial staff. They were due to have ''We were doing secondary inspections. New Year's Eve - and spoke to us about their holidays. I just rang them and said, The building inspectors would go out to what the Institution could do, and gave us girls, can you come in? And they did. look at these damaged buildings and, if the go-ahead." "The pressure was a bit much. There they needed a second opinion or if they Outside Newcastle, of course, it was seemed to be too many things to do. And just didn't know what to do, they'd call us holiday time. Organising almost anything we had the steering committee breathing in." had to wait. down our necks for the report. For days, Professor Melchers and Dr "There were a lot of problems initially. "If you did this for a living, I suppose Page spent what was going to be their "Most of the problems were within the you'd learn to live with it But we knew we holiday period inspecting damaged local community, like at Hamilton, where had to return to teaching at the buildings. engineering reports were changing and beginning of term. One of the great difficulties was that the conflicting. People wanted to know, why "And we're academics. emergency services, for whose staff is it so difficult? "If we were practising builders or Professor Melchers has the highest praise, "Even within the professions there was engineers and the report wasn't that good, were not well equipped to deal with the a problem of where do we go from here. people would say, oh, they're only builders aftermath. "We had to try to calm them down and or engineers. "In all fairness, the emergencY services say, well, if you don't know the answer, "But if we went wrong, they'd say had not faced anything like this. They don't do anything." ... well, it's very easy to throw stones at prepare for bushfires, flooding, train Much of the difficulty stemmed from a academics. crashes and that's a reasonable order of lack of information. "It just seemed to me that if we were probability. "There were no traces. How did the going to do itat all, we were going to do it "There was no system for calling in ground move? If you want to do any damned well. expertise. structural dynamics you need to know. "And I'm very proud of it."

Page 10 UNINEWS First exhibition oJ Nucellous, a bronze sculpture by Marylin McGrath, is one of the artworks UNIVERSITY ART in the University's art collection. It was purchased by the University in 1975 and is incorporated into the native garden COLLECTION alongside the entrance to the Great Hall. An Art Dinnerwas held at the university to mark the opening of the first exhibition of works from the University's art collection and the launching of the official catalogue.

Mr David Bradshaw speaking to launch the art catalogue

It was an historic and successful occasion, with 110 people taking part in the evening. The Director of the Newcastle Region Art Gallery, Mr David Bradshaw, launched the catalogne - a glossy 35- page booklet listing the 225 artworks in the collection. The Director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mr Edmund capon was the special gnestanddeliveredtheafter­ dinner address. It is hoped thatthe Art Dinner will become a regnlar highlight of the University's calendar and that additional Ms McGrath is well-known in New­ exhibitions of works castle, where she studied at the Art from the art collection School at the Technical College, taught will be held. at the Art School and the University's Both the exhibition and the catalogne Architectural School and was included were organised by the Art Advisory Group in a number of exhibitions. Just before which is chaired by the Deputy Vice­ this magazine was ptinted, she exhibited Chancellor (Administration), Mr Lance in the Different Directions show at the Hennessy. von Bertouch Galleries with four painters Mr Andrew Fergnsson, former Director selected the works for the exhibition and who also have close links with New­ of the Newcastle Region Art Gallery, compiled the catalogne. castle. Nucellous is a combination of sen­ suous curved forms dissected by sharp edges and angnlar changes of direction. One has the feeling of energy/life bursting outwards from some inner core, seeking new life of its own. It is an extremely tactile piece of work where the bulbous forms encourage you to touch - only to be suddenly arrested by a sharp edge, or an angnlar change of shape.

Graham Gilchrist, Head, School of Visual and Performing Arts.

(L to R) DrPeter Hendry. MrMichaelDudman, Mrs Bev MacDonald andPrq/essor Ron MacDonald

Page 11 Special Education Centre NATIONAL REPUTATION FOR E)

Tucked away near the East Gate entrance to the University of Newcastle is the Special Education Centre, which is not only a teaching venue, but also a community facility, with a far reaching reputation for outstanding excellence and service. Since it was established in 1976, the children with any form of learning or Centre has achieved a national reputation developmental problem. These problems for its work with children and students can range from difficulties in learning to and is now a regular host to Australian read to severe intellectual disabilities. and overseas experts in special education. Once special education training has been The Special Education Centre at the undertaken, these teachers then take on University is highly regarded for its roles such as support teachers or special provision of quality services and pursuit class teachers in regular schools or work of research in the special education field. in a variety of settings where disabled The Centre's Director, Dr Phil foreman, people need educational support. Director ofthe Special Education says the facility has three main objectives Undergraduate student teachers and Dr Phil Foreman with Centrecllent, Courtney Horder, - Teacher education in Special Education qualified teachers are undertaking courses and his mother, Darnelle Horder. Teaching, Service Delivery and Research. in Special Education ata number oflevels The second objective - delivery of a It is one of only three such purpose built - the pre-service level where under­ range of special education services to the facilities in Australia. Originally built at a graduate students enrolled in specific local region - is perhaps the most visible costof$700,OOOin 1976, the investment teaching specialisations at the University of the Centre's activities. Programs offered has been justified in its services to the study at least one module of Special within these services include the Early community and its innovations in Education during their course, and are Education Program (comprising the teaching. now able to complete their Bachelor of Baby/Toddler, Pre School and Outreach The first objective - the training of Education by specialising in Special Program~), Intervention Classrooms, qualified teachers in special education Education for their fourth year; and the Community-based Outreach Program teaching - plays a major part in the post-graduate level where qualified (conducted in regular schools, special Centre's activities. Qualified teachers teachers undertake special education schools, units and classes), the Irlen Lens undertake a course of either one year full­ training in either of two strands, school­ Program and the Makaton Resource time or two years part-time to teach age or adult teaching. Centre. This range of programs has been specially designed for children who may be experiencing learning and communic­ ation difficulties, have a behavioural pro­ blem or who have a disability or develop­ mental problem. The third objective - Research - involves academic research into various aspects of special education including the integration of children with disabilities into regular schools, the use of computers in special education, the use of strategy training for children with intellectual dis­ abilities or learning difficulties and the use of tinted lenses known as Irlen lenses to relieve visual strain and distortion in reading.

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH FOR THE CENTRE

In line with its policy of innovation in Dr Phil foreman, says that staff have the field of Special Education, the Univer­ always been involved in research, but sity's Special Education Centre pursues that since amalgamation research has research activities enthusiastically. taken on greater importance. Academic staff at the Centre have re­ "Advances over the past 20 years in ceived research funding this year to the Special Education have proved the value value of$I00,OOO, made up four separate of continuing research. We must maintain grants which will enable research in areas our standards and keep striving towards which previously hadn't received support. the future," Dr foreman said. SpecIal education teacher. Ms fen'l)' Rue, Director of the Special Education Centre, pictured with Mr Andrew Ernst.

Page 12 .t University of Newcastle ;ELLENCE Centre provides a range of special education services to the community. The Early Education Program is design­ this program aims to help children to Intervention Classrooms ed to provide assistance for infants and develop to a stage that is closer to their In two specially designed classrooms, pre-school children from 0 to 6 years who potential. He says the program operates the Centre provides intensive programm­ have a disability or developmental pro­ in co-operation with parents and that the ing in basic academic skills for primary blem or who are considered to be at risk of goals are now regarded more broadly and school children in Years One to Six who developmental delay. This program en­ must consider children in the context of are experiencing serious difficulties with compasses activities both within the their family. school work. Centre and in pre-schools and clients' After a comprehensive assessment, an Teachers plan and implement a program homes. individual program is devised for each for each child. Babies and toddlers with a range of child. This is then carried out during an developmental disabilities are referred to individual or group session, the number Community Outreach Programs the Centre by paediatricians, hospitals, of which depends on the needs of the child Special Education teachers/students therapists and other health professionals and family. There is also a pre-school provide programs in regnlar and special and sometimes parents themselves seek outreach program which provides assist­ settings for pre-school age and primary help. The Early Education program seeks ance in regnlar early childhood settings. school students experiencing learning to increase and maximise the child's abil­ The program is staffed by teachers with difficulties. These can range from diffic­ ity to benefit from environmental special education/early childhood qualif­ ulties in basic reading or communication, experiences. ications who are assisted by child care mathematical problems or behavioural Director of the Special Education Centre, assistants. Psychology and therapy ser­ problems. Children receive assistance in Dr Phil Foreman, says it is now recognised vices are provided through the Develop­ their own schools four mornings a week that the early years of life are vitally mental Disabilities Unit of the Department for eight weeks and receive specialised important in a child's development and of Family and Community Services. gnidance from Centre staff.

The Irlen Lens Program has operated at the Special Education Centre MAKATON since 1985. It involves the use of coloured lenses to reduce visual distortions, eye soreness and fatigue reported by some people when RESOURCE CENTRE reading or writing. These people, often have prescribed glasses, The Special Education Centre acts as a however still present the symptoms and may benefit from Irlen lenses. resource centre in the Hunter Region for the Revised Makaton Vocabulary, which The procedure developed by American is a complete language program using researcher, Helen Irlen, uses the coloured hand signing and symbols for basic lenses to minimise problems such as a communication. 'perceptual schedule' which is used to Makaton not only provides basic identity the symptoms in detail. She calls communication, but promotes language the difficulty 'scotopic sensitivity' because development and where possible stimul­ of the possibility that there is some form ates speech in intellectually handicapped of retinal defect which is responsible for and language handicapped children and the extreme sensitivity to certain colours adults. and densities of light. Her full tinting It is a small core vocabulary of about procedure involves identifying sections 350 language concepts which takes the of the light spectrum which appear to be form of pictures and hand signals. It responsible for the distortions and eye provides an essential and useful vocabul­ strain. The part of the spectrum causing ary which requires little memory and problems varies greatly from one person retention, and offers a specially chosen to another, requiring the use of a large range of concepts and teaching procedures number of coloured filters to identify the to generate the development oflanguage. specific problem area. The selection of the Generally Makaton is best known for Ben Martin, 10, from Nabiac pictured during a correct combination of filters is critical, consultation with Dr Greg Robinson, while its use with hand signs and speech, but is with fine differences in the colour comb­ being assessed for Irien lenses. equally effective when used as a language ination making a significant difference to program using signs and symbols, pictures the repotted reduction in symptoms. and assignment writing, as well as making or any form of communication. Special Education Senior Lecturer and such tasks much more difficult. Special Education lecturer and National leader in the research into the value of "The lenses do not allow a person to Co-ordinator of Makaton, Dr Judith Cow­ Irlen lenses, Dr Greg Robinson, says the instantly read words they have never ley, says that positive results occur with symptoms usually become more obvious been able to learn. They do, however, the use of the Makaton program. These the longer reading or writing tasks are ha.ve the potential to assist the learning are increased eye contact, attention, soc­ continued, thus limiting the practice time and reading of words by reducing such iability, vocalisation and expressive needed to become proficient in both tasks. visual distortions as blurriness, move­ speech. She said the use of signing can The distortions also reduce the time ment of print and colour sensitivity," Dr stimulate rather than interfere with speech available for effective study, note taking Robinson said. and language development. Page 13 UNINEWS Sport and Recreation plans include community involvement Planning is in the advanced stages for a major sport and recreation complex to cater for the changing needs of members of tbe amalgamated University and the Hunter community. The complex, to be built next year, will include; • A multi-purpose recreational and educational centre, • Offices for administrative staff and a shopfront, • A new squash centre, • A tennis centre, • Five sportsfields, and • carparking. Provision has also been made in the site plan for an indoor, heated swimming pool. The President of the Sports Union, Dr Bernie Curran, said that most of the Newcastle champion tennis player. Ms Rachel McQuillan, with the Human Performance necessary funds had been derived from Research Group at the University, watched by postgraduate student Ms Adele Buchanan. fees paid by students. He said the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Keith Morgan, had lent his support to the Groups which use the facilities include Dr Curran said the University Sports project and had formed an advisory district sporting associations, State and Union, through the new complex, would committee to look after the advanced Independent Schools, Aboriginal school continue to foster tbe growth of traditional planning. students, and the Hunter Academy of UniversitY sports, such as rugby, cricket, A feature of the concept is the wide Sport. rowing and athletics, as well as encourag­ support envisaged for community involve­ The Executive Officer of the Hunter ing tbe community to make wider use of ment in sport and recreation at tbe Univer­ Academy of Sport, Mr Ken Clifford, said the University's facilities. sity. This is a continuation oftbe Univer­ the Academy made use of the University's "Over tbe years, the concept of sport sity'S policy of participation in district sport and recreation facilities quite has changed and tbe emphasis has moved competitions and encouragementofpeople regularly. from sport and recreation to health and to use its facilities whenever students and Leading coaches attend clinics held by recreation. staff are not using them. tbe Hunter Academy ofSport and provide "The benefits of a healthy lifestyle for Sportsfields, tennis and squash courts, top-quality tuition. The cricket coaches the individual and the University as a bodybuilding facilities, an indoor sports include Rick McCosker and Robert corporate body demand that tbe Sports centre and other services are shared with Holland, while among the rugby instruct- Union promote a high degree of fitness many district sporting associations and 0rs are Nick Farr-Jones and Topo and health awareness among students schools. Rodriguez. and staff."

11ze University's sportingJadlitii!s will be wide ranging and available to the community

Page 14 to the University Council, Dr. Diana Day, Warden's Dr. Peter Hendry and MrTrevorWaring.It was particularly pleasing to see DrHendry, a long tenn, hard working member of the COLUMN Convocation, elected as DeputyCbancellor. We can feel confident that Convocation's The fonnation on September 20th of the interests at Council level are also in good new Convocation of the University of hands. Newcastle after amalgamation will prove The existing Convocation events succ­ to be one ofthe most important steps ever essfully conducted by the Interim Stand­ taken in our graduate history. With our ingComntitteeincIudedoursecondCareers membership now almost doubled, Con­ Fair, held on August 21 in conjunction vocation has never been in a stronger with the University's Careers and Student position to playa more active role in the Employment Office. More than 50 grad­ growth of the .university. uates gave their time to advise an estim­ The new Standing Comntittee elected on ated 700 students. OUr thanks go to Helen September 20th will be doing everything other exciting new fund raiSing possibilit­ Parker and her team for the excellent possible to marshall our expanded ies we would like Foundation to consider. organisation. Approximately $1800 in membership resources for the benefit of These include the possible establishment advertising was raised by the guide to the the campus but we need your help. of and Educatinal Travel enterprise on Fair. As a first step, we will be giving top campus and the introduction of a special The other pleasing recent achievement priority to bringing our register of graduate Visa card for Convocation members. of Convocation was the extension of the members up to date so if you know of a A new board is being appointed to the Auchmuty Special Collection at the Uni­ graduate of the fonner university, the Foundation and its first meeting was held versity Library by the purchase of the fonner Hunter Institute of Higher Educ­ on October 23. N.S.W. Colonial Secretary's Papers 1788- ation or of the Conservatorium who might My congratulations go to the newly 1825 in microfonn. The papers fonn the not be on our roll please let us know. elected Deputy Warden, Mr Brian Adarn­ largestand most comprehensive collection We are taking a number of exciting new thwaite, and to the 16 members of the of public records existing on the initiatives for the amalgamated Convoc­ newStandingCommitteeMrBarryBeuze­ foundation years of European settlement ation and we will need maximum input to viIIe, Father james Bromley, Mr john in Australia. This new acquisition is a make them work. Broughton, Aid Doug Carley, Dr. judith fitting tribute to the late Professor These new projects include a proposal Cowley, Mr Laurie Dicker, Mr Ray Auchmuty who had a deep interest in to raise funds for the University by making Hodgins, Mr john Lambert, Ms jean early colonial history. "graduate bricks" available to our mem­ McGarry, MrLes Pennington, Ms jill Scott, Because of the lack of support for our bers and graduands for placement in the Ms Terryl Smith, Mrs Barbara Watson, Mr graduation dinner dances this year, the walls at the new entrance to be constructed Ken Wiseman, Mr Iton Yates and Mr new Standing Comntittee is examining a at the campus. Under the scheme, grad­ Grahame Hardy. There are two vacancies proposal from the University Union that uates will be invited to have their name to be filled by Standing Comntittee. these functions should be replaced by a and graduation details stamped on a brick Members of the new comntittee repres­ Graduation Ball next year. fonning part of the attractive walls on ent a wide cross section of the univers­ both sides of the entrance. We have dis­ ity's graduate population and will fonn cussed the concept with the University's an excellent team to handle the busy architects and Standing Committee has programme of upcoming events. endorsed the idea. My congratulations also go to the three Anotherpleasingdeve!opment has been other Convocation representatives elected jP~':2~ our move to revitalise the Convocation Foundation which is obviously the most appropriate fund raising mechanism for Convocation. As well as the "graduate brick" concept, there are a number of

Pictured are members qf the Standing Committee qfConvocation qf The University qfNewcastle. (Back rowftom lift) Mr Ron Yates, Mr fohn Broughton, Mr Vic Levi, Mr Ken Wiseman, Mr Rqy Hodgins, Mr Laurie Dicker and Mr Les Pennington. (Frontftom lift) Ms Margaret Wells (Convocation Q[ficer), Ms fill Scott, Ms Terryl Smith, Ms Barbara Watson and Dr fu4Y Cowlty.

Page 15 ______~H~~~M~-~-S------­ MINISTER'S SPECIAL INVOLVEMENT WITH UNIVERSITY

When Vifj~inia Anne Walls completed embryonic venture into the Central Coast." her studies In English and History at the Naturally, as Minister, she has to per­ Newcastle University College, she was form her official functions with objectivity given a choice: to receive her Bachelor of and detachment. But there is no denytng Arts from the University of New South her links with Newcastle - she and Bruce Wales, or from the University of New­ still live in the region, though their home castle. She chose the latter. in the city was severely damaged in last Now the Hon V.A. Chadwick, she has year's earthquake - and with the been since /uly the State Minister for University. School Education and - despite the "No matter how even-handed one tries circumscription suggested by her title - to be, whether you're talking about is the Minister responsible for all the education or anything else, when an issue universities of New South Wales, the first comes before you and you know that Newcastle graduate honoured by appoint­ place, you know the people involved, you ment to that position. In fact, her influence can't help but take a keen interest in the on the University extends well beyond outcome." administering the University of Newcastle The development of the University is, Act. according to Mrs Chadwick, "one of the She heads the Department which is the best things that has happened to the biggest single employer of graduates now Hunter Va11ey in my lifetime." that the University has become the major Mrs Virginia Chadwick, MinisterJor SChool "Coming from a background, and a teacher training institution in the Hunter Education. generation, where it was an unusual thing Regipn. State Government requirements for people to look to tertiary education for teachers in various disciplines, and "\ think that the University, \ suspect -and that was whether you were male or the conditions of service for teachers, are far more than today! had a number of female: it was just accentuated by the fact major factors in student enrolments. colourful. very highly qualified, 'char­ that females were expected to have even And, of course, her department shapes acters', which gave a particular type of fewer aspirations or expectations in tenns the Higher School Certificate, the most flavour to the University. of tertiary qualification - to have our own significant criterion for undergraduate "There we were, cramped onto that site, regional University has provided, \ think, admissions to the University in all with people trying to introduce traditions, an incredible stimulus to education in the disciplines. to start to make small beginnings on broader sense. Virginia Chadwick has had a special traditions, like Throsby Creek regattas. I "People in the HunterValley don't have relationship with the University of New­ guess to help form things, like University to think of tertiary education as something castle, since her undergraduate days at RowingClubs, debating societies, all those vague that happens down in Sydney." Tighes Hill. sorts of things. As well, she applauds the way the "Our year was the year that had the "It was very exciting having people University endeavours to be, and is seen option of either taking our degree out of there who wanted to get in and have a go to be a part of the broader community. (the University of) New Soutli Wales or and start building up some sort of tradition. "By and large, the University sees itself taking a punt on where the new University "I've always been very grateful to have as being a part of the community and so, was going. \ took the punt. been part of all that." either as representing 'The University' or "\ had been involved in the SRC, and \ The young Miss Walls attended Univer­ as individuals from the University, people had been a student rep on the University sity on a Teachers' College scholarship. are actively involved in everything from Council. That was at the time when we "It paid more than the Commonwealth the Chamber of Commerce to various task had been working towards autonomy, so Scholarship. That was the only way \ forces, and the University is seen as being it was a conscious decision on my part to could afford to go to University." very heavily involved In all aspects of take my BA from Newcastle." She married Bruce Chadwick, whom community life. Mrs Chadwick says her time at Univer­ she had met at University, and her teaching "\ think that's been very good for the sity was exciting. career began at her former school, New­ region as well. Instead of, you know, "Everyone, \ sUPllose, harks back to castle Girls' High. there is this thing called 'Education' and their time at univerSIty. Mrs ChadwiCK was elected to the Legis­ there is the rest of the community, they "But, despite the rather bizarre physical lative Council in 1978 - in the first election have in fact a good blending and that, \ circumstances, \ think there was a in which the people of New South Wales think, enhances the function of education tremendous spirit at the University voted directly for their members in the and particularly tertiary education, which College. Partly built out of adversity, \ Upper House - and returned to the Univer­ is sometimes seen as something on a think, and partly out of the fact that it was sity Council as the representative elected different plane to other aspects of everday a small university college on the site of by that chamber. or commercial life. the Tech, as it then was. "\ was on the Council up until the "There's a sense of... not only pride, but "It tended to attract a lot of very Interim Council. a sense of ownership. And having a competent, highly qualified people onto "Thatwas an interesting and somewhat regional unigives you a sense of continuity the academic staff and \ don't think it's ironic time, because having been involved in terms of education. too unkind to say that a number of them as a student when we were working "\ think it's played a major part in were 'characters'. People like Harry/ones, towards autonomy, it was fascinating opening up a whole range of, not only who was a poet, and, \ guess that the and ironic to go back onto Council so options, but expectations, of parents for remaining one there that springs to mind many years later when In fact the whole their children and children for themselves. is Godfrey (Professor Tanner). issue was the Con and H\HE and the "\ think it has been fantastic." Page 16 He spent from 1971 until 1973 as a undergraduate engineering in 1975, Fulbright Scholar and Research Assistant planning for the current course did not Appointed in the Division ofEngineeringandApplied begin until 1986. Physics at Harvard University in the Professor Williamson said that in United States, where he obtained a PhD in addition to a strong emphasis on basic Applied Mathematics. science the Australian National University to~[N]lUJ Afrer returning to Australia he became engineering program would integrate a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and then differentaspects of engineering to produce A former student of the Associate Professor in Systems and graduates trained in tele-communications university of Newcastle has Control at the University of New South and information technologies, advanced Wales. materials, manufacturing systems, been appointed Professor and In 1985 he was appointed Senior sensors and controls as well as engineer­ Head of the Engineering Research Fellow in Systems Engineering lug management. The program would be Program at the Australian atthe Research School of Physical Sciences unique in Australia but followed deve­ National university in at the Australian National University. He lopments in Europe, the United Kingdom has held visiting appointments at the and the United States of America. Students Canberra. Delft University of Technology in The would graduate with a BE in Systems Professor Darrell Williamson took out a Netherlands, and at the University of Engineering. BSc majoring in Physics, a BE with California and Purdue University in the The proposed course structure was Honours Class I and an ME in Electrical United States of America. supported by the Review of Engineering Engineering between 1968 and 1971. Last year, Professor WIlliamson was inAustraIla chaired by Sir Bruce Williams. His academic proficiency was matched seconded from his position in the This review recommended a three per cent by his performance on the sporting field. Department of Systems Engineering in increase per year in the number of He won a Blue for rugby and represented the Research School of Physical Sciences engineering graduates to the year 2000 in Newcastle at New South Wales Countly to introduce the Australian National order to bring the number of engineers in Championships. University's new four year undergraduate the workforce up to the level of other Darrell Williamson was born in Waratah engineering course. He was appointed developed countries. in 1948 and educated atWaratah Primary Head of the program in June this year. He is married to Jan and they have four and the former Newcastle Boys' High Although the Australian National daughters - Naomi, Pia, Leigh and zoe. School. University first sought to introduce

Prq/essor Darrell Williamson and two stulients in his laboratory at the Australian National UnlversllJl (Photograph kindlY supplied by ANU Photo Services) Page 17 ______~H~~tmH~-~-~------

AVIATION A RARE DOUBLE GRADUATES Two Newcastle engineers, Mr Ian Mr Pederson has close links with the Pederson and Mr David Pavey, have been University of Newcastle, having worked REACH FOR THE awarded the engineering industry's prem­ on the new Science building, Hunter SKY AT ier awards for excellence, in a rare double Technology centre, the proposed 2NUR­ for Newcastle. FM complex, and the SciencelEngineering Mr Pederson, an engineer with national building. He has participated in the Faculty firm Rankine and Hill, and principal of Architecture, and has assisted students structural engineer on the University's in the third year Civil Engineering. Two graduates of the new Administration centre was named Mr Pavey, a graduate of the University University of Newcastle's National Engineer of the Year by the of Newcastle and an engineer at Newcastle Aviation Diploma, have been Australian Institution of Engineers. City Council, was named young Engineer accepted by Qantas as Cadet He received the Award principally for of the Year, by the Australian Institution Pilots. his work in earthquake rescue and of Engineers, for his work in road pave­ recovery. ment design. Mr Gavin jones and Ms Nicole Hannan are among only six cadet Pilots chosen from hundreds of applicants from throughout Australia. Professor Ross Telfer of the Institute of Aviation, said that entry to QANT AS was extremely competitive and only the 'cream of the crop' were accepted. Mrjones andMs Hannan are among the first graduates of the University's Aviat­ ion Diploma, and their acceptance to Qantas has reaffirmed the high standard and reputation of the course, which is only in its third year. ProfessorTelfer, Director of the Institute of Aviation, said the Aviation Diploma had been designed in consultation with the major airlines operating in Australia. The two year diploma course provides students with theory through the Univers­ ity of Newcastle and practicaJ experience at the cessnock Air Trainifig Academy Mr Ian Pederson (I4t) and Mr lklvid Pavey (second.from right) accept their awards (CAT A). Upon completion of the diploma, .from Mr Colin Nunn (second.from lift), Newcastle Division Chairman ifthe Australian students are qualified commercial pilots . Instl~ution ifEngineers (lEA) and Dr Mille Sargeant, National President, (lEA). The third year of the course provides students with advanced training and instructor skills. Where Are They Now?

his former pupils the Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Les Eastcott, at least one professor, one archbishop and bishops "in their shovel hats as plentiful as tabby cats" to say nothing oflesser dignitaries in church and state. Since receiving his Ph.D. Dr COleborne has written two books that helped to shape the course of teaching Ancient History for the HSC and more recently the Companion to the Sundqy Missal, now in YOUR its second edition and on sale in six countires. This book offers a commentary on all the passages of Scripture in the UNIVERSllY Sundqy Missal as used in the catholic William COleborne, M.A. (Hons.!), B.D., Church. SERVING Ph. D. our first graduate, looks back over a Remarried after the loss of his first wife long teaching experience which included and now in his 80th year, he lives quietly INDUSTRY 31 years at Maitland High School, the last at Ulladulla by the sea on the far South 12 as head of the Language Department, Coast, awaiting cardiac surgery with the THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE and the same period of time concurrently avowed intent of surpassing in years the at st. john's COllege Morpeth as lecturer in other members of a family known for its RESEARCH ASSOCIATES LlMfTED NewTestamentGreek. He numbers among longevity.

Page 18 UNINEWS ADMINISTRATION CENTRE READY NEXT YEAR The two storey building, to be built at a cost of$6 million, and located at COnstruction has begnn on the heart of the University campus, is scheduled for completion in August, the new administration centre 1991. for the University of It will provide office space for almost all members of the University Newcastle, to be called the Administration, including the Vice-Chancellor, and Deputy Vice-Chancellors. The building, which has been designed by architects, Rodd, Hay and Craig University Centre. Associates, and engineers, Rankine and Hill, features a striking curved two- storey sandstone facade. It will also feature a sunlit atrium, designed to provide a meeting place for staff and students. Mr Michael Craig, the building's architect, said the layout provided a great deal of natural light and maximised the advantaged of the northern sun. Mr Ian Pederson, the building's engineer, said the University Centre combined superb architectural design with a functional layout, and ready access to other buildings by a series of external pathways. The Centre, to be 3,500 square metres, will also provide exhibition space, a complex of meeting rooms, a common room linked to a terrace and car parking for staff and visitors. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Mr Lance Hennessy, said that for the first time the Administration would have an identifiable home with much needed facilities. He said the University Centre would finally bring the Administration and the Senior Executive together under one roof, making it easier for staff to interact.

Architect's Impression Q/ the University Centre. The Centre has been designed by Rodd, Hqy and Craig Associates, engineered by Rankine and HilI, and constructed by LeIghton Contractors.

North

Page 19 UNlNEWS Drug and alcohol education for student doctors The Newcastle Medical School has developed one of the most advanced drug and alcohol education programs in the country. After a revision of the curriculum, studentdoctorshavebeenreceivingtuition which will better equip them to treat people who have problems associated with drugs and alcohol. While the drug-related teaching is con­ cerned with providing learning about illicit drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine and heroine, it also relates to socially acceptable substances, like alcohol. tobacco and caffeine. One of the Faculty's objectives for the medical course makes the point that most medical practitioners will regularly encounter persons with drug-related problems, as approximately 30 per cent of Australian adults smoke cigarettes, and alcohol alone has been reported to be directly responsible for between 15 and 19 per cent of acute hospital admissions. The Faculty recognises that hazardous drug use can lead to considerable health and social problems for individuals and their families and impose a significant Mr Raoul Walsh (ldt) and Dr Peter Hopkins economic burden upon the community. With Commonwealth funding, the Faculty last year recruited two staff Mr Raoul Walsh, previously with the common health problems caused by members who have a strong interest in Hunter Area Health Service, has the alcohol, the impact of alcohol abuse upon the drug and alcohol field. position of Lecturer in Behavioural Science families and the existence of specialist and Co-ordinator of the Drug and Alcohol agencies for referral. Teaching Program. Prevention of drug-related problems by In addition, Dr Peter Hopkins, a general community initiatives such as random practitioner in Charlestown, who had been breath tests, advertising bans, educational attached to the Alcohol and Drug Unit at campaigns and taxation measures have Royal Newcastle Hospital, works on the also been emphasised. program as a part-time Fellow in General "Strong emphasis has been placed on Practice. the relationship between alcohol and In an interview with UNINEWS, Mr hypettension - an association which many Walsh described teaching of drug issues GPs do not know about. prior to his appoinrment as unsystematic "In a segment on the role of opiates and and patchy, although he said the Faculty other drugs in the management of pain, staff were genuinely willing and open to the recognition of patients 'shopping' for INDEPENDENT, consider where improvements could be drugs of dependence and guidelines for made. The Newcastle curriculum provided methadone use are two issues discussed." a good vehicle for integration of drug­ The Faculty is promoting drug and EXPERT related teaching. alcohol electives among its students. Mr Walsh said the new curriculum After the New South Wales Health addressed a wide range of drug-related Departtnent provided a $2,OOOgrant, three issues, including the importance of an students took up the offer to work in the ADVICE accurate history, the limited role of drug and alcohol field. biochemical tests in identifYing an alcohol The skills necessary to counsel pregnant THE UNIVERSI1Y OF NEWCASTLE problem, the National Health and Medical smokers have been included as one of the RESEARCH ASSOCIATES UMITED Research Council's guidelines for low­ subjects in Reproductive Medicine and risk, hazardous and harmful drinking, clinical training is also being provided.

Page 20 UNlNEWS UNIVERSITY PROVIDES FACILITIES Thecollection was developed over many years by an enthusiastic tield officer of the Institute, Judy Sharman, who not only FOR SIGHT IMPAIRED set up the collection but delivered books to sight impaired people. Her diligence In one section,ofthe Auchmuty Library It is the only braille collection in a and commitment is recognised as being at the University of Newcastle, readers university library in Australia. the primary factor in the establishment will find books which have no print or Mr Linklater said the collection was and continuation of the collection. pictures, but these books are filled with offered to the University because the Mr Linklater said the braille collection, information and fantasy for a group of Institute was unable to house it in new like the general collection, was available people with a thirst for knowledge. premises. to members of the general public, not just The books, written in braille for people "The Institute felt that the University students of the UniverSity. with sight impairments, have been added library would be a fitting place for such a It forms just one part of the facilities to the University's collection, through the collection, which is available to anyone offered specifically for sight impaired foresight of University librarian, Mr Bill in the Region," Mr Linklater said. people by the Auchmuty Library. Linklater. The braille collection, totalling 290 Other facilities include aPersonai Reader The braille collection has been taken books in 1600volumes, includes childrens which reads text out loud from books over by the Auchmuty Library after being classics, university textbooks, English placed on a special machine, and View­ held for several years by the Newcastle literature, self help books for Sight point, an enlarging machine which makes Branch of the Royal Institute for Deafand impaired people and even the Canterbury text easier to read for sight impaired Blind Children. Tales in 42 volumes! people.

University Librarian, Mr Bill Lin/dater, with the braille collection Page 21 UNINEWS THE DELICATE WORLD OF Australian Butterflies The delicate world of Australian butterflies will soon be included in one of the nation's leading nature magazines thanks to the work of a dedicated group of University taxonomic illustration students and their lecturer. "Australia has four families of butter- meet the guidelines set by 'Australian flies encompassing about 380 indiv­ Geographic' and the national exposure idual species and the poster will include gained by the students for their work 45 illustrations and life histories." will be one of the highlights of their The students taking part in the project studies at the University," he said. are: Descriptions and information about 2nd Year - Mr Jeffrey Nagle, Ms Angela the four butterfly families for the poster waller, Ms Amanda Wilson, Ms Peta is being written by Dr Roger Kitching, a Edwards, Ms Karen Wooden, Ms Sandra world authority on biology of butterflies England, Ms nicole Moore and Ms Pene­ who works at the University of New lope Johanson. England. 3rd Year - Ms Susan Haywood, Ms The fold-out poster will contain a Jayne Chambers, MsGinaOgrodnik, Mr second section which is being prepared Dean Ruddy and Ms Genevieve Wallace. by one of the University's graduate art Andrew Atkins They have been working to strict students, Ms Nicola Oran, who is now deadlines to make sure the poster is working in Sydney. Australian butterflies have long completed on time. Andrew has praised Her work is centred on Australian intrigued our naturalists and public their work, especially as much was com­ caterpillars which will eventually be alike because of their vibrant colours pleted while the students were also sent to the Art Director for' Australian and sizes and these qualities will be concentrating on submissions for their Geographic: Mr Tony Gordon, for lay­ soon published in an issue of 'Austral­ final assessments for the year. out and design before printing. ian Geographic'. "It's been a terrific effort as the Launched only a few years ago by colours and detail had to be exact to adventurer and environmentalist, Dick Smith, the magazine started planning earlier this year to print a compreh­ ensive poster illustrating many of our unique species of butterflies. After in­ vestigating the time and resources available, the magazine approached University lecturer, Andrew Atkins, to co-ordinate a project that would even­ tually involve 13 students in months of preparation and illustration work out­ side their normal academic lectures. Mr Atkins, a Lecturer in plant and Wildlife Illustration and renowned in Australia for his taxonomic illustrat­ ions, gathered a group of students which for the past few months has been work­ ing at home and studios at the Univer­ sity to complete the project. The students, enrolled in the plant and wildlife illustration specialisation of the Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts), are in the second or third year of their studies. "The students were selected because of their capabilities in highly detailed taxonomic illustration and each student has been involved in illustrating bet­ Motashlngha dirphia ween two and four butterflies," Mr Atkins said.

Page 22 ChO£tocneme porpluyopsis

Euschemon rqff/esia (Regent skipper)

OCupodistes walkeri sothis (Grass skipper)

South AmeriC«TI skipper (male) Croitana croites (ivestern Australia skipper)

i South AmeriC«TI skipper (female) Erynnis toges (English skipper mating)

Page 23 Convocation Mementoes Standing Committee of Convocation has produced a range of fine quality mementoes of the University which feature the University's Coat of Arms. By purchasing these items (see below) you will be helping to x''· support Convocation and also the University. The items can be sent as gifts to members of families and friends if the necessary details are supplied. No charge is made for postage.

, · r,·····,-

i------;;,------N;:-:I v' Required v' Required Glass COmmemortlve Plate $30 IT] Telephone & Address Book - with Pen $8 IT] (hand blown) (embossed with University name and crest) Glass Paperweight (hand blown) $12 IT] Schaeffer Pen $5 IT] (embossed with University name and crest) Teak Wall Plaque with metal crest $35 IT] Sketchbook of the University Campus $7 IT] Champagne Flutes - set of six $40 IT] (drawings by Allan Gamble) (embossed with University name and crest) Greeting Cards - scenes of the University $3 IT] Desk Note Pad with Pen $10 IT] (set of six) (embossed with University name and crest) Academic Dress - by K.R. Dutton (origins IT] and history of academic dress) $3 Please tick the memento/mementoes you wish to purchase, and give the number required. Complete the form below and either send it together with your remittance or debit the cost to your Mastercard or Bankcard, Cheques should be made payable to Convocation, and sent to Convocation Office, McMullin Building, The University of Newcastle, New SOuth Wales, 2308.

Name andJull delivery details (postal address. not p, O. Box),

NAME.- """'"'''' . " " " ADDRESS, """'"''

POST CODE, . " , " " . MASTERCARD/BANKCARD No, "

EXPIRY DATE,,, "" " "" " " " " , ~ .P SIGNED, ". L ______~ ------~