NEWS JUNE 2011 • Issue 39
Filmmaker Sean Byrne: A new take on Pretty in Pink
The Rhodes less travelled (special feature pages 12-21)
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www.utasalumni.org.au Contents
Alumni News is the regular magazine Contents for graduates and friends of the University of Tasmania. UTAS alumni include graduates and diplomates of UTAS, TCAE/TSIT and AMC. Alumni News is prepared for the Development and Alumni Office by the Communications and Media Office. Edited by Janette Brennan.
Contributors Peter Cochrane, Cherie Cooper, Rhonda Ewart, Nicki Fletcher, 2 Catherine Rogers, Melanie Roome and Sharon Webb.
Design Clemenger Tasmania
Advertising enquiries Melanie Roome Alumni and Development Manager Phone +61 3 6324 3472 6 12 Let us know your story at [email protected] 2 a gilt-edged gift 16 Potential and limits Phone +61 3 6324 3052 Fax +61 3 6324 3402 600 works and $1m to Judge Richard Cogswell UTAS Development and Alumni Office establish the Tyler Collection. on the Oxford experience. Locked Bag 1350 4 scream king 18 Our very own Launceston Tasmania 7250 UTAS academics and Filmmaker Sean Byrne former Rhodes Scholars. goes for the jugular. 20 Movember 6 Childhood heroes Alex Shabala dressed for success. Dr Phil Hilton’s tribute to soldier convicts. 21 Caring about life’s journey Professor Marnie Hughes- 7 Tanzmanian Warrington’s approach. Educator Natalie Croome 22 accolades is at home in two worlds. Distinguished Tasmanians shine. NEWS JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 8 from galley to bridge 25 50 years of chemistry Emma Eadie’s gap year is turning into a life at sea. Symposium to celebrate anniversary. 10 The Hytten legacy 26 alumni and friends The great-granddaughter of our first full-time VC. A special thanks to those who supported the 2010 11 Come back after school Alumni Annual Appeal. Josh Smith has become assistant 28 six degrees principal at his former school. A big response to the new section 12-21 The Rhodes less travelled Filmmaker that helps us keep in touch. Sean Byrne: Special feature – reflections a new take on 30 Young alumni Pretty in Pink from past and present UTAS The rhodeS leSS Travelled Rhodes Scholars, including: Where are they now? (special feature pages 12-21) University of t asmania 2854 12 the write stuff 31 Alumni review Richard Flanagan and Book reviews and more. Cover: The Loved Ones, the recently- released film by Tasmanian writer and Tasmania’s literary elite. 32 Vale director Sean Byrne, is a deliberately intriguing mix of generic horror and art 14 raring to go Farewelling friends who’ve house cinematic techniques. The film Professor Ronald Gates’ helped make UTAS great. post-war adventure. stars Robin McLeavy as the chilling Lola. Stills photography by Suzy Wood.
ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 1 PHILANTHROPY Gilt-edged gift from philanthropist: 600 works and $1m By Cherie Cooper
he University of Tasmania is celebrating its Tlargest single gift ever, a multimillion-dollar donation from alumnus and philanthropist Geoffrey Tyler and his wife Frances. The gift of artworks and $1 million will establish the Tyler Collection and Fund. The collection of about 600 works – including paintings, drawings, graphics, sculptures and ceramics – has been amassed over half a century by Geoffrey, who graduated from UTAS in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science. Now living in Washington, Geoffrey is a former economist with the International Monetary Fund. Self Portrait (2004), by Corneliu Petrescu. The collection includes The Sisters, a prized early work by Arthur Boyd from 1949, Leonard French’s Three Towers No 1 and an elegant set of 22 engravings illustrating the Book of Job by William Blake and which date back to 1825. The collection also includes many mixed media works by a close friend of Geoffrey, the late Corneliu Petrescu, a Romanian artist who used gold leaf extensively. UTAS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Provost David Rich said the donation is very welcome and an extremely generous gift. “Philanthropy of this nature is applauded and respected by the University community,” he said. “Gifts of this kind support and promote the qualities of excellence, innovation and participation to which the University aspires.”
The Sisters (1949), by Arthur Boyd.
Helping UTAS to be a vibrant institution: (L-R) Geoffrey Tyler, Frances Tyler Three Towers No 1 (c1960s), by Leonard French. and Mark Bennett, Director of Development and Alumni.
2 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 welcome The strength of UTAS within our community
ne of my first official duties and fascination the reflections of some Oas Vice-Chancellor was to attend the of our Rhodes Scholars, featured on graduation ceremony for UTAS nursing pages 12 to 21. UTAS contributes much students in Sydney. It was a pleasure to through the education of students of meet the newest members of the UTAS this calibre, capable of interaction with alumni family and I have been delighted the world’s great scholarly communities to meet many more of you over the past and prepared for societal contribution few months. A special lesson for me has of spectacular impact. been an understanding of the pride and Yet we contribute so much more than this; affection of Tasmanians and graduates for from research that contributes to the store the University, evident as I visit campuses of human knowledge and advances our in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Sydney, society, through curricula that challenge and as I listen to our broader community. our students to develop their fullest A particular standout was the alumni event potential, to a student experience that that was recently held in Hong Kong. makes UTAS a prized destination for local, One of my aims as Vice-Chancellor is national and international students. to grow UTAS alumni networks, locally, Engagement across the UTAS community nationally and internationally; there is will be especially important in 2012 as we much that we can do together. Alumni News embark upon refreshment of the EDGE is an important way in which we can draw agenda through the development of a this community closer, by providing insight new strategic plan, attuned to a rapidly In closing, I want to acknowledge and into the achievements and aspirations of changing national and international context thank the UTAS alumni family for your the University across the spectrum of for Higher Education. We will listen with continued strong support for the University. our activities. interest to those with a passion to assist I am delighted by the opportunity to As one fortunate enough to study at us with this process and I extend a special become part of your community. Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar invitation to alumni to participate and make Warm regards, following graduation from the University your views heard. You will hear more from Professor Peter Rathjen of Adelaide in 1985 I read with nostalgia us shortly about how you can contribute. Vice-Chancellor, University of Tasmania Hello new and old friends…
If we haven’t met, then let me introduce and on the mainland, while extending myself. Growing up on the north-west and strengthening our global reach. coast, I commenced my UTAS journey In March this year I had the pleasure of in Burnie in 1986 – well before the attending the UTAS Foundation awards Cradle Coast campus was established dinner, where Distinguished Alumni – completing a major in the field of Awards were presented to Professor chemistry (BSc 1988, Hons 1989, PhD Ross Large and Reverend Professor 1993). I am proud to have the opportunity Michael Tate (see page 22). My hearty to continue to serve as a member of UTAS congratulations go out to both men. staff, currently as a Deputy Director and Meanwhile the Premier of Tasmania, the Senior Research Fellow in the UTAS Honourable Lara Giddings MP, received Central Science Laboratory. I understand the Foundation Graduate Award. All three well the great opportunities that a UTAS alumni have achieved across a diverse education can provide, and consider range of fields and are most worthy myself fortunate that I can still call ambassadors for UTAS. Tasmania home. In closing, I’d like to thank Mrs Elizabeth UTAS has played a meaningful and Daly, the outgoing Chair, for her enjoyable role in my professional life, so commitment and service to UTAS Alumni his is the first chance I’ve had I’m sensitive to the history, standing and for more than a decade. Her retirement Tto communicate with many of you contributions of the alumni over the past comes at a time when the alumni since I became Alumni Chair in November 120 years. But I’m equally conscious of community has never looked stronger, last year. I’d like to express the honour I the style, expectations and norms of with so many ways to now keep in touch. feel in being given this privilege, and say current graduates. Yes, having the right how much I’m looking forward to catching balance is important. On a similar thought, Wishing you the very best, up with you at alumni activities over the we hope to find that important balance Dr Ashley Townsend coming months. between alumni activities in Tasmania Chair, University of Tasmania Alumni
ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 3 Scream king By Cherie Cooper
The Loved Ones: This Australian horror film has been described asPretty in Pink meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Stills photography by Suzy Wood.
4 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 FEATURE
Then one day he met another law graduate, and bush creates a viewing experience Rob Beamish, over the photocopier. that is uncomfortably close to the bone. Rob just happened to be clutching a script Sean cites the quintessentially in-your-face at the time, and he and Sean bonded over Australianness of the Mad Max films as a love of film. They got together in 2007 to part of his filmmaking inspiration. make the spookily stylish Advantage, a short “I like how attacking they are,” he said. film about two young lovers who trespass “They go for the audience’s throat onto a supernatural tennis court. unapologetically. Sometimes that kind of Advantage appeared at the renowned ‘assault’ on the audience has been lacking. Sundance Film Festival and did well on “The thing I worry most about when making the festival circuit, garnering awards films is that people might get bored. I want and admiration. Sean got American the film to keep moving and coming at representation and The Loved Ones – which you. There have been thousands of horror he’d been writing for the previous four films and everyone knows the formula years – got off the ground. backwards, so with The Loved Ones I was The Loved Ones is a deliberately intriguing trying to bring in my love of world cinema mix of generic horror and art house and art house cinema, and marry that with cinematic techniques. The story follows the something more commercial. terrible journey of Brent, an emotionally “I think it’s a real splicing of the teen and damaged young man. After politely rejecting horror genres. I’m equally as influenced by Filmmaker: Sean Byrne wants to create films an invitation to a school dance from quiet David Lynch as I am by Jerry Bruckheimer. that have one foot firmly planted in commercial schoolmate Lola, Brent finds himself territory – and the other dangling over a cliff. I’m not a huge fan of PG horror that’s kidnapped, tied to a chair and subjected to diluted and tries to appeal to all quadrants. a terrible ordeal at the hands of the spoiled, I feel like then no-one wins.” aving two people, on two psychopathic Lola and her murderous father. Sean is currently writing a home invasion separate occasions, bolt out of a “The Loved Ones has been described H thriller which he describes as being as theatre that’s showing your film might as Pretty in Pink meets Texas Chainsaw equally subversive a take on the genre as seem initially like an insult. Massacre,” Sean said. “I didn’t come up The Loved Ones. Except, of course, if it’s a horror film and with that comparison but I thought Yes, “You can give a film edge but unless there’s the people ran out because they were I’m happy with that. something there for an audience it kind of scared witless. “I love when you get these hybrid genres defeats the purpose,” he said. Sean Byrne (BA/LLB 1997) is the writer because then there’s something fresh.” “I’ve got this motto about having one foot and director of the recently released film The settings in The Loved Ones will be firmly planted in commercial territory and The Loved Ones, which tells the story of an immediately recognisable to an Australian the other foot dangling over a cliff. And that’s obsessive teenage crush that goes horribly audience. Situating scenes of such horror what I’m going for.” wrong. The film is unashamedly gory and in the context of the Australian suburbs horrifying. It’s a tense thrill-ride that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. And why not? asks Sean. “I think if you’re going to make a horror film, you may as well go for the jugular,” he said. “It depends on your sense of humour. I see The Loved Ones as a jet-black comedy. There is a pressure-release through the film where you get a chance to have a laugh. “As long as something is transportive and you don’t think about the fact that you’re sitting in a cinema, I love it. As soon as you think, I’m in the cinema watching a film, the film isn’t working 100%.” Growing up with a film critic as a father helped foster Sean’s love of film, but it wasn’t until he finished his law degree at UTAS that he decided movies were his future. He went back to college to study media production and was later accepted into the Australian Film, Television and Radio School in Sydney. He graduated two years later with a masters degree. Sean started directing TV commercials, but worked on Australianness: The settings in The Loved Ones will be uncomfortably recognisable to Australian audiences. Stills photography by Suzy Wood. his own films in the background.
ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 5 convicts transported to Van Diemen’s Land. Phil became involved in the project and, as he went through the records, he noticed that a large number of convicts were actually transported soldiers – the very heroes that had been celebrated in The Red Book of British Battles. He was amazed. “In the 1960s there had been a study of transported soldiers, but only small samples were available to researchers,” Phil said. “So I decided to do an honours thesis on the Separate Prison at Port Arthur. I took the records of the first 400 convicts that I came across, and discovered that 10% of these men were soldiers. It seemed to me a huge over-representation. “My supervisor at UTAS, Hamish Maxwell- Stewart, told me that this was a subject that hadn’t been thoroughly examined by convict historians. So, based on Hamish’s advice, as well as my own interests, I expanded my research into a PhD.” Phil’s thesis was titled Branded ‘D’ on the left side: a study of Tasmanian convicts. His research included these findings: • A total of 3,000 soldiers were transported to Van Diemen’s Land. Two-thirds were transported for military offences, with desertion being the most common crime (and these men were tattooed or branded with the letter ‘D’, somewhere on the left side of their body). Meanwhile 1,000 soldiers were transported for civil crimes after they had left the military; • The British forces were the most brutally punished in Europe. Soldiers were still being flogged in 1881, for instance, while the last convict flogging at Port Arthur was in 1852; and Childhood heroes become • Approximately 40% of transported soldiers ended up as police in Van Diemen’s Land, although around 800 focus of PhD research committed secondary offences and were By Janette Brennan sent to Port Arthur. Thirty-three ended up on the gallows. Transported through time: Dr Phil Hilton’s thesis on convict soldiers was inspired by the stories Today Phil has returned to teaching and he read as a boy in The Red Book of British Battles. Photo by Peter Mathew. lives in Hobart. Last summer he spoke of his research during a public talk at the Port hil Hilton was about nine years “That’s when I lost my copy of The Red Book Arthur Historic Site. Pold when he discovered a copy of of British Battles – but I always remembered But Phil’s story doesn’t end there. More than The Red Book of British Battles at a white- it. That book became my inspiration.” 30 years after his family was split up and elephant stall. The book had a picture Years later this passion for the past saw dispersed across Australia, Phil’s siblings of Napoleon on the cover and it told Dr Phil Hilton (BA 1983, DipEd 1988, BA organised a reunion. spellbinding stories of great military battles. Hons 1999, PhD 2010) graduate from UTAS “My brother had remembered The Red Book But several years later, when Phil’s mother as a history teacher. He worked in schools of British Battles and he found a copy, online, passed away, his family was broken up. as far away as Wales and the People’s in England,” Phil said. “My brother gave it to “I had one battered old case that I was Republic of China before accepting a me at this reunion. allowed to fill with whatever I needed,” position as education manager and “That was just great – and I used it to help Phil remembered. “At the time I didn’t historian at the Port Arthur Historic Site. finish my thesis. That book had been my realise I was leaving for good, otherwise Around this time a project began called the professional inspiration, even though I didn’t I would have grabbed more books. Port Arthur convict database, which involved have it for many years. Now it’s something collating data from the records of the 60,000 that I’ll give to my children.”
6 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 FEATURE
Tanzmanian with education at her heart By Nicki Fletcher
Learning culture: Tasmanian educator Natalie Croome, pictured with students Prosper, Francis and Juma, is curriculum coordinator at the School of St Jude’s in Arusha, Tanzania.
atalie Croome (BEd 1989) A multicultural city which is host to the and Tanzanian boards of management Ndoesn’t always bother correcting International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, were keen to progress the school to an non-Australians when they confuse Arusha is also famous for its proximity international curriculum.” her Tasmanian origins with Tanzania. to both the Serengeti and the Mount A three-year period teaching in Munich She regards herself as a citizen of both. Kilimanjaro national parks. However, and undertaking professional development Twenty years have passed since the the population of around 600,000 is beset in the International Baccalaureate Tasmanian State Institute of Technology by poverty. Only 60% of children enrol Organisation, coupled with the progressive (now UTAS) graduate made the “slightly in primary school, with as few as 5% approach to student-centred teaching that random” career move from St Helens continuing to secondary level. Natalie acquired through her Tasmanian District High School to Arusha, Tanzania. Enter Gemma Sisia, founder of the School Bachelor of Education degree, made the Her initial plans featured an 18-month of St Jude. Gemma established St Jude’s choice to move to St Jude’s irresistible. contract with an international school (named after the patron saint of hopeless Natalie admits to being cautious about but, with her recent appointment to the causes) in 2002. At the time she had a the time it will take to impact on the renowned and remarkable School of student population of just three. The young Tanzanian teaching and learning culture St Jude, her ‘worlds-apart’ life as an Australian teacher from outback New – an approach in which obedience, and expatriate teacher is likely to continue. South Wales, who’s married to a Tanzanian not making mistakes, is seen as the mark Natalie is curriculum coordinator at St safari guide, saw the need for access to of a good student, as well as the sign of Jude’s. She’s leading the transition of 1,300 quality education so that disadvantaged a successful teacher. Tanzanian children could be guided out of students and 145 teachers from a Tanzanian “I’ll be spending a lot of my time mentoring poverty. The school was built by Australian curriculum to the International Primary teachers, putting students at the centre of volunteers and continues to be wholly School Curriculum (IPC). It’s a tall order for learning, and trying to encourage critical sponsored, through Australian Rotary and any school community. But add to the mix thinking, problem solving, creativity and The Smith Family (as well as international Tanzania’s 1950s-style approach to teaching reflection,” she said. (which includes a firmly-rooted tradition of corporate donors). To be accepted into the “The sooner I can see teachers walking rote learning) and you have some idea of school, students must come from homes around the classroom and talking with the task ahead of the Burnie-born teacher. with dirt floors and no running water or electricit y. individual students, the happier I’ll be.” “I’ve always been up for a challenge,” More can be found on the School of Natalie said. “In fact, when I first landed “I’d known Gemma for a number of years as St Jude at www.schoolofstjude.co.tz in Arusha I was teaching a class with part of the community of 60 or so Australian 16 nationalities and 12 mother tongues.” expats who live in Arusha,” Natalie said, “and I knew that St Jude’s Australian
ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 7 A decade-long journey from the galley to the bridge By Nicki Fletcher
The high seas: Sometimes the only female on board, and often at sea for months at a time, Emma said her gradual induction into this gruelling occupation had served her well.
s a young woman, Emma Eadie Channel to France, on to Spain, then Awas never interested in working at sea. across ‘the pond’ (as it’s called) to New That’s one of the reasons why her decade- York,” she said. long navigation from galley to bridge Sometimes the only female on board, – a journey that culminated in her 2010 and often at sea for months at a time, graduation from the Australian Maritime the young Tasmanian said her gradual College – is all the more remarkable. induction into this gruelling occupation The decision by the former Don College had served her well. student to work in hospitality during her “We had some pretty hairy crossings gap year saw Emma as a trainee on the across Bass Strait when I was working Spirit of Tasmania. But after years of making on the Spirits,” she said. “During one coffee for the captain (as well as a stint in crossing, a porthole in a passenger cabin the Royal Australian Navy and a three-year was smashed by a freak wave. Even the cadetship with British Petroleum), Emma crew were pretty sick.” is today at the controls. Emma worked her way up to relief duty Emma obtained an Advanced Diploma in manager on the passenger vessel, and that Applied Nautical Science after more than got her thinking about her options for a three years of study and long stints at career at sea. sea – initially working on the liquid natural “I’d been thinking about joining the gas (LNG) tanker, Northwest Shearwater, Navy when I applied to sail on The Young which sailed between Dampier and Japan, Endeavour – the Navy’s training vessel,” and then on another product tanker, she said. “Unfortunately it was literally British Tenacity. smooth sailing, but it was a fantastic Up for a challenge: Emma’s career was “That was the trip that we spent trading character-building experience and it did launched when she decided to spend her gap mainly around South America, then up lead me to applying to join the Navy.” year as a trainee on the Spirit of Tasmania. to Iceland, down through the English
8 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 FEATURE
Emma joined the Royal Australian Navy Back on board with BP, Emma was doing at officer-level as a seaman. This experience four-hour watches on tankers. She was in took her on an operational tour to the charge of everything on the bridge from Solomon Islands in a peacekeeping engine movements and course alterations, capacity on the patrol boat HMAS to using the global positioning system and Bathurst, supporting the Australian keeping an eye on the weather. By her own Federal Police in the lead-up to the admission, it was exhausting work. islands’ democratic elections. “My biggest fear was running into one of the However, the relative freedom offered by small wooden Chilean fishing boats at night the merchant navy enticed her back into because they don’t come up on the radar,” civvies 18 months later and applying to she said. “Navigating a tanker through the 26 shipping countries across Australia English Channel was also a bit scary.” for a cadetship. Now working as second officer on the aptly- One of three deck cadets selected by named offshore support vessel Mermaid BP’s Melbourne headquarters, she began Vision (from Dampier, WA), Emma is in basic training at the AMC in readiness charge of a 68-metre-long “oversized tug for a four-month stretch on crude oil boat”. They have a crew of up to 14 and and product tankers in waters around work between oil rigs on the North West Australasia and Indonesia. Shelf, about 100km from Exmouth. “Interestingly enough, I was the only cadet “I’m still the only female on board, but I’m to last the distance,” she said. “The other enjoying it, nevertheless,” she said. “I hope two younger guys couldn’t hack the to be chief mate in a year or so, and yes, loneliness and extended time at sea.” I am contemplating going on to become a captain.” By mid 2008, Emma had moved from chipping and painting, cargo work and And she is always up for a challenge… safety drills as a deckhand to studying “We set sail from Dampier this afternoon again at the AMC, this time on bridge on cyclone avoidance, so I had better sign Oversized tug boats: Emma has moved from simulators. She was one of two females off,” she said. “Cyclone Carlos is heading BP tankers to second officer on an oil rig in the class of 30 students. straight for Dampier.” supply vessel.
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ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 9 FEATURE Face to face with the Hytten legacy By Catherine Rogers
ondoner Lianne Gordon Rhonda has spent many years exchanging Lremembers little of her great- letters with Dr Frank Hytten. grandfather, who died when she was only Lianne said Hytten Hall was one of the five. But recently, during a visit to the UTAS locations that she was most keen to Sandy Bay campus, she was reminded of see. Hytten Hall became a source of his legacy. tremendous pride for Torleiv as it fulfilled Lianne’s great-grandfather was Torleiv a real need for student accommodation. Hytten, the first full-time Vice-Chancellor The visit also included the rare book of UTAS. collection at Morris Miller Library. Lianne “I remember my great-grandfather as a looked through photos, notes, reports and gentle and generous person,” Lianne said. letters written by her great-grandfather to “I was very young when he died and I don’t colleagues, prime ministers and premiers. have many memories of him. But I’m well Torleiv Hytten forged an esteemed career aware of what he has achieved.” in the university and banking sectors. Lianne is the eldest granddaughter of Throughout his career he was an adviser Torleiv’s only surviving son, Dr Frank to both the Tasmanian and Australian Hytten, who is now 87 and lives in the UK. governments. Lianne travelled to Hobart from London “It’s difficult to put his accomplishments into – where she works as a dietician – perspective, particularly in a physical sense, Memories: Lianne Gordon (left), the great- to learn more about her great- because I live in London,” Lianne said. granddaughter of Torleiv Hytten (the first grandfather’s career. “But he was amazing – a really interesting full-time VC of UTAS), is shown documents She was accompanied on her UTAS tour by person. I knew about his time here, but from the rare book collection by Rhonda Ewart, Rhonda Ewart, the development assistant it’s something special to come here in development assistant from the Development from the Development and Alumni Office. person to see it.” and Alumni Office.
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10 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 FEATURE Come back after school! By Catherine Rogers
y his own admission, Josh As a teacher, Josh gets the most BSmith (BSc/BTeach 2007) hated satisfaction from shaping students’ school. So it’s perhaps with some irony lives and helping with their future that he ended up becoming a teacher. career path. After working for just four years as a “It’s more than just teaching,” he said. maths and science teacher, Josh has “You get to know these students pretty become assistant principal at his former closely. They come to you with life school, Circular Head Christian School. questions – what would you do in this But it was in Grade 12 at Hellyer College situation? How do I go about this that teaching became a viable career or that? option for this formerly reluctant student. “There are also those students who “I was tutoring science and was also struggle to focus at school, or may going to church, where I was involved simply find the restraints of school with the youth group,” Josh said. unattractive. I like to get alongside “Being around this age group was cool. those students and encourage them. And that’s when I started realising Usually these students don’t fit the that I loved teaching.” ‘mould’ that school wants to see. Josh spent the first year of his degree “But overall, I like to make school a place in Launceston, before completing his where real-life lessons are experienced, studies in Hobart. not just taught or talked about.”
Finding his niche: After four years of teaching, Josh Smith has become assistant principal at his former school. Photo courtesy of the Circular Head Chronicle. The science of faith By Janette Brennan
t the age of 57, when many of From then on, Dennis accepted a series Ahis friends were preparing to retire, of leadership roles within his local parish, Dennis Quinn left his career in science particularly when the family moved from to begin work as an ordained minister of the mainland back to Dennis’s home town the church. of Hobart. Dennis had been the laboratory manager “During one church meeting, I overheard an within the UTAS School of Medicine since archdeacon say that he’d wished there had 1984 and had also served several years as the been someone around who could have taken general staff representative on the University a funeral service for him the day before Council. Prior to that, he’d spent two decades because he was so busy.” Dennis said. working in labs on the mainland. “I knew straight away that I could take on Then one day, out of the blue, a friend a role like that, but the Assistant Bishop called Dennis from outback Queensland. explained that I’d have to become ordained. “He told me that he had a challenge for Well, I took six years, but eventually I me,” Dennis said. “Then he asked if I decided to become ordained as a priest.” would like to take on a ministry at Winton Aged 68, Dennis today serves at St Mark’s in western Queensland. Church in Bellerive. “At that stage I’d worked within “I don’t separate science and faith,” universities for 40 years. But the time Dennis said. “In science, every question was right. I resigned from the uni and you answer creates a whole heap of went into full-time ministry.” other questions. And faith asks the same If the decision seemed sudden, it wasn’t. questions: How did the world come about? In fact, Dennis said his spiritual journey Who am I? Why do things happen? began more than 50 years before, when “So I’ve never felt a tension between he first met his wife Lois. He quickly science and faith. To me, they ask the A man of God and science: The Rev. Dennis realised that if he wanted to see her on same sorts of questions, but under a Quinn left his 40-year science career to be a Sunday, then he had to go to church different banner.” ordained as an Anglican Church minister. (she taught Sunday school).
ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 11 RHODES SCHOLARS The Rhodes less travelled By Rhonda Ewart
hat does the former WTasmanian Deputy Premier, Sir Max Bingham, have in common with Olympian Simon Hollingsworth? Would it help if we hinted that Dr Nicholas Hope, the director of the Stanford Center for International Development in the US, is part of The write stuff: the same group – along with clinical haematologist Dr Kate Burbury? Tasmania’s literary elite The answer is that these acclaimed By Peter Cochrane people are among the select UTAS students who, over the years, have Literary Rhodes Scholars: (L-R) Peter Conrad, Peter Pierce and Richard Flanagan came together been awarded Rhodes Scholarships. in 2000 for the annual conference of the Association for the Study of Australian Literature, hosted So what is the Rhodes? by the University of Tasmania. Photo courtesy of The Mercury. The Scholarships were created in elebrated novelist Richard Another is Peter Conrad (BA Hon 1968, 1902 under the will of Cecil John CFlanagan (BA Hons 1983) was a road Hon DLitt 1993), who was awarded a Rhodes Rhodes, a British colonial pioneer scholar before he became a Rhodes Scholar. Scholarship in 1968 and has lived in England and statesman. The scholarship is Flanagan left school at the age of 16 wanting ever since. Conrad has taught English at an international postgraduate award to be a carpenter. But apprenticeships were Christ Church, Oxford, since 1973, and for study at the University of Oxford few and far between in the late 1970s and is the author of many books, including (England), and is widely considered the he found work as a surveyor’s assistant or The Everyman History of English Literature world’s most prestigious scholarship. chainman in the bush instead. A year later and Modern Times, Modern Places: Life and Art in the 20th Century. Cecil Rhodes left the greater part of his the company went bust. fortune to establish the scholarships “I decided, as you could then, to go to After two decades at Oxford, he came – selection for which was to be based university,” he told The Weekend Australian home to pen Down Home (aka Behind the Mountain: Return to Tasmania), published on qualities of character and intellect. in a 1997 interview. in 1988, which as the third The Monthly To be chosen as a Rhodes Scholar you Flanagan achieved a first-class contributor, Peter Pierce, notes in The honours degree in 1982 at the University need an exemplary academic record. Companion to Tasmanian History, was of Tasmania and the following year You also must display a willingness to “locally stigmatised as disloyal to Tasmania, was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship. give up your leisure time to participate which Conrad had styled ‘the Appalachia At Worcester College, Oxford, he was in community service, and have the of the Antarctic’”. admitted to the degree of Master of ability to lead. A fondness of outdoor Letters in History. Conrad was awarded an honorary doctorate sports is also a quality sought in a from the University of Tasmania in 2000. Having inherited his father’s passion for Rhodes Scholar. words, he returned to Tasmania wanting to A third literary Rhodes Scholar is the Outstanding students from around the write. “I didn’t know how and I didn’t know aforementioned Peter Pierce (BA Hons world are chosen as Rhodes Scholars, anyone who had done it so I worked in 1974), who, after 10 years as Professor including one from each Australian various menial jobs, as a labourer, as of Australian Literature at James Cook state and three for Australia at large. a river guide, by day and wrote at night.” University, is now Honorary Professor at the National Centre for Australian Studies Rhodes Scholars may study any full- His first novel, the critically acclaimed at Monash University. He was awarded a time postgraduate course offered Death of a River Guide, was published in Rhodes Scholarship in 1973, the year that by Oxford University and, in the first 1997. Next came The Sound of One Hand Conrad began teaching at Christ Church. Clapping, a major bestseller in 1998. instance, the scholarship is awarded Pierce graduated MLitt from Balliol College. for two years. Gould’s Book of Fish won the 2002 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and was Long a critic, editor, reviewer and teacher So what is it like to be chosen as a followed by The Unknown Terrorist (2006) of Australian literature, Pierce’s books Rhodes Scholar, and how can you and Wanting (2008), winner of this year’s include The Oxford Literary Guide to define the effect it has on your life? $25,000 Tasmanian Book Prize. Australia, The Cambridge History of Some of our past and present Rhodes Australian Literature (editor), Vietnam Days: Currently in the throes of writing a new Australia and the Impact of Vietnam, and Scholars recently spoke to Alumni book, he was unavailable for interview in a complete change of pace, From Go to News and kindly shared their thoughts by Alumni News. on the ‘Rhodes less travelled’. Whoa: A Compendium of the Australian Turf. Flanagan is a member of a select band: Tasmania’s literary Rhodes Scholars.
12 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 RHODES SCHOLARS Sent forth to seek excellence David A. Ritchie – Rhodes Scholar 1970
David A. Ritchie (BA Hons 1969) is Australia’s Ambassador to the French Republic. He kindly shared his memories of the Rhodes with Alumni News.
Right from the start, the Rhodes process starker because they are set off against was formidable. My memory (which no the similarities. It was a thought which doubt entwines fact and fantasy) had me struck me again, and was part of my walking into an imposing, wood-panelled working life, when I went back to England room to take a seat at one end of a large almost three decades later to work in the table. Around this table were seated the great High Commission in London. But on first and the good. Then came a booming voice strolling on St Giles or Cornmarket as a with a one-word instruction: “Relax!” As my fresh young Australian, the sight of gaunt, children would say nowadays – ‘sure thing’… earnest undergraduates striding off to There is one episode on which my memory tutorials or loudly declaiming on this or is clear. At the dinner to mark the election, that made Oxford seem very different from one of the selection panel took me into his what I had known, and much like what we confidence and let me know, encouragingly, might today call a gated community. It was that he had held out against my election. much more than that of course, and one of He went on to say that he believed the Oxford’s great strengths was the way it threw Australia’s Ambassador to the French scholarship was wasted if given to an “arts together people of very many nationalities Republic: The Rhodes definitely wasn’t wasted man”. The thought did cross my mind that and dispositions, mixed them up with on ‘arts man’ David A. Ritchie. I suppose the same could be said if the prize the English, and sent them forth to seek well-worn path which leads from Tasmania, were awarded to a lawyer, which he was. excellence. But it is worth remembering that via the Rhodes, to the Department of Foreign But the tone of the evening dictated genial excellence can be found in many different Affairs and Trade. And it is an honour to have silence (besides, some of my best friends places – it isn’t always dressed in a suit and followed that path so soon after scholars of are lawyers). tie, or a lab coat. such achievement as Ashton Calvert and In the end, and all things considered, I am England came as a paradox. In so many John Gee (both distinguished diplomats). ways, so like Australia – but in others, very grateful for the start the Rhodes gave Best wishes, David A. Ritchie so different. And the differences the me. It was a privilege to tread the reasonably Enriching the lives of others Elizabeth Murray – Rhodes Scholar 2011 By Cherie Cooper
combination of compassion, Adedication and perseverance characterises the winner of the 2011 Rhodes Scholarship. Twenty-three-year-old Elizabeth Murray (BPsych Hons 2009) said she takes great satisfaction in helping others. “I believe that ending the day with the knowledge that you have enriched someone else’s life is one of the most fulfilling experiences a person can know,” she said. Elizabeth was presented with the Rhodes Scholarship at Government House late last year. She completed a Bachelor of Psychology with First Class Honours in 2009, and now hopes to pursue the advancement of neuroscience. “I plan to undertake a Master of Science in Neuroscience at Oxford University, to investigate the recovery of function after brain damage,” she said. Born in Launceston, Elizabeth was placed on the Dean’s Roll of Excellence every year of her undergraduate degree. She was Reflections on the Rhodes: Elizabeth Murray commenced her studies at Oxford earlier this year. awarded the University Medal in 2009.
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hen Professor Ronald Gates W(BCom 1946) was in his early 20s he spent 18 months in the Northern Territory, waiting for the Japanese to invade. It was 1944 and Ronald had volunteered for the Australian Imperial Force (despite being doubly exempt from service, as an officer of the Taxation Department and as one of the students selected by the Australian Universities’ Vice-Chancellors’ Committee on the basis of excellence in their first year). At the end of this period Ronald’s unit returned to Tasmania on leave. That’s when he heard of the Reconstruction Training Scheme, under which the government was offering university places to members of the armed forces who wanted to complete their degrees. “My two and a half years in the army was a period of marking time,” Ronald remembered. “So when I came back, I was raring to go. “In 1945, my final year at UTAS and my first experience of full-time study, a colleague and I established the University branch of the Labor Party and spoke at its state conference, I played piano in a jazz group, I sailed and rowed on the Derwent and during my final examinations I even had a minor role in a production at the Playhouse Theatre. “I was anxious to do things after a period away from life!” This enthusiasm, combined with ‘high distinctions’ for all of his final-year commerce subjects, led to Ronald being awarded the 1946 Rhodes Scholarship – an honour he shared with Professor Charles Miller (BE 1943). Two scholarships were offered in 1946, following the interruption of the Second World War. “Probably the most outstanding thing for me about being at Oxford was the possibility of travelling on the Continent,” Ronald said. “I was brought up in a working- class family in Launceston and I had a sheltered life. But this opportunity vastly broadened my perspective. “I spent a month in Czechoslovakia in the summer of 1947, chronicling the activities of the Graeme Bell Australian Jazz Band, and I visited France many times. Paris was fairly unscathed from the war – except Raring to go after psychologically. In appearance it was run- down, but to me it was tremendously exciting. a period away from life “Meanwhile in Britain, there was still Professor Ronald Gates AO – Rhodes Scholar 1946 rationing of food and fuel and clothing – and even sweets. The winter of 1946-47 was By Janette Brennan unusually cold and in the college heating wasn’t available. In fact the winter was Double the honour: After the interruption of World War II, both Ronald and Charles Miller (right) were so bitter that I gave up shaving and grew awarded Rhodes Scholarships. a beard.”
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Ronald admits that he probably didn’t “I thought that if I was going to do this, study as hard at Oxford as he should then I’d better learn the language. have because there were so many new So I bought some books, and loved it. experiences to take in. But after completing Esperanto is easy to learn, is completely his degree with a good second and regular in its grammar, is pronounced returning to the Taxation Department in exactly as it’s written, and is a very Hobart, he was assigned to help write expressive language. In fact while I was a history of Australian taxation during learning Esperanto I read a series of the war (to provide material for the detective stories written in the language. official war history). This work led to a I thought maybe I could write one too, senior lectureship in economics at the and I did. To date I’ve had five detective University of Sydney and, later, promotion novels and three volumes of short stories to Associate Professor. From there Ronald published in Esperanto, and I’m working became the Chair of Economics and on more. President of the Professorial Board at “These days, I’m still enjoying meeting Queensland University. In 1976 he was Celebrated author: Today Ronald publishes people around the world, but now it’s detective novels in the international language, appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University through the internet.” Esperanto. of New England (UNE), which was a position he held until his retirement in 1985. During this time (1978) Ronald was named an Officer in the Order of Australia. Tasmania’s first national track champion Today, Ronald and his wife Barbara live Alfred Clemes – 1908 Rhodes Scholar on a property on the outskirts of Armidale, NSW. He has honorary doctorates from lfred Willis Clemes (1887 – 1971) Australian champion, he had strongly both the University of Queensland and the was the first Tasmanian athlete to advised him to take up running at once, as University of New England. But, in a similar A claim an Australian track and field title, he would need more exercise in England spirit of adventure to the one that saw him winning the one-mile race at the 1907-8 than in Tasmania, and that he would find a travel across Europe more than 60 years nationals (which were held at the Hobart benefit from it next year. He started in the ago, he continues to explore new worlds. Cricket Ground). The son of Samuel and Fresher’s Mile a day or two later … (Alfred) “While I was Vice-Chancellor at UNE, Margaret Clemes, who established concludes by saying “It is glorious here. a friend named Ralph Harry – who also The Friends’ School in Hobart, Alfred It seems strange at first, but gets better happened to have been a Tasmanian went to Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship and better every day. One meets such a lot Rhodes Scholar – asked me to be patron in 1908. Initially, he had no plans of running of jolly nice fellows”. of the Australian celebrations of the in England, as reported in The Hobart Alfred took a first-class degree at Oxford centenary of the international language, Mercury on 18 December 1908: and then, in 1915, enlisted in The Friends’ Esperanto,” he said. In a letter received from Alf Clemes, and Unit on ambulance duty, serving in France. dated November 1, he stated that up till He was wounded during this time, but then he had done very little training, as survived and remained mostly in England he did not intend running that year, but (and the US), where he married and raised having met Dr Harvey-Sutton, an ex- a family. A servant of education Sir Leonard Huxley – 1923 Rhodes Scholar
ir Leonard Huxley (1902 – 1988) city wall, which goes back to the time of Sundertook his early schooling in Henry II. All this had a most colossal and Mathinna, a small town in north-eastern tremendous impact on me. Tasmania. After scholarships to The Sir Leonard obtained a DPhil from Oxford Hutchins School and then UTAS, Sir in 1928. He went on to become a foundation Leonard was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship fellow of the Australian Academy of during the second year of his undergraduate Science, and the first president of the degree. More than 50 years later, he vividly Australian Institute of Physics (1962-1965). recalled his first impressions of Oxford: During the war years he was a member of I remember walking down from the railway the British Telecommunications Research station, down New College Lane, and Establishment where, from 1940-46, he being absolutely entranced. It seemed like was head of a school that trained more fairyland to me. And then you enter this than 7,000 people in the principles and huge quadrangle; Gothic buildings, the applications of radar. He retired in 1967 after original buildings – founded by William serving seven years as Vice-Chancellor of April 1943: When Ronald was in his early 20s of Wykeham – still there… And then the Australian National University, and was he spent 18 months in the Northern Territory, the beautiful garden bounded by the old knighted in 1964 for services to education. waiting for the Japanese to invade.
ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 15 RHODES SCHOLARS The judge’s verdict on his Oxford experience: ‘realising my potential but discovering my limits’ Judge Richard Cogswell QC – Rhodes Scholar 1974
is Honour Judge Richard Cogswell was appointed to the District HCourt of NSW in 2007. He kindly took time to share his memories of the Rhodes with Alumni News during a recent visit back to Hobart.
The Rhodes Scholarship is an experience do a postgraduate law course at Oxford. that certainly helped me to realise my But I elected not to. Instead, I chose to read potential – but also to discover my limits. PPE (Philosophy and Politics only in my case) The potential is that it offers opportunities, because while I knew I wanted to practise and I was able to step through the door of law, I also wanted to use the opportunity those opportunities. But as I did that, I began to broaden my education to realise how far I could or couldn’t go. I also had an expectation that I would One of the immediate effects of my Oxford read philosophy and politics and become experience was that I did a lot of growing up. a philosophical politician! But that wasn’t I was withdrawn from my familiar to be. There were people who were better environment, where I was known, and put at politics than I was, and I realised my into an environment in which I had to rely primary interests were my profession and on my merits. I realise that many Tasmanians my family. Those are big choices to make don’t come back from that bigger world, and in life: marriage, work, faith and children. I’m one of them. But I visit often because Later in life I found I could also make more it’s where I come from. Tasmania, my friends refined choices. For me those choices have Realising his potential: His Honour Judge and family here are very much part of me. been Christian meditation and yoga. I’ve Richard Cogswell was appointed to the District After doing four years of law at UTAS, found it important to try to get my priorities Court of NSW in 2007. Photo by Gillianne Tedder. the expectation may have been that I would right at the different stages of my life. Family ties Dr Jessica Melbourne-Thomas – Rhodes Scholar 2003, Rowan Trebilco – Rhodes Scholar 2008 By Cherie Cooper
ny parent of a Rhodes Management. He is currently about a third AScholar would be extremely proud of of the way through his PhD at Simon Fraser their child’s achievement. But what if two of University, Vancouver. your children won a Rhodes Scholarship? Meanwhile Jess studied in the Oxford This is the case with Dr Jess Melbourne- Zoology Department from 2003 to 2005. Thomas (nee Trebilco) (BSc Hons 2002, Her research examined how coral GradDipMarSc 2010, PhD 2010) and her communities in Indonesia respond to brother Rowan Trebilco (BSc Hons 2004). a range of environmental factors. Jess, who received her Rhodes Scholarship She then completed a Graduate Diploma in 2003, is very proud of her brother. and PhD in Quantitative Marine Science “Rowan’s academic achievements, including from UTAS, and she now works in the his Rhodes, are amazing,” she said. Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC at UTAS. “Our parents have always been incredibly supportive of our pursuits. They’ve never As well as a Rhodes Scholarship, Jess pressured us into pursuing certain goals, and Rowan also share a love of diving. but instead have respected and supported Both describe it as their “passion”. our choices.” “I’m a little hyperactive, so I rely on Double the honour: Sister and brother Dr Jess Rowan speaks highly of his sister and her exercise to keep me sane and productive,” Melbourne-Thomas and Rowan Trebilco share a love for diving – and were both Rhodes Scholars. achievements, saying Jess “led the way Rowan said. with the Rhodes”. He added that it’s great to have a sister who “We haven’t had a chance to actually work “I definitely always looked up to Jess,” he shares an expertise in marine science. together on any research yet, but I’m sure said, “so that made my Rhodes Scholarship “Our interests are quite distinct within the it’ll happen before too long. But Jess is all the more of an honour.” field, so we have fun picking each other’s brighter than I am, so she’ll have to do most brains,” he said. Rowan left Oxford with a Master of of the work!” Science in Biodiversity Conservation and
16 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 RHODES SCHOLARS The judge’s verdict on his Oxford experience: ‘realising my potential but discovering my limits’ Judge Richard Cogswell QC – Rhodes Scholar 1974
Over time – and it’s been 30 to 40 years – my view of the Rhodes Scholarship has changed. When I was younger, I thought of the opportunities which might not otherwise be available to me. In the early years after Oxford, the scholarship opened the door for me to become a judge’s associate based in Sydney, and I’m sure it helped me to become established at the Sydney Bar. It may have made me an attractive candidate for some of the senior positions I’ve held in the law but the securing of those positions then had to turn on my track record. As I’ve worked in each of those positions (realising my potential but discovering my limits) I’ve come to view the Rhodes Scholarship as a wonderful opportunity offered to me more than 35 years ago. It changed the direction of my life. But it has been important for me not to confuse the “brand” with the substance. Who I am and how I can contribute are the Living in the ‘70s: Richard, second from the left, read Philosophy and Politics at Oxford. He’s pictured bigger questions. here with fellow students from Malta, the US and the UK. Hundreds of reasons to treasure Oxford Rhys Edwards – Rhodes Scholar 1992 By Janette Brennan
here were around 400 reasons While at Oxford, Rhys completed a masters Twhy Rhys Edwards (BEc Hons 1993) degree in comparative social research. treasured his experience as a Rhodes He’s since held a number of senior positions Scholar – because that’s the number of in the Tasmanian Government, including students that he lived with at Brasenose deputy secretary of the Department of College. Economic Development and economic Rhys, who today is the secretary of the adviser to premier Jim Bacon. Department of Premier and Cabinet, Prior to joining the public service, Rhys Tasmania, said Oxford is an exciting and worked as a university researcher and real engaging environment in which to study. tennis professional (a sport in which he “But what I liked most about the Rhodes also gained a half-Blue at Oxford). He was was living in the halls,” he said. “Most appointed to the governing body of the people in Australia don’t travel a long University of Tasmania Council in 2007. distance to go to university, and I was no “The Rhodes Scholar brand carries exception. I grew up in Hobart and went such weight that it opens a world of to the university down the road. opportunities,” Rhys said. “But the “That’s why it was fantastic to experience true legacy for me has been the lasting college life at Oxford. You live, study, eat friendships that I made. and play with people from all over the “Even today, I have many enduring world. You tend to build lasting friendships friendships from my time at Oxford with – friendships that are at a different level really interesting people who are living and to what you experience when you don’t working across the globe. That’s what was reside at uni.” especially memorable about the experience Lasting friendships: Rhys Edwards, the for me.” secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, said the true legacy of the Rhodes has been the lasting friendships he made.
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Our very own: UTAS academics and former Rhodes Scholars Dr Dorothy Steane, Dr Jane Sargison and Michael Stokes. Photo by Peter Mathew.
‘Press-ganged’ into a life on the water Dr Dorothy Steane – 1991 Rhodes Scholar By Janette Brennan ithin days of starting at “The river on which the college boats chasings. Your crew’s job is to catch (or hit) WOxford, Dr Dorothy Steane (BSc compete is very narrow,” Dorothy said, “and the boat in front of you, without being caught 1988) was exposed to ‘bumps’. It got into her it’s only just wide enough for two boats to by the boat behind. Hence the name bumps.” blood – and has been with her ever since. pass one another. Dorothy went to University College Dorothy, who today is a lecturer within the “There are dozens of college crews on at Oxford, which was one of the older, UTAS School of Plant Science, said bumps the river, so you can’t race side-by-side. wealthier colleges. She said ‘press gangs’ is a type of rowing race that is peculiar to So, eights racing has become a game of went around the college at the start of the Oxford and Cambridge. year to make the freshers try rowing.
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“They rounded us all up, took us down The Rhodes Scholarship allowed Dorothy including the classic Oxford dons who to the river and put us all in boats,” she to complete a DPhil in Plant Science. wouldn’t know how to survive in ‘the said. “Then it was generally a process of Her project used DNA-based techniques real world’. attrition; those who didn’t quit made up to review the taxonomy of a tropical group “There was one lovely don in college who several crews. of plants called Clerodendrum. It involved never travelled outside England. He said he “Most of the training took place early in fieldwork in Africa, trips to botanic gardens didn’t need to travel because ‘... the world the morning and winter was especially and herbaria (including the famous Kew comes to me’.” Gardens in London) and six months in challenging, with darkness, floods and snow. Ogilvie High School in Hobart recognised the the USA undertaking lab work. It was a real test of dedication to the cause! achievements of Dorothy, a former student, “But I took to rowing like a duck to water, “There was a lot of academic stimulation,” by using the name Steane House for one of eventually joining a private club in Oxford Dorothy said. “You could find yourself their five intra-school houses. Dando House so that I could row in the London Head sitting next to some of the greatest minds is another such group at Ogilvie, named Race (a long-distance fours race on the in the world at any time – in the lab, at a in honour of UTAS’s 1999 Rhodes Scholar, Thames). I still do lots of rowing, at masters college ball, in a boat or at the pub. Susan Dando (BA Hons 1997, BA-LLB Hons level these days, with Lindisfarne Rowing “There were also all sorts of interesting 1998). Susan went on to complete a Master in Club in Hobart.” characters with various eccentricities, Law at Oxford, as well as an MBA. Today she is working in the United States. The Rolls Royce of research Dr Jane Sargison – 1998 Rhodes Scholar By Catherine Rogers hen Dr Jane Sargison (BE “Going into the lab (at Oxford) there were Jane is currently a senior lecturer with WHons 1997) arrived at Oxford as a high standards for research and so I was the School of Engineering at UTAS – the Rhodes Scholar in 1998 she was amazed working really hard,” she said. “People would first female academic appointed to the to be part of its history. She still rates her come through to have a look around – British School. She juggles family, teaching and arrival as a highlight. Defence experts, Rolls Royce experts and consultancy work with research into energy, “I came off the plane and got on the bus research experts from around the world.” an area that continues to fascinate her. and had in my suitcase everything I thought Jane developed a film cooling hole for Rolls As program leader of energy and delivery I’d need for three years,” she said. “I could Royce to optimise the way cooling fluid is systems at the Centre for Renewable Energy hardly lift my case. I walked up the cobbled used. It continues to be produced today. and Power Systems within the School, she paths and the wheels on the suitcase broke Jane’s time at Oxford was a positive, often is investigating algae and bacterial growth straight away. But it was just amazing. peculiar, experience, and far from what in pipelines for Hydro Tasmania. I wanted to touch the buildings and feel she was used to. Jane is one of the few women in Australia them. Oxford is so much a part of history – “Generally at Oxford you would meet making a mark in engineering and her work and living history.” people whose ambition was to be the next doesn’t go unrecognised. She was included A mechanical engineer, Jane completed a US president and they would say it in a way in Australia’s top 100 young emerging Doctor of Philosophy at Oxford. She studied that was quite realistic,” Jane said. leaders in innovation by The Australian in 2009. Even her former school, St Michael’s aerodynamics and heat transfer in gas “When you see those Sunday night British Collegiate, named their new library ‘The turbines to develop cooling methods for dramas about life in the early 20th century, Jane Sargison Library’. greater efficiencies in aircraft engines. it’s exactly like that – wood panel rooms and The research was funded by Rolls Royce, sherry with the chaplain. It took me a while “You just do your work and you don’t the second largest producer of aircraft to realise that it wasn’t Britain. Even the expect these things,” Jane said, “but it engines in the world. British students had culture shock.” does feel great to be recognised.” Cutting-edge research and ancient beauty Michael Stokes – 1972 Rhodes Scholar By Janette Brennan t was Oxford’s blend of cutting Dworkin,” Michael said. “Both men were at wooden walls,” he said. “It was spectacular! Iedge research and ancient beauty that Oxford and, at various times, I was taught You’re living in a building that’s twice as made the most lasting impression on by them on a one-on-one basis. old as white settlement in Australia – and Michael Stokes (LLB Hons 1972), a senior “That’s the real advantage of a Rhodes that wasn’t even one of the older college lecturer in the UTAS Faculty of Law. Scholarship. It gives you the opportunity to buildings. There were plenty that dated Michael completed an MPhil in Politics spend time talking to and studying under back to the 14th and 15 th centuries. at Oxford from 1972-75, after qualifying people who are right at the cutting edge “I think it has a particularly powerful effect for the LLB with first-class honours. in their field.” on students from relatively young countries “I was particularly interested in But what most amazed Michael was the like Australia. And if you look at our public jurisprudence (legal philosophy) and juxtaposition of this advanced research spaces, we just don’t seem to be interested there were two outstanding experts on with the ancient beauty of the Oxford in making our buildings into works of art. the subject in the English-speaking world architecture. At Oxford, all the buildings are works of art. It made me realise that, in many ways, we – professors H.L.A. Hart and Ronald “When I first went to my college I was put are barbarians.” in a room that had 17th century carved ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 19 RHODES SCHOLARS
Awarded the Rhodes at 20 years young Alexander Shabala – Rhodes Scholar 2009 By Cherie Cooper
Movember at Oxford: (L-R) Aditya Swarup (Rhodes Scholar, India, 2010), Alexander Shabala (Rhodes Scholar, Tasmania, 2009), Clive Eley (Rhodes Scholar, St Andrew’s College, Zimbabwe, 2010) and Thomas Hills (Rhodes Scholar, New Zealand, 2010) were photographed at Radcliffe Square, next to the famous Bodleian Library (in the foreground, on the right), with All Souls College in the background.
t’s safe to say that brains run Rhodes Scholars who had already arrived “For the past two years, we’ve organised Iin Alexander Shabala’s (BSc Hons 2008) and we went punting on the river together. an annual Movember event to raise money family. “Oxford is such a vibrant place, and there for men’s health charities,” he said. “It has His mother Svetlana is a research fellow is so much to do that I don’t think I ever always been a good laugh. There’s always in the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural really had time to get homesick. I was something happening in Oxford, so it can be Research (TIAR) and his father Sergey too awestruck.” hard to get the balance of fun and work right.” is a professor in the UTAS School of Oxford is unlike any university Alex has ever Alex said it was always his dream to come Agricultural Science and TIAR. Alex’s elder encountered. For example, during exams to Oxford, but until the Rhodes, it was one brother Stanislav is an astrophysicist with you won’t see students in track pants and that seemed unlikely to become reality. the UTAS School of Physics. ugg boots. The full dress code for men is “As clichéd as it may sound, it really didn’t And as for Alex – well he was a 20-year-old dark suit, white bow tie and academic gown even cross my mind that I had a shot at graduate when he was awarded the 2009 (similarly formal for women) – even in the winning a Rhodes Scholarship,” he said. Rhodes Scholarship. That made him one middle of summer! “I was standing at the back of the of the youngest-ever students to receive And because of the mixture of research room clapping, not even hearing the the honour. and taught-course students, Oxford can be announcement properly, and looking around Alex is undertaking a DPhil in Applied teeming with people during term time and trying to see who was going up. Mathematics at Oxford, developing models seem completely desolate during summer. “It took the longest time to sink in, and even that describe the use of genetically modified “Luckily, there is a very strong Australian now, being in Oxford, I am still realising viruses as targeted treatments for cancer. community that organises a lot of events,” what an amazing life-changing opportunity So how did he find the transition to the Alex said. this has been.” “Oxford way of life”? “Rhodes House also does a fantastic job of Alex said he has no doubt that in the future “My older brother Stas was doing research bringing scholars together, as well as hosting his fellow Rhodes Scholar mates will reach here,” he said. “Having a familiar face here some impressive lectures by world leaders.” amazing heights in their chosen fields. made the transition easier. Alex said a huge benefit of being a “All of us seem to be of the same opinion – “Another part of it was the fact that Rhodes Scholar is the Rhodes community, the opportunity given to us all by the Rhodes everyone was so friendly and open. From the which brings people together for lots of Trust is more than we can put in words, and very first day I got in touch with some other social events. we are all extremely grateful for it.”
20 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 RHODES SCHOLARS Caring about life’s journey Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington – Rhodes Scholar 1992 By Sharon Webb
istorian and philosopher “A female member of staff at UTAS recom- HMarnie Hughes-Warrington (BEd mended I apply for the Rhodes,” she said. Hons 1992) is clear about what makes her “This staff member said it was critical that a good teacher. young women think about applying. If she “I’m profoundly interested in the people hadn’t said that, I might not have applied. I teach as individuals,” she said. “To be in a university that cared so much “They’re all on life journeys, and caring about about me was amazing; when I did apply for those life journeys makes all the difference.” the scholarship I felt the whole faculty was cheering me on.” Marnie is in a good place to inspire the teaching of others. Currently Monash After completing her studies, Marnie University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning worked at the University of Washington, and Teaching), she is a passionate teacher of Seattle, and Macquarie University, history and has worked to expand the range in NSW. Recently she also worked of topics students encounter in their studies. in Germany, finding among all those countries very different attitudes to “Students might not even know what’s teaching and learning. possible when they walk in the door of the university,” she said, “but caring about what She has a significant piece of advice for they want and what they might want, seeing today’s Rhodes Scholarship aspirants. them as growing, is always going to work “Be yourself and don’t forget to talk about well in your teaching.” yourself,” she said. Although she has experienced teaching “There is no template for success in a and learning in different environments in Rhodes Scholarship. I’d advise students Passionate teacher: Professor Marnie Hughes- several different countries, Marnie traces to talk about leadership in their individual Warrington traces her caring approach back to her UTAS experience. that kind of caring directly back to her context because leadership comes in UTAS experience. many forms.” Learning to love learning Dr Neal Blewett – Rhodes Scholar 1957 By Janette Brennan
ormer Federal Health Minister Neal studied modern greats – philosophy, FDr Neal Blewett said it’s common for politics and economics between 1957 Rhodes Scholars to say their studies at and 1959, and then remained at Oxford Oxford enhanced their careers. But for to complete a DPhil in Political History. him, it completely transformed his life. His research into early 20th century “I’d been teaching high school at New British politics was later published. Town for two years,” Neal said. “I enjoyed “Those seven or eight years in Oxford set teaching and I think I was rather good at it. my life on a completely new trajectory,” I would have been content for that to be Neal said. “When I returned to Australia the course of my life. But for better or I was able to gain a university position, worse (would I have been happier?), that something I had previously never changed at Oxford. contemplated. “The major thing that happened for me was “Later came the years in politics, although that I fell in love with learning. Prior to that, I cannot blame that on my years at Oxford,” when I was an undergraduate at UTAS, I he added jokingly. A new trajectory: Amid the dreaming spires think my studies were essentially utilitarian In 1974, Neal was appointed professor of of Oxford, said Dr Neal Blewett, it was easy to – pursuit of a degree, getting the necessary politics at Flinders University (SA). He held fall in love with learning. professional qualifications. this post until 1977, when he ran for federal “But when I went to Oxford, I already had parliament. He represented the electorate HIV/AIDS – a strategy that included the my qualifications. My studies became of Bonython, SA, from 1997 to 1994. famous “Grim Reaper” advertisements. more about learning for learning’s sake. When Labor won government under Bob From 1994 to 1998, Neal served as Amid all those dreaming spires, it was Hawke in 1983, Neal was made Minister Australian High Commissioner to the UK. easy to do. If I’d been good enough I might for Health. In that position he oversaw the In 1995 he was appointed Companion of easily have spent my life there.” implementation of the Medicare health the Order of Australia (AC) for service to scheme, and a national strategy to combat Australian society.
ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 21 Accolades An educator and a role model
lizabeth Daly OAM – a member Eof the Alumni Committee and Chair of the University of Tasmania Alumni over a period of 14 years – became a Fellow of the University of Tasmania last December. Elizabeth spent her entire working life with the Department of Education, from which she recently retired. Her career included positions as teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Senior Superintendent of Early Childhood Education, District Superintendent and Director of Special Projects. Her area of deep commitment and particular interest was in early childhood education. Elizabeth received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the General Division in the Australia Day Honours in 2008. The OAM was awarded “for service to education in Tasmania, particularly in the areas of early childhood education, language development and policy implementation, Distinguished and to the community”. She was an active member of UTAS Tasmanians shine Council from 2001 to 2006. In 2010 she retired as Chair of the UTAS Alumni after her continuous involvement with the Alumni Exceptional ambassadors: (L-R) Distinguished Professor Ross Large, the Honourable Lara Giddings MP and Reverend Professor Michael Tate are fine examples of what UTAS alumni can achieve across a Committee from 1996 to 2010. Over that diverse range of fields. Photo by Lisa Gipton. period, Elizabeth served as a committee member from 1996 to 2000, then as Chair hree distinguished members of priest. He gained first-class honours in for 10 years to November 2010. Tthe UTAS alumni family were law from the University of Tasmania in The University can flourish only if it has celebrated in March at the annual UTAS 1968. He then studied a Bachelor of Arts at the support and commitment of community Foundation Awards Dinner. Oxford, and an academic career at UTAS leaders and alumni such as Elizabeth. UTAS Distinguished Alumni Awards followed. Michael Tate was the Minister She has been a role model for those who were presented to Professor Ross Large, for Justice in the Hawke and Keating follow in her tracks and is still steadfast in an internationally recognised economic governments. He represented Australia her support of her university, even though geologist, and Reverend Professor Michael at the International Court of Justice and trying to enjoy a well-earned retirement. Tate AO. The Premier of Tasmania, the was involved in the early days of the War Honourable Lara Giddings MP, received Crimes Tribunal. the Foundation Graduate Award. The Honourable Lara Giddings MP Distinguished Professor Ross Large graduated in arts and law in 1998. is an economic geologist who is When she was elected to the seat of internationally recognised for his research Lyons in 1996 at the age of 23, she was and leadership in the field of ore deposits. the youngest woman to be elected to an Ross graduated with a BSc (Hons) in 1969, Australian parliament. For more than 15 and a PhD from the University of New years she has served the community with England. In 1989 he established the Centre distinction and, this year, became the first for Ore Deposit Research (CODES), which female premier of Tasmania. is now one of the top research institutes More than 500 guests attended the UTAS in the field of ore deposit geology and Foundation Awards Dinner, which also exploration in the world. Ross Large recognised the essential contribution of became a Distinguished Professor at donors. Through their generosity, about the University of Tasmania in 2009. 465 students will benefit this year from scholarships to study at UTAS through A Fellow of the University of Tasmania: Reverend Professor Michael Tate AO has Elizabeth Daly OAM was a member of the the UTAS Foundation. had an extraordinary and diverse career Alumni Committee and Chair of the UTAS as an academic, politician, diplomat and Alumni over a period of 14 years.
22 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 Accolades Fulbright Scholar to widen her expertise By Catherine Rogers
r Natasha Wiggins (BSc Hons D2001, PhD 2006) from the UTAS schools of Plant Science and Zoology has been awarded a 2011 Fulbright Scholarship to study in the United States. Natasha was the only Tasmanian among the 26 Australians to receive the prestigious scholarship. Natasha will travel to Boise State University in Idaho and Washington State University next year. She plans to investigate why pygmy rabbits, native to the area, are attracted to the sagebrush plant and rely on it as a major source of food. The population of pygmy rabbits is Australia Day Honours for in decline, while sagebrush (a woody and silver-green foliage shrub that survives harsh winters and hot summers) is in members of alumni family decline due to human habitation. “The research will look at what natural Australia Day Honours: (L-R) Lieutenant Colonel Colin Riley, Dr Anthony Brown and Peter Spratt toxins are present in the sagebrush were all recognised for their service and achievements. Photo by Lisa Gipton. plant and how the difference in temperature and seasons determine why the rabbits select this plant over hree members of the UTAS the Board of Trustees of the Tasmanian others,” Natasha said. Talumni family received Australia Day Museum and Art Gallery. The Fulbright Scholarship is a major Honours in 2011. Anthony said the medal was a great honour. international educational exchange Peter Spratt (MEnvSt 1978) was awarded He plans to retire in the near future, but will program established in 1946 by a Member of the Order of Australia. continue to work in an honorary capacity in Senator J William Fulbright and the He was recognised for his conservation work the UTAS School of Geology. When he isn’t US Government. on more than 600 historic buildings around working, Anthony has a keen interest in Australia, as well as the establishment researching colonial art. of an online building degree course and Also recognised was Lieutenant Colonel contributions to industry associations. Colin Riley CSC, who was awarded Peter remarked that he was “somewhat the Conspicuous Service Cross for his surprised” to receive the honour, which he outstanding achievement as commanding said was rare for engineers. officer of the 12th/40th Battalion, the Royal Peter completed his masters degree at Tasmanian Regiment. UTAS and went on to run his own business. Colin has raised the efficiency, He attempted to retire recently – but it effectiveness and capability of the regiment didn’t quite work. and of the Army Reserve in Tasmania, and Meanwhile Dr Anthony Brown (BSc Hons has helped raise his unit’s numbers by 35% 1972, PhD 1986) received the Public Service in 14 months. Colin graduated with a BSc Medal. He was recognised for providing in 1994 and a Bachelor in Social Science outstanding service to the Tasmanian public (Police Studies) in 2009. sector for almost 40 years as a leader in the When he isn’t working, Colin enjoys application of information technology and kayaking. “There’s nothing more relaxing innovation to the State’s mining industry. than kayaking on the Tasmanian waterways,” Anthony has also served as Chairman of he said.
We strongly encourage you, the alumni, to nominate a worthy graduate for the Fulbright Scholar: Dr Natasha Wiggins will Distinguished Alumni or the Foundation Graduate Award. For criteria and nomination study the interaction between pygmy rabbits form, please visit the Alumni & Friends website at www.utasalumni.org.au and sagebrush in the United States next year.
ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 23 REUNIONS
Australia’s leading women chemists held breakfasts linked by Skype to mark the International Year of Chemistry 2011 and the 100th anniversary of Marie Curie being awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. In Tasmania the event was held at the University Club, on the UTAS Sandy Bay campus. UTAS academics, local chemists and Royal Australian Chemical Institute members chatted to scientists all over the world. ABC Radio host Ryk Goddard interviewed The chemistry event attendees, including Professor Emily Hilder from the School of Chemistry. Emily said she was taken by chemistry of women in science at a young age. By Cherie Cooper “As a student I was captured by chromatography,” she said. “Then I moved Sharing a chemical moment in time: Ryk Goddard from ABC Radio interviewed Professor Emily Hilder into separation science, and it was just (centre) from the School of Chemistry, and UTAS Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and fascinating to me that you could take Technology, Professor Margaret Britz. something really complex and separate he’s not a graduate of the imagine a future, which you then might it out into all its components and find SStarfleet Academy but Professor want to create,” Margaret recently told a out what they are. Margaret Britz, Dean of the Faculty of celebratory world-wide breakfast to honour “There are so many opportunities and Science, Education and Technology, found the achievements of women in science. I think you’ll find chemists employed in inspiration to study science among the “I like the imagination in science and the an amazing array of fields. voyages of Star Trek. idea that you can be party to creating or “But in my case, I was drawn into it simply “I was a great science fiction reader so discovering something that you may have because it gave me so much freedom to I was always inspired by the way people been contributing to.” do what I wanted to do.”
24 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 REUNIONS
bankrupt mid-construction, forcing the then State Public Works Department to step in, with attendant delays and cost overruns. “We were very poor and very small yet we produced some people who subsequently became important figures on the Australian scene and even the international scene,” recalls Dr Smith, whose association with chemistry began in 1940 as a diploma student. He would much later become Acting Head of School. Those distinguished graduates included David Mellor, Head of the School of Symposium will celebrate Chemistry at UNSW from 1956 to 1968, and one of Australia’s most outstanding School’s anniversary crystallographers, David Wadsley. Today the School, under Associate Professor By Peter Cochrane Greg Dicinoski, boasts 600 first-year, 200 second-year and 40 third-year students, 50th anniversary: Head of School Associate Professor Greg Dicinoski said all chemistry alumni are plus five honours and 30 PhD candidates. invited to attend the one-day symposium on 1 September 2011. Photo by Peter Mathew. Last year was one of great achievement for the school’s researchers, with Dr ust as some chemical a joint body, the Engineering Board of Robert Shellie being named the Tasmanian processes are protracted rather than Management, was established to provide J Young Tall Poppy for 2010; Professor Paul instantaneous, so too is the history of courses in chemistry for both institutions. Haddad receiving the UTAS Medal for chemistry at the University of Tasmania. However, the School of Chemistry is a Research Excellence and Dr Shellie and The first chemistry course for a BSc much more recent manifestation. It will Dr Emily Hilder receiving UTAS Awards commenced in 1894, four years after UTAS celebrate its 50th anniversary with a one- for Research Excellence. was established, with an enrolment of just day symposium, followed by a cocktail The symposium on September 1 will include two. In 1927, as detailed by Dr Peter Smith party, on 1 September. speakers from each decade for the past 50 in his contribution to The Companion to The School actually opened for business years. All chemistry alumni are invited to Tasmanian History, a unique arrangement on 1 July, 1961, after its new home on the attend, and the School will be endeavouring was negotiated between the University Sandy Bay campus was finally completed. to contact as many alumni as possible with and the Hobart Technical College whereby The original builder had been declared a formal invitation. Reunion for Faculty of Law’s class of ’61 By Catherine Rogers ine law alumni recently Nreunited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation. It was the seventh reunion for the group of friends – which includes Brian Doyle, the Hon. Peter Heerey QC, David Bennett QC, Still going strong: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation from law were Brian Doyle, Val Smith, Bruce Crawford, Jack Turner, the Hon. Peter Heerey QC, David Bennett QC, Val Smith and Bruce Crawford (back L-R), and Jack Cyril Clark, Peter Rae and the Hon. Michael Turner, Cyril Clark, Peter Rae and the Hon. Michael Hodgman AM QC (front). Hodgman AM QC. Sadly Des Dwyer and Richard Webster have passed away. “The contrasts between studying now and Eleven law students graduated in 1961. back then are great. Law was located at Alumni 50+ club Domain House, class sizes were small and The reunion was an opportunity to inspect There will be a reunion lunch for all the numbers of women were few. the Faculty of Law building, while meeting who first graduated at least 50 years up with current and past faculty members Bruce said that the friendships among the ago, at the Henry Jones Art Hotel, over afternoon tea. group had remained strong over the years. Hobart, on Friday 25 November. “Everyone was very enthusiastic, mixed “We are a close knit group of friends who To ensure you receive your invitation, well and was delighted to visit and look over shared many experiences during our law please send your email address to the facilities for law students, which have studies,” he said. “We have continued to [email protected] changed immeasurably since the 1950s,” have a close association over the years or phone (03) 6324 3052. alumnus Bruce Crawford said. that followed.”
ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 25 ALUMNI AND FRIENDS 2010 Annual Appeal thanks
The University of Tasmania Foundation wishes to thank everyone who generously supported our 2010 Alumni Appeal. Your gifts make a real difference towards developing excellence at UTAS and provide real opportunities to students for educational and social growth.
Thank you to our 2010 Mr Peter Gorman Mr Rene Mouchet Annual Appeal donors: Mr Richard Gould Mr David Murray Anonymous – 52 donors Mrs Teresa Grabek Mr Patrick O’Brien Mrs Marguerite Alford Ms Alison Green Mr James Omond Mrs Margaret Allocca Mr Colin Grey Mr Seng-Yew Ong Mr Neil Ashdown Mr Peter Griffin Mr Teodino Ottavi Ms Margit Assmann Reverend Hugh Hadrill Ms Alison Park Dr Gregory Austin Mrs Rosemary Hardwick Ms Dorothy Pearce Miss Edith Backhouse Mr Stewart Harvison Mr Kevin Pearce Ms Diane Baillie Dr Geoffrey Haward AM Mr Colin Peters Mrs Claire Bamford Dr Edward Herman MBBS Miss Margaret Price Mrs Hilda Bardenhagen Ms Margaret Hewett Mrs Margaret Proudlock Miss Karenne Barnes Mr Barry Hine Mrs Carol Ralph Mr Mark Bennett Mr Anthony Hogg Mr Peter Ramshaw Mrs Dorothy Beswick Mrs Suzette Holmes Mrs Anna Rau Mr Kris Birrer Mr Robin Holyman Mr Paul Rayner Dr Gert Blanchard Mr Peter Horne Ms Diana Reale Mr Kenneth Briggs Mrs Patricia Hudspeth Mr Franklin Redfern Professor Philip Broadbridge Dr Robinson Jacklyn Mr John Rouphael Mrs Edna Brock Mrs Caroline Jackson The Rev Dr Peter Rudge Mr Damian Bugg AM QC Capt Phelorama Johnbosco Antony Ms Marion Sargent Mrs Catherine Campbell Emeritus Professor Bruce Johnson OAM Mr Peter Saunders Mr Roger Campbell Mr Christopher Johnson Mrs Megan Schaffner Mr John Carey Mr Preecha Kamnoetsing Dr Frederick Schokman Mr Roger Carrington Mr Kee Yew Kan Dr David Seymour Mr T Chandler Mr Nigel Kidd Miss Elizabeth Smith Mr Terence Childs OAM Dr Colin Kleinig Miss June Smith Professor Wah Soon Chow Mrs Shin Ching Ko Woo MBE Mr Valentine Smith Dr Philip Clarke Dr Geoffrey Lancaster AM Associate Professor Rick Snell Ms Penny Cocker Emeritus Professor Francis Larkins Mrs Heather Spicer Ms Ingrid Colman Professor Alec Lazenby AO Mr Ian Steele Mr Lawrence De Pasquale Mr John Lennard Miss Elsje Steen Ms Moya Deigan Dr Andrew Lichon Mr Ken Stough Mr Geoffrey Denny Mr Gerald Loughran Miss Chia Tan Mrs Gladys Dodson Mrs Anne Mackay-Smith Mr Ching Tan Dr Janet Dunbabin Mrs Helen Male Ms Clare Thompson Mrs Helen Dunford Mr Samuel Maler Dr Ashley Townsend Dr Christopher Edwards Mr Mitchel Martin-Weber Dr Chris Trevitt Mr John Evans Mr John Matthews Ms Geraldine Triffitt Ms Rhonda Ewart Dr Christobel Mattingley AM Mrs Cheryl Turner Mrs Beverley Ewins Miss Mollie Maxwell Dr Mark Von Bibra Reverend Dr Robert Faser Mr David McEwan Mr John Warner Mrs Gwendoline Fellowes Mrs Betty McKenzie-Tubb Mrs Rosemary Whatley Mr Heinz Fickler Mrs Judith McKernan Mr James Wishart Professor Maurice French Mr Barry McNeill Mrs Doris Wong Ms Carol Fuller Mrs Bronwen Meredith Dr John Wright Mr Donald Gaffney Mr Luke Miller Dr Samina Yasmeen Dr Dennis Gibbings Dr Kenneth Milton Dr Jim Yates Mr Rodney Glover Ms Sylvanie Morgan Mrs Lynda Young Mr Peter Goddard Mr Leon Morrell
2011 Annual Appeal The 2011 Annual Appeal was launched in May and alumni are encouraged to support the current generation of students by donating online at www.utas.edu.au/foundation/donations-and-support/current-appeals The UTAS Foundation is happy to report that 2010 saw its most successful appeal to date. We have raised $150,000 plus matching funds, meaning in 2012 we will be in a position to offer three Annual Appeal Scholarships to worthy students. Special thanks go to Mr Mitchel Martin-Weber who donated $100,000 in order to endow the additional two scholarships. The UTAS Foundation is aiming to increase the number and value of Annual Appeal Scholarships offered to students each year to four valued at $5,000 per year.
26 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 ALUMNI AND FRIENDS Appeal The Napier legacy continues
Scholarship eases he University Foundation has Tlaunched an appeal to raise funds for financial burden a postgraduate fellowship in education in memory of UTAS alumna, former academic amantha Allan is the Annual staff member and Minister for Education, SAppeal Scholar for 2011. Samantha, Sue Napier (Cert Ed 1969, BA 1975, BA Hons who is studying a Bachelor of Science/ 1978). Sue died in August 2010 from cancer. Bachelor of Engineering, said the Annual Sue’s passion for education was deep and Appeal Scholarship is a true blessing to personal. She was a dedicated teacher her and her family. and believed that inspirational and quality “It helps to ease the financial burden of teachers were the key to student achievement. my living and travelling costs,” she said. Shortly before Sue died, she set up a trust “It means I can also afford to journey back fund in the UTAS Foundation, to financially A passion for education: Sue Napier believed to Launceston often to visit my family, support a fellowship program. This program which I am very happy about.” that inspirational teachers are the key to was aimed at encouraging practising student achievement. The Annual Appeal Scholarship honours teachers to develop their skills through the commitment of our alumni and friends postgraduate education. The UTAS Appeal Committee is seeking to the success of UTAS and our students. Sue’s family, friends and academic donations for this lasting memorial to The scholarship, currently valued at colleagues have since taken up her idea Sue’s work and interests. Any donation $3,000 per year for up to four years, by initiating a capital-raising program over $2 is tax deductible and the University has traditionally been available to one to support the Sue Napier Postgraduate Foundation will match dollar for dollar deserving student commencing any Education Fellowship Trust Fund. all funds raised for the fellowship. undergraduate degree each year. But this The perpetual fellowship will be available You can donate to the Appeal securely number will increase by an additional two annually to Tasmanian teachers to undertake online at www.utas.edu.au/foundation scholarships in 2012 – largely due to a postgraduate study focused on enhancing or call Mandy Bennett in the UTAS generous $100,000 donation from Mitchel their classroom teaching and actively Foundation on (03) 6226 1920 to arrange Martin-Weber. improving the outcomes for their students. other ways of making a gift.
Turning your degree inTo a We number amongst our ranks many alumni of rewarding Teaching career the University of Tasmania. We support higher could be easier Than you Think. education through the provision of scholarships Whatever your speciality, a 2-year graduate entry tenable at the University of Tasmania and Master of Teaching will give you the qualification research at UTAS through the Masonic to teach either primary or secondary school. Centennial Research Foundation. Secondary teaching areaS: • design & technology • Languages other - Food Studies than english Freemasonry supports your community quietly - Wood & Metal design • Mathematics and with dignity. It is an organisation of men - computer aided • drama who strive to live by the fundamental principles design • Music - textiles • Social Sciences of integrity, goodwill and charity. • english-literacy • Visual art • general Sciences Is Freemasonry for you? Location: Launceston, hobart, externally or mixed- mode (part external, part on-campus), depending on the teaching specialisation. For further information please contact the Grand Secretary on (03) 6223 5814 or email [email protected] UFED4973_RJ
ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 27 KEEPING IN TOUCH
2000s Matt Boden (BMus 2001, MMus 2003) and the Matt Boden Quartet launched their first, self-titled CD at the Clarence Jazz Festival in February. Matt – a pianist, composer and bandleader – studied at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music, and held residencies at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, and the jazz club The Temple Place. In 2004 he moved to Melbourne and then, three years later, to Paris, France, where he now resides. Matt said the CD has a strong focus on melody. “It has something with which people can identify,” he said. “It’s a modernist approach with the traditional values of swing – and is joyous. It should make you smile and want to dance.” The CD can be purchased online at: www.mattboden.com Dr Jo-Anne Kelder (GradDipInfoSys 2002, BInfoSys Hons 2003, GradCertCommercialisation 2008, PhD 2009) is currently working as a project officer on the Australian Learning and Teaching Council’s “Learning and Teaching Academic Standards Project” for the Science Discipline (www.altc.edu.au/ standards). The challenge of this 12-month project is to develop meaningful statements describing Threshold Learning Outcomes Cambodia: Alison Birchall, who is helping deliver services to vulnerable children near the Thai border, for science graduates that can be used proudly models her World Social Work Day T-shirt. by teachers in higher education, auditors, students and employers. Dr John Tasirin (PhD 2004), who is an employee of the Wildlife Conservation Together we develop the agenda Society Indonesia Program and who also teaches within the Faculty of Agriculture World Social Work Day, which was Meanwhile Alison Birchall (BSW Hons at Sam Ratulangi University (Sulawesi, celebrated on March 15, was particularly 1999) is working in Battambang province, Indonesia), was recently presented with significant at UTAS this year with two of close to the Thai border. Alison is working an international conservation award by the our alumni volunteering to support the as a social work adviser for a local NGO Van Tienhoven Foundation for International newly-established social work community that delivers services to vulnerable children Nature Protection. This award recognised in Cambodia. and their families – particularly street John’s conservation work in the province children, trafficked children, and children Mara Schneiders (BSW 1990) spent of Sulawesi – work which ranged from orphaned by HIV, AIDS and other causes. 18 months working as an adviser with helping villagers protect their sea turtles the Social Work Department at the The theme for this year’s World Social Work to providing conservation advice to the Royal University of Phnom Penh. This is Day was ‘Social Work voices responding governor of North Sulawesi. Cambodia’s first-ever undergraduate social to global crises: Together we develop the work course and, with the first cohort due agenda’. This year Tasmanian social work to graduate in 2012, the faculty aims to students gathered with faculty on the three produce future leaders for a country that’s UTAS campuses sharing an exchange of still experiencing the devastating impact of messages and photos with Cambodian civil war, genocide and poverty. students, who hosted their own event Mara returned to Tasmania in August last in Phnom Penh. year and is now working with the UTAS Mara and Alison both volunteered with social work team, teaching community Australian Volunteers International. work practice.
28 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 KEEPING IN TOUCH 1990s 1960s Paul Kitchin (BHM Hons 1998) has Judith McKernan (BSc 1962), who now You ’r e co-authored a 96-page, full-colour Case lives in Sydney, has completed a Master Book about the business of running a of Arts in Pure Mathematics as well as a hired! major sports venue and brand – namely Graduate Diploma in Science – all since Arsenal Football Club’s Emirates Stadium. she ‘retired’ from work in 1999. On top of Brandy Kuentzel never heard the Paul’s Case Book, which he co-authored that, Judith is currently in the final stretch words ‘You’re fired’ shouted at her with Jon Pettigrew, provides insight into of a Master of Scientific Studies from the by one of the world’s most famous the relationship between academia and University of New England. “I must admit businessmen, Donald Trump. professional sport, and is being distributed it is hard going, but most enjoyable when Instead, the American lawyer, to schools across the UK (along with a you accomplish the final result,” she said. who studied at UTAS on exchange, supporting guide for teachers). Paul is Judith began working in IT when her was announced the winner of the currently a lecturer in sport management youngest went to school (1975). She didn’t 10th season of the reality TV show, at the University of Ulster (Northern retire until the company in which she had The Apprentice. Ireland) and is completing his PhD at worked for 20 years was sold overseas. Brandy studied politics, media and Loughborough University (Leicestershire, “They bought some gurus in to help expand psychology at UTAS in 2001 as part UK), investigating the development of self- the IT area,” she said. “They looked at my of a Bachelor of Arts (Political identity in young people with disabilities grey hair and thought I was too old – and Science) degree from the University through sporting participation. made me feel like it.” But Judith said she of California, Los Angeles. turned this experience around, and ended up using it as motivation for her further studies. Now Brandy is Donald Trump’s latest 1970s protégé at Trump Organisation in David J. Stabb (BSc Hons 1966) currently Jacoba Faber Akazawa (DipTeach 1975, New York. lives in Victoria, after teaching at the BEd 1976, GradCertEd 2001, MEd 2002) University of Ballarat for 28 years. He said is working as a special foreign language the December 2010 issue of Alumni News lecturer at the Kyoto Sangyo University was a ‘trip down memory lane’, featuring in Japan. Jacoba paid special thanks to names such as science graduate and boat Dr Thao Le for his inspiration and insights restorer Des Beechey. But it was the story while Jacoba was studying for a Master about the bridge between Victoria and of Education. Tasmania that particularly took David’s Prof Fred Chow (BSc 1971, BSc Hons fancy. “By the way, did you know you can 1972), from the Research School of Biology walk between Tasmania and Victoria and at the ANU, has kindly let us know that keep your feet dry?,” he added. “Boundary the inaugural McAulay-Hope Prize for Islet spans the 39°12’ parallel – the Original Biophysics was awarded at the interstate border.” Australian Society for Biophysics annual conference late last year. This award was named after a supervisor-student 1940s pair from UTAS – Professor Alexander Peter Sprent (BSc 1946, BSc Hons 1952) Leicester McAulay (BSc 1916) and his has written a charming account of his student Alexander Beaumont Hope (BSc days at University, during and after WWII. Hons 1950, PhD 1953). The award was “I enrolled as a science undergraduate in presented by Prof Hope’s widow, Vivien 1942 and remember that on the enrolment Hope OAM. Fred, who had been one of day, after going through the boring but the late Prof Hope’s students, said his doubtless necessary formalities, the first research collaboration with Prof Hope task befalling male undergraduates was stretched over three decades. He added to dig trenches in the lawns in front of that Prof Hope had been the chairman Domain House to provide shelter in case of of the committee that founded the a Japanese air raid. Although never needed, Australian Society for Biophysics, but these refuges (informally dubbed “funk that Prof Hope passed away in 2008, holes”) were recognised at the time as a The Apprentice: Brandy Kuentzel, who shortly before his 80th birthday. wise precaution…” To read more of Peter’s studied at UTAS on exchange in 2001, has become Donald Trump’s latest protégé. reminiscences, go to www.sprentland.com
from you University of Tasmania alumni are invited to keep in touch by sharing snippets of their news, career achievements, community involvement and social events. Please send details via email to: [email protected] You can also post your entries to the UTAS Development and Alumni Office, Locked Bag 1350, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250.
ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 29 KEEPING IN TOUCH Young alumni: where are they now?
James Murchison Eliza Harris BCom 2007 BAntSc Hons 2008 Financial Accountant PhD student Avalon Minerals Max Planck Institute for Chemistry Perth Mainz, Germany
Pei Vern fong Helen Kontozopoulos BBioMedSc 2010 MIB 2008 Medical Scientist Founder and Facilitator Pathology One The Creative At Work Melbourne Tor ont o
James Chester Hamish Davies BA 2010 BBus 2008 Student Adviser Regional Development Faculty of Arts, UTAS Manager, Marketing Hobart International Services, UTAS Launceston
Keith Westbrook Luke Kay BEnvDes 2006, MArch Hons 2009 BCom-BInfoSys 2008 Graduate Architect Project Manager Circa Architecture Graysonline.com Hobart Queensland
Natasha Wiggins Marion Davies BSc Hons 2001, PhD 2006 MBBS Hons 2008, Grad Cert eHealth 2010 Postdoctoral Researcher UTAS Resident Medical Officer Hobart Emergency Department Broome Hospital, WA
30 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 ALUMNI REVIEW
I sleep in haysheds and corners Edited by Ben Walter and Kelly Eijdenberg Maya McDonell Sam Beckman Tom O’Hern (Inscrutable Press, 2011)
here’s been a strong tradition school students to writers in their late 20s) responded to in their practice. The results Tof successful collaborations between to respond to the project’s title – ‘I sleep were exciting in their range: a knitted artists and writers, from high art through in haysheds and corners’. The publisher’s book, pieces of jewellery encasing tokens to really cool children’s picture books. favourite 10 stories have been included in of memory, a leather suit and delicate But what about collaborations between the collection, ranging in themes and styles letterpress designs. writers and new craft movements? from hallucinogenic encounters with a I sleep in haysheds and corners was edited I sleep in haysheds and corners is a book great white shark in an island pub, to quiet by Tasmanian creatives Ben Walter (BA 2001) that features Tasmania’s best young writers reflections on formative experiences in a and Kelly Eijdenberg, who completed an and crafters, working together for the simple country hayshed. Associate Degree in Arts from the first time. Inscrutable Press asked young Each of the hand-picked Tasmanian UTAS Academy of the Arts in 2009. people from all over the State (from primary crafters received one story, which they
Mediation for It also helps you appreciate the varied This book by P.J. Snow (BSc Hons 1970) Lawyers tastes of Sangiovese and Sagrantino and reminds us that we live in a time when to get the pronunciation right (SAHN-joe- science finally has significant answers By Dr Samantha Hardy VAY-zay and (SAH-GRAHN-TEE-noh). about the true nature and origins of and Dr Olivia Rundle human behaviour – a perspective that (CCH Australia, 2010) This iPhone App draws on the VineFinders database of 5,400 vineyards, wineries and heralds a new era that will inevitably see Mediation for Lawyers cellar doors, and was researched over the dissolution of many hallowed, though provides a comprehensive eight years of travelling and tastings in plainly stagnant, institutions and the resource for lawyers 85 Australian wine regions. Author Dick establishment of a new world. involved in mediation. It is designed as Friend (BA EnvDes 1984) lists the varieties a reference for students of alternative from Aglianico to Zinfandel. With software Practical CBT: Using dispute resolution methods such as development and production undertaken Functional Analysis mediation. The focus of this book is on by XVT Solutions, based in South Hobart, and Standardised practical application of theory. It is founded Grapes 101 is an easy-to-navigate guide to Homework in in current mediation theory relating to the the wine world, which, when downloaded Everyday Therapy range of models used in Australia and its from the App Store to your phone, is detailed contextual information includes Gary Bakker knowledge at your fingertips. the legislative frameworks for mediation (Australian Academic in different jurisdictions. Press, 2008) The Human Psyche Dr Samantha Hardy (GradCert ULT 2005, in Love, War & Gary Bakker’s grounding in the emerging PhD 2006) used to work as a lecturer at Enlightenment psychological therapy, cognitive the UTAS Faculty of Law. behavioural therapy (CBT), occurred By P. J. Snow at UTAS in the late ‘70s and early Grapes 101 (Boolarong Press, 2009) ‘80s. Since then, CBT has become the The Human Psyche is leading evidence-based therapy for most By Dick Friend a far-reaching exposé psychological problems, and Gary has been (XVT Solutions, 2011) of human identity that fine-tuning its application through 30 years Ever felt embarrassed by seeks to unify the startling insights gained of practice in numerous settings and the an endless wine list, or from modern neuroscientific studies of full range of problems. overwhelmed by the huge higher consciousness, with perspectives This manual is the result, providing number of grape varieties gained from introspection and philosophy. therapists with a patient-friendly model and styles? Grapes 101 is In simple, straightforward prose and of psychological problems, links to a an iPhone App (which is also available for diagrammatic form, it presents several treatment-focused assessment process Android phones) detailing 165 unique grape new models of the generation of, and and then to therapy ‘homeworks’, which varieties used in Australian wine. It tackles interactions between, the neural centres are presented through verbatim scripts the BIG questions, such as the differences that are responsible for thought, emotion directly usable or appropriately modifiable between Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. and mood. by therapists.
ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 31 VALE
Tim Burbury Bill continued to work for some time after served as Head of Department, Dean of the Died 30 December 2010, his official retirement. In 1963 he was Faculty of Arts and Executive Dean of the aged 68 years. awarded the Thomas Ranken Lyle Medal School of Humanities and Social Sciences. im Burbury – an award presented by the Australian In 1995 Brian left Tasmania, first going to Twas most Academy of Science for outstanding University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, widely known for research accomplishments. In the following as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and then championing a year he became a Fellow of the Australian to Monash University Gippsland Campus Mt Wellington cable car and as a pre- Academy of Science. In 1984 he was made as Pro Vice-Chancellor. He retired in 2007 eminent civil engineer. He was Dux of an Officer of the Order of Australia. and was named an Emeritus Professor of School at Hutchins, won a University Donald John Monash University. Entrance Scholarship (awarded to the top Jones Brian was a Fellow of the Australian 20 students in Tasmania) and was later Died 9 October 2010, Psychological Society and of the American runner-up for a Rhodes Scholarship. aged 70 years. Psychological Society. His intellectual After graduating from UTAS in 1964 interests were wide, including not only onald (Don) with first-class honours in engineering, psychology and philosophy, but also the was born at Tim worked on the Tasman Bridge before D history and philosophy of science, world Wynyard and since moving to the mainland. After moving back religions and parapsychology. his father was a school teacher he went to to Tasmania with his family, he eventually school in far-flung posts. As a teenager he Upon his retirement Brian returned to established Burbury Consulting, working boarded at Launceston High School and in Hobart, where he spent his last years on landmark projects such as Launceston 1958 was awarded a teaching studentship enjoying the company of family and friends. General Hospital, York Park Stadium, from UTAS. He is survived by his wife Patricia, his two the ABT Railway (now the West Coast daughters and their mother, and his two This experience included time spent in the Wilderness Railway), Royal Hobart stepchildren. Hospital, the Launceston Velodrome, second-last compulsory intake of 18 year Federation Concert Hall and many others. olds into the National Service Training Sheila Rimmer Battalion at Brighton in 1959. Tim was Tasmanian chapter president of AM the Association of Consulting Engineers, Don’s first teaching position was at Died September 2010, and Tasmanian division president of the Ulverstone High School during the 1960s, aged 85 years. Institute of Engineers Australia in 1997. before moving his family to Hobart in 1968. hen Sheila In 1970 Don moved to Fern Tree, where he For more than 20 years he championed WDorothy Davies enthusiastically joined the fire brigade. the Mt Wellington cable car proposal. was awarded an In 1975 Don was appointed Brigade Chief, open scholarship to the London School of Tim leaves behind his wife Susie, five a role he fulfilled for 38 years. Economics, one of her lecturers commented children and 11 grandchildren. Don was one of the first Tasmanians to on her keen interest in the social and Photo courtesy of the Mercury newspaper. receive the Institution of Fire Engineers political problems of the day. She was Graduate Certificate and to qualify for the already a public lobbyist, writing in 1944 in Professor Associate Diploma of Applied Science (Fire support of equal wages for both sexes. Graeme ‘Bill’ Technology). In 1995 he was honoured as Ellis, AO FAA In 1950, Sheila married Gordon Rimmer. the City of Hobart Citizen of the Year. They moved to Tasmania in 1964 and then Died 4 February 2011, aged 89 years. Don leaves behind his wife Elizabeth, to Sydney in 1968. Sheila always worked: daughter Meredith and son Damien. she lectured part-time at the University of rofessor Sadly he was predeceased by his Tasmania and presented a television world- Graeme ‘Bill’ P daughter Gwynneth. affairs program. Ellis was one of the great researchers in radio astronomy. Born in Launceston, he Professor Following her retirement from academic was a navigator with the RAF before he Brian Douglas life, Sheila was busier than ever. From 1991 commenced his studies at UTAS. In 1949 Mackenzie to 1995 she was an alderman on Randwick he collaborated in making radio Council, and was deputy mayor in 1995. Died 19 November 2010, At the same time she became involved observations of the Sun from Eaglehawk aged 66 years. Neck during a partial solar eclipse. with the Council on the Ageing (COTA). rofessor He subsequently performed important She was passionate about breaking down Brian Douglas research on the Ionosphere – work that P negative attitudes to older people and age Mackenzie was born in Canada. He earned led to his PhD in 1955. discrimination. She was vice-president and his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology then president of COTA NSW for six years In 1960 Bill was offered, and accepted, and philosophy from the University of British before being elected president of COTA the Chair of Physics at the University Columbia, his Master of Arts degree in National in 1998. of Tasmania. He researched the topics experimental psychology from Simon Fraser Sheila was made a member of the Order of ionospheric physics, the Earth’s University (both in Vancouver), and his of Australia (AM) in 2000 and awarded the magnetosphere, low-frequency radio Doctor of Philosophy degree in psychology Federation Medal for services to older people astronomy and radio emissions from from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Jupiter, the Sun and other celestial and health in 2003. She is survived by her In 1973 Brian joined UTAS’s Department of objects. In 1969 Bill became Patron of the daughters Janet, Carolyn and Martine and Psychology, where he distinguished himself Astronomical Society of Tasmania (AST), her grandchildren. both in research and teaching. He later and was to remain so for two decades.
32 | ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 Ever fancied returning to study but can’t commit to a full-degree course? The Faculty of Arts now offers four Diploma courses that are equivalent to just 1-year full-time and are perfect for part-time study. Best of all, you can start most of them as soon as July 2011. Diploma in Fine Arts and Design – NEW Diploma in International Studies – NEW Diploma in Languages Diploma in Music Performance So whatever your motivations for returning to study – enhancing your career prospects, taking your hobby to the next level, changing careers, life-long learning – now’s your chance to get a taste of the good life. Enrolments for Semester 2, 2011 are now open. Apply online or for further information call 1300 363 864, email [email protected] or visit www.utas.edu.au/arts UFAR4721_RJ 2854 ALUMNI NEWS | JUNE 2011 • Issue 39 | 33