melbourne university magazine 2018

Making art Alumni are front and centre in the bold new Buxton Contemporary museum

USING NANOPARTICLES TO BEAT SUPERBUGS

2 2018 EDITION CONTENTS 3 unimelb.edu.au/3010 2017 ISSUE 1, unimelb.edu.au/3010 2018 STAY IN TOUCH We hope you enjoy your exclusive alumni magazine, 3010. It’s just one of the many benefits available to members of our alumni community, in Australia and beyond.

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COVER IMAGE: WANT MORE? JULES TAHAN/UA CREATIVE GO ONLINE WE WELCOME Social media can connect you YOUR FEEDBACK Email your comments to: to many of the University’s [email protected] 375,000-strong alumni Write to us at: The Advancement Office, The University of Melbourne, community. Victoria 3010, Australia Go to alumni.unimelb.edu.au/ Call us on: +61 3 8344 1751 For more exclusive content visit: alumni/connect unimelb.edu.au/3010 With more University of EDITORIAL Melbourne alumni on Facebook ADVISORY GROUP than any other social network, it is DR JAMES ALLAN, DIRECTOR, ALUMNI the place to go for the latest alumni AND STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS news, events and benefits. DORON BEN-MEIR, VICE-PRINCIPAL facebook.com/melbourneunialumni FOR ENTERPRISE King of Broadway ZOE FURMAN (BA(Hons) 1991), UNIVERSITY Go to Twitter to follow famous OF MELBOURNE ALUMNI COUNCIL A Hollywood icon, recreated alumni, or to enjoy live tweets DR JENNIFER HENRY (BAgr(Hons) 1990, from selected alumni events. PhD 2001), BEQUESTS MANAGER by Australians, is making its twitter.com/uomalumni PETER KRONBORG (MBA 1979), UNIVERSITY debut in New York. PAGE 22 OF MELBOURNE ALUMNI COUNCIL MAXINE McKEW, HONORARY ENTERPRISE Keen to move up the career PROFESSOR AT THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE ladder or help others who SCHOOL OF EDUCATION are? Go to LinkedIn to get – or give DR DAMIAN POWELL (BA(Hons) 1989), CHIEF PROSECUTOR INTELLIGENCE THE LAST – career advice and discover new PRINCIPAL, JANET CLARKE HALL News from around the University 4 WORD CAROLINE STRONG, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, Backing opportunities. BRAND VISION AND DELIVERY ARTISTIC LICENCE linkedin.com/groups/3693333 herself Alumni feature in the new Buxton Contemporary museum Eight EDITORIAL TEAM 8 MANAGING EDITOR VAL McFARLANE Victoria’s first female DPP FACELIFT letters EDITOR SIMON MANN/MEDIAXPRESS urges women to challenge Union House faces makeover amid student precinct plans 14 DESIGNER BILL FARR/MEDIAXPRESS across for top jobs in the law. IT TAKES TWO Ian Thompson Don Hossack and daughter Rebecca have a shared ambition 18 PAGE 16 is a Biology This publication is GETTING TO KNOW YOU lecturer and produced on a Forest The Welcome to Melbourne program turns 10 20 Stewardship Council (FSC) crossword setter. certified paper that is produced at an FSC certified paper mill under ON POLITICAL LEADERSHIP So, try this . . . an ISO14001 environmental management Two alumni are keeping order in Federal Parliament 24 system, using elemental chlorine-free ALUMNI PROFILE PAGE 38 whitening processes. LIVES IN LIMBO Printed by Complete Colour, an ISO14001 Entrepreneurial environmental management system and New Centre is leading efforts to eliminate statelessness 26 ISO9001 quality management system certified printer with FSC (Chain of spirit FIVE QUESTIONS Custody) certification and Sustainability Using nanoparticles to fight superbugs Victoria Wastewise Gold certification, on Refugee Gemeh Kromah 28 an ecologically rated printing press using a chemical recirculation system and produced is making the most of ALUMNI PROFILES with vegetable-based inks made from How alumni are making their mark 30 renewable resources. This publication is every opportunity. fully recyclable — please dispose of it wisely. MILESTONES Views expressed by contributors are not PAGE 30 necessarily endorsed by the University. Appointments, honours and accolades 37 ISSN: 2205-1112 Produced for the University of Melbourne by MEDIAXPRESS mediaxpress.net.au CRICOS Provider Number 00116K 4 INTELLIGENCE INTELLIGENCE 5

PODCASTS INTERNATIONAL Tune in, Partnering don’t drop out Saudi Arabia

3010 is now more than a magazine Listen and subscribe at unimelb.edu. on schools – it’s a podcast too. au/3010 or find us on iTunes. The 3010 podcast will take you into Here are five more University of curriculum the lives of some of our amazing Melbourne podcasts to look out for: alumni, revealing the fantastic – and, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has 1. Eavesdrop on Experts – insights and occasionally, surprising – places their chosen the Melbourne Graduate School inspiration from our experts, Melbourne degree has taken them. of Education (MGSE) to lead a large- researchers and visiting academics The first three episodes are now scale transformation of its schools’ 2. Starting Somewhere – advice for LANDMARK GIFT available, with more on the way. curriculum beginning this year. young people on getting their UNDERWRITES Comedian Simon Taylor (BA 2009), The Ministry of Education will career off the ground STUDENT ENDEAVOUR who has written for TV comedians Jay collaborate with University of Melbourne Hundreds of talented Australian Leno and Shaun Micallef and who plays 3. The Little Red Podcast – celebrating researchers to deliver a competency- students will have the opportunity to to sell-out crowds around the world, China beyond the Beijing beltway based learning program to help realise their potential through an tells how his psychology degree helps 4. Talking Indonesia – a focus on strengthen the Kingdom’s capability as extraordinary $30 million gift to the him deal with hecklers. Indonesian politics, foreign it assesses the economic challenges of University of Melbourne from the Veterinarian Dr Kath policy, culture, language the 21st century. Hansen Little Foundation. Adriaanse (DVM 2014) takes and more The project was initiated by Emeritus A unique philanthropic partnership listeners on a tour of her very 5. The Policy Shop – Vice- Professor Patrick Griffin (BSc 1968, with the University, the gift from Jane special workplace, Chancellor Glyn Davis and MEd 1976). It will be conducted by the Hansen and Paul Little AO (pictured Melbourne Zoo, and explains guests explore thinking Assessment Research Centre, directed below) will allow for the construction of how you anaesthetise a fish. about public policy. by Associate Professor Sandra Milligan. Little Hall, a landmark student residence And Dr Fiona Price (PhD MGSE Dean Dr Jim Watterston said on Swanston Street, Carlton, and the 2001, International House), Comic Simon Taylor the collaboration was a wonderful establishment of the University’s the woman charged with features in the opportunity for MGSE to partner with flagship Hansen Scholarship Program. one of the toughest jobs at new 3010 podcast. Saudi Arabia to deliver evidence-based PARTNERSHIP The Stables – The annual program, which will run graduation – reading out the research methods into classrooms. a world‑class visual arts for an initial 40 years, will commence names of graduands – reveals “We look forward to working with the Revamped Stables extend and performance space in in 2020 with an inaugural intake of the secret to getting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support a Melbourne’s Southbank. 20 students, to be known as Hansen pronunciation right competency-based education program University’s artistic reach Scholars. They will receive free every time. that aligns with its goals to provide a accommodation at Little Hall, assistance stimulating learning environment to The University’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Music has celebrated the launch with general living expenses for the promote knowledge and enhance of The Stables, a new world-class visual arts and performance space in duration of their Bachelor’s degree, the skills of students and teachers,” Melbourne’s Southbank. and development and career support Dr Watterston said. Built in 1912, the former Victoria Police Mounted Branch stables throughout their time at university. have been transformed into teaching and learning facilities, including Little Hall is expected to house a new visual arts wing with 170 studios and flexible exhibition spaces, almost 700 students, all of who will along with a 260-seat multipurpose arts wing – the Martyn Myer Arena benefit from an Enrichment Program Fishermans Bend turbo- – for theatre, dance, music theatre and music performances. to support them in reaching their charging innovation The $18 million refurbishment was made possible through the academic potential and to succeed in significant support of the University of Melbourne and generous their post-University careers. The University will build a new, seven- philanthropists including The Ian Potter Foundation, The Myer Foundation, “Little Hall will be an exciting hectare campus at Fishermans Bend, and Martyn and Louise Myer. addition to Melbourne, a unique and Melbourne, as part of its almost $1 billion “The Southbank campus transformation offers tremendous outstanding architectural statement commitment to create a world-class opportunities to expand community engagement, foster new partnerships that establishes a new benchmark for engineering school for the 21st century. locally and internationally and work with our cultural precinct partners’ student living in a distinctive academic The new campus – just five kilometres vision to further develop the city’s thriving arts scene,” noted the CROSSWORD and intellectually rich environment,” from the city and within the old General University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glyn Davis. SOLUTION Mr Little said. Motors Holden site – is set to open in the The Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, Professor Barry SEE PAGE 38 More information: early 2020s and will be the centrepiece of Conyngham, said The Stables would help the faculty respond to a go.unimelb.edu.au/cnv6 Australia’s leading precinct for advanced 66 per cent increase in student numbers since 2010, by providing manufacturing, design, engineering and “a fantastic new facility for visual arts and performing arts”. technology excellence. Initially, 1000 The University’s acquisition of The Stables site was made possible engineering and IT students and academics through the significant support of the Victorian Government. will be based at the campus, where they will Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley, who officially opened collaborate with companies across industrial The Stables on 14 May, said it had “created another landmark for the sectors as diverse as transport, energy, food, Melbourne Arts Precinct, which is home to one of the highest mining, infrastructure and water. concentrations of arts and cultural organisations in the world.” 6 INTELLIGENCE INTELLIGENCE 7

Kathrine ‘Kat’ IN BRIEF CLOT BUSTER Clarke (b. 1988) Gukwonderuk CALLING ALL ALUMNI Stroke (Wotjobaluk) or n The Council represents the interests of the Old Man’s Weed University and its alumni worldwide. Six members research (Centipeda will be elected this time round for two-year terms. cunninghamii), Alumni Council President Joseph Doyle breakthrough 2018 acrylic and (MB BS(Hons), BA 2002, BA(Hons) 2005) is pencil on canvas encouraging all alumni to consider putting A breakthrough in stroke medical 20.4 × 14.7 cm forward candidates for election. research found a drug, traditionally used MHM2018.22, “By joining the Alumni Council, you can for heart attacks, dissolves blood clots in Medical History influence how the University engages with its the brain faster and more effectively Museum © graduates, current students and the community than standard stroke drugs. Kathrine Clarke. at large,” said Mr Doyle, who has served on the The EXTEND-IA TNK randomised Council since 2011. clinical trial, led by the Royal Melbourne The nomination period will run from mid- Hospital (RMH) and the University of August to late-September. Only alumni are eligible Melbourne, compared the effectiveness for nomination, and they must be nominated by of two drugs, Tenecteplase and another alumnus or alumna. Nominations from Alteplase, in dissolving stroke-causing alumni overseas are welcomed. blood clots in the brain, before patients Voting will run from early October to early went on to have clot retrieval surgery. November, with all alumni, including alumni RMH neurologist, Head of Stroke without a degree, eligible to vote. and study co-principal investigator More information: Bruce Campbell (BMedSc 1999, http://go.unimelb.edu.au/38v6 Welcome the new Vice-Chancellor MB BS(Hons) 2002, PhD 2012) said the study, published in the New England Duncan Maskell, who will become the University of and Imperial College of Science, Technology and Journal of Medicine, found the drug AUTONOMOUS Melbourne’s 20th Vice-Chancellor in October, was Medicine, London, Professor Maskell returned to Tenecteplase was life-changing in VEHICLE the first in his family to attend university. He was Cambridge in 1996 as the first Marks & Spencer treatment of ischemic stroke. TRANSFORMING accepted to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge Professor of Farm Animal Health, Food Science “Our study showed that the use TRANSPORT in 1979 and, speaking at an alumni reception in and Food Safety. of Tenecteplase restored blood flow to n As technology moves towards a driverless London earlier this year, he described how leaving He became Head of the Department of the brain before clot retrieval surgery future, the University of Melbourne is helping to his relatively humble circumstances to go to one of Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge in 2004 and in double the number of patients improve integrated transport solutions and make the world’s top universities had been something of Head of the School of the Biological Sciences in compared to Alteplase (22 per cent BUSH MEDICINE our transport safer with the launch of its own a culture shock. 2013. Since 2015, he has been the university’s compared with 10 per cent of patients),” autonomous mini shuttle bus. But it wasn’t long before that shock subsided Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Associate Professor Campbell said. The art of healing The autonomous vehicle is designed for and he started to build an impressive career, much Resources) with overall responsibility for an “For one in five patients treated with Autonomous low-speed urban environments and is part of a of it spent at his alma mater before accepting annual turnover of approximately £2bn and the Tenecteplase, clot retrieval surgery was An important new exhibition celebrates 65,000 years of Indigenous travel: the bus, three-year partnership with French company the challenge of guiding Australia’s number one University’s major building program. not required and the earlier restoration Australian healing practices through contemporary art. launched in EasyMile, specialists in autonomous vehicle university. He has published more than 250 research of blood flow was associated with The art of healing: Australian Indigenous bush medicine is open at the partnership technology. Professor Maskell’s arrival will mark the end of papers, leading to his election as a Fellow of the improved functional recovery in University of Melbourne’s Medical History Museum until 29 September with French Unique to this collaboration is the inclusion Professor Glyn Davis’s hugely successful 14-year Academy of Medical Sciences. Tenecteplase-treated patients. and follows the premise of Tjukurpa (Dreaming) and traditional company of open platform technology, which will allow the term as Vice-Chancellor, during which he helped In addition, Professor Maskell has been co- “Tenecteplase can be given over Indigenous healing practice past, present and future. EasyMile. vehicle to be regularly updated by researchers guide Melbourne into the top echelon of research founder of four biotech companies, a member of 10 seconds compared to the one-hour The exhibition presents healing practices and bush medicine from and improved as autonomous software universities across the world. He also introduced the Cambridge Enterprise Seed Fund investment infusion of Alteplase, which has Indigenous communities across Australia through contemporary art advances. the Melbourne Model, a degree structure more committee, and a board member of FTSE250 practical advantages when transferring and objects. All works are linked by the strong connection of University of Melbourne in keeping with international standard, in which company Genus plc and Cambridge Innovation patients between hospitals for clot Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, and the Vice-Chancellor Glyn Davis students start with a generalist three-year Capital. retrieval surgery and is also less passing down of cultural knowledge to the next generation. said the vehicle will provide bachelor’s degree followed by a specialised He gave some insight into his life outside of expensive.” Some of the works were directly commissioned for the exhibition, researchers unprecedented master’s qualification. work when he noted: “I like art. I like reading. I love EXTEND-IA TNK involved 202 while others are from existing projects. They use a range of access to autonomous Professor Maskell said he had been approached music and I play clarinet and saxophone, though participants across 13 hospitals in techniques and media, including painting in ochre and acrylic, technology, putting a number of times in recent years to shift jobs, but no longer to any decent standard. Australia and New Zealand, who either printmaking, weaving and ceramics. The diversity of styles and students at the forefront of Melbourne had “really caught my imagination”. “I also love sport, particularly rugby union, received Tenecteplase or Alteplase. materials echoes regional diversity. research and development. “Melbourne is an excellent university,” he football and cricket, and I always enjoyed watching The study was supported by grants Aboriginal writer, artist, mentor and consultant Kat Clarke learned “The world is on the said. “Glyn has done an amazingly good job, Aussie Rules on the TV in the UK when I was a kid. from the National Health and Medical about bush remedies from her grandmothers while growing up in edge of a transport getting it to where it is, and I think that there I now watch it on a Saturday morning on cable Research Council of Australia, the Wotjobaluk country in Victoria’s Western District. Now an Indigenous revolution,” Professor is plenty of potential to build on his strong TV. I can’t wait to attend my first footy match in Australasian College of Physicians, The Student Support Officer in the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Davis said. “Technology foundation to kick on and improve even further. Melbourne, and of course the Boxing Day Test Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation, Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences Learning and Teaching Unit, is transforming the “Add to that the fact that Melbourne is a at the MCG; my first-ever visit to Australia was the National Heart Foundation of Ms Clarke produced five paintings for the exhibition. transport industry, really great city and it all adds up to a very exciting specifically to attend the Ashes Test at the MCG in Australia and the Stroke Foundation They depict gum trees (Eucalyptus), bracken fern (Pteridium impacting not only the opportunity for me.” 1994 which surprisingly England lost dismally by of Australia. Trial infrastructure was esculentum), Australian blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), way we travel, but also After spells at Wellcome Biotech, the Institute 295 runs!” supported by an unrestricted grant kangaroo apple (Solanum aviculare) and old man weed the way we live.” of Molecular Medicine at the University of Oxford, VAL McFARLANE from Medtronic who had no role in (Centipeda cunninghamii). study design, conduct or analysis. 8 COVER STORY COVER STORY 9 unimelb.edu.au/3010 2018 Buxton Contemporary

BY ANDREW STEPHENS (BFineArts 1994, PGDipArts A collector’s (ArtHist&CinSt) 2001)

hen the new Buxton multi-million Contemporary museum opened in March, it marked the fruition of dollar vision a project that Michael Buxton had mulled through decades of being and treasure an avid gallery-goer. Since Wthe early 1990s, his goal had been to establish a suitable home for his art collection, quietly accumulated with the help of expert curators and his own ‘inbuilt radar’. trove of art Mr Buxton, the property developer who co-founded the MAB Corporation with his brother Andrew in Inaugural director the mid-1990s, has devoted much of his spare time to Ryan Johnston in the adds a new visiting galleries and artists’ studios. In those places, his new museum, with ‘radar’ activates: he sees art, he responds to it, and he Patricia Piccinini’s Game generally knows when he’s looking at something with Boys Advanced (2002); dimension to depth and quality. More than that, he can see the sort Silicon, acrylic human of work that will endure beyond fashion – an attribute hair and mixed media. evident in the museum’s inaugural exhibition The shape PICTURES: EAMON GALLAGHER Southbank of things to come. CONTINUED PAGE 10 10 COVER STORY COVER STORY 11 unimelb.edu.au/3010 2018 FROM PAGE 9

“To sit Emily Floyd’s Temple of the female eunuch (2008), a work over 10 years old, alongside Francis deeply enmeshed with his goal of making the Upritchard’s Echo Cabinet – one of the most recent collection publicly accessible – moreover, to integrate acquisitions – highlights how the collection evolves, it into University programs. making connections between works and practices,” “What is important to me is that we see the he says. “These two works are also epic pieces, in both museum as a place where we can educate,” he says. scale and foresight; I have no doubt they will resonate “The fact it has gone to the University is even more long into the future of Australian contemporary significant from that point of view.” practice.” Little surprise then that education is a top priority Little wonder that seeing the museum’s doors for Buxton Contemporary’s inaugural director, Ryan finally open after exhaustive planning has brought Johnston, who studied at the University – a Graduate this avid collector a great sense of joy. “It is a 25-year Diploma (Art History) in 2002 and a Postgraduate Diploma (Art History) in 2003 – and returned as a lecturer at the former School of Creative Arts (2007‑2009). He also tutored in Art History and “What is important to me is breadth subjects 2004-2008. He says the museum’s dedicated education space will allow staff to easily that we see the museum as curate artwork for display so students can have object-based learning. “When I was learning, you spent a lot of time looking at slides only,” he says. a place where we can “This is an amazing opportunity to look at objects.”

ot only will VCA visual arts educate. The fact it has gone students be involved, but also students from diverse disciplines to the University is even across campuses. “It is broader, in a sense, than in a regular art gallery, which tends to take more significant from that a curatorial or art historical perspective on things – whereas, Nat a university, you have people from across the entire point of view.” range of academic disciplines, and you can marshal that as a really rich cultural experience.” Mr Johnston, formerly Head of Art at Canberra’s dream finally come to fruition,” he says in a satisfied Australian War Memorial (2012-2018), admires tone. “And the final result is better than I ever the Buxton approach to acquiring art. He describes dreamed it could be.” Mr Buxton’s collecting as a unique and genuine Mr Buxton’s modus operandi over the journey passion, “well beyond a collector’s usual aspirations”. has been part-instinct, part-education, thanks to that Having initially consulted art aficionados Anna small band of curators who have counselled him and Schwartz and John Buckley, Mr Buxton later drew helped with his plan to house the Michael Buxton on the expertise of curators Charlotte Day, Max Collection in a purpose-built art museum. That it Delany, Mark Feary, Samantha Comte and Luisa has ended up being at the University of Melbourne’s Bosci. Visiting galleries and exhibitions frequently, Southbank campus is something that clearly pleases he bounced his own ideas off these curators. They, in him. turn, offered guidance which, along with the MBC In 2014, Mr Buxton signed the deed donating the board, brought a discipline to the process, governed bulk of his collection to the University, along with a by certain rules about who and what could be 20-year endowment and $8 million for the $12 million collected. All of it was aimed at ensuring the high- museum located behind an existing building at quality collection would represent significant living the corner of Dodds St and Southbank Boulevard. Australian (and some New Zealand) artists in depth Designed by Fender Katsalidis, it has two extensive and across time. gallery levels and zones intended for education. Standing in the new museum, Mr Johnston is The donation involves 341 artworks by 53 artists, impressed with the way the design comfortably allows most from the designated Michael Buxton Collection, for an array of two-dimensional work, installations plus a few from the private Buxton family collection and sculpture. “The first time you come here, it is (a separate endeavour Michael and Janet Buxton, surprising because from the outside you can’t read the his wife, have long pursued). The new Buxton relationship between interior and exterior,” he says. Contemporary Committee is composed 60 per cent “The space downstairs is vast and overwhelming University of Melbourne representatives and 40 Art lover – and then it is mirrored upstairs as well. And when per cent representatives of the Buxton family. It is Michael Buxton: the work is in it, you realise how cleverly it has been co‑chaired by VCA Professor in Art Su Baker and “It is a 25-year dream designed in terms of the scale. I was not entirely sure Mr Buxton. finally come to how some of these smaller works by Pat Brassington, Since launching his eponymous collection, fruition.” Mr Buxton’s ambition for a new museum has been PICTURE: JAMES GEER CONTINUED PAGE 12 12 COVER STORY COVER STORY 13

Rob McHaffie Benjamin Armstrong Patricia Piccinini unimelb.edu.au/3010 2018 (BFineArt 2002, GDipEd 2004) (BFineArt 1996) (BFineArt 1991, DVPA 2016) Rob McHaffie recalls Michael Buxton Visitors to Buxton Contemporary are Patricia Piccinini is one of Australia’s making visits to look at his work when he intrigued when they see other patrons most celebrated contemporary artists, had a studio at the Abbotsford Convent in peering into Benjamin Armstrong’s known here and internationally for her 2010. He knew about the Buxton Collection enormous oculus-like sculpture Into hyper-realistic sculptural and digital because the work of some of his former the Underworld (2007). photographic work that explores colleagues at the Victorian College of concepts of what is ‘natural’ in our Unable to resist, they scoot across and peer the Arts, such as Nick Mangan and Ricky techno-centric age. into the opening of the round glass vessel Swallow, had been acquired for it. with its waxy surface, and through the sides For all the squeamishness her incredibly McHaffie knows the University well, having of which only a few blurred shapes can be detailed works might evoke in viewers, James Morrison studied science and then engineering at seen. Inside are orbs that might be eyeballs they retain a deeply personal edge that (DipFineArt 1983, PGDipFineArt 1996) Parkville before transferring to the VCA or breasts, surrounded by what look like somehow deepens our connection with to do a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drawing), rotting apples. His work, often made in the often grotesque creatures she creates: Beginning work with papier mache graduating in 1999, and a Graduate Diploma glass and wax, is said to move between the entities with distinct human DNA are some decades ago, James Morrison in Teaching (Visual Art), completed in 2004. homely and the uncanny: it succeeds. her forte. would use newspapers and cheap glue. He was astonished to find the sculpted When Mr Buxton visited, McHaffie presented Armstrong (born 1975) holds a Bachelor Piccinini, who is having an extensive newspaper disintegrate within a year. his drawings and an extensive chat ensued. of Fine Arts (painting) from the Victorian retrospective at Brisbane’s Gallery of “It would turn to dust,” he recalls. College of the Arts (1996) and says Into Modern Art this year, is represented in all “He chose things with such confidence,” the Underworld was first shown in 2008 of Australia’s most significant collections. McHaffie recalls. “I had never experienced Consulting a paper conservator, he began as part of a larger body of work. This piece She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economic that with a studio visitor before. He really to use a new formula of materials, but was partly born out of his responses to History, Australian National University backs his own choices, and that was positive when Michael Buxton visited his studio he reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy, (1988), Bachelor of Arts in Painting from feedback for me.” happened to admire work that had been while the linocut prints called The Shape the Victorian College of the Arts (1991) and done using the old newspaper method – Mr Buxton has continued his acquisitions, of Things to Come II (2006-2007), also in a Doctorate in Visual and Performing Arts so the artist issued a warning about its likely while also giving McHaffie a residency at his the Buxton Collection, functioned “almost from the University of Melbourne (2016), limited life span. Portsea house. like an instruction manual” for some of his where she has also taught. Her exhibition Later, using the more enduring techniques, sculptures at the time. history is extensive, and Michael Buxton “He is someone who is true to his word. Morrison’s work was acquired for the has carefully followed her work for many Collectors [often] say they will follow your On a round of studio visits, Michael Buxton Buxton Collection. Among those on display years, buying several works between work, but often drop off; Michael keeps the was also intrigued by the works, eventually at Buxton Contemporary’s inaugural 2002 and 2007. relationship with the artist.” acquiring them. “It has been an ongoing exhibition The shape of things to come connection and friendship,” Armstrong says. Piccinini has been described as being is a papier mache work depicting a hand During his career, showing his works interested in the way the human form can meddling perilously with a scorpion. through Darren Knight Gallery, McHaffie be enhanced and manipulated through Sculpted with 500-year paper (as it is known has often reflected on the great foundations bio-tech intervention, from “mapping of the in the industry) mixed with pure starch, he had in the drawing department, where human genome to the growth of human it passes all the archival tests – and is an tutors from various disciplines encouraged tissue and organs from stem cells”, all of extraordinarily detailed work, its surface wider experiences, stretching beyond it raising serious questions about ethics, drawn upon with pen and ink by the artist. drawing to painting and installation work. scientific progress and the delineations Morrison, born in 1959, completed a Diploma between what is human – and what is not. of Fine Art and a Postgraduate Diploma FROM PAGE 11 The new (1990) at the VCA. He is committed to detail museum houses in his work, which includes the five-panel for example, were going to fit in the space – but it is almost perfect.” artworks Freeman Dyson (2008), which tells a loose Mr Johnston is aiming for an annual curatorial program of three collected by story of an astronaut finding himself on an Earth-like planet. “Michael appreciated Mr Buxton over shows, which will vary in how they use the Buxton collection: solo getting into the narrative behind the work.” shows, thematic exhibitions, or particular pieces that might be decades. springboards for broader displays. PICTURES: EAMON GALLAGHER; “Certainly, the aim is to showcase the collection and make it a BUXTON part of life at the VCA and University of Melbourne – it is a strong CONTEMPORARY enough collection to warrant that – but, also, to use the collection as a platform or an inspiration. The trick is for it to find its niche and what is unique about it and its ethos.” While the education program is still to be forged through consultation with key University figures drawn from multiple faculties, Mr Johnston says the potential is amazing. But the uniqueness of this museum means there is no institutional tradition to which he must strictly adhere, which is liberating. “It is an unusual position to have in this industry.” Likewise, Mr Buxton is no usual person. Part of his journey with the collection has been his generosity to the artists themselves: supporting them by acquiring their work over the long term (as opposed to collecting one-off trophies), giving them residencies and other aid, and, crucially, taking the time to get to know them. That rapport is clear when talking to the artists: most of them

mention how Mr Buxton’s visits to their studios and exhibitions PICTURES: formed the beginning of a friendship. “He always backs what he JULES TAHAN/ says with action,” one observes. 3010 UA CREATIVE 14 CAMPUS UPGRADE CAMPUS UPGRADE 15 unimelb.edu.au/3010 2018 CELEBRATING BY MURIEL REDDY in the evolution of the University, notes academic services and the Institute for UNION HOUSE Indigenous Development, Murrup Barak. Gini Lee (MLArch 1987), Professor of OUTDOOR GALLERY EXHIBITION he student union is as much a Landscape Architecture. It will be located in what used to be the Curatorial students from the Faculty of part of student life as textbooks “What the Union is, and was, has Melbourne Teachers’ College cluster of Arts will curate an exhibition celebrating and lecture theatres. transitioned into another form and another buildings nestled in the south-east corner socio-historical imagery from Union House. And Union House, long way of being,” she says. of the original Parkville campus, bounded PROTEST FOR CHANGE EXHIBITION T Curated by students, the exhibition will present the focus of the University’s rich student “Moving the Union into the student- by Monash Road (to the north), Swanston traditions and activities at its Parkville hub, centred Precinct that is about events and Street (east), Grattan Street (south), and the history of UMSU departments – Women’s, Queer, Indigenous, Disabilities, People of Colour. is set for a makeover, as the transition to the activities will mirror those changes.” the School of Engineering to the west. exciting New Student Precinct gathers pace. While past students will have fond “Many of the buildings were developed THEATRE PERFORMANCE (musical) The restaging of The Princess Ida Parlour by Anita Punton, in the Guild Theatre, Union House. HISTORY BOOK A new history of the Student Union by James Waghorne to be published. DESIGN STUDIOS EXHIBITION This will feature models by Melbourne School of Design (MSD) students envisioning the Union STATE OF THE UNION building past and future. For more than 80 years, the Union memories of Union House, current in the 1960s through to the 1980s and VIRTUAL REALITY DOCUMENTATION VCA Honours students will document House site has been home to theatres, the students can look forward to a whole new were defensive to the University,” explains Union House with advice and guidance Rowden White library – where it is actually experience in the New Student Precinct, Mr Lyon, a director of Lyons Architecture, from lecturer Hans Van Rijnberk from MSD. forbidden to study – and the food outlets which will incorporate a series of spaces based in Melbourne. “A key part of HERITAGE APPRAISAL that fuel the University’s brightest minds. that will include a diversity of social the project is to make the Precinct feel A report developed by architects and heritage In more turbulent times, it has been a areas, mixed-use retail, food and beverage integrated and connected to the rest of the consultants Lovell Chen is providing an assess- hotbed of student politics and protest. outlets, and increased contemporary study University. We plan to do that through ment of the cultural heritage significance of But with the development of the zones for the entire campus community. landscape.” Union House. $229 million New Student Precinct in A vibrant Arts and Cultural Centre will The team of architects and landscape For full details of the Union House the south-east corner of the campus – also be a significant feature of the Precinct. designers that have been assembled recognition events, New Student Precinct proj- ect information and FAQs please visit as highlighted in the last issue of 3010 The highly-valued arts facilities currently to create the vision for the Precinct students.unimelb.edu.au/student-precinct – it’s time for the old Union building to enjoyed by students in Union House will includes Jefa Greenaway (BPD(Arch) To access the UMSU Archives please visit enter a new phase. One possibility is a new not only be replaced but further enhanced 1997, BArch(Hons) 1999), an Indigenous www.umsu.unimelb.edu.au/studentlife/ science, technology, engineering, maths with flexible theatres and rehearsal spaces. Australian and award-winning director gallery/archives/ and medicine (STEMM) teaching precinct Meanwhile, architect Carey Lyon of Greenaway Architects. It also includes and life sciences research facility. (BArch(Hons) 1982) has taken the helm of Julie Eizenberg (BArch 1977, DArch 2016, But given Union House’s central role a consortium of firms – all featuring former University College) and Hank Koning THOSE WERE THE DAYS in student life, plans are also underway alumni – appointed to design the Precinct. (BArch 1977) of LA-based firm Koning Share your photographs and memories of Union House, particularly time spent in its for a series of special events that will Encompassing nine buildings, the Eizenberg. arts and cultural spaces. Send to: commemorate the Union. Precinct will for the first time bring together [email protected] using Union House has been a key feature the University’s student associations, More information: go.unimelb.edu.au/a8d6 the subject line ‘Union House memories’.

THE STUDENT UNION THROUGH THE YEARS

1884 1885 1906 1911 1919 1938 1954 1968 1969 1975 2004 2016 The first Melbourne The Princess Ida Club, Recreational Grounds A new Melbourne Uni- More space is made in After a 10-year fund- Robert Hatch is elect- The Melbourne Union House is The George Paton A receiver is appoint- The University University Union for women staff, stu- Committee is formed versity Union is formed the old museum by the raising campaign, the ed, the first student Theatre Company again renovated and Gallery is established. ed to liquidate the announces plans for is formed, for staff, dents and graduates, to manage a compul- to take possession of addition of a YMCA hut Club House is rebuilt chairman of the Union. is formed out of the extended. Almost all Union. Out of the the creation of a New students and gradu- is granted rooms in sory fee for students the former natural used during the war. establishing Union All previous chairs Union Theatre Reper- of the museum crisis the University Student Precinct, that ates. The president the eastern wing, and for the maintenance history museum House. The modern were members of staff. tory Company, which building is dismantled 1989 of Melbourne Student will incorporate the is John Elkington, becomes the most ac- and improvement constructed in 1882, architecture of the had been established in order to create a The Melbourne Union is formed, with Student Union. 1936 Staff establish a sep- University Union is Mebourne-educated tive of the 19th-century of the University which had housed the new building is an arate club, University in 1952. The Repertory large basement, the financial oversight professor of history associations. grounds. The fee had Conservatorium of William Bryden, from extension of the old Company became building is given a new reconstituted as the from a University body the University of House (1952), and the Melbourne University 2018 and political economy, been lobbied for by a Music over the pre- museum, which is re- Graduate Association renowned for its unadorned elevation, Melbourne University and bon vivant. Mem- Sports Union formed vious decade. With a Edinburgh, is appoint- tained in order to save first productions of and a central tower is Student Union, an in- Student Union Limited. Urban design 1901 ed Warden of the establish rooms in dependent association framework and bership was voluntary. in 1904, through a small grant, it is ren- costs. The new build- Leicester Street. Australian plays. erected. The Union gains rooms The Union establishes Students Representa- ovated and becomes Union. He manages the ing includes a theatre, managed by students, heritage assessment in the western wing of city rooms on the cor- tive Council. the Club House, with Union, promotes other a gallery of pictures combining the Union of Union House site the Quadrangle. ner of Little Collins and a staff of caterers and activities and supports and a non-academic and the SRC. commissioned. Swanston Streets. stewards. students. library. 16 THE LAW THE LAW 17 unimelb.edu.au/3010 2018

BY GARY TIPPET

ne day in the early 1980s, as She took a three-year “time-out” as associate Kerri Judd (LLB 1987, LLM 1995) to Supreme Court Justices Ian Gray and William was nearing the end of secondary Crockett (LLB 1945, LLM 1948, LLD 1995), which school in suburban Croydon in gave her the opportunity to watch barristers in court. Melbourne’s outer east, she sat As well, she says, her judges – like most at the time, down with a careers teacher and former barristers – dealt with her, without ever said she wanted to become a lawyer. really asking, on the assumption that her path would OEssentially, she was told to forget it. The teacher naturally lead to the Bar. Pretty quickly, she realised simply said, “Don’t waste your preferences on law.” they were right. Judd didn’t. “And I’ve loved every moment of it,” she says. That is to say, she didn’t listen to the teacher – Victoria’s “I enjoy the advocacy; I enjoy the variety of clients and she certainly didn’t waste her preferences. and the variety of work I’ve had over the years. Already on her way to becoming the girls’ dux in new Director “You feel an enormous responsibility when you’re 1983 at what was then Croydon High, Judd went on, acting on someone’s behalf because that’s their one as she had hoped, to study law at the University of of Public day in court … essentially, your job is to advocate, Melbourne, became a judge’s associate, and signed the within the law, their cause. And it is a great honour, Bar Roll in 1991. Prosecutions great privilege and great responsibility.” Since then, she has had a varied and exemplary legal career, working in criminal and civil matters, ignored early ut advocacy can come at a personal and appearing in Victoria, New South Wales and cost, not just in social or lifestyle the Northern Territory in the County and Supreme career advice terms, but at a deeper, sometimes Courts, as well as in Royal Commissions and appeals damaging and emotional level, given before the High Court. She took silk in 2007 – and went on the effort and single-mindedness of becoming a Senior Counsel, now Queen’s Counsel preparing and trying a case, and the – and, in 2016, became a Senior Crown Prosecutor. to scale great exhaustion that often follows. In March, she was appointed Victoria’s Director BJudd has appeared in trials and appeals involving of Public Prosecutions, one of the most senior, heights in the law. some of Victoria’s most horrific and moving crimes, demanding and responsible roles in the state’s legal including the Akon Guode case, in which a mother system. killed three of her children by driving them into a So, the teacher’s pessimistic assessment no longer lake, and the abduction, rape and murder of Bega rankles: “I think her reasoning was that I came from a school girls Lauren Barry and Nichole Collins. public school and that no-one before had got into law “You do take on board some of the horrific things,” from that school,” Judd says during an interview in she reflects. “It’s human nature to feel something and her office in Melbourne’s legal precinct. you’d never want to lose that capacity. But you don’t “But I never even contemplated taking her Backing herself want to have the nightmare every night.” advice anyway. I did go home and discuss it with my Sometimes they can’t be avoided. The Bega case parents, who have always been very encouraging and still haunts her. Preparing for the appeal of one of the supportive, and they said, ‘If it’s what you really want Victoria’s top statutory appointee, the DPP makes decisions on women solicitors and, at the Bar, there is “a lot more murderers, she read his graphic account of the lead to do, don’t even hesitate.’ ” prosecutor, instituting, preparing and conducting prosecutions equality coming through in the numbers”. up to the murder, the details of the killing and the Judd says she doesn’t feel vindicated. Kerri Judd, wants in matters including murder, major sex offences, However, she adds: “In terms of retention and in girls’ last words. “It’s just disappointing that people aren’t women to “keep drug trafficking, commercial crime and fraud, serious terms of silks it is still very much male-dominated.” “I remember having this recurring nightmare, encouraged to reach their full potential – and that’s pushing and keep assaults, culpable driving, corruption, and serious “The difficulty is, the women who get to those high where I would see two girls in school uniforms,” what I’ve been talking about with women at the Bar striving” for key occupational health and safety matters. positions get sucked out of the Bar and the profession she says. “I don’t know where I got this image from, and women more generally … you want to create roles at the Bar. “I am responsible for prosecuting indictable crime, by being appointed to the judiciary and to roles such it wasn’t one of the trial exhibits, but I would wake opportunities so that those who have the skills to so all serious crime,” explains Judd. “I make the as mine. Those are very important positions, but it up in a sweat.” Car adverts, say of a vehicle winding PICTURE: succeed will take up opportunities and keep pushing STEVE McKENZIE decisions, ultimately, about what prosecutions should does mean that the number of senior women left through a forest – meant to evoke pleasant escapism and keep striving.” proceed or should not proceed. I make decisions at the Bar is reduced. So, it’s important to keep the – still give her a chill. When Ms Judd became a judge’s associate in 1989, about whether a sentence is appropriate or if it should numbers coming [through].” But, Judd adds, the rewards far outweigh the costs. there were no female Supreme Court judges nor be appealed, and there is a policy aspect to my role.” In fact, Judd never intended becoming a barrister. She has pioneered electronic trials, which involve QCs. Later that same year she was inspired to watch As for being the first female in the role, Judd says: She admits that, having arrived at law school, she showing evidence previously presented on paper on Susan Crennan (BA 1965, PGDipArts(Hist) 2002) “I would love to think that we’re getting to a point hadn’t really thought it through. “I don’t think I screens and on jurors’ tablets, making them more (who would ultimately become a High Court Justice), in time where appointing a woman to something thought about being a lawyer; it was more about manageable and efficient. One of her goals in her new and Ada Moshinsky (LLB 1964, LLM 1976) take like this is unremarkable, but I recognise that it is learning about the law and the policy behind the law, job is incorporating such innovation more widely. silk. Now, she herself is the first woman to become remarkable at the moment. So, I am very proud and those types of things.” She would also like to see respect for victims. Victoria’s Director of Public Prosecutions. I hope that I will be a role model.” She envisioned a future as a solicitor, but as an “But, really, I simply would like at the end of my As DPP, she is the head of Victoria’s public A male bastion not all that many years ago, the articled clerk came to resent what she saw as a focus tenure to be considered a director who has made prosecutions service, which works on behalf of the glass ceiling in the law is now pretty much broken. on billing. “So, very early on, I wondered if I’d made sound legal decisions – appropriate decisions, Crown in serious criminal matters. An independent The Office of Public Prosecutions has a lot more the right decision,” she says. prompt decisions.” 3010 unimelb.edu.au/3010 2018 19 3010

IT TAKES TWO TAKES IT We all knew about our father’s father’s our all knew about We University butthe difficult start, There was no option in my mind that I could go anywhere anywhere go I could my mind that in option no was There be to the a bar for study to London to then I went And in central the street down bicycle my riding I was day, One because that done have I wouldn’t day, been had a rainy it If Fitzrovia. gallery Street, my 1998, I opened in Charlotte In I’m going back to Australia for the Garma Festival with Festival the Garma for Australia to back going I’m instilled in me: always father’s my something I think that’s Over the past 30 years, I’ve been privileged to have had to have been privileged I’ve the past 30 years, Over much all the major Aboriginal artistspretty and visit come come and I gotTjapaltjarri used to Possum us. Clifford him to meet the Queen. was always like his sacred site. Every week he used take he me to Every week site. sacred his like always was Pool. in the Beaurepaire swimming go would we and there go we’d experiencesand different his about me tell He would worked. he’d where laboratory past the which to El Dorado a sort was of University Melbourne and else, did law I only and be actress to was an plan My allwe aspired. a professional get to better it’s said parents because my to university, went I And when belt. your under qualification tonext would be sitting we so often dad decided do a BA, to class. in the same each other all the look at and go to was secret plan my but barrister, art history study Because if you Gallery. in the National paintings don’t you everything and slide look at on you in Australia, actually see the pictures. the size of real – very for day unusual sunny a beautiful was it and London, sale, no ‘Lease said for it and shop empty an I saw And London. money of a lot pay to had you because in those days premium’, the outside man a was a lease. There pay to the option get to just know you “Do I asked, and the pavement, down hosing shop great! “Oh, I said, and his, was it said this?” He about anything art gallery.” start an to I want signed a lease I’d Suddenly, there. been out have wouldn’t he know really I didn’t and anybody know I didn’t 20 years. for particularly I was in love art, and I knew I loved but anything, art. Aboriginal with galleryonbig,opened three-storey I the ago, years 10 Then, I opened ago years eight and in Central London, Square Fitzroy Museumhas bought British The gallery SoHo. in York the New Art the Fine Society for I also of lecture and us, art from of a lot been a wonderful it’s art, and Aboriginal is subject My Britain. the topic. on people the British journey educating Melbourne University – with the medical faculty and Professor the Professor medical – with faculty and University Melbourne projects some on working We’re – this August. Langton Marcia art. Aboriginal the dialogue around enhance to how on Every Saturday too. nature, and beauty, and paintings of a love we’d and Botanic Gardens the Melbourne used to he take me to all the look at and home go then we’d and water pond some get see and back when I go Still, a microscope. through life animal garden. to his out me take he’ll is do we’ll thing him, the first REBECCA REBECCA ,

(LLB 1978) (BA 2006) (BA Rebecca Hossack Hossack Rebecca daughter, His owns three galleries in New York and York New in galleries three owns is a and lives, now she where London, art. Aboriginal of supporter long-time Erin Munro to spoke They ambitions

overcame dyslexia dyslexia overcame OBE PSM (MB BS 1954, BA 1975, 1975, BA (MB BS 1954, PSM OBE to become a world-renowned surgeon surgeon a world-renowned become to of seat belts and alcohol breath-testing. breath-testing. alcohol and belts seat of Driving who helped bring about landmark road road landmark about bring helped who MD 2006, Trinity College) Trinity MD 2006, safety legislation mandating the wearing wearing the mandating legislation safety Hossack Donald PICTURE: SIMON SCHLUTER/THE AGE SCHLUTER/THE SIMON PICTURE: herself studied there. My parents were working class class working were parents My Melbourne. to migrants Scottish Rebecca was a very clever young girl and veryRebecca girl and determined. a very was young clever Gallery in the National loved I have young I was Since I was aware there was no future for me in any of them, but I them, but of in any me for future no was there aware I was of lack my despite who, Agar Professor interviewedI was by where asked calledand Agar me Professor months, 18 After do to I wanted said and in the city a college to So I went have believe you we “Laddie, called said, and me Agar Professor I started had qualifications. I all the study, of years six After started the Road Surgeons the College time, of the same At other people because significant, was contribution I think my think that my career, whether she’s aware of it or not, influenced influenced not, or it of aware whether she’s career, my I think that determination great ethic of a work developed because she her, persistence. and strength and exposed was I used take She Rebecca to and there. Melbourne, it. to responded she and a very age collection at early the great to a I think it’s She intuitively. had it understood a she great eye and she’s I think though what great shame that she away, so far lives marvellous. is accomplished as a little girl for walks around the campus, before she the campus, around before walks as a little girl for I was born in 1926 with undiagnosed dyslexia which caused me which undiagnosed born caused I was in 1926 with dyslexia bear the longer no I could 13, of the age misery By stress. and menialtaking left a of school, seriesjobs. and humiliation a as available a position of me A friend told luck. of a stroke had zoology department. University’s Melbourne at assistant laboratory tooff fight.gone had technicians and the on was war The me a decidedto give uneducated, and being qualifications any I worked life. periods my of thetrial. happiest of So began one particularly collecting every job, loved aspect my and of hard ponds. the Botanic Gardens’ from microscopy for specimens working I was as be to a doctor, like I’d I said future. my I saw doing. they were what loving and medical students alongside German to and English botany, biology, chemistry, physics, a I developed school. night at year in one standard intermediate of the end at and dyslexia my penetrate I could whereby means I passed. surprise, everyone’s to the year, become to the determination and the intelligence have you shown help.” to the University do everything at can we We’ll a doctor. who been had people killed on the coroner for autopsies doing these causing was what articles on wrote and accidents, in road deaths. the road on deaths of the causes out work to Committee Trauma published, article was first my them. When prevent to how and them. join if I would asked seethey to and me came to government the convince to the figures I had the ideahad but killed 1000 on thepeople were There in the legislation. bring dropped has it published, was article my since but annually, roads 700. about by DONALD DONALD IT TAKES TWO TAKES IT I talk to everybody, all my children, about the significance children, all my I talk to everybody, of the University of Melbourne to me. I used to take Rebecca Rebecca take to used I me. to Melbourne of University the of 18 20 WELCOME TO MELBOURNE WELCOME TO MELBOURNE 21 unimelb.edu.au/3010 2018

A program pairing local alumni with international students is making for rewarding cultural exchanges.

BY KATE STANTON In 2016, when Luong Tran moved from her village (MJourn 2016) in Gia Lai, in the central highlands of Vietnam, to study epidemiology and biostatistics in Melbourne, hen University neuroscientist she was overwhelmed. Even the University campus Dr Nupur Nag (BSc(Hons) seemed too big. 1997, PhD 2004) hosted a “I had no smartphone on my first day and had dinner party for her new to ask so many people around my house how to get friends, three students from to Melbourne Uni,” she says. “And then, when I got Indonesia and Pakistan, one there, I needed to ask more people how to get around Wbrought her favourite dessert – durian. Melbourne Uni.” The others tasted this pungent but controversial Tran was paired with Sue Lees (BA 1978), a retired delicacy, which is popular in Indonesia, eating small teacher and counsellor, and her husband, Andrew mouthfuls and agreeing it was lovely. That was, until (MB BS 1979), a retired GP. They invited her first to an politeness gave way to laughter, as three admitted they Australian dinner – roast lamb and veggies – at their couldn’t finish it. Welcome to home, and now meet occasionally for coffee. MELBOURNE: 10 YEARS ON Thus began the friends’ “food challenge”, where a Nupur Nag (second three women: Nur Atika and Jinia Lilianty from The pair are only required to attend an initial launch “They were so nice and showed me that Australian new food was trialled at each meet-up. Together, they from right) meets up Indonesia, and Saqiba Sheerazi from Pakistan, who event and undertake one activity together. There is no Putting people are friendly,” says Tran, who wants to improve have tasted Vegemite on toast, garlic crackers, salted with her Welcome to are undertaking Master’s degrees in public health, obligation to continue the friendship. out the Vietnam’s health research capabilities. egg yolk and fish skin, bonding over each other’s likes Melbourne friends biomedical science, and information systems, “The beauty is the simplicity,” Navon says. “Meet up Sue Lees says she and her husband, who have and dislikes. It’s now a group tradition, along with (from left) Jinia respectively. twice. Have a cup of tea. Have a chat. Now you know welcome hosted three students through the program, were regular walks and dinners and coffee catch-ups. Lilianty, Saqiba Nag introduced all three women to each other someone else who is a potential friend. inspired to participate after volunteer teaching trips Nag met all three women as a volunteer for the Sheerazi and Nur during a dinner party, and now all four meet “It may or may not blossom further. Either way, mat to Nepal and Timor-Leste (East Timor). Welcome to Melbourne program, which pairs local Atika. regularly for walks, dinner, cultural events, coffee and that’s great.” “It really opened my eyes to how important PICTURE: alumni with international graduate students who have STEVE McKENZIE conversation. Nag and Atika even met and travelled in Students involved in the Welcome to Melbourne 770 hosts have education is as an opportunity for people in third received the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship. Indonesia together. program come from developing countries eligible for connected with world countries,” she says. “We decided the Melbourne Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the “We all share a very good bond and understanding,” the Australia Awards Scholarship, which is awarded by 1574 students Uni program was a program we could actually get program aims to make participating students feel more says Sheerazi. “Whenever we are together we just talk the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It’s a big since 2009 involved with here as well.” comfortable in Melbourne by introducing them to a and laugh a lot.” deal, and recipients are expected to use their Australian Students from The Lees stay in touch with their students during local resident. Since 2009, more than 1500 students and 770 education to drive change back home. 70 countries have their two-year education in Australia, and beyond. Nag, who lived previously in the US and Singapore, hosts have participated in the Welcome to Melbourne The exchange goes both ways. Navon says it is also participated They have already visited one of their students, Vicchra says her experience living abroad as an expat was her program. Students have come from 18 Asian and in Australia’s interest to develop positive relationships Mouly, back in Cambodia, where she now works for an motivation for joining the program. African countries, including Ghana, Sri Lanka and with people who are going to be in positions of 30% of students international labour organisation. from Indonesia “It can be difficult settling in to a new country due Mongolia. influence in their home countries. “I’ve come away with a great respect for these to differences in culture and social values, and also not It’s not so much an academic exchange, as it is “They’re highly accomplished and ambitious,” says Other countries particular students,” Lees says. “Each of them that having your family or friends for support,” she says. a social and cultural one, says Catherine Navon Navon. “These are people who are quite visionary. most represented: we’ve seen really wants to go back and do something “Knowing someone local is invaluable as they can (GDipArts 2003, MMgt(Mktg) 2012), the University’s That’s why they get the scholarship in the first place.” Vietnam, Pakistan, for their country.” Lees says they have taken students provide insight on a diversity of topics – from where Australia Awards co-ordinator. That doesn’t mean they don’t get homesick. Many Bangladesh and to the beach, to Williamstown Pier, to Healesville the best local café is located to how the government “The point is for them to have an opportunity to are used to being surrounded by extended family. Cambodia Sanctuary, and have been surprised by how much they is elected.” meet a local that’s not in the context of their academic Navon says some participants come from big cities, Biggest participation themselves enjoy seeing Australia through fresh eyes. Nag has hosted 11 students since she began obligations,” she says. such as Jakarta, but some also come from smaller cities was in Semester 1, “Even going to the beach can be such a special volunteering for the program in 2010, developing The alumni relations team tries to match volunteers or towns. “For them, Melbourne is the big smoke,” she 2014: 346 alumni experience,” she says. “They opened our eyes to their friendships with most but, in particular, these with students based on shared interests and hobbies. says. “That can be really lonely.” and students lives and their values, and we gave them a bit of ours.” 22 CLOSE ENCOUNTER CLOSE ENCOUNTER 23 unimelb.edu.au/3010 2018

they realised that although King Kong The Cursed Child, created a solution that was nominally the lead character of their Pavlovic says is “very bold”. She is firmly of musical, he didn’t sing, dance or speak. the view that there’s no point in re-staging a Puppet “So we asked ourselves: ‘what is the show if it has nothing new to say. essential element that makes Kong work?’” “There have been many previous The answer? His sheer physicality. “We incarnations of this story, and we’re trying to thought: ‘what if we told the story in a very make sure that we land a version that speaks physical way? What if the puppeteers moved to audiences today.” the set? And the storytelling became very After her MBA, Pavlovic worked for master visual?’” Andrew Lloyd Webber (“if you told me The result will finally debut in November I’d be helping put on his musicals I never at the Broadway Theatre, which is actually would have believed it”) and then as head An Australian on Broadway, in Manhattan, after five years of international production at global theatre of retooling. Does she feel any pressure producers Stage Entertainment. company recreates about how the global epicentre of musical She landed her current role with a New York icon theatre will respond to the show? Global Creatures after meeting the caravan “There’s a fair amount of pressure,” tycoon Gerry Ryan, who now serves as on Broadway. Pavlovic concedes, “both economically – the the company’s chairman. He asked her to show is very big – and also creatively. It’s an manage the international rollout of the BY ANDERS FURZE iconic title. I was very keen that the show Walking With Dinosaurs stage show, which (MJourn 2016) would have something new to say.” he owned, but she had other ideas. It might seem like a long road from an “I wanted to create new work in Australia t is one of the most iconic images in MBA at the Melbourne Business School that we could take to the world,” she says of movie history: King Kong, standing to the heady world of musical theatre, the foundation of the company, “and utilise astride the Empire State Building, but Pavlovic is quick to point out that the this unbelievable international network that clinging to Ann Darrow as aeroplanes entertainment business is far from the I’d built up over the years.” circle overhead. Oddly, for a story anarchic free-for-all some might think. Whereas typically Australian production that’s so strongly identified with New “The business is a business like any other. companies license Broadway and West End York City, King Kong has consistently We wrestle with cash flow, we have to raise shows in order to create replica productions attracted creative attention from the money, we think through marketing and down under, Global Creatures flips the model. Iother side of the world. who our audiences are and how to reach “I’m much more excited, and creatively New Zealand director Peter Jackson remade them. It’s very much a regular business. challenged, by the idea of creating new work.” the 1933 Hollywood classic in 2005, and now And, then, there’s the part of it that’s not.” Over the past 10 years the company the Australian live entertainment company That part – the creative process – makes has developed musicals including Muriel’s Global Creatures is bringing its stage musical for a job that blends the best of both worlds. Wedding and Strictly Ballroom, and an arena version to Broadway. “I like the structure and order of the show based on the kid’s movie How to Train “For any Australian company to have a business side of it, but I find the creative Your Dragon. show on Broadway is a huge moment,” says process completely thrilling, and I feel very With Strictly Ballroom opening in the Carmen Pavlovic (BA 1994, MBA 1998), the privileged to be part of that. I certainly pinch West End, the Moulin Rouge! musical company’s founding chief executive, “let alone myself regularly that I get to contribute to launching a pre-Broadway engagement in a show as ambitious as this one.” She pauses, those conversations.” Boston and an international tour of the then chuckles: “I hope the critics and audiences The conversations span anything and Walking With Dinosaurs show underway, feel the same.” everything. “At one end of the day I’m Global Creatures has become one of the Debuting in Melbourne in 2013, the show discussing international taxation, marketing largest producers of new work in the world. attracted acclaim for the technical wizardry and copyright law; then, at the other end of The launch of King Kong on Broadway involved in its standout feature: a giant, stylised the day, I could be discussing the role of a is the culmination of years of work – puppet of King Kong, operated by a team of female protagonist in 2018.” she started devising the show when 18 puppeteers at any one time. About that female protagonist she joined Global Creatures a The logistics involved are remarkable: – King Kong’s Ann Darrow often decade ago. “It’s a big moment 14 people onstage clip marionette strings on has been criticised as being the for our company,” she notes with and off his limbs to move him around, while prototypical Damsel in Distress. understatement. But there’s no a team at the back of the theatre controls his Pavlovic says that she was keen to denying Pavlovic’s enthusiasm for facial expressions, with someone else creating change that for Broadway. a centuries-old art form that’s his voice live in performance. King Kong’s writer, still kicking on. But Pavlovic felt that during its Melbourne Jack Thorne, who recently “The most thrilling theatre for run, the rest of the show didn’t quite gel with worked with J K Rowling me has a good old-fashioned its central achievement. to adapt Harry Potter theatricality to it. I really “I had this niggling sense that this for the stage with hope that Kong offers incredible puppet, with all of its physicality, that to people, and that was being dropped in the middle of someone Carmen Pavlovic, right, they project their own else’s musical.” looks forward to the imaginations into The critics agreed, and the light bulb Broadway debut of her the show.” moment for the creative team came when ‘incredible puppet’. 3010 24 POLITICAL LEADERSHIP POLITICAL LEADERSHIP 25

SPEAKING OF WHICH ... BY GAY ALCORN most Presidents of the Senate are quite a bit older than us, and it Upper House; if the vote is tied, the measure is defeated. the conscription referendum, and they were pretty willing.” was something they tended to do for the last couple of terms of Smith has decided not to attend Liberal Party room meetings; Ryan says it would take a doctoral thesis to fully explore cott Ryan met Tony Smith in 1991 on his first day their careers.” Ryan does, although rarely participates in discussions. what has changed in politics in the past 15 years or so, but a at the University of Melbourne. It was near the end But when Bronwyn Bishop took a helicopter ride from “The Senate President’s role is subtly different through having crucial shift is that the way people consume information has of Smith’s time at the Uni. Melbourne to a Liberal fundraiser in Geelong, and charged that vote [on every bill] and they are very different cultural places been upended. That has led to “fragmentation, reinforcement “I think we met at the orientation week barbecue,” taxpayers more than $5000 for it, her role as Speaker was because of this lack of a government majority and the fact that of existing world views and prejudice, but it has also meant that says Smith (BA(Hons) 1990, BCom 1992). “Could doomed. Smith was elected in August 2015, the nation’s 30th you rule by consent in the Senate,” Ryan says. Malcolm Turnbull’s to get attention you sensationalise or escalate your rhetoric. have been; I thought it was the AGM,” says Ryan, Speaker, at a time when all sides of politics were looking for government does not have a majority in the 76-seat Upper House, So that has led to, in my view, an incentive and a reward for (BA(Hons) 1997). someone who would settle things down and show fairness and relying on negotiations with 11 cross-benchers to pass legislation. saying extreme things.” SWhichever it was, it was a function consistency rather than partisanship. “I can’t even throw someone out in the The idea of qualification, or compromise, organised by the University’s Liberal Club, “I had decided I would very much do Senate without there being a formal naming is being lost and what has replaced it is which both men would head, Smith in 1988 it my way; there was no right way. So, at a process,” adds Ryan. “Tony can. In the Senate, arguing about someone’s motive rather than and Ryan in 1994. practical level, I wasn’t going to wear robes. you rule by consent rather than by authority the worth of a proposal. “People can say, More than a quarter of a century later, I don’t know why that stuck in my head, is the way I describe it. It’s a very important ‘Scott, you opposed the mining tax because the two are close friends and agree to meet but I wasn’t going to wear them.” distinction.” you’re in the pay of big coal’, or ‘You opposed in their Melbourne office at Treasury Place. Ryan’s path was equally unusual. He is the Both men are aware of the plummeting the CPRS [the carbon pollution reduction Smith, 51, often described as perennially youngest person ever to be Senate President trust in political institutions and in the current scheme] because you get money from big boyish, is the Speaker of the House of (only the 25th person to hold the title) and squabbling style of politics, a trend recognised carbon-polluting companies’. Representatives. Ryan, 44, nerdish and gave up his job as Special Minister of State to by the University’s new McKinnon Prize in “It’s that introduction of the word “obsessive” about his vocation, according to “I had decided I do so. “I enjoyed being a minister and I think Political Leadership, which aims to reward “In the Senate, ‘because’ which has meant that we don’t one analysis, is the President of the Senate, there have been seven ministers who have outstanding public leadership. debate whether a mining tax or a CPRS the equivalent position in the Upper House. would very much been President, but I am the first to quit the Yet they have deep knowledge and you rule by consent should be implemented, or have objective Each is responsible for upholding ministry to do it.” respect for the workings of the parliament, measures on what it should be measured by.” parliamentary rules and maintaining do it my way … I wasn’t Nobody imagined the impact of the crisis despite a more polarised debate prompted rather than by Ryan wonders whether, these days, people order and fairness at a time of deep going to wear robes.” that saw politician after politician resign by a revolution in the way people receive authority.” would insist that then Prime Minister John mistrust of politicians and even of because they had breached the constitutional information. Howard and Treasurer Peter Costello should democratic institutions. Together, they TONY SMITH requirement that dual citizens could not Smith likes to remind people that there SCOTT RYAN have refused to compromise when they oversee the workings of Parliament House, be MPs. One victim was Stephen Parry, was never a golden age of civilised debate – introduced the GST in 1999. They negotiated managing a $300 million budget and more than 1200 staff. the Liberal Senator who stood down as President because he was he recalls that, back in 1965, then-Labor leader Gough Whitlam with the now-defunct Democrats to get it passed. It is unusual enough that the two presiding officers in possibly a dual British citizen. Ryan, elected as Liberal Senator for threw a glass of water in the face of External Affairs Minister “That issue of something-is-better-than-nothing, that Australia’s national parliament attended the same university, Victoria in 2007, took over in November last year. Paul Hasluck in parliament. compromise may not be perfect but can be an improvement . . . where they both studied Arts. Ryan had many of the same “I never expected for [the citizenship issue] to create a vacancy “A lot of people say to me, ‘Gee, you couldn’t do that in a the point I made about inflated rhetoric has made that harder.” lecturers as Smith in subjects such as history and politics. in the office of Senate President, but I’ve always valued the classroom or a church’. And I say, ‘Well, it’s not a classroom or When they are not working, Smith and Ryan are reading, It is even more unusual that both rose to their current positions parliament,” he says. a church’. It’s not. People these days see so much more and they particularly history and politics. Their shared interest in the in “sudden and unusual circumstances”, as Smith puts it. He was The roles have many similarities, but key differences. The think, therefore, this hasn’t happened before. former is particularly apt; to be a successful President of the a backbencher representing the sprawling electorate of Casey in Speaker does not usually vote in the House but has a casting vote “Televising parliament has changed things and modern Senate or Speaker of the House requires knowledge and respect Melbourne’s outer east. He had been a shadow frontbencher at should a ballot be tied. The President of the Senate votes on every communications – it’s all very instant. Arguably, it’s had a for parliamentary history, traditions and norms. To adapt to different times and had no burning interest in the Speakership. bill, the idea being that the Senate is meant to be the states’ house behavioural effect. a changing world without throwing out what matters. To be “It wasn’t a thought in my head,” he said. “To be very blunt and all states should have equal representation. “We’re both students of history and you can look at some of respected as fair by all sides of politics. So far, Smith and Ryan about it, most Speakers of the House of Representatives and The President does not have a casting vote in the 76-seat those Hansard debates, going right back, contentious issues like seem to have that in common, too. 3010

PICTURE: STEVE MCKENZIE 26 STATELESSNESS STATELESSNESS 27 unimelb.edu.au/3010 2018

Lives in 1972, Janet Clarke Hall) was especially keen to make the Centre happen in Melbourne. It made sense to her because 40 per cent of stateless cases registered by the UNHCR are in the Asian region. “This centre has the potential to be of great value,” says Ms Feller, a Professorial Fellow at the Melbourne School of Government. “There is little sensible documentation of stateless people in the region.” One of the challenges in the field is understanding the scope limbo of statelessness. Many consider the figure of 10 million to be conservative. In collaboration with the UNHCR, the Centre is working on a global nationality database that will be used to measure Millions of people are being forced the extent to which legislation and policies of different countries are to flee the places they call home. compatible with international treaties on statelessness. “This will not be used as a tool to berate countries but rather as a tool that will provide information to advocates, to lawyers, to governments, to anyone within that country and region that wants to use it as an advocacy tool or a tool of understanding,” says Professor Foster. Historically, many countries have been resistant to such initiatives but there has been a softening in their positions over the past two years. “There is a very strong push at the international level to have statelessness raised higher on the national agendas of countries,” explains Ms Feller. “It needs to be understood and it needs to be addressed.”

avid Manne, the executive director of Refugee Legal, the country’s largest provider of assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, and a member of the Centre’s advisory D board, believes statelessness is one of the most urgent and vital human rights challenges facing the world today. “It’s at the sharp end of injustice and inhumanity,” he says. He’s enthusiastic about the Centre’s commitment to the development of practical initiatives to address challenges such as a legal framework to provide protection for stateless people. “We know the consequences of not doing so results in many people being left in limbo,” he argues. “Many are consigned to prolonged and indefinite detention. It’s a tragedy.” BY MURIEL REDDY The Centre, which is being supported by a generous gift from hey came from different worlds, one privileged and the Peter McMullin (BCom, LLB 1974) and his wife Ruth, will focus on other poor, but comic genius Spike Milligan and Ahmed A Rohingya man teaching, research and engagement projects. “Statelessness grabbed al-Kateb, a volunteer council worker, shared a surprising helps an elderly “Although some can be refugees, my attention largely because of my past history as a Member of the bond. Both experienced statelessness, albeit fleetingly in woman after their in most cases stateless people have not Refugee Review Tribunal [1993-1996], where Australia was a leader T boat ran aground the case of the comedian. left their country and are not seeking there are 56 stateless people living in our in the field of refugee law,” McMullin says. In 1960, Milligan was declared “stateless” under British in Bangladesh in protection elsewhere. The remedy they community, although the number in Ms Feller says a number of universities have already expressed immigration laws after he refused to take the oath of allegiance to the September, 2017. would be seeking is recognition in that detention is unknown. Ahmed al-Kateb, interest in a curriculum for a teaching program it hopes to create. Crown. He resolved the issue by adopting his father’s Irish nationality. PICTURE: DAN KITWOOD/ country as nationals.” born in Kuwait to Palestinian refugees In addition, it will run an inaugural summer course next year, which Al-Kateb’s path from statelessness to Australian citizen was more GETTY IMAGES The Rohingya people are a contentious from Gaza, was deemed stateless when he it hopes will attract interest from people who have a role in policy- torturous and much more indicative of the difficulties faced by the but obvious example. Despite their existence was rescued from a fishing boat washed up making, particularly in the region. world’s estimated 10 million people who have nowhere to call home. in Myanmar dating back generations, they on Ashmore Reef off the northern coast “Our advice from the UNHCR, which has been running courses Their plight is unimaginable, unable to do the sorts of everyday were denationalised in 1982. of Western Australia. He endured seven like these for years, is that it’s quite extraordinary how many things most of us so happily take for granted – opening a bank It’s not a new phenomenon. Up to hellish years before the government finally government decision-makers will come to the courses and fully account, owning land or property, accessing healthcare, getting a 2 million Russians were denationalised agreed to allow him to settle here. understand the issue for the first time,” explains Professor Foster. driver’s licence, attending school. Their lives are in limbo. after the Russian Revolution; the Nazis used According to Professor Foster, there are She’s determined that the research projects adopted by the Centre But momentum has been building to support these ‘forgotten it as a form of persecution against the Jews. also 27 countries, including Nepal, whose should have practical impacts. people’ and the newly-established Peter McMullin Centre on An estimated 250,000 people are nationality laws discriminate against “The projects that we focus on will be with an eye to assisting Statelessness at the University of Melbourne is at the vanguard of stateless in Latvia because they are women. “They won’t allow women to states to understand what some of the issues are for that particular international efforts to end statelessness by 2024. The challenge is determined to be of Russian, rather than pass on their nationality to their children. state, and how they might be able to change the laws.” as daunting as it is ambitious. Latvian, ethnicity. Ethnic Vietnamese in If the father is unknown, the child While the Refugee Convention of 1951 has some 150 signatories, “Stateless people live in a country they regard as their own, the Cambodia are recognised only as “non- becomes stateless.” the 1954 Convention on Stateless Persons, which sets out the rights place where they have lived and where their families have lived for immigrant foreigners” despite living in the Having served for 26 years with the and protections of stateless people, has far fewer. That, however, generations, and yet they’re not regarded as nationals in that country,” country for generations. United Nations High Commissioner for is changing as the UNHCR puts pressure on hold-out countries, explains Professor Michelle Foster, Head of the new Centre. Australian government data suggest Refugees, Erika Feller (BA, LLB(Hons) setting a target of 2024 to eradicate statelessness. 3010 28 FIVE QUESTIONS FIVE QUESTIONS 29 Taking on the unimelb.edu.au/3010 2018 SUPERBUGS FIVE QUESTIONS FOR ANDREA O’CONNOR CHEMICAL ENGINEER Antibiotic resistance is fast emerging as one of the world’s most pressing medical challenges, with drug-resistant infections threatening to hinder simple procedures we currently take for granted – basic surgeries, medical device implants or intensive care. Associate Professor Andrea O’Connor (BE(Hons) 1990, PhD 1995) is at the forefront of the battle to beat the ‘superbugs’, pioneering the use of nanoparticles to fight infections at their source.

Dr Andrea O’Connor is Deputy Head of the School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. Her expertise is in the field of biomaterials, implants and tissue engineering (the practice of merging scaffolds – tiny, porous devices that act as a template to regenerate tissue and organs – with human cells to repair wounds and damaged tissues).

What exactly is a major problem. If an implant becomes band aids, even some clothing. But silver them carefully, so that we can attack those Another major problem is wounds, have this technology adopted in medical the problem you infected, it may fail, and that can lead to is also toxic, so it’s not ideal, and for that drug‑resistant forms of bacteria. chronic wounds, and particularly for devices, so that it actually impacts peoples are trying to solve? major problems for the patient. reason we’ve looked at other materials. And then we made another step in patients who are elderly and who may lives and makes a difference. 1 the synthesis that we’re aiming to take have diabetes; they are very prone to ulcers I think we need lots of strategies to Conventionally, bacterial infections have What’s so Selenium, out a patent on, where we can actually and chronic wounds that don’t heal well, do that given the rise of superbugs. No been treated with antibiotics, but we good about the silver produce selenium-based nanoparticles and those can often suffer from superbug- one strategy is going to be the solution to are seeing lots of reports about bacteria that will also attack Gram-negative type infections. everything, but this could be a part of it, nanoparticles? bullet? developing resistance. So, we’re interested 2 3 bacteria, which are typically more difficult So we’re producing wound dressings and which is very exciting. in finding alternatives to antibiotics, Nanoparticles are very small particles – A post-doctoral researcher in my lab, to attack. That’s things like E. Coli, which wound regeneration scaffolds that might particularly in the areas where we are typically, below 100 nanometres in size, Dr Phong Tran, who’s now at Queensland is also quite prevalent and causes a lot of incorporate these antimicrobial components. How many doing research, which are medical devices and a nanometre is one-billionth of a University of Technology, had some illness. They would ideally help to heal the wound, superbugs have – hip implants, valves for hearts, plates metre. But nanoparticles are attractive for experience in working with selenium as a One of the things that bacteria need while also preventing infection. been identified? and screws . . . things mostly made of a few reasons; interestingly, they have a lot material that had antimicrobial properties. to stay functioning is their cell membrane. 5 metals and plastics, sometimes from of surface area relative to the total amount So we started investigating that, and that If it starts to get holes in it or starts to leak, Where next There’s a set that have been identified ceramics – and in the field of tissue of material. Because they’re microscopic, has led to collaboration with Professor then the bacteria don’t function well and for this called the ESKAPE pathogens, which are engineering. With the latter, we try to a lot of the actual particle is surface as Neil O’Brien-Simpson’s (PhD 1998) team if it gets bad enough then they will die. a handful of pathogens that are known to exploration? make materials, sometimes like a sponge, opposed to the bulk (or internal) material, in the Melbourne Dental School and some One of the ways that these 4 be prone to drug resistance. But there are that you might put into the body to repair and that displays different chemical exciting results that look really promising. nanoparticles can attack bacteria is by We are working to better optimise and many different strains. tissue, or replace tissue that is missing, activity compared to a large block of the Selenium looks to be somewhat in disrupting that membrane so they make understand the performance of the The other thing that I’ve been really after people have maybe had a car accident same material. That means there is a lot the sweet spot in that it is quite effective the bacteria leaky, and then things can nanoparticles that we’ve produced. One struck by as we work with human and or major trauma, surgery due to cancer, of surface area for things to interact with, against bacteria, but it’s much less toxic pass in and out of the bacteria in a way of the key things about nanoparticles, is mammalian cells, is that when we switch something like that. and one of the things that that changes is to human cells. they normally wouldn’t. that we expect the bacteria won’t develop to growing bacteria and testing them, they Bacteria are very good at evading the how the particles might interact with cells So, it’s much safer. It means you can In tests, we’ve incorporated the resistance to them as easily as they do to grow so fast, and they replicate and they immune system, and when they sit on the and bacteria, and how quickly they might use more of it, and it’s very effective nanoparticles as a coating on the surface a lot of drugs, because the nanoparticles change so fast. It’s quite shocking when surface of something like an implant they dissolve or undergo chemical reactions, against a class of bacteria we call Gram- of a medical implant, or as part of a tissue- have multiple ways that they attack the you’re used to dealing with mammalian can grow a biofilm, which is like a gooey because a lot of those things happen at positive bacteria, a common example of engineering scaffold. The antimicrobial bacteria. cells that chug along and double once a layer, that protects them and makes it tough the surface of the particle, not inside the which is Staph aureus – Staphylococcus components are then gradually released So this is something that we’re really day, sort of thing. These bacteria have been for the antibiotics to get in to treat the particle. aureus, or Golden Staph – which has into their surrounding environment, and trying to understand – what aspect through several generations in that time, bacteria. The bacteria become what we call It has been shown that nanoparticles of drug-resistant variants that are in the prevent infections forming. of a material means that bacteria can, so the challenge that superbugs present quiescent; they sort of slow down, and just some materials, like silver, are quite good at Australian community and hospitals Our research focus has been on medical or cannot, develop resistance readily? is striking. exist there, though they’re not very active. killing bacteria, and so silver has been used and cause significant problems. We’ve devices, so that could be implants, it could To understand that would really be a From the perspective of medical for decades for that purpose, and it’s now been able to control the properties of the also be things like catheters, where biofilm very big step forward. Ultimately, the An extended version of this interview can be devices, these kinds of infections can be incorporated in some wound dressings, selenium nanomaterials, by synthesising infections can be a problem. most exciting thing would be if we could found at unimelb.edu.au/3010

ILLUSTRATION: FRANK MAIORANA 30 ALUMNI PROFILES ALUMNI PROFILES 31

ENTREPRENEUR VISIONARY PLANNER GEMEH KROMAH KHAIRIAH TALHA (MEntr 2016) (BTRP 1980)

emeh Kromah spent 15 years of his life in refugee camps, at times surviving on leftovers from customers’ plates in a makeshift restaurant. He was just five when he and his family fled war- torn Liberia and headed to the border of neighbouring Guinea. At 12, he was separated from his mother and for the Gnext eight years lived in three different camps. Kromah describes the camp where he spent most of this time, and which housed 2000 refugees, as “no different to a prison”. “It was terrible; life was inconclusive,” he says. Kromah was finally offered refuge in Australia in 2005, arriving in Melbourne with some of his non-biological ‘family’. “When I came to Australia I said, ‘This is heaven for me; I need to make use of the opportunities here’.” He embarked on a Bachelor of Counselling at the Australian College of Applied Psychology, before completing a Bachelor of Social Work at Monash University. While working as a social worker, Kromah noticed a lot of the women he was dealing with were from non-English- speaking backgrounds and unable to find work. They were also staying at home to look after children. He set up a unique business where mothers with limited hairiah Talha left Melbourne University in renewal . . . For cities to thrive, they have to be planned in English could work as childcare workers in their homes, 1980 with a degree in town and regional consultation with the people who live in them.” looking after other people’s children, as well as their own. planning, her future husband, and what KWA Planners has won major awards for its work in A year later he enrolled in the first cohort of the she considered a radical concept – areas ranging from urban redevelopment to strategic University of Melbourne’s Master of Entrepreneurship – she was allowed to think for herself. and integrated master plans for rainforest preservation a one-year course that equips students with information, The planning department (now part and eco-adventure tourism. The company also designed mentoring and networking opportunities, as well as of the Melbourne School of Design) Precinct 11, a residential area in Putrajaya, the new practical skills needed to create and grow businesses. “taught me how to think and express my administrative capital of Malaysia created to reduce The experience was “amazing”, he says. Kopinions,” she says. “At that time in Malaysia, subordinates congestion in Kuala Lumpur. Talha’s largest project for 2018 “Before the course, my business was at a grass-roots were supposed to do what they were told. Women, in has been preparing a strategic plan for Subang Jaya, a town level; we were stuck in terms of financial growth. particular, were supposed to do what they were told.” between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, part of the Klang “On completing the Masters, we went ‘boom!’” Talha and her husband, fellow Malaysian scholarship Valley Corridor. But his entrepreneurial drive had been ignited: student Moslim Othman (BE(CivEng) 1977, International As the first female president of the Malaysian Institute while studying, Kromah picked up on another business House, University College), started their careers as of Planners (1999 to 2003), Talha established a council of opportunity. He noticed some of the women working government employees in Terengganu, then Penang. advisers and devised a code of professional conduct. She for him were bringing beauty Talha was young and was Secretary General of the products back from Africa when outspoken. Although she wore Eastern Regional Organization for “When I came to Australia they visited, on-selling them to traditional Malay Muslim dress, “My career in government Planning and Human Settlements friends in Australia. she was comfortable with Western from 2002 to 2010, forging close I said, ‘This is heaven for Using his new research skills, ideas. Malaysia did not particularly was cut short because links between professionals across Kromah identified a gap in the welcome such people in leadership the region, including Australia. me; I need to make use of Australian market and has since positions at the time and the fact I expressed my opinion “I surprised a lot of people, the opportunities here’.” found suppliers in Indonesia and that she prevailed, and paved too much.” being a Muslim woman — Ivory Coast to help launch an the way for other women leaders opinionated, upfront, employing online cosmetics company later in Malaysia, is one of her lasting Western consultants in my private this year that specialises in products made for black skin. achievements. practice,” she says. “There are people who build bridges. The 32-year-old’s ventures do not end there: he is also “My career in government was cut short because I There are people who build walls. I prefer bridges.” a freelance business consultant, recently opened a West- expressed my opinions too much,” she reflects. But she Increasingly, Ms Talha sees her role as mentor, helping African restaurant and plans to open a massage parlour. flourished in the private sector. In 1996, Talha set up her encourage new generations of town planners. She cites as His ultimate goal: to set up an entrepreneurship training own planning consultancy, KWA Planners, in Shah Alam, one of the main challenges in planning the need to gain institute in Liberia. near Kuala Lumpur. political support for implementing policy. “It should be the “The problem for Africa is unemployment and lack “Some people think that town planning is about role of town planners to make politicians see the benefits of entrepreneurial skills,” he laments. “Africa needs design of streetscapes, roads and parks,” she says. “It is of good planning in the longer term,” she says, “not just for entrepreneurs that build wealth for themselves and create a lot more than that. It is preparing to manage existing winning the next election.” employment for others.” and new developments to cater for the needs of different BY MICHELE NAYMAN BY VICTORIA GEORGE communities at different times, in a cycle of change and (BTRP 1980)

PICTURE: CHRIS HOPKINS 32 ALUMNI PROFILES ALUMNI PROFILES 33

DESIGN INNOVATOR ROVING REPORTER SARAH LYNN REES MATT TINNEY (BEnv 2012) (BA 2005) arah Lynn Rees wants Australian buildings to better reflect the country’s Indigenous peoples — the Traditional Owners of the land. “We’re projecting who we think we are in our buildings,” she says. “But when I look around Melbourne, I don’t really see an Indigenous presence. And that’s a shame. “But it’s also an opportunity.” SRees, a Plangermaireener woman from Hobart, Tasmania, is in a position to help create that change. After graduating from the University’s architecture program in 2012, she was awarded the prestigious Charlie Perkins Scholarship, which gives Indigenous Australians the opportunity to undertake postgraduate study at exclusive universities in the US or UK. Rees completed a Masters of Philosophy in Architecture and Urban Design at Cambridge, where she studied Indigenous housing in remote communities. Once registered, she will be one of a handful of Indigenous Australian architects working to integrate Indigenous design into the built environment. It’s exciting, she says. “I think we’re past the point of hanging an Indigenous dot painting on the wall and that being enough. It’s about actually embodying these buildings with Indigenous ways of being, knowing and thinking — with the complexities and the knowledge of Indigenous cultures.” Growing up, Rees says her father, a builder, got her or journalist and arts alumnus Matt it wasn’t long before it would be upended again. thinking about architecture as a career. Tinney, hopping into a plane with an “I happened to meet Bruce Gordon, the owner of WIN, “I was quite interested in problem-solving so 80-year-old aerobatics pilot in the cockpit and one thing led to another and suddenly I was being sent architecture seemed like a good fit,” she says. is just another day at the office. on a plane to Perth.” As part of her studies at Cambridge, Rees spent “Fortunately, I didn’t vomit, but I did Unbeknown to Tinney, he was being given a trial run as six months living in Yuendumu, a remote Indigenous feel a bit queasy afterwards,” he says of Channel Nine’s weekend newsreader in Perth. community nearly 300 kilometres northwest of Alice the flight, filmed for the Seven Network’s “It was incredible,” he says, looking back on the career- Springs, where she looked critically at the way government breakfast show Sunrise, where he serves shaping moment. “It was like I’d just taken flight. It had come programs delivered remote housing to Indigenous people. Fas Perth correspondent. “That’s the great thing about out of absolutely nowhere. I’m sure the TV viewers of Perth She found that governments rarely designed housing this job — you meet a lot of different people. Sometimes were thinking, ‘Who is this 23-year-old?’ ” based on an understanding of the they’re celebrities, but often From there, he made the way Indigenous people in those they’re average people who do jump to his current gig at Sunrise, “I was quite interested communities operate. extraordinary things.” “It’s not until afterwards and he has since settled into life Now back in Melbourne, Growing up in Essendon with on the west coast, meeting his in problem-solving so Rees works as a graduate architect dreams of becoming a pilot that you reflect on what now wife and having children. at Jackson Clements Burrows himself, Tinney decided to pursue “Becoming a parent brings architecture seemed Architects and as a consultant a journalism career after just you’ve done, and the something new to your journalism. with Greenshoot Consulting missing out on a job in the air force. emotion does hit you.” You see stories through a different like a good fit.” on various projects, including “I had either journalist or set of eyes.” Tinney cites his work working to support the Faculty of politician in the back of my mind,” hosting Perth’s long-running Architecture, Building and Planning to create Indigenous and he asked an old primary school teacher what to do. Telethon as one of the most important things he does. Cultural Design Competency modules (ICDC). Her advice was simple. It might look like a glamorous job, but it does have its She’s also co-organising an Indigenous architecture “She said, ‘Do you consider yourself to be honest, Matt?’. challenges. symposium with award-winning architect Jefa Greenaway I said, ‘Oh, you know me, of course I do.’ And she said: “Very soon after starting at Sunrise I covered the (BArch (Hons) 1999, BPD(Arch) 1997), to be held at the ‘Do yourself a favour, and don’t become a politician. It’ll get execution of the ‘Bali Nine’, and you’re just in the thick of it,” University this July, bringing together Indigenous architects you into trouble!’ ” he says. “It’s not until afterwards that you reflect on what from all over the world. She is also a director of Indigenous At University, Tinney majored in Politics and Italian, you’ve done, and the emotion does hit you.” Architecture and Design Victoria. It’s already a lot of work for which taught him how to research and analyse material, “both Still, the pros of the job vastly outnumber the cons. someone still at the beginning of her architecture career. key skills for a journalist.” He also got as much professional “At times, it can feel like you’re not doing anything “I subscribe to the notion that we’re all going to have experience as he could, volunteering for community radio remarkable, because you see all these people doing amazing five careers in our lifetimes,” she says, “however, I’m trying and TV. Two weeks after graduating, he landed a job at WIN things. But I’m at the point where I think, well, it’s my job to to have them all at once because they all feed into each other.” News in Wollongong. get these amazing stories out into the open.” BY KATE STANTON Upending his life to kick-start his burgeoning career, BY ANDERS FURZE

PICTURE: ANDREW TAUBER 34 ALUMNI PROFILES ALUMNI PROFILES 35

FERTILITY EXPERT TECH LEADER LYNN BURMEISTER LEONIE VALENTINE (MB BS 1989) (BSc 1990) ach Christmas, a grandfather in Melbourne raises a glass to Lynn Burmeister, and thanks her for helping create his eight grandchildren. His daughters became pregnant under the care of Burmeister, recognised as one of the country’s leading IVF and fertility specialists. “It’s a sweet story,” she says. EAnd it’s not an uncommon one; Burmeister helps thousands of patients have babies every year. She has just set up her own egg freezing and fertility clinic after her long relationship with Monash IVF came to an end, opening her new rooms in Collins Street, Melbourne. The elegant furnishings and inspirational quotes adorning its walls give it an air of a day spa, but this is serious business for Burmeister and those who rely upon her. “I’m not a miracle worker and I tell all the patients that, but I do like the complexity of a fertility patient because there are so many aspects that you have to get right,” she says. “With IVF, every little step along the way – the health of the eggs, the health of the sperm, how the embryo is made in the laboratory, how the embryo is put back into the patient – if it’s not right, could mean that that patient might not be able to have a baby.” She tries to solve any issues that hinder conception before IVF is needed, whether it’s fixing uterine abnormalities or removing ovarian cysts. She makes patients aware of their responsibilities, too, often telling them to lose weight eonie Valentine pursued a geology 1990, when geology jobs were scarce, so she took a job in or improve their diet or lifestyle before she’ll treat them. degree at the University because she marketing at BP. Burmeister initially planned to become a surgeon, but wanted to travel the world, just like the “I didn’t even know what marketing was,” she says with while she was training her potential was spotted by IVF oil workers she met growing up in her a laugh. “But I was lucky that they would hire generalists pioneer Professor Carl Wood. She hasn’t looked back since. small town in Gippsland, Victoria. and train them.” Since 2017, she’s been offering IVF in Geelong to comply “I looked at what they did and where She focused on general business marketing and with a temporary non-compete order with Monash IVF. they’d been in the world and I saw that advertising until 1999, when she joined friends who had Once that ends, she’ll open a full IVF unit in Melbourne, but as my escape route,” she says. started a small internet venture. That opportunity led is planning to keep her Geelong unit. “I’m just trying to make LBut Valentine had other influences, too. Her mother, to 12 years in digital strategy and customer experience IVF more affordable and more in particular, had been a Hong for Telstra. accessible,” she says. Kong bank secretary and one Valentine eventually “I tell my patients we don’t With many women delaying of the city’s first-ever computer “I went off . . . fully intending accepted a job with the starting a family until they have operators. “That was back when company in Hong Kong, where have Botox for eggs. The established a career, fertility is a they were retraining smart to become a geologist, join she now lives with her husband growing concern. Burmeister says secretaries to do punch cards and children. Then Google came older patient will always the technology is improving all that were used to operate an oil company and then go calling: Valentine joined as the time, but science has not yet computers,” Valentine says. and see the world.” director of customer experience struggle to have a baby.” discovered how to reverse the It’s fitting, then, that she in 2014, and was promoted to ageing process. “I tell my patients would return to her mother’s city managing director in 2016. we don’t have Botox for eggs,” she says. “The older patient as a tech industry leader. Valentine is now the managing Valentine says she’s passionate about working on ways will always struggle to have a baby.” director of sales and operations at Google Hong Kong. to integrate technology into the Hong Kong community, While she can legally treat patients up to age 52, “I love the city,” she says. “And the opportunity to be such as working with local schools to include coding in the she urges women to try to complete their families by 35. Google’s managing director means I can actually make a bit curriculum and raising the profile of women in the tech and Increasingly, women for whom that is not an option are of a difference when it comes to promoting digitisation here.” business industries. choosing to freeze their eggs. She is responsible for driving Google’s strategy in the city “I’m always grateful for doing the science degree first,” Despite her best efforts, there are some people and contributing to the company’s role as a major digital she says. “I learned how to approach something from a Burmeister still cannot help. “I give them other options – presence in the Asia-Pacific. It’s a big job, but Valentine says scientific point of view – how to use data and facts and there’s egg donor therapy, sperm donor therapy, embryo she didn’t set out to work in the tech industry. experiment – landing a job as a marketing trainee allowed donor therapy.” “I went off to Melbourne University fully intending to me to develop my communication skills and a human And when it does work – by whatever method – become a geologist, join an oil company and then go and point of view. Those two things have applied really well Burmeister shares the patients’ joy. “It’s so rewarding,” see the world,” she says. at Google.” she says. “I love creating life.” BY VAL MCFARLANE Valentine graduated at the height of the recession in BY KATE STANTON

PICTURE: ANDREW TAUBER MILESTONES 37

EVENTS AWARDS, HONOURS & ACHIEVEMENTS Artist Caroline Phillips’ latest solo exhibition, there’s something Professor Marcia Devlin (PhD 2007) happening here … (extended has been appointed Deputy remix), sought to respond to the 2018 Vice-Chancellor and Senior Vice- current political atmosphere of President of Victoria University. She fear and violence, proposing served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor feminist objects of protection (Learning and Quality) at Federation and resistance. The exhibition For more information and University from 2014 to 2017 and ran at Boxcopy, Brisbane, in May. details of many more alumni Two alumnae have been honoured by has also held senior positions at Dr Phillips (PGradVisArt 2010, events worldwide, visit Women and Leadership Australia, an RMIT University, the University of MFA 2012, PhD 2017) has initiative that supports the presence Melbourne, Deakin University and previously exhibited nationally go.unimelb.edu.au/exx6 of women in business and Open Universities Australia. and internationally. community leadership roles. Professor Gillian Triggs (LLB 1967, Sally Capp (BCom, LLB(Hons) 1991) Professor Warren Bebbington PhD 1983, St Hilda’s College, Janet has been elected Lord Mayor of (MMus 1978, Trinity College) Clarke Hall, International House), the Artist Yvette Coppersmith Melbourne, the first woman to hold is the new chair of the former President of the Australian (BFA 2001) was awarded the the post in almost 30 years. She took board of design college LCI Human Rights Commission, won the Archibald Prize 2018 for her work leave without pay from her position Melbourne. The college was New South Wales Award for Self-portrait, after George Lambert. as Victorian executive director of the created 20 years ago as the Excellence in Women’s Leadership, The Archibald, awarded annually Property Council of Australia to Australian Academy of Design while Marita Cheng (BE, BCS 2014) by the Art Gallery of New South campaign. and is now part of a global won the Tasmanian Award for her Wales, is Australia’s most 21-campus chain, founded in work as an advocate for women in prestigious prize for portraiture. Interval (UQP) is Canada. Professor Bebbington technology and tech entrepreneur. the second volume has held several senior positions Professor Joan McMeeken AM of poetry from in universities, including Emeritus Professor Alan Robson AO (MSc 1988, PhD 2016) is the author award-winning Vice-Chancellor of the University (BAgrSc 1966) has been inducted into of Science in Our Hands: Australian poet of Adelaide and Pro Vice- the Royal Agricultural Society of Physiotherapy at the University of and author Judith Chancellor (Global Relations) at Western Australia Hall of Fame. Melbourne, 1895-2010, published by Bishop (BA(Hons) the University of Melbourne. Professor Robson, a former Vice the University’s Faculty of Medicine, 1993, PhD 2003, Chancellor of the University of Dentistry and Health Sciences. Based Ormond College). It follows the Dr Roy Ponce (MAE 2007, DEd Western Australia, is recognised on Professor McMeeken’s PhD thesis, success of her 2007 volume, Event. 2016) was presented with the internationally for his work on the book explores the history of the Ms Bishop’s poems have won Excellence in Innovation Award nutrition in plants and soil fertility. profession in Victoria and the role of numerous awards, including the Peter at the 2017 Australian Excellence the University as physiotherapists Porter Poetry Prize (2006, 2011), an Alumni Awards, held in the fought to take control of their American Academy of Poets Philippines. Dr Ponce founded an education and ensure their University Prize (2004) and the after-school care program in the professional standing. Professor Marten Bequest Travelling Philippines aimed at increasing McMeeken was the Foundation Scholarship (2002–2004). Event literacy and learning experiences Professor and Head of the School of (Salt), was shortlisted for three major for children in underprivileged Physiotherapy from 1991 until 2007. awards and won the Anne Elder communities, which has since She also served on the Council of award (2008). grown into a number of PICTURE: PRUDENCE UPTON Chasing Digital is the new book by Medley Hall for many years, and children-focused activity alumni Anthony Stevens (left) and spent a decade as Chair. Awang Abdul centres. He is currently Vice Louis Strauss, published by Wiley & Mutalib (MIntBus President of Research and Sons Book Publishers. It focuses on Scriptwriter 2003) has been Extension at the Davao Oriental JOIN YOUR FELLOW ALUMNI AT EVENTS WORLDWIDE, INCLUDING: digital transformation and is targeted Joe Brukner appointed Minister State College of Science and THURSDAY 19 JULY to business leaders. Mr Stevens (BA 2012, Ormond of Communications, Technology. (MCommrclLaw 2005, BCom 1999, College) received Brunei Darussalam. Hong Kong Alumni Reception BIS 2000) is the ex-Chief Digital the Sir Peter His previous Two Melbourne alumni took FRIDAY 20 JULY Officer of KPMG and now Managing Ustinov Television positions include Permanent home medals in the 2018 Gold Director of Digital Asset Ventures, Scriptwriting Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs Coast Commonwealth Games. Kuala Lumpur Alumni Reception while Mr Strauss (BE 2014, MIS 2016) Award 2017 at the (Aug 2016-Jan 2018), Permanent Elena Galiabovitch (BBiomed TUESDAY 21 AUGUST is a digital consultant at Digital Asset International Emmy Awards for his Secretary (Media and Cabinet) at the 2010, DMed 2014) won silver Ventures. script, Judas. The competition aims Prime Minister’s Office (Nov 2015-Aug in the Women’s 25m Pistol and Perth Alumni Reception to help non-American novice writers 2016); Permanent Secretary, Ministry bronze in the Women’s 10m TUESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER Professor Emeritus Norm Williamson under the age of 30 in their television of Communications (Apr 2013-Nov Pistol, while Joanna Weston (BVSc 1968, MVSc 1974) has been scriptwriting career. 2015); Deputy Permanent Secretary (BCom 2016), Singapore: University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Concert and Alumni Reception awarded the American Association at the Prime Minister’s Office and pictured, was FRIDAY 28 SEPTEMBER of Veterinary Medical Dr Helen Gildfind (GDipEd 2005, Ministry of Communications, part of the Shanghai: University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Concert and Alumni Reception College’s Billy E. Hooper PGDipCA 2006, PhD 2012) has respectively from 2008 to 2013. Australian Award for Distinguished Service. launched her debut short story He also held executive positions in Diamonds netball SUNDAY 14 OCTOBER This award is presented by collection, The Worry the corporate sector from 2003-2007. team that won Sydney – The Australian Boat Race the AAVMC to an individual Front. The stories, silver. whose leadership and vision published by Margaret Do you know any Melbourne WEDNESDAY 24 – MONDAY 29 OCTOBER has made a significant River Press, deal with alumni who should be recognised Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong: Business and Economics Dean’s Events contribution to academic worry in its many in a future edition? Email alumni- veterinary medicine and guises – unease, [email protected] with the FRIDAY 23 AND SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER the veterinary fear, dread and subject line ‘3010 Milestones’. MDHS Alumni Reunion Weekend profession. terror. 38 ENTERPRISETHE LAST WORD The logophile (with a passion for puzzles)

BY IAN THOMPSON (BVSc(Hons) 1980, BSc(Hons) 1994, PhD 1999, Queen’s College) WITH YOUR SUPPORT THE INDIGENOUS LEADERS OF TOMORROW WILL FLOURISH

Ian Thompson, who goes by the pen name Flowerman, has constructed a quick crossword especially for 3010 readers. PICTURE: STEVE McKENZIE

y mother was into cryptic crosswords. She was self-taught, and she’d do the Sydney M Morning Herald one on the train into university. When I started having a go, Mum was very much a beginner, too, so we were at the bottom end, trying to nut out clues – we didn’t always manage to solve them, but we had our successes. I loved doing them. SOLUTION ON PAGE 4 Then, when I was studying for my Bachelor of Veterinary Science, way back, ACROSS DOWN 1 Regarding a light-sensitive tissue 1 Object of historic interest (5) the Veterinary Students Society magazine in the eye (7) 2 Digit (3) asked if I could produce one because they 5 Fallow (3) 3 A place for brooding (4) knew I liked crosswords. It was my first 7 Display exaggerated feelings (5) 4 A law degree (abbr.) (3) real attempt at creating one. I’ve actually 9 Greek philosopher (5) 5 Den (4) still got it and when I look back I think, 10 A windblown loamy deposit (5) 6 Males who practise a system of gee, I was pretty good then. 12 Death notice (abbr.) (4) Hindu philosophy (5) The first thing I do is create a grid 13 Singers with the lowest female voice (5) 8 Spirit (6) and then I fill the grid with the answers. 14 Injury linked to repetitive actions 9 Needy (4) (abbr.) (3) 11 Fruit of the blackthorn (4) You can work out a clue with an answer 16 Chocolate substitute (derived 15 Intervene (4,2) and slot that in first but, generally, I just from the pods of Ceratonia siliqua) (5) 18 Be next to (4) go from scratch and randomly pick a word 17 Angry tirades (5) 19 Farewell (5) out of my head and worry about how to 19 A garden avenue (from French) (5) 20 Compass point (4) make a clue for it later, in the belief that 21 Wind instruments (5) 22 Put on (5) every word will be ‘clueable’, however 23 A key (abbr.) (3) 24 One prone to telling stories (4) difficult. 25 Prize (5) 26 On which tennis may be played (4) Sometimes, it feels like crosswords 28 Prejudice (4) 27 One of the Great Lakes (4) Scholarships made possible by philanthropy are giving our Indigenous students the 30 Heart chambers (5) 29 TV program on the Nine Network are becoming a bit old fashioned because 31 Carry out (5) (abbr.) (3) help they need to thrive in their studies and in their future careers. With many coming young people don’t seem to do them much. 32 Force out moisture by twisting (5) from disadvantaged backgrounds and with limited means to pay for living expenses, I’m a tutor in first year Biology at the 33 A small hard seed (5) Having filled all or much of the grid, the University and I occasionally give my 34 Actor Richard who starred in answers to the three ‘wordsearch’ clues financial assistance can make all the difference. Imagine how many other Indigenous students crosswords to learn biological An Officer and a Gentleman (4) should emerge (ignore the bars when students could become leaders of the future with your support. searching). terms. I also tried to get them to work out WORDSEARCH some anagrams once. I think they think A Model institution? (9,10) Donate to Indigenous students now: go.unimelb.edu.au/2bv6 I’m a bit mad. B A way through the answer to A (3, 5) WITH VAL McFARLANE C Museum at A (8)

D0511 Magazine Ad 3010_INDIGENOUS_(A4)_final.indd 1 29/5/18 2:31 pm Sometimes all it takes is a simple conversation A calm word of encouragement or a piece of inspiring advice is often all that’s needed to help a student see the future more clearly. Ask Alumni is a flexible, speed mentoring program that works with your schedule to create the perfect partnership – no matter where you are or how much time you have to give. And because you’ve been there, you’re the perfect person to give the advice and support that’ll make a world of difference.

Find out how easy it is alumni.unimelb.edu.au/volunteer

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