UOW 322 Supplement 5/9/08 3:31 PM Page 1

Community Connections University of - Special Supplement - September 2008 Connecting UOW with our schools 400 take up Challenge

More than 400 high school students all girls’ schools competing – Wollongong’s St Mary from around the took part in this year’s Star of the Sea and Frensham from . High School Challenge at the University of “We need to address the critical shortage of Wollongong. scientists and engineers in Australia and events like This collaborative event is now in its second this Challenge will help boost numbers emerging year and is held to encourage more students to from schools into these fields,” Professor Fazel study the critical areas of science and maths. Naghdy said. For the Challenge, schools from the Illawarra, UOW’s Faculties of Informatics, Engineering and Southern Sydney, the Shoalhaven and the Science assisted in running the challenge. The Southern Highlands competed in maths and Rotary Club of Wollongong and UOW provided science events over two days, with one winner volunteer supervisors and the Challenge is run in each day. Day one saw High School conjunction with Engineers Australia and the score the highest total of points against seven University of Newcastle. other schools to claim victory and day two’s For the competition, students are allocated one winner was . or two tasks and assessed on how well they Illawarra and South East Challenge complete these tasks and compete with students Co-ordinating Committee chair Professor Fazel from other schools. The challenges this year “The hands-on competitive nature of the Solutions and Technology, Tyree Industries, Naghdy said that the Challenge was a lot of fun included building and flying an airship, solving a Challenge allows students to experience the BlueScope Steel and the Roads and for the students who participated and provided mystery maze and building a chair for a three creative side of science and engineering in a fun Traffic Authority. them with an insight into the working world of kilogram doll. atmosphere. It is aimed mainly at Year 10 Winning smiles – Keira High School’s team science and engineering. Coordinator Dr Zengxi (Stephen) Pan said that students but schools are welcome to include celebrates after winning this year’s High In a field traditionally dominated by males, the Challenge represented a unique opportunity for younger children to make up teams. Schools Challenge at the University of organisers were particularly pleased to see two young people in our community. The Challenge is sponsored by CSC GIS Global Wollongong.

UOW’s UniConnections program is information about the Early Entry process, Workshop de-mystifies Law expanding into its third year in the Illawarra. The scholarships, support services offered by UOW By KATE McILWAIN program was developed to benefit students who and information about Woolyungah Indigenous experience regional, economic and or social Centre. disadvantage. Faculty of Law Dean Professor Luke It focuses on disadvantaged students attending McNamara says students who think studying Law schools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, and has is out of their reach get the chance to find out two co-ordinators – one based on the main UOW more about the profession at these workshops. Wollongong campus and the other based at "The legal profession has traditionally been UOW’s Shoalhaven campus. associated with privilege. But, from the day that The program began at the Shoalhaven Campus we opened our doors to students in 1991, the in 2004, and has been in operation in the Illawarra UOW Faculty of Law has been committed to the since 2006. Illawarra Coordinator Lisa Hutton said principle of enhanced access to legal education,” the University had been working closely with Professor McNamara said. disadvantaged schools to develop both on campus “The workshop was designed to give high and off campus activities. school students a first hand look at what it might As part of the aim to improve education for be like to be a university student, exploring an students from disadvantaged backgrounds, interest in law and the role that it plays in our UniConnections has formed an Illawarra Interest societies. Some students will settle on the goal of Group, which is developing ideas for future earning a place in a Bachelor of Law degree. programs and activities that will help school Some might decide that law is not for them.” students achieve more. “Either way, the students who participate in Recently, the Faculty of Law hosted a workshop the workshop have had a chance to talk to Law Professor Luke McNamara pictured with two Law student volunteers from the that gave students the chance to observe a Law lecturers and Law students, and will be better UniConnections Law Workshop, Anthony Connor (centre) and Michael Butler. Lecture, meet with Faculty staff and ask questions placed to decide whether a university place is about studying Law at UOW. They received something they want to strive for."

Do you have Mondayitis EVERY Monday? To find out more call 1300 367 869, email Do something about it. [email protected] or visit www.uow.edu.au A postgraduate qualification from UOW can open up a world of opportunities and point you in the direction of a job you love. Do something different in 2009; apply for Postgraduate study at UOW today.

UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG CRICOS: 00102E UOW 322 Supplement 5/9/08 3:31 PM Page 2

Community Connections - - Special Supplement

Community Engagement Grants

A diverse group from the Illawarra community community benefit. will benefit from UOW’s 2008 Community The six winning recipients of this year’s Engagement grants. grants were announced at a ceremony on The grants are awarded for UOW projects September 5. The winners share in total that are collaborative - working with a funding of $50,000 administered by UOW’s community partner – and that have a clear Office of Community & Partnerships.

Grant recipient Project

Dr Sim Kim Lau – Faculty Supporting children with cerebral palsy - This project will address the of Informatics needs of children with cerebral palsy (CP) between the ages of four to Community Partners: 10. A DVD resource kit will be developed to help children with CP to , South do home-based stretching exercise programs in a fun and engaging East Sydney Illawarra Area way. The DVDs will be distributed in the Illawarra and South Coast Health Service (SESIAH), region as well as through the SESIAH, and be made available to The Disability Trust children with CP Australia-wide through a project website. Pictured at the recent Southern Principals Council meeting at the Innovation Campus: (left to right) Andrew FitzSimmons – Dapto High, Steve Bouvet – Figtree High, Col Harris – Oak Flats High, Stephen Goodley – Warrawong Ms Debbie Langton – Young people and the impact of government fines - The project will High, Peter Jones – Kanahooka High, Mark Webster – Illawarra Senior College, Ron Heffernan – Corrimal High, Martin Faculty of Law look at how government fines affect young people. Research into fines, Arrowsmith – Woonona High, Dr Peter Bailey – Illawarra Sports High and Bruce Sander – Bulli High. Community Partner: mainly train fines, and how these impact on lives will look at current Illawarra Legal Centre law enforcement, debt recovery strategies and possible strategies that could reduce the number of fine-related court cases. Principals praise school, Ms Isabelle Potter, Graduate Establishing a representative community of patients in Volunteer School of Medicine, Faculty Patient Programs for medical education at the Graduate School of University connections of Health & Behavioural Medicine in Wollongong and Shoalhaven - This project will expand Sciences the Volunteer Patient Program at the Graduate School of Medicine. It By KATE McILWAIN Community Partners: aims to establish a community of patient volunteers that is reflective of Illawarra Women’s Health the cultural make-up of the local Illawarra and Shoalhaven Principals from the Illawarra region “Even though some of these programs Centre, ALCO – The Spanish communities. The project aims to improve both the relationship gathered at the University of Wollongong’s new are still in their infancy, the University is and Latin-American between the Graduate School of Medicine and the local multicultural Innovation Campus (iC) recently for their expanding them and making sure they fit Community Organisation communities, and the care offered by non-Indigenous Australian quarterly Southern Principals Council meeting. with our school’s needs,” he said. health professionals. Principals from Southern NSW, from the Mr Goodley also said that UOW was an Illawarra to the NSW/Victorian border, met to important player in helping schools to face Dr Ernie Blackmore, Blakwrite Symposium - This symposium will focus on creative discuss how the 41 schools in the region can new educational challenges. Woolyungah Indigenous development for Indigenous writers, publishers and editors located work together to share training and development “We’re about to embark on issues like the Centre throughout Australia. Held at Campus East, the Blakwrite Symposium between schools. school leaving age being raised, and to will include keynote addresses and workshops focusing on the topics Community Partner: UOW hosted the August event to highlight the address this we will certainly be looking of editing and publishing; poetry; prose; and scriptwriting. South Coast Writers Centre strong links between schools and the University. outside the schools to the community and During the day, Deputy Vice-Chancellor University,” he said. Associate Professor Ian Kids Guernica: 15 years of peace - This project will develop a mural (Academic & International) Professor Rob Castle Visiting the newly opened Innovation Brown, Faculty of Education for the 15th Anniversary of Kids Guernica. Kids Guernica is a large- gave a presentation to the guests, highlighting Campus for the first time, Mr Goodley said Community Partners: scale peace project for children globally initiated by the Art Japan UOW relationships with local schools and he thought it was a “wonderful facility” with Department of Education & Network in 1995, the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. a lot of scope for the high school Training, programs such as Early Entry and Bonus Point Schemes. community. Principal and event organiser Stephen “The concept is really exciting,” he said. Dr Lindsay Oades, Creative Community Connections: International House and “I see it as another way that education can International House Strategic Community Assistance to Refugee Families (SCARF) - This Goodley described UOW as ‘crucial’ in terms of education in the Illawarra region. have an impact on Wollongong through Community Partner: research project will begin the Creative Community Connection project employment and academic development,” which is designed to complement existing government offerings to Mr Goodley said that his school, Warrawong Strategic Community he said. Assistance to Refugee refugee families. High, benefited from participation in “[Schools] will certainly be looking into Families (SCARF) Illawarra UniConnections and mentoring programs for HSC students. other ways we can use such a great facility.”

UniConnections Educational Leadership (based at UOW) • Careers Fairs/Careers Teachers’ meetings: Programs for Based in Shoalhaven since 2004 and Illawarra convenes the International Conference on UOW staff and student representatives visit since 2006, UniConnections is an equity Educational Leadership. Professional local school career fairs and events. teachers, program that targets students from schools that development workshops are also held experience regional, economic and or social throughout the year. Seminars and Enrichment Days students disadvantage. The program aims to help • A variety of seminars and enrichment students to gain skills and motivation so that Careers Programs days are held through the school year to UOW values the relationships it has with the they can succeed in the HSC and consider • Discovery Days: Held every February, this is help students studying in particular areas. many local schools in our region. The further education options. a chance for Year 12 students to experience Some of the events include Maths and programs listed are just some of the ways university life for a day. Computing Workshops, Engineering UOW is helping local students and teachers Teacher Professional • Link Program: Current UOW students visit Workshops to encourage girls’ interest in so that we can improve educational Development students at schools all over NSW to talk about engineering and an annual HSC History aspirations and higher education participation. In February each year the Australian Centre for what UOW offers. Extension Seminar.

Imagine being rewarded for your hard work Forget the stress by getting accepted NOW into a uni that has been rated in the top 2% of the at school before you even sit the HSC! world's Universities and that has one of the highest graduate employment rates in the country! Apply for Early Entry at UOW—now open for the Faculties of Arts, Commerce, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Informatics and Science. Take the stress out of the HSC www.uow.edu.au or call 1300 367 869.

UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG CRICOS: 00102E UOW 322 Supplement 5/9/08 3:31 PM Page 3

University of Wollongong - Special Supplement - Community Connections

Students get Story-telling serves multiple roles taste of real By KATE McILWAIN Design students and older members of speed dating the Illawarra community have been working together to promote the health benefits for senior By BERNIE GOLDIE citizens of participating in community projects. UOW’s Australasian Occupational Science Ask high school students what “speed Centre (AOSC), located at the University’s dating” is and you can be pretty sure of the Shoalhaven Campus, commissioned students to answer you’ll get. But students faced dating of develop digital stories featuring older people another kind during Science Week at UOW. from the Illawarra region. Science Enrichment Days, hosted by the The interactive digital stories feature University and local high schools during information, images, sound and video footage August, saw around 400 students explore about various community groups, including the Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Oak Flats, Shellharbour Dolphins, Macedonian Aged Group Dapto, Kanahooka, Warilla, Albion Park and and the Illawarra Migration Heritage Project. High Schools attended the “These programs allow older people to sessions. participate in activities that are not only The “Speed Dating with Scientists” session personally meaningful but also keep them was one of the main attractions of the week. actively engaged in their community,” AOSC Dr Zenobia Jacobs from UOW's School of director Dr Allison Wicks said. Earth and Environmental Sciences is a dating “The digital stories will raise the public expert – but that doesn’t mean she studies the awareness of the contribution these programs ins and outs of candlelit dinners or movies for make to the health and well being of the two! Director of AOSC Dr Alison Wicks with Interactive Multimedia lecturer Jo Law, Giullia Bonacina who features in the members. Increased awareness could increase Migration Heritage Project and Graphic Design student Samantha Meurer. Dr Jacobs works in optically stimulated membership of the programs,” she said. luminescence dating techniques and she Digital storytelling was selected as the “Hearing the participants themselves talk enhanced her skills working in an interactive recently played a pivotal role in an medium for the AOSC project as it can promote about the benefits of participating in community interface that includes audio, video and animation. international team that found humans, not healthy ageing to a diverse audience through the based programs is much more powerful and “Commissioning the graphic design students climate change, may be responsible for the web. It also provided an opportunity for the interesting than reading what academics or was a win-win solution. The students had an extinction of Australia’s prehistoric megafauna. voices of older people to be heard. researchers have to say on the matter,” Dr Wicks opportunity to experience working to a client’s brief Students met researchers like Dr Jacobs Many of the older people involved, such as said. and AOSC benefited from the students’ creativity and other academics from the Faculties of 88-year-old Giullia Bonacina from the Migration The AOSC projects were also valuable for the and skills,” Dr Wicks said. Science and Engineering. Heritage Project, were featured in video or audio graphic design students, allowing them to develop Dr Wicks also said that it was good to see Faculty of Science Schools Liaison Officer sections of the digital stories, allowing them to their professional skills by working to a real client collaboration between the Wollongong and Dr Melissa Thompson said that feedback from make a personal contribution to the promotion of brief. Design student Samantha Muerer worked Shoalhaven Campuses, and between the normally students about these sessions was great. community activity programs. on the Shellharbour Dolphins digital story, which unrelated disciplines of Health and Creative Arts. “[Students] really enjoyed the opportunity to leave their normal classrooms and experience the UOW campus for a day. Meeting real gain extra points. To check if your school is on Bridging Courses scientists who are working at the cutting edge the list go to: www.uow.edu.au/prospective/year12/ Different paths If you haven’t studied relevant subjects during of science was a highlight,” she said. UOW016802.html to university the HSC, but need to know about them for Pictured taking part in the UOW Biology Day during Early Entry University study, UOW offers bridging courses By KATE McILWAIN in Biology, Chemistry and Physics for students Science Week were Lake Illawarra High School To take the stress out of the HSC, students can students Elouise Macall, Beau Hodges and accepted into university. apply for Early Entry. This means that students Tegan Lindsay. Year 12 can be a stressful time for students, can be accepted early into most degrees offered teachers and parents and a lot of emphasis is Entry Via TAFE/AQF at UOW, before sitting for their HSC exams. Trial placed on the Universities Admission Index (UAI). HSC results, resumes, portfolios and interviews Studying at TAFE before coming to university is The University of Wollongong has a variety can be used to determine entry. Visit: a great way to gain practical skills and of pathways and programs that don’t just rely www.uow.edu.au/prospective/earlyentry/ experience to help you in your university on the UAI, to make sure good students don’t studies. Admission through a TAFE Diploma, miss out on their chance to study at university. Step to UOW Advanced Diploma, Associate Diploma or Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Points to UOW If something unexpected happens during the HSC and you don’t gain a place at university Level IV Certificate (except Trade Certificates) is UOW wants to recognise students who perform through the traditional pathways, Step to UOW dependent on the completion of the course well in the HSC, so it has developed a new can help. Step is designed for young people in and the level of academic performance program for 2008 - Points to UOW. This regional areas who have experienced a achieved. program awards extra UAI points to students disadvantage during high school. The two- who have excelled at subjects that will be semester (one year) bridging program is offered Scholarships relevant to their university study. To find out through Wollongong College Australia – on More than 300 scholarships are offered for more go to www.uow.edu.au/prospective/year12/ UOW’s main campus. students enrolling at UOW – so all students are UOW044720.html encouraged to apply. Scholarships can be Aboriginal and Torres Straight based on academic criteria, extra-curricular Bonus UAI Scheme Islander Programs activities and career ambitions, or they can be For students who go to school in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders can access equity based. To view the full range of Shoalhaven and South Coast, the Bonus UAI study through an achievement test and an scholarships and entry criteria go to Scheme provides another way for students to interview. www.uow.edu.au/about/scholarships/

Are you doing your HSC this year? Want bonus points to get you into your dream degree at UOW? Points to UOW is a program whereby bonus points are awarded to students for their performance in HSC subjects that are relevant to the degree they wish to study at UOW. Find out more and calculate how many bonus points you may be eligible for at www.uow.edu.au UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG CRICOS:WOLLONGONG UNIVERSITY OF 00102E UOW 322 Supplement 5/9/08 3:31 PM Page 4

Community Connections - University of Wollongong - Special Supplement Staff donation program Events shows UOW Cares Calendar Upcoming Public Interest Events at UOW STAFF PROFILE STAFF Philip Laird PUBLIC LECTURES 23 September 6.30pm-9.00pm Position: UniCentre Function Centre Honorary Principal Fellow and Associate Allan Sefton Memorial Professor Lecture

Faculty School of Mathematics and This year’s lecture will be given by Applied Statistics, Faculty of Informatics Professor Lesley Hughes, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Community Engagement regarding recent climate changes on a Activities: global and Australian scale. Associate Professor Laird is an active RSVP: by 16 September member of the Illawarra region. His Contact: Sandra Quin [email protected] community activities have focused on transport and sustainability. 25 September 6.30pm-7.30pm He prepared a variety of submissions Building 67, Lecture Theatre 104 to the 2020 Ideas Summit, the Senate Sir Richard Kirby Lecture Reference Committee, the Garnaut Climate Change Review, the NSW Eminent human rights campaigner Julian Department of Planning, and Wollongong Gabi Hollows (right) and Professor Lee Astheimer at the UOW Cares expo. Burnside QC will speak on “Who’s Afraid of City Council regarding the Wollongong Human Rights?” Free entry, all welcome. City West Strategy. Professor Laird also Fred Hollows Foundation director Gabi restoration operations in developing countries Contact: Di Kelly [email protected] participated in the Illawarra 2020 Ideas Hollows praised the giving culture of the around the world. Summit. University of Wollongong, saying staff who had “Fred would be blown away if he could see 22 October 6.30pm-7.30pm Professor Laird is a well-respected joined the UOW Cares program were making a what has been achieved,” Ms Hollows said. Five Islands Brewery, Wollongong commentator on transport and often real difference with their donations to charities The other charities and UOW causes in the direct from their salaries. Uni in the Brewery receives requests from the local and UOW Cares program are the Smith Family’s Ms Hollows spoke at the recent first-year national media to comment and advise Learning for Life program; NSW Cancer Council; The final speaker in this year’s series is anniversary expo of UOW Cares, a program that on community transport issues, such as The South Coast School for Children with Associate Professor Sharon Robinson from gives University staff the opportunity to make a Picton Road and the safety of Illawarra Autism; Australian Conservation Foundation; the School of Biological Sciences on tax-deductible donation to eight charities and two trains. He has also written opinion pieces Oxfam Community Aid Abroad; Indigo UOW causes. “Climate change makes life tougher for for the Sydney Morning Herald and Foundation; RSPCA; UOW Equity Fund; and “Thank you for making a difference,” Ms Antarctic plants.” Free entry, all welcome. UOW’s Campus News. UOW Research and Innovation Fund. Hollows told guests at the expo. “This is such a In June, Professor Laird received a UOW Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) great program. It is so simple and a tax-effective ENTERTAINMENT Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professor Lee Astheimer said the scheme had way to give something back.” 9 October Community Engagement. Former Deputy raised $35,000 in its first year, but there was Ms Hollows said she was grateful that the Unibar Prime Minister Tim Fischer AC and potential to raise much more. Foundation, which works to restore sight through Healthy Cities Illawarra general manager Oktoberfest party operations for cataract blindness and other Frank Wallner supported his award. UOW Cares Coffee Week reversible eye conditions in people in indigenous Featuring the Alpine Wanderers Oom Pah communities in Australia and in developing This week staff and community members can Pah Band, traditional German style food, Why is community countries, had been chosen as one of the put their coffee money towards charity and drink music and festivities. Free entry. engagement important? beneficiaries of UOW Cares. their coffee too! “It provides opportunities to try and make She gave a presentation on the Foundation’s During Coffee Week, 50 cents out of each SCHOOLS EVENT a difference on environmental and social work to guests at the expo. The Foundation was cup of coffee sold across campus will be 28 October 8.30am-5.00pm issues - in my case with the aim of established in 1992 to continue the work of her donated towards the UOW Equity Fund to University Hall and Building 67 establishing more sustainable transport late husband, ophthalmologist Professor Fred support scholarships for disadvantaged students. Illawarra Coal Regional options. It's also a pleasure to work with Hollows, who had dedicated his life to restoring Participating outlets are Sixty Seven Dining, like-minded people not only in the sight in the developing world – both through his Picasso and Pool Unique Café. Science Fair UOW 2008 Illawarra but throughout Australia and own work and by training local doctors to For more details on UOW Cares, and Coffee Competition open to all primary schools sometimes overseas. Basically, it gives me perform the operations. Week, visit the website and high schools. Students’ independent the opportunity to meet with people who Professor Hollows died after a battle with www.uow.edu.au/about/community/giving or call research projects are judged in a fun and would like to see a safer and a more cancer in 1993. Since then, the Fred Hollows the Office of Community and Partnerships on interactive environment. Cash prizes and energy-efficient and environmentally- Foundation has organised one million sight- 4221 3110. friendly transport system.” trophies awarded in lots of categories.

WE hope you have enjoyed this special supplement highlighting aspects of community engagement the University of Wollongong shares with the Illawarra region.

Want to go to uni but don’t think you have the background to gain entry? Students who successfully complete a Wollongong College Australia (WCA) program are guaranteed entry into their nominated course at the University of Wollongong. Apply now for our October intake. Applications close on Monday 22 September. To find out more call 1300 367 869, email [email protected] or visit www.wca.uow.edu.au Wollongong College Australia, your pathway to the University of Wollongong. WOLLONGONG COLLEGE AUSTRALIA CRICOS: COLLEGE AUSTRALIA WOLLONGONG 02723D