The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine Winter 2013

Shining a light on rural champions The University of Adelaide Alumni Magazine www.adelaide.edu.au/lumen

The Lumen masthead is derived from the University Message from of Adelaide motto “Sub Cruce Lumen” meaning ‘light the Vice-Chancellor under the [Southern] Cross’.

Today, almost 140 years elcome to this edition of Lumen Herein lies an opportunity to make a since our establishment, which has a distinctly rural feel. difference for the University of Adelaide. the University of Adelaide The University of Adelaide We will take a leading role in helping to Whas enjoyed strong links with rural drive solutions to these grand issues; community is united in its community, and with agricultural research to address the needs of agriculture quest for discovery and the and education, since its establishment today through targeted research while light of new knowledge. in 1874. producing the next generation of Today that connection is as vibrant outstanding scientists. And we will do as ever and will receive a tremendous this in collaboration with industry and boost through the largest investment in local communities. agricultural crop production and animal This year is also significant as we research in Australia’s history. mark the centenary of Peter Waite gifting Earlier this year, the University his estate at Urrbrae to the University. announced it would commit more than Elevating the profile of the Waite precinct $50 million from its endowment to create together with our partners in agricultural six new research professorships at the research and development is a key Waite and Roseworthy campuses, a new ambition in the University’s Strategic Plan animal research centre at Roseworthy, 2013–2023 Beacon of Enlightenment. In new postdoctoral fellowships, and to November we will be holding a centennial purchase new research equipment. dinner to celebrate the Waite, and I look What does this mean for our rural and forward to sharing more details on this regional communities? And for farming initiative in the coming months. in Australia? As alumni and friends of the University, I It means a great deal. hope you enjoy reading the diverse stories At a time when our agricultural sector in this special edition of Lumen. is facing critical challenges at home, global issues of food security, climate change and natural resource management Urrbrae House at Waite campus present an alarming threat to communities Photo by Rany Larcombe across the world.

Professor Warren Bebbington Vice-Chancellor and President Editor: Kim Harvey

Contents Winter 2013 Sub Editor: Candy Gibson

Editorial Committee: 4 Peter Davies, Connie Dutton, Paul Finn, 24 Kim Harvey, Kate Husband, Robyn Mills, Joy Prior, 2 Genevieve Sanchez, Chris Tonkin.

Contributors: Andrew Cook, Connie Dutton, Candy Gibson, Kate Husband, Robyn Mills, Catriona Neil-Dwyer, Ben Osborne, Graeme Pope, Genevieve Sanchez.

Design: 9 Chris Tonkin Editorial Enquiries: 22 University Engagement 13 Telephone: +61 8 8313 5800 Facsimile: +61 8 8313 5808

Circulation: 48,000 in print, 67,500 online 20 www.adelaide.edu.au/lumen Printing: Finsbury Green, www.finsbury.com.au

Printed by a carbon neutral process using world’s best practice ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems.

2 $50-million boost for animal 14 A global vision to fight blindness and plant research Dr James Muecke on a mission Research plans for Waite and Roseworthy

3 The benefactors 16 Vale Harry Medlin John Andrew Tennant Mortlock and A remarkable man, a remarkable life John Stanley Davies The University of Adelaide, SA 5005 Australia, CRICOS Provider Number 00123M 4 An animal science legacy 18 Supporting a noble goal Professor Stefan Hiendleder’s work in The 2013 University of Adelaide Appeal Copyright © 2013 the field of epigenetics The University of Adelaide ISSN 1320 0747 Registered by Australia Post No 56500/00097 6 Planting the seed for 20 Anna writes her own success story agricultural achievement Graduates start their own publishing company Views expressed by contributors in Lumen are not A lifetime of agricultural research necessarily endorsed by the University of Adelaide. No responsibility is accepted by the University, 7 Waite Arboretum – 22 Scientific pioneer ahead of her time editor or printer for the accuracy of information for Science and Solace Botanist Constance Eardley contained in either the text or advertisements. 30 hectares of research and recreation Material may be reproduced without permission from Lumen with acknowledgment of its origin. 8 Reaping the rewards in 24 A life changing legacy regional Australia Veronika Sacco’s bequest supports Our alumni making their mark medical research Front cover image: 9 Rural roots beckon for Martin 27 Building a Thai life Professor Stefan Hiendleder Dr Martin Downs counts himself among John Anderson: from the Barossa Valley at The University of Adelaide “the lucky ones” to Bangkok Roseworthy campus Photo by Chris Tonkin 10 Engineering a career in the outback 28 Alumni on the move Madeleine Iles loving life and work in the Pilbara Sharing alumni achievements

11 King of the crops 30 Alumni Snapshots 2012 Australian Farmer of the Year Events from around the world Would you rather read Lumen online? Peter Kuhlmann As part of the University’s commitment to sustainable practices we encourage you 13 Raising a glass to Mary 32 You can make a difference to receive Lumen online. 2012 RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year The Ronald J. Lienert scholarship Mary Retallack To join our online mailing list please email [email protected] 1652-2

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 1 story by Robyn Mills

$50-million boost for animal and plant research The University has announced the largest ever investment in university-based research into animal and crop health and production in Australia. Lumen takes a look at what this means.

he University of Adelaide has University Vice-Chancellor and “It’s now a century since Peter Waite ambitious plans for research at its President Warren Bebbington outlined made his extraordinary gift of his Urrbrae Waite and Roseworthy campuses: the creation of six new research estate to the University. Ta Waite Campus that’s likely to become professorships at the Waite and “Today Waite is the focus for key major one of the most powerful concentrations Roseworthy campuses, a new animal research organisations, and we plan to of agricultural, food and wine research in research centre at Roseworthy, new help the Waite achieve global prominence the world; and Roseworthy, as the most postdoctoral fellowships, and the as an agricultural science research significant research hub for food and fibre purchase of new research equipment. consortium. Not since Peter Waite have animals in Australia. “These initiatives will make a major we seen an investment even close to These visions were brought a step contribution to international research this magnitude for agricultural science closer this year with the announcement in agriculture and animal production, research in this country.” of a $50-million investment in animal and and confirm Adelaide as the leading The $50-million endowment fund comes crop health and production research using centre for animal and agricultural from the gifts of two benefactors, JAT funds from the bequests of JAT Mortlock research in Australia,” Professor Mortlock and JS Davies, whose express and JS Davies. Warren Bebbington said. wishes were to support these fields.

2 Lumen | Winter 2013 story by Robyn Mills

“We are extremely proud to be able to outstanding research community at honour their memories in a way that will the Roseworthy campus,” Professor not only support South Australia’s farming Abbott said. community, but also address global issues At the Waite campus the University will of food security and climate change establish: adaptation,” Professor Bebbington said. >>The JAT Mortlock Chair in Agricultural, At the Roseworthy campus, the Horticultural and Pastoral Science, University will establish: who will also be Director of the Waite >>The JS Davies Animal Research Research Institute; Centre—building on existing strengths >>Three further professorships—the JAT with a focus on production, global food Mortlock chairs in Plant Stress, Crop security, biosecurity and animal welfare; Protection and Crop Improvement – >>Two professorships—the JS Davies supported by research staff in crop Chair in Animal Health and the JS epigenetics, stress response biology, Davies Chair in Animal Production—to plant–pest interactions, genetics of take leading roles in the new Centre, resistance, reproductive biology and including research equipment and crop performance. research infrastructure and post Waite Research Institute Director (and doctoral research and technical new JAT Mortlock Chair) and Head of support staff. the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine The benefactors These two new professorships will Professor Mike Wilkinson said: “The Waite supplement the existing JS Davies Chair Campus is increasingly focusing on two The new $50-million endowment has been made possible by the in the area of epigenetics and genetics, global grand challenges: food security and generous bequests of John Andrew currently held by Professor Stefan food production for healthier outcomes. Tennant Mortlock and John Hiendleder. “In the next 40 years, the world must Stanley Davies. “This is a very significant investment increase food production at rates higher in the future of animal based research at than ever in history and this must be done JAT Mortlock (1894–1950) was a the Roseworthy Campus,” said Professor through increasing yields, not area of successful pastoralist and stud Merino Iain Reid, Executive Dean of Roseworthy production, and sustainably. It also needs breeder and great philanthropist. During Campus. “It will allow us to continue to to be done in the face of climate change his life he made significant donations to build the campus as a focus of animal and with a need to increase quality of agricultural research. On his death, his science in Southern Australia.” food, not just quantity. estate passed to his wife Dorothy who, in Professor Reid said this latest boon “The Waite campus intends to be at turn, followed his wishes with the bequest came on top of the investment of more the forefront of research and education of the family property, Martindale Farm than $50 million in capital works for to meet these challenges. And to do that, at Mintaro, to the University of Adelaide the School of Animal and Veterinary we need to attract the best researchers for use in connection with the University’s Sciences since 2008 – over $32 million to our campus, to adopt the latest, most Waite Campus (then known as the Waite by the University, $15 million by the sophisticated scientific technology, and Agricultural Research Institute). Federal Government and $5 million by to build on our existing partnerships and Pastoralist JS Davies (1889-1968) spent the State Government. create new ones. his working life improving strains of beef “This investment in Roseworthy has “This investment in research is a major cattle and made his stock some of the revitalised the campus and we are step towards this vision. It will help us best available in the country. He never seeing tremendous growth in student develop the critical mass of specialist married and, on his death, bequeathed and staff numbers, both academic researchers we need for the Waite part of his estate to the University of and professional,” said Professor Reid. Campus to lead the way in agriculture, Adelaide and part to Prince Alfred College “Together with this latest investment, and food and wine research to secure in a 5/6 to 1/6 share. He asked that the closer relationships with our collaborative our agricultural industries and to help trustees carry on farming activities on the partners on campus, Roseworthy will be feed the world.” properties, Munduney at Spalding, and leading research and education in animal Professor Bebbington highlighted Moralana Station north of Hawker, for 20 sciences into the foreseeable future.” the impact that philanthropic giving years. He wished to promote research Professor Kym Abbott, Head of can have on university research. “We into cattle and beef production. the School of Animal and Veterinary take donor intentions very seriously, Sciences, said the expansion of research because philanthropy can make a major The net proceeds to the University of at Roseworthy would strengthen links contribution to the University’s ability to $50.7 million from the sale of the three with the South Australian Research and develop research for the growth of the properties completed last year have been Development Institute (SARDI). economy of our State and nation,” used to establish an Endowment Fund to “These links, recently consolidated he said. continue the research focus on crop and in pig and poultry research, will now animal health and production. be extended to ruminant livestock as talks continue on the ways that the two Above: John Stanley Davies organisations can best combine their Photo courtesy of University strengths and resources to create an of Adelaide archives

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 3 An animal science legacy

4 Lumen | Winter 2013 story by Robyn Mills

The legacy of JS Davies is already being seen in the work of Roseworthy campus’ Professor Stefan Hiendleder with great potential benefits for animal production and quality.

rofessor Hiendleder came to the Professor Hiendleder came to We are using bovine University of Adelaide in 2005 as the Roseworthy from the highly regarded JS Davies Professorial Fellow. Gene Centre of the Ludwig-Maximilian models to generate PHis work in the field of epigenetics and University in Munich. outcomes in epigenetics genetics promises tremendous advances He was attracted to the University of in animal breeding. Adelaide because of the world-leading that will be of great benefit Epigenetics, Professor Hiendleder researchers in pre-and post-natal to the beef industry and explains, is the science “on top of development (he is also a research leader genetics”, referring to heritable changes in in the Robinson Institute’s Research beyond, including human the ways our genes are expressed. These Centre for Reproductive Health) and medicine. modified genomes follow different patterns because of the JS Davies funding that of inheritance than the classic mendelian enabled him to establish a unique bovine genetics we all learn about in school. tissue bank at Roseworthy, allowing him “My group is interested in determining to do this exciting work. which traits are affected by these non- “This is an extremely valuable classical genetics,” says Professor resource,” Professor Hiendleder says. Hiendleder. The research group is “No-one else in the world has anything identifying genetic markers for specific like we have here.” genes under epigenetic control. To date, He leads the JS Davies Epigenetics and there are virtually no data on this in Genetics Group with four PhD students, farm animals. one post-doctoral research fellow and “We are using bovine models to a shifting population of Honours and generate outcomes in epigenetics that Veterinary Sciences students. will be of great benefit to the beef industry Head of the School of Animal and and beyond, including human medicine,” Veterinary Sciences, Professor Kym he says. Abbott, says: “The School already has a Current breeding programs in animals number of outstanding animal scientists do not take these epigenetic effects into who have worked in the areas of genetics, account. For example, models used nutrition, food and fibre production of today suggest that fertility has a very ruminants for over a decade. low degree of heritability. But there is “The more recent arrival of Professor increasing evidence that when individual Stefan Hiendleder, with his exciting and components are investigated, for example groundbreaking work on epigenetics ovulation rate in cattle, epigenetic effects in beef cattle, has expanded and are playing a much larger role than strengthened the School’s position as a previously thought. leading research provider in these fields. “By identifying these non-mendelian “The expansion of the JS Davies modes of inheritance for genes that bequest will now facilitate the have important production and quality appointment of at least two more eminent outcomes, we can better understand the researchers and the creation of a centre genetic architecture of quantitative traits in for research in the areas related to food animals and humans. animal production, health and welfare. “For beef producers, this means more “Within five years we expect this unit accurate estimates of the breeding values will be the most significant research hub of animals,” Professor Hiendleder says. for food and fibre animals in Australia, “That leads to increased efficiencies – we including, as you would expect in a Left: Professor Stefan Hiendleder at The can select for particular characteristics vibrant research institution, a large University of Adelaide more efficiently; we can produce with less body of postdoctoral scientists and Roseworthy campus inputs and produce higher quality.” PhD students.” Photo by Chris Tonkin

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 5 story by Ben Osborne

Planting the seed for agricultural achievement

Tony Rathjen’s lifetime of agricultural research has had hundreds of collaborators: the farmers, scientific colleagues and students themselves who have benefited from his findings.

6 Lumen | Winter 2013 story by Genevieve Sanchez

fter studying and working at the >>Developing and releasing numerous University for more than 40 years, varieties of bread and cereal wheats, Professor Rathjen ‘retired’ in 2012 including the widely grown bread Waite –A although he is still active in a number wheat resistant to the pest cereal of areas. cyst nematode. His Yitpi bread wheat Arboretum Professor Rathjen grew up on a variety has been widely used across property near Birdwood, and studied Southern Australia (at its peak, the – for Science Agricultural Science at the University variety accounted for 35% of all wheat of Adelaide before completing a PhD grown in South Australia and 70% at Cambridge. of Victoria’s); and Solace In 1965 he returned to Adelaide to >>Initiating critical research into plant begin his academic career as a lecturer breeding including investigation of Peter Waite’s far-sighted gift of in plant breeding. But it was hardly the crown rot disease in durum, and the his Urrbrae estate specified that career of an academic who sat in their impact of high levels of soil boron on the western half was to be held in office or in the laboratory all day. cereal growth; perpetuity as a park or garden for “I think I was very fortunate to be on the >>Applying his ‘hands-on’ research the enjoyment of the public. scene when there was a huge change in philosophy to his teaching, with many The Arboretum, established in 1928, is more agriculture technology, particularly from agricultural science students describing than a beautiful, tranquil green space: it is a the 1970s onwards,” he said. his field trips as highlights of their 30-hectare experimental collection of plant “It was obviously good in lots of ways: undergraduate studies; and species from around the world being trialled for farmers could grow their crops more >>Being patriarch of a high-achieving and suitability to our soils and climate and providing efficiently with better yields. But there academic family, with all five children a valuable resource for scientific research was a downside, too: because it was receiving PhDs (with one, Peter, now and teaching. more efficient it meant fewer farmers were Vice-Chancellor at the University The collection of more than 2300 labelled trees needed and it led to a kind of breakdown of Tasmania). includes many species endangered in the wild of the community structure which revolves Quietly, Professor Rathjen has given and a heritage-listed Elm Avenue. Special around farming in Australia.” back to the education system which collections include oaks, ornamental pears Professor Rathjen places enormous launched his career. and dragon trees. value on the role the farmers themselves With the royalties from the played in driving his agricultural research. commercialisation of the Yitpi grain, he The trees are grown without watering after “At a personal level, because I grew up has also set up the Yitpi Foundation. The establishment, demonstrating which species on a farm, farming is what I know and I foundation encourages and promotes perform well under rainfall alone and informing consider a lot of the farmers I’ve worked research and education in the fields of better species selection for our urban forests with mates,” he said. crop science, particularly in relation to the of the future. “By developing those personal wheat industry in southern Australia. Interpretive signs, koalas, birds, stunning relationships, I think that helped my The foundation’s other focus is close sculptures, a labyrinth, a watercourse and science and my research. I was able to to Professor Rathjen’s heart, as it formed shady seats enrich the visitors’ experiences. talk to the farmers and gain an insight the basis for the career of his late from them about what was happening wife, Cynthia: linguistics of Australian The Arboretum is open and free, dawn til dusk, on the land. languages, and studies of the cultures every day of the year and free guided walks “They were in the best position to of Aborigines, particularly in relation to are held on the first Sunday of every month. understand the environment that they land usage. It is supported by the Friends of the Waite were working in, and many of them were “It’s been gratifying to see my research Arboretum and a group of dedicated volunteers. very astute observers about practices and end up having real application on the land, For more information visit www.waite.adelaide.edu.au processes, about what worked and what but also that I’m able to put the proceeds or contact the Director, Dr Jennifer Gardner on +61 8 8313 7405. didn’t work, and about unusual things from that towards things I’m passionate they’d noticed. about,” he said. “It’s one thing to be in the lab all day, but it’s another thing to be on the land with these people and learning about agriculture where it actually happens, and then applying that knowledge to your research.” Dr Rathjen’s career achievements are many: >>Co-founding the Crop Science Society of South Australia, an active organisation of farmers, consultants Left: Professor Rathjen and scientists which provides a harvesting durum wheat forum for the exchange of information in 2010. Picture by Paula and research into crops and crop Thompson, courtesy of production; the Stock Journal.

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 7 story by Connie Dutton Reaping the rewards in regional Australia For almost 140 years, University of Adelaide graduates have made an impact not only across the world, but just as importantly, at a local and community level.

n this edition, Lumen looks at the of Adelaide set us up to then gain the contribution the University’s graduates postgraduate experience we needed to make in rural towns and communities pursue our special interests,” Martin said. Iacross Australia. “Although we are GPs, Fiona does a The relaxed country lifestyle is hard to lot of anaesthetics and I, obstetrics. We forego, and for these graduates, returning are now delivering the next generation of to live and work in the rural setting in babies,” he said. which they grew up has seen them Martin and Fiona believe that the contribute in many ways to the growth biggest challenge facing rural towns is and wellbeing of the towns as well as to equity of access to all services, especially the advancement of the residents. in health. Doctors Martin and Fiona Altmann, who “There are a lot of studies that show an run a family general practice in Murray early positive experience in rural medicine Bridge, have been making an impact in increases the chance of medicos returning their community for the past 20 years. to the country; we hope we can play a Above: Doctors Martin and Fiona Altmann Their work was recognised in 2012, when part in the future that way,” Martin said. they were jointly awarded the Telstra Our graduates are contributing to a RDAA Rural Doctor of the Year Award. bright future for regional, rural and remote “We both love the challenge and Australia in many ways. Read how their rewards of working in a tight-knit innovation and determination are making community and no doubt our terrific a difference and inspiring others across undergraduate years at the University the country.

8 Lumen | Winter 2013 story by Connie Dutton Rural roots beckon for Martin Medical graduate and former Mount Gambier resident Dr Martin Downs counts himself among ‘the lucky ones’ to have studied Medicine at the University of Adelaide.

urrently in his third year of After nearly 10 years away from ‘home’, The tyranny of distance psychiatric specialist training, Martin hopes to soon spend some time Martin’s ultimate goal is to become working in the South East to give back to remains a challenge, Ca consultant Psychiatrist in the Rural and the rural communities that gave him such especially for those looking Remote division of mental health servicing a treasured upbringing. A move back to country South Australia. Mount Gambier would allow Martin to to further their education Martin was the recipient of a Medical work more closely with his mother, South to a tertiary level. Rural Bonded Scholarship throughout his East Regional Director for Country Health undergraduate degree, which includes a SA, Jayne Downs. commitment from him to service a rural “With medicine, the training involves area for six years upon becoming an not only six years of study, but another independently practising specialist. six or so years towards postgraduate “Having grown up in country South qualifications. This is a long time to Australia, moving to Adelaide was be away from a community, especially a challenging prospect practically, if your family has firm roots in a rural emotionally and financially,” Martin said. area,” Martin said. “I hold many memories of growing up in “The tyranny of distance remains a Mount Gambier that I can best describe challenge, especially for those looking to as idealistic! further their education to a tertiary level. “Football on Saturdays was a true “I guess rural areas are caught in a bit family day, throughout my childhood. My of a bind, between developing links to sister and I would finish our games of the metro areas they have always been footy and netball, and Nanna would have so far from, and maintaining the localism her egg sandwiches packed in a bag that has always defined them as unique with more sweets than we could handle. and special places.” Grandpa and Dad, William ‘Billy’ Downs (B Ed 1971), were always involved with Right: Dr Martin Downs the Football Club so it was like a second home for me really. I loved it,” Martin said. Moving to Adelaide to study medicine was not something that Martin had considered at length throughout his schooling in Mount Gambier. But a love of learning, combined with encouragement from his parents and grandparents to question the world around him led Martin down his chosen career path. “It was difficult at times in high school to maintain the relevance of learning and university, when the culture is not so aligned with this goal. I later discovered this to be more of a common goal in many city schools. “I think this cultural difference in the normalisation of a tertiary education is one of the pervasive challenges facing rurally- based teenagers,” Martin said.

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 9 story by Connie Dutton

They say you can take the girl out of the country, but for Madeleine Iles, completing a Bachelor of Mining Engineering at the University of Adelaide has seen her land firmly on her feet in the resources industry, right back in rural Australia.

Engineering a career in the outback

adeleine is undertaking a mining engineer did, I believe I have found or providing long-term accommodation graduate program with BHP my ideal job,” she said. and facilities for a rural hub,” she said. Billiton Iron Ore, working as a When asked about her experience Having grown up on a small hobby farm Mmining engineer in the Pilbara region of working in a male-dominated industry, in the Adelaide Hills, Madeleine considers Western Australia, and says she honestly Madeleine says she has never considered herself extremely fortunate to have been loves her job. herself to be in the minority or unsuited to raised in a rural area. It was chance rather than family the job simply because she is female. “My brothers and I were very lucky tradition that led Madeleine down her “There have been times when I have to have enough animals, motorbikes, chosen career path, being among the felt perhaps that others underestimate paddock cars and space to endlessly first generation of her family, along with my ability to work hard or withstand the entertain ourselves. We hardly ever played her brother, to choose a career in the conditions on a mine site. My method with video games or toys indoors, we were resources industry. of dealing with this is to take every outside as much as the weather allowed. “I picked mining engineering based opportunity to work hard, learn quickly “Growing up in a rural area teaches you on several factors: it sounded the most and fit into the workplace well. People the value of hard work and a sense of interesting in terms of job prospects soon realise that every book cannot be responsibility, to be looking after something and workplace, there would be jobs judged by its cover,” she said. other than yourself. I hope one day to give available when I graduated, and there Madeleine feels that the need for my children the same upbringing.” was a distinct opportunity for travel both sustainable development in rural mining interstate and internationally,” she said. towns is an important issue affecting the “My first field trip to Prominent Hill, resources industry today. Olympic Dam and Whyalla was my first “Towns should be developed to service real look into what my job would involve... mining areas only if the development is for and I was hooked. the long term. This may involve investing “For someone who, four years ago, in local agriculture, training local people to wouldn’t have been able to tell you what a work in the mine or other associated jobs, Above: Madeleine Iles

10 Lumen | Winter 2013 story by Genevieve Sanchez King of the crops In 1980, Peter Kuhlmann left Roseworthy Agricultural College with an Associate Diploma in Farm Management and within a year he was running the family farm.

he third-generation farmer from considered to be at the leading edge He admits that adopting new Mudamuckla, on the west coast of the industry in his use of innovative technology in a very dry area is risky of Eyre Peninsula, continues to technologies. but his decisions and changes have Tovercome the challenges his ancestors With his farm receiving an average been incremental over the years and have faced for over 100 years – that of yearly rainfall of less than 300 millimetres, are ultimately aimed at maximising low rainfall and difficult soil conditions. Peter needs to optimise grain production his production. “Studying at Roseworthy gave me a in whatever way he can in this marginal Peter says that going to university wide ranging set of farm management environment, where he annually plants taught him how to research and skills to complement my on-farm around 6,500 hectares of mostly wheat, challenge information and he continues experience,” said Peter. plus some barley and canola. to be passionate about professional Using these skills to make the most of Through conservation farming practices development and sharing his knowledge. this challenging environment saw Peter such as stubble retention and no-till He is a graduate of the Australia Rural named 2012 Australian Farmer of the Year farming, Peter is able to minimise soil Leadership Program, a Fellow of the and Australian Grain Grower of the Year. disturbance and maximise every drop of Australian Institute of Company Directors, “The flavour of my application was that rain that falls. and a former Board member of the marginal growers, the ones on the edge, He is one of a handful of farmers on Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research are good farmers as well.” the Eyre Peninsula using liquid fertiliser in Foundation and the South Australia Grain Peter said he was humbled by the win. the form of phosphoric acid, which allows Industry Trust. “There are lots of great farmers out him to get more value out of his fertiliser in Sustaining the family farm into its third there—I feel a bit embarrassed to look difficult calcareous soils. generation, Peter has seen many tough across and see this ‘Australian Farmer of And as an early adopter of precision times and faces constant uncertainty the Year’ plaque sitting there and realise farming techniques, Peter uses GPS when choosing the right tactics to keep that’s me.” technology to adjust the input of seed and the operation viable. The award has thrust Peter into the fertiliser in his soil. “Farming is all about compromise; limelight and he has found himself in you’ve got to choose a path at the time demand by the media for his comments, of sowing which is very critical – whether invited to give presentations and attend to sew crops dry, some a bit early and special events. which paddocks later, as well as juggling a “Since I’ve won that award I’m the herbicide strategy and variety selection. expert on everything from live export of “It’s a lot of trial and error – you weigh cattle to anything else,” he jokes. up the options and have a go. But this recognition as an outstanding “My life has been farming, that’s what I farmer is well deserved, with Peter like doing, despite all of its challenges.”

Left: Peter Kuhlmann

Photo courtesy of West Coast Sentinel

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 11 12 Lumen | Winter 2013 story by Connie Dutton Raising a glass to Mary Since spending her childhood on her family’s fruit block in South Australia’s Riverland, third-generation viticulturist Mary Retallack has become one of the most influential women in the wine industry, and has even rubbed shoulders with royalty.

ary, who earned three of her Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, five tertiary qualifications from Duchess of Cornwall, during their visit the University of Adelaide to Australia. Mand is currently a PhD student at the “It has been quite an experience for Waite Campus, says that viticulture someone who is most at home getting came naturally to her after spending her their boots dirty in a vineyard,” she said. childhood years doing all of the practical Mary currently splits her time running jobs on the vineyard. her own viticulture consulting business, After leaving the family home at age 16 studying towards her PhD, volunteering to study to become a park ranger, she her time in industry, and helping to eventually fell back into the wine industry raise awareness of the Rural Industries just as it was taking off in the mid-1990s. Research and Development Corporation At age 21, Mary helped start the (RIRDC) Rural Women’s Award. She is an viticulture and wine studies program at inaugural member of the steering group the Onkaparinga Institute of TAFE. This that established the University of Adelaide involved teaching people how to grow Wine Alumni Network and continues to wine grapes and prune and train vines. play an active role. Mary’s career has seen her work “I have been working towards in a range of vineyard management, formalising some of our existing informal technical, consultancy, research, training networks and bringing rural and regional and extension roles across Australia and wine industry women together. I am in overseas over the past 18 years. the process of developing a not-for-profit She gained national recognition for her association and one of the first offerings hard work and dedication to her craft will be a central meeting place and when she was named the 2012 RIRDC information sharing hub, in the form of a Rural Woman of the Year, an experience website. This is a great way to overcome Mary describes as “empowering”. the tyranny of distance.” “The award is a fantastic platform to Mary is passionate about encouraging celebrate the contribution women make more women to enter agricultural to rural industries throughout Australia,” industries in a range of roles, especially she said. the non-traditional ones. “I am constantly amazed by the “It is important that we ensure rural opportunities the award presents and the women are supported and encouraged to doors it opens. I was recently invited to ‘put their hands up’ for opportunities, so present the keynote opening address at they reach their full potential. the National Rural Women’s Conference in “My studies have shaped my life by Canberra in front of 400 influential women; providing the opportunities to excel at this was a real highlight.” something I love doing, allowing me to The award has given Mary the once- adapt and remain up to date with the in-a-lifetime opportunity – while at a latest knowledge and to forge lifelong Primary Industries and Regions SA friendships. It has been my ticket to Left: Mary Retallack

(PIRSA) function held to showcase discover the world, reach my full potential Photo by Robb Shaw-Valzen South Australia’s best produce – to meet and share this knowledge with others.” www.bygeorge.com.au

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 13 story by Genevieve Sanchez A global vision to fight blindness Since graduating with his MBBS in 1988, eye surgeon Dr James Muecke AM has made it his life’s work to fight avoidable blindness in the developing world.

14 Lumen | Winter 2013 he South Australian ophthalmologist And in Vietnam, Sight For All has just and founder of Sight For All has finished its first ‘reverse fellowship’ where been recognised for his outstanding Australian and New Zealand paediatric Twork with an Order of Australia (AM) and eye surgeons have travelled there to Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural conduct the training ‘in-country’. Community Health and Wellbeing Award. As a specialist in the childhood eye James is passionately committed to cancer, retinoblastoma, James and his blindness prevention in Asia and the team recently spent time looking at how Aboriginal communities of Australia, this disease was handled in the leading and the vital role he plays in training eye centre in Hanoi and what they Third World doctors is producing found was disturbing. remarkable results. “I was absolutely sideswiped,” “Eighty per cent of blindness in the says James. world is avoidable – so it’s entirely “A third of the kids were going to die And although memories of his student treatable or preventable,” says James. because of mismanagement; a third days revolve mainly around the significant James and the Sight For All team are of the kids were blind as a result of demands of medical school, the terror of bringing eye care to areas most in need, mismanagement; and a third of the kids exams and sleepless nights, he recalls with their main focus on the Asia-Pacific were just plain lucky to have got through a lot of fun times and is grateful to the region where nearly half the world’s blind without dying or going blind. This is quite University for his medical school training population resides. Through the provision simply due to the fact that there is nobody and experiences as a student here. of research, education, health promotion in the country trained to manage this “It has been without doubt the biggest and infrastructure support, Sight For complex disease. impact on my life. All has made significant steps towards “To see that was heartbreaking.” “It was because of the University eliminating avoidable blindness. Within that week James says they were nurturing and educating me to a high “We carried out a childhood blindness able to completely change the approach level that I was able to build my career survey in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and to retinoblastoma through some very and as a result, to help people, not only discovered that half the kids who are blind simple techniques that he taught patients but colleagues and people all in that country were needlessly blind with the doctors. over the world.” diseases that could have been treated or Sight For All is soon to start training prevented,” James says. Laos’ first paediatric ophthalmologist and “That gave us the incentive to bring future reverse fellowships are planned for Eighty per cent of over a young eye surgeon from Myanmar Cambodia, Bangladesh and Myanmar. blindness in the world is and train him for a year at the Adelaide And while the main focus is on Asia, Women’s and Children’s Hospital. avoidable eye disease is still a major avoidable – so it’s entirely “He went back as the first paediatric problem in the Indigenous population of treatable or preventable. eye surgeon in his country of 60 million our own country. people. We then set him up in the first James has been heavily involved in paediatric eye unit with all the appropriate campaigns to raise awareness about eye diagnostic equipment and surgical health in Aboriginal communities, where instruments. diabetes is the fastest growing cause “He’s been back for two years now, and of vision loss. we’ve recently heard that there’s been a Using novel approaches such as a 15-fold increase in children’s eye surgery music clip featuring an Aboriginal rapper, performed in the country as a direct an animated video which can be dubbed result of his work.” over with different Indigenous languages This is just one example that strongly and a short film that takes away some of demonstrates the powerful impact the mystery surrounding the eye treatment and sustainability factor of Sight For process, Sight For All is raising awareness All’s approach – the eye surgeons in these communities and hopes to trained in Adelaide are able to return increase the capture rate of patients who to their own country to treat patients require surveillance or surgery. and then pass skills and knowledge on Passionately committed to making a to their colleagues. difference, James finds it hard to pinpoint Another graduate of Sight For All’s where his humanitarian spirit came from. fellowship program has just become “I always wanted to be a doctor from Bhutan’s first glaucoma specialist in her my earliest memories, and I can’t exactly country, returning home after 12 months say why – it’s something innate, I loved Above and left, Dr James of intensive training in three centres by the idea of being able to help people,” Muecke AM in Vietnam.

some of the leading glaucoma specialists he says. Photos by Sarah Martin, in the world. The Australian.

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 15 Harry Medlin A remarkable man, a remarkable life

16 Lumen | Winter 2013 story by Kate Husband

Vale Edwin Harry Medlin B.Sc.(Hons.), Ph.D., D.Univ. 2 January 1920–6 March 2013

arry Medlin was born at Orroroo He served for many years on the The dedication and love in country South Australia on 2 Education Committee, and was inaugural in Dr Medlin’s Alumni work January 1920. He attended school chair of its Executive Committee from Hin Adelaide and studied at the South 1980 to 1982. He contributed actively to will be long remembered. Australian School of Mines and Industries the governance of the University through Dato’ Lee Yee Cheong AO, from 1936 to 1939, while working at the membership of the Senate Standing Distinguished Alumni Award 1996 Adelaide Electric Supply Company. Committee from 1965 to 1980, and the He enlisted in the Australian Army in University Council from 1967 to 2003. Main image: from left, Harry Medlin 1938, was commissioned in 1939 and rose He was Deputy Chancellor of the Dame Roma Mitchell Asia Scholarships to the rank of captain at the age of 20. He University from 1978 to 1997, and was Dr Harry Medlin and Program Professor Kevin was a prisoner of war of the Japanese in awarded the degree of Doctor of the Marjoribanks. If you wish to memorialise the contribution of Timor and Java from 23 February 1942 to University in 1987, and the Centenary Photo courtesy of Dr Harry Medlin to the 23 September 1945, and was awarded Medal for his creative and productive University Archives. University of Adelaide through a major gift to the Efficiency Medal and five campaign involvement in all aspects of the work, Above left: From left establish a scholarship in stars and medals. life and culture of universities in 2001. to right, Dr Gerald his name, please contact Laurence, Dr Harry On leaving the Army in 1946, he His wider interests in the University Paul Finn, Acting Director, Medlin, Professor Graham Fundraising and commenced studies at the University community included the University Nerlich, Dr George Mayo, Development on and Professor Donald of Adelaide under the Commonwealth of Adelaide Staff Association and the 0405 036 941 or email Stranks, Vice-Chancellor, [email protected] Reconstruction Training Scheme. He Federation of Australian University Staff at a Theatre Guild graduated Bachelor of Science in 1949, Associations, the University of Adelaide production. Photo courtesy of took Honours in 1951, and completed his Theatre Guild, the Adelaide University University Archives. PhD on X-ray crystallography in 1956. He Union (the students’ association of the Above right: From left was appointed a Lecturer in Physics at University), and many more groups and to right, Datuk Dr Sam the University in 1951, gaining promotion causes. He held executive positions Abraham, Dr Harry Medlin, Giam Choo Huat, to Senior Lecturer in 1960 and Associate in many of these associations over Dr Siew Muay Yung, Dr Professor in 1974. He retired in 1985, but the years. Richard Hin Yung. Alumni remained a strong and lively presence He was especially active in the alumni Dinner, Singapore 1994 in the University community, especially affairs of the University in South East the Alumni Association, which he helped Asia, where he maintained many lifelong found, becoming the Inaugural Chair. friendships, and travelled widely to Harry Medlin was an active and loyal develop contacts with graduates and supporter of the University in many ways. establish alumni chapters.

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 17 he University of Adelaide was founded with a noble goal: to prepare young leaders for South TAustralia shaped by education rather than Supporting by birth or wealth. “Over the years, generous donors have supported this ideal by enabling scholarships that transform the lives a noble goal of outstanding young people who may otherwise not have the opportunity to access a tertiary education”, said Vice- “The founders’ vision was of a student body of Chancellor and President, Professor democratic breadth and brilliance, recruited Warren Bebbington. Grateful scholarship recipients regardless of their background and means; and a Christopher Smith, Rosalie Hoff and goal of preparing educated leaders for the State, Christina Theodore-Smith exemplify the talent and commitment of students who the nation and the world”. Vice-Chancellor and benefit from this generosity. President, Professor Warren Bebbington. Christopher and Rosalie both travel for several hours to get to university each day and all three students come from families who are financially struggling to support their study.

18 Lumen | Winter 2013 story by Genevieve Sanchez

Christopher is thankful for the university education, regardless of their opportunity to attain his dream of financial circumstances,” Professor becoming a vet. Bebbington says. “The scholarship will be a big help to Another priority area of the Appeal my family’s financial circumstances,” is to support the University’s research says Christopher. objectives. “I have been relying on my parents Research has always been a to cover the costs associated with my cornerstone of the University of Adelaide. study, such as text books, protective Five multi-disciplinary Research Institutes clothing, transport costs, as well as my have been established to support the other financial needs. Now that I have this most innovative and immediate research scholarship, I will be able to help them advances, and in 2010 all became Adopt-a-Book with these costs. associated with Excellence in Research for “It will also give me a greater incentive Australia’s top 5-rated disciplines. to succeed in my studies, as I feel more As well as in a multiplicity of medical Support the Barr Smith Library motivated to do my best and show fields, the University is a leader in vital by adopting a book that I am worthy of the scholarship,” work in climate change and water The Barr Smith Library holds many early Christopher says. management, food security and printed and rare books collected largely Rosalie, who is studying for her sustainable agriculture, the environment through generous donations. A working Bachelor of Science (Honours) in High and renewable energy, and a host of other collection, these unique and valuable Performance Computational Physics, says scientific, social and humanist fields. resources support and stimulate the her scholarship will ease the cost of travel But the costs of research are never fully University’s extensive and varied teaching and help to purchase learning resources covered by grants from government or and research programs. and tools to boost her studies. industry. Donations to the Appeal will help Many of these items, now housed in Rare Christina, a medical student, is grateful fund research staff and students, their Books and Special Collections, are in that she will be able to commit herself to laboratories and equipment, sustaining need of repair and restoration to ensure the demands of her degree without having critical work for the future of Australia the works are available for the continued to find work to support herself. and its region. benefit of future generations of scholars. “It will assist me with living expenses, This year’s Appeal also invites donors fees and costs associated with university to support the Barr Smith Library to The work required can vary from full and I can focus on studying and adjusting continue to expand its collection and also rebinding to the making of a protective to the transition,” says Christina. contribute towards urgent conservation box, and the cost can range from a few The University’s belief in providing work on one of Australia’s finest concert hundred to several thousand dollars. educational opportunities to financially halls, Elder Hall. This body of work is beyond the means disadvantaged students is demonstrated “By supporting the Appeal, donors of regular Library funds but offers an through its well-established pathway will be contributing towards areas of opportunity for friends and supporters programs and donated scholarships. greatest need within the University,” says of the Library to make a donation to the “But to rekindle our founders’ Professor Bebbington. program, or to adopt a particular book of commitment to a democratically broad “These gifts may be directed towards interest to them or their family. student body, the University needs to assisting needy students, to increasing double the number of scholarships it our research staff and their capability, to One of the Library’s most popular rare offers to disadvantaged students,” says helping improve our campus, or towards items, John Gerard’s 1636 The Herball, Professor Bebbington. the University’s highest priorities.” or Generall historie of plantes, and both At the end of 2012, the University copies of the South Australian treasure, committed to a new 10-year plan, To find out more about the 2013 University Fanny de Mole’s Wildflowers of South Beacon of Enlightenment, with the goal of Adelaide Appeal, or to make a donation, Australia (1861), have already been of recapturing the bold vision of the phone +61 8 8313 5800 or visit www.alumni. restored by conservator Anthony Zammit. University’s founding era, which put adelaide.edu.au/university_appeal the University at the forefront of higher Adopt-a-Book now and help the Barr Smith education internationally. Library continue its vital restoration work. This year sees the launch of the Web: www.adelaide.edu.au/ University of Adelaide Appeal which library/special/adoptabook/ will contribute towards realising this Phone: +61 8 8313 5224 ambition. The Appeal focuses on four Email: [email protected] key priority areas, including supporting disadvantaged students. Left (from left): Rosalie “Donors can provide invaluable Hoff, Christina Theodore- support to students such as Christopher, Smith, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rosalie and Christina and play an Warren Bebbington and Christopher Smith. important role in ensuring these Above: Fanny de Mole’s Wildflowers of South students continue to gain access to a Photo by Regi Varghese Australia (1861) before restoration

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 19 Anna writes her own success story

20 Lumen | Winter 2013 story by Genevieve Sanchez

Rejection by traditional publishing companies did not deter Anna Solding from her goal of becoming an author – instead, she and two fellow graduates started their own publishing company.

nd Anna’s belief in another “The Hum of Concrete has had so many mainstream publishers. The fact that Adelaide alumnus, James Roberts remarkable reviews and every positive both our books have been longlisted (aka Zanesh Catkin) helped him review has made me happier and more for the Commonwealth Book Prize is a toA realise his own dreams of being a confident that I can do this,” says Anna. confirmation that her judgement is sound. published writer when she put his first Anna came to Adelaide in 1999 “Getting my PhD novel published novel on the shelves last year. on a one-year university exchange was the biggest highlight of my life In 2011, despite Anna’s book The Hum from Sweden. She discovered the post-university.” of Concrete being shortlisted for multiple Masters in Creative Writing which led Zanesh’s exegesis of his first novel, awards, it was still not being picked to a PhD. Fourteen years and three The Ludic Mode of Pangamonium, is the up by publishers. children later, Anna is more than happily third title published by MidnightSun and Anna lamented the constant rejections settled in Australia. he is currently working on his second with good friend, Mathematics and She considers herself fortunate to have novel, The Troubadour – an adaptation of Computer Science graduate and been among a “hothouse of writers” in her his Honours thesis for which he won the entrepreneur, Dr Ross Williams, who time at the University of Adelaide – among Driftwood Manuscripts Prize. suggested they start their own publishing them many published and prize-winning “It is always exciting to get the company and together with another authors she now calls friends. recognition of your peers, and since alumnus, Peter Cassidy, they formed “The University of Adelaide not only writing can be solitary it does remind MidnightSun Publishing. shaped my career but also my life,” you that there are others out there who “We know there are plenty of fabulous Anna says. appreciate your craft,” says Zanesh. manuscripts about unusual topics floating “Studying Creative Writing made me feel Working full-time as Series Producer around, but publishing new and unknown like I was part of a larger writing family; with Australia Network, the ABC’s writers poses a big risk. MidnightSun is that writing was a worthwhile pursuit International Broadcasting Service, prepared to take that risk,” says Anna. which could generate an income (at least Zanesh says that the best he can hope for “The large publishing houses are in the shape of a scholarship) and that is an hour a day of writing time. quite conservative today which is no matter how scary it was to put myself “The best part is when the writing flows understandable as these are very tough out there, it was the fear of failure that easily and you don’t want to stop. The times for traditional publishing with the I most needed to face before I could challenges are working through flat spots demise of local bookshops and the rise of call myself a writer.” and avoiding the scourge of rejection self-publishing. Even though printing costs Anna recalls the celebratory feeling of letters,” he says. are increasing, readers are expecting launching her own publishing company, Anna also attests to the challenges and to buy books for less. This turmoil and surrounded by a huge, supportive group rewards of being a writer and although conservatism has left room for smaller of people at the SA Writers’ Centre. she has put her writing to one side publishers to shine.” “Standing on the stage at Writers’ while she focuses on the publication And both publisher and authors have Week seeing my first novel The Hum of of MidnightSun’s latest novel, she has done just that. Concrete take flight has had the most tentatively started work on a new book. Anna’s novel The Hum of Concrete profound impact on me, as that was truly “Sitting down and actually putting pen – the major part of her PhD in Creative a childhood dream come true,” she says. to paper is always the biggest challenge. Writing – was launched to endorsements “Every time I see my novel on the The distractions are endless…for most by Nobel Laureate, J.M. Coetzee shelves of a library or a bookshop, my writers I know, writing doesn’t actually and acclaimed novelist, Brian Castro; heart does a little dance.” come easily – it’s a long, hard slog.” shortlisted for the Unpublished Manuscript As one of her biggest supporters, “But at the same time, it is the most Award at the Festival Awards in 2010 and Zanesh, also a graduate from the rewarding and wonderful thing you is currently nominated for the People’s University’s PhD in Creative Writing, could ever do.” Choice Award. says he is keen to see Anna’s Both The Hum of Concrete and success continue. Zanesh’s novel Pangamonium have “I am proud of Anna for having the been longlisted for the prestigious courage to start a publishing company Commonwealth Book Prize. MidnightSun in this climate of gloom and doom in the Publishing’s newest release, Kim Lock’s book world,” he says. Left: Zanesh Catkin and novel Peace, Love and Khaki Socks is “She backed her belief in the quality Anna Solding in the Barr about to be launched and has already of her writing and mine, when we Smith Library received rave reviews. had both been knocked back by Photo by Keturah de Klerk

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 21 story by Andrew Cook

Scientific pioneer ahead of her time For decades, botanist Constance Eardley was something of an Adelaide institution.

22 Lumen | Winter 2013 nown as ‘Con’ or ‘Miss Eardley’, In the late 1940s, Eardley was conferred conservation issues to groups of young she was a familiar sight at both a Master of Science following the teachers, and among her papers is a the University of Adelaide’s North completion of a thesis titled ‘Comparative draft of a message to botany students, a KTerrace Campus and the Waite Institute, studies of some Australian and extra- prescient plea for “courageous and wise where she was curator of the herbaria Australian floras from an ecological voices” to make the case for national and, later, lecturer in Systematic Botany. A aspect’. In 1950, she was appointed parks. She wrote: “inviolate areas are of curiosity to some, a mentor and source of Systematic Botanist, a full-time position the greatest scientific and often practical inspiration to others, Eardley was one of with the University. Lecturing, collaborating importance; they are the Australian Adelaide’s pioneering women scientists. on research projects, leading field trips heritage which we could easily lose and Eardley was born in Adelaide in 1910 and supervising postgraduate students, never replace. Few Australians realise their and lived her entire life on Wattle Street, she remained in this position until ill health value, even in terms of tourist attractions”. Fullarton. Her father, Frederick Eardley, forced her to retire in 1971. Eardley was also an early advocate of was the University’s Assistant Registrar Apart from various articles in native gardens and one of the first to from 1911, and Registrar from 1924. newspapers and magazines, her most develop guidelines for estimating the value It is likely that from him she inherited a widely-known work was the reference of vegetation in national parks. capacity for organisation and systematic manual Wildflowers of Adelaide Hills, When she died in 1978, she was thinking. The same qualities that he published shortly after she retired. During remembered for her meticulousness and applied to University administration, made her career, however, Eardley produced dedication to her work. Her service to for her own success as a taxonomist. important studies of the flora of arid the University over 40 years, including Eardley attended Walford House regions including the Simpson Desert and involvement in the Women’s and School, taking Leaving Honours in 1927. the University of Adelaide’s Koonamore Graduates’ Unions, and the goodwill Her final-year botany notebook survives Vegetation Reserve. She also published she fostered in the broader community and reveals a young woman with an botanical studies of other regions of South through her plant identification service, obvious flair for the subject. Following Australia including Eight Mile Creek and was recognised with the naming of a her matriculation and encouraged by her Kangaroo Island. The data she collected reserve and prize in her honour. parents to pursue further education, she during her regular field trips to Koonamore Those who knew her also spoke of entered the University of Adelaide as a in particular have continued to be of her generosity with her time, and her science student. value to researchers across a number many acts of kindness, particularly to She seems to have thrived at of disciplines. international students. When her friend university, being awarded the John Bagot Her standing among fellow scientists and colleague Joseph Wood died Scholarship and Medal in Botany in 1929 was reflected in her election to fellowship suddenly in 1959 she wrote an extended and on completion of her Bachelor of of the Royal Society of South Australia obituary that concluded: “his life has Science a further scholarship to undertake and, later, the Linnean Society, London. been a very full one, to the great benefit Honours. Her thesis, ‘The Occurrence of She was also an active member of of his University, his country, and the Mycorrhiza [root fungus] in the Plants of the International Association for Plant science of botany...But much more than South Australia’, was supervised by the Taxonomy, ANZAAS and a number of a distinguished botanist, he was modest, young lecturer in botany, Joseph Wood. conservation groups. kindly, tolerant and wise”. Perhaps she Wood shortly afterwards became the Eardley was in many respects ahead would have objected, but this is an nation’s first Australian-born Professor of her time. Most obviously, she was an equally fitting characterisation of the life of Botany, and he and Eardley shared a independent woman with an academic of Constance Eardley herself. close working relationship over the next career in an era in which space for women three decades. in the public and professional spheres In 1933, Eardley was hired by the was extremely limited. It is difficult to University as curator of the Adelaide and say whether she would have considered Waite Institute herbaria. In recognition herself a feminist as such, but we know of her growing expertise she was asked she was frustrated by the stark choice to lecture in Systematic Botany at North between marriage and work – a dilemma Terrace and also the Waite Institute from faced by well-educated young women 1938 and 1943 respectively. at this time. Her first decade in charge of the Eardley was also a passionate Adelaide and Waite herbaria saw a conservationist throughout her life. considerable expansion in their size As someone whose work was deeply with the incorporation of several private connected to the natural world, she had collections. In the mid-1950s, Adelaide’s an intuitive sense of the dangers to our various collections of plant specimens wellbeing of wholesale habitat loss. As a

were consolidated in the State Herbarium, young woman, she helped form a group Left: Photograph of but in the meantime a large portion called the Tree Lovers Civic League, one Constance Eardley in the field taken by student were overseen almost single-handedly of the forerunners of the contemporary Elizabeth Gordon-Mills by Eardley. environment groups. She spoke about c. 1965.

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 23 A life changing legacy Sometimes two lives intersect with no obvious link but the repercussions are felt far and wide.

24 Lumen | Winter 2013 story by Candy Gibson and Catriona Neil-Dwyer About the Florey Medical Research Foundation uch is the tenuous connection fractures, recurrent infections and The Florey Medical Research Foundation between the late Veronika Sacco – a kidney failure. is named in honour of Nobel Prize winner Hungarian immigrant and self-made About 15 per cent of patients die and medical graduate of the University of Swoman – and a young South Australian within three months of diagnosis and Adelaide, Lord Howard Florey. The Foundation researcher by the name of Jacqueline even with treatment, the average survival was established in 1992 and has been raising Noll, who is dedicating her life to helping rate of multiple myeloma sufferers is funds to support medical research for more cancer patients. approximately five years. There is no cure. than 20 years. On paper, the two have nothing Dr Noll’s research is focused on learning Achievements include the funding of in common. more about how the cellular composition numerous and diverse research scholarships, Veronika died in March 2010, aged of bone marrow is altered by the presence major research projects, and in 2012, 94. Her life story was a remarkable one. of multiple myeloma tumours. the appointment of three full-time Florey Despite excelling at school in her native “If we can identify key changes in the Research Fellows. country and mastering seven languages, bone microenvironment we may be able her early days in Australia were character to develop novel treatment strategies The Foundation relies entirely on voluntary building, to say the least. Newly divorced to limit the progression of the disease,” donations and it is thanks to our generous and with a young child to support, she Dr Noll said. donors that many young researchers are not was forced to walk the streets of western “Approximately 1400 people are only realising their own goals but working Sydney lugging suitcases of soap which diagnosed with multiple myeloma in to make a lasting difference to the lives she sold door to door. Australia each year, an increase of 44 per of everyday people – helping them lead Through sheer will, intelligence and a cent in the past 25 years. Despite recent healthier and longer lives. head for finances, Veronika put herself advances in treatment strategies, the through university and gained an 10-year survival rate is only 17 per cent,” Together we can make a accountancy qualification, which paved Dr Noll added. difference - please help us the way for a stimulating career and The Florey Fellowship will enable Dr Noll to continue our work opened many other doors – to culture, to establish herself as an independent A bequest, or gift by will, no matter how large music, art and business. researcher in a field of cancer research or small, is an effective way of providing Education changed Veronika’s life. In which has not traditionally received a permanent legacy – a gift that creates death, her legacy will no doubt make a much attention. something of everlasting significance and difference to countless others. “I have always been interested in cancer importance. The Florey Medical Research In her will, Veronika left a generous research and I hope that one day my work Foundation welcomes bequests of all sizes sum to the Florey Medical Research will lead to better and improved therapies and these may be directed to a specific area Foundation in honour of the University of for cancer patients. The work of Howard of research. Adelaide’s most famous alumnus. Florey is incredibly inspirational and this is “She researched thoroughly where she a wonderful opportunity for me to strive For a confidential discussion please contact chose to give and she was very impressed towards greater things,” she said. the University of Adelaide’s Planned Giving with the work of Howard Florey and his Chairman of the SA Division of the Officer, Mrs Sue Fox on +61 8 8313 3234 Nobel Prize,” said her good friend and Myeloma Foundation, Ian Driver, who is or email: [email protected] executor of her will, Fred Bennett. currently in remission from the disease, If you have already planned a gift, we “Just the possibility of another Nobel said the work of researchers such as encourage you to let us know about it so Laureate arising out of her bequest was Dr Noll was critical to patients. that we can recognise your intentions during also compelling,” Mr Bennett said. “Dedicated scientists like Dr Noll are your lifetime. For young scientist Jacqueline doing some wonderful research, both to Noll, being the first recipient of the find a cure or just make our lives more Veronika Sacco Clinical Research bearable. Finding a cure is a long process Fellowship under the auspices of the but we are hanging in there,” he said. Florey Medical Research Foundation is “an absolute honour”. The 27-year-old researcher, who has a First Class Honours degree in Biomedical Science and a PhD from the University of Adelaide, will spend the next three years investigating new treatment strategies for a type of bone marrow cancer known as multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma occurs where abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow multiply too fast and prevent the normal For more details about the Florey production of other blood cells, such as Medical Research Foundation go to red and white cells. Left: Jacqueline Noll www.florey.adelaide.edu.au, The disease causes bones to break Photo by Chris Tonkin email: [email protected] down, resulting in excruciating pain, Inset: Veronika Sacco or phone: +61 8 8313 3995.

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 25 26 Lumen | Winter 2013 story by Ben Osborne Building a Thai life John Anderson’s advice to today’s university students could not be clearer: there is much to gain by experiencing life far away from Adelaide.

he BE (Hons, 1990) graduate “After decades of military rule, Myanmar has spent the past 19 years in is now opening up to the outside world Thailand, where he is now Director and revealing both opportunities and Tof a company (Meinhardt) which has challenges”, Mr Anderson said. 300 staff and completed more than “Yangon is a fascinating place, but it 1600 projects. is quite a step-back in time, having been Some of the projects he’s worked on isolated from the world for so long”, in that time include designing Bangkok’s he said. second-tallest building, the 74-storey “There are many old heritage buildings ‘River Condominium’, and four 50-storey that were built during the height of residential towers known as the the British Empire that now need to ‘Millennium Residence’. be restored. It seems a long way from the stately “Right now I am working on restoring plains of the Barossa Valley, where Mr the Myanmar Railway Administration Anderson grew up. Building, which will become the Yangon I was hooked on After attending Nuriootpa Primary and Peninsula Hotel. big projects and also High schools, not attending the University “It is a great project and has probably of Adelaide was unlikely – both of his been one of my biggest challenges yet realised that I wanted parents, as well as his twin sisters, all in my career. The entire building is to be to be overseas. graduated from the institution. underpinned and strengthened, and will After graduating, Mr Anderson worked form the centrepiece of an ambitious in North Queensland and Adelaide for 275,000sqm development consisting four years. In 1994, he received five days of four new high-rise towers and notice that he was headed to Bangkok to a shopping centre.” work on a large oil transfer project in the Mr Anderson’s career path and Gulf of Thailand. subsequent achievements were, in many “The prospect of going to Thailand ways, accidental – but he said the ‘risk’ of was pretty exciting,” he said. “I hurriedly leaving Adelaide and Australia was more had to arrange things like my visa and than outweighed by the value of living and inoculations. I was pretty clueless about working in another country. what to expect when I got there or the “I think students of today would project that I would be working on. greatly benefit from spending some of “I spent six months in Bangkok, their undergraduate degree time aboard working almost seven days a week, on studying at another university, preferably this job. It gave me a taste of real, large- in Asia,” he said. scale engineering. I was hooked on big “This will help them to understand projects and also realised that I wanted the business environment and culture to be overseas. I returned to Adelaide outside Australia. briefly before heading to Hong Kong – six “In my case, I came to Asia pretty much months after that I moved permanently by accident, but was lucky enough to have to Thailand, which has been home pretty done so early enough in my career when I much ever since.” was prepared to take a few more risks. Mr Anderson is currently splitting “Unfortunately too many Australians time between Bangkok and Myanmar come to Thailand and only ever view Left: Bangkok’s second- tallest building, the ‘River (formerly Burma), where he is heading it as a holiday destination – they never Condominium’, which John up his company’s new office in its largest get to see the enormous industry and Anderson helped design. city, Yangon (Rangoon). opportunities that are here.” Above: John Anderson

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 27 story by Candy Gibson Alumni on the move Karyn’s If you have recently celebrated a promotion or career achievement, a passport change of jobs or won a major prize, we want to hear about it! Share your good to success news with your fellow alumni by emailing Tourism directly contributes about $35 billion to Australia’s economy us your story, including your name, each year, accounting for eight per cent of our total exports. graduation year and degree. It’s a staggering figure, underlining just how important the industry is to the country. Send it to [email protected] These are statistics which economics graduate Karyn Kent knows or call +61 8 8313 5800 by heart. The challenge for the newly appointed South East Asia Manager for Tourism Australia is to ensure the sums keep multiplying – for her region at least. Three of the countries under her responsibility – Singapore, Malaysia and India – were in the top 10 tourism markets for Australia in 2012 and another – Indonesia – is nipping at their heels. Since taking over the reins from her predecessor, Maggie White, last December, Karyn has been based in Singapore, developing tourism marketing strategies for the region, which also includes Vietnam and the Gulf Countries. “The potential is huge,” she said. “Asia’s share of inbound arrivals is expected to account for 45% of total visitors by 2021–22.” Much of this will hinge on airline capacity and one of Karyn’s key priorities will be to ensure that Australia is serviced by the right mix of full service and low-cost carriers. “It is also important to align our strategies to suit individual countries so we are hitting the right markets,” Karyn said. “For example, there is a significant focus on digital advertising in Singapore, whereas television is a big part of the brand campaign for India. The maturity of the market very much comes into play.” The overarching challenge is to convert Australia from a ‘wish list’ to a ‘must do’ for travellers around the world. “Our research tells us that there is a great desire to visit Australia because it offers so many unique experiences, but we need to create a sense of urgency among travellers to make that a reality.” Karyn draws on 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, both within Australia and abroad. Her most recent role, as Director of Sales for the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), involved negotiating complex commercial partnerships both domestically and internationally. Prior to that she worked in SATC’s Los Angeles office for a spell—her first real break in the tourism industry. But like so many others in the travel industry, she fell into it almost by accident. “I grew up on a farm in the upper Limestone Coast region of South Australia and while I always wanted to go to university I really wasn’t sure what direction to pursue,” Karyn said. After completing an economics degree at the University of Adelaide she considered studying law, but ended up applying for a Diploma of Tourism at Adelaide TAFE instead—and the rest is history. “It’s such a great privilege to promote Australia to potential visitors around the world and Tourism Australia has done some fantastic strategy planning in recent years. Hopefully, this is all going to come together in the next decade,” she said.

28 Lumen | Winter 2013 story by Genevieve Sanchez

2010 1990 • Helen Ujvary (MBA 2012) has joined ISIS Innovation, the • Alexandra Blood (M Env St 1999) has become the first woman, technology transfer company of the University of Oxford, as and the first South Australian, to be named the Environmental Australian representative for the Isis Enterprise consultancy Practitioner of the Year by the Environment Institute of Australia business. and New Zealand. • Dr Omid Kavehei (PhD (Electronic E) 2012) was awarded the • Anna Goldsworthy (B Mus 1995, B Mus (Hons) 1996) has returned 2013 Postgraduate University Alumni Medal. to Adelaide to take up a position as Research Fellow and • Philipp Allgeuer (BE (Mechatronic) 2012, B MA & Comp Sc, 2012) Coordinator at the J.M. Coetzee Centre for Creative Practice. was awarded the 2013 Honours Alumni Medal. • Dr Tom Tilley (B Sc (Ma & Comp Sc) 1998) has won first prize in • Dr Michael Llewellyn-Smith AM (Ph D (Arch) 2010) was the Tethered Robots category of the AFRON “10 Dollar Robot” appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant Design Challenge with his “Suckerbot”. Suckerbot is essentially a service to local government. modified Dualshock-like USB joystick with wheels, a Chupa-Chup bump sensor on one thumbstick, and a line sensor patched in to 2000 the other thumbstick. • Dr Danielle Moreau (B E (Mechatronic) 2005, PhD (Mech E) 2010), a Research Associate in the Flow and Noise Group 1980 at the University’s School of Mechanical Engineering, is this • Professor Neil Dear (B Sc 1984, B Sc (Hons) 1985) has been year’s Fulbright Scholar for South Australia. Dr Moreau will go appointed the inaugural Director, Research and Biomedical to Virginia Polytechnic Institute in the United States for three Services at the South Australian Health and Medical Research months to study noise generation by airfoils (wings, rotor Institute (SAHMRI). blades and fins). • Professor Andrew Beer (BA 1983, BA (Hons) 1984), Director of • Dr Stephen Warren-Smith (B Sc 2005, B Sc (Hons) 2006, PhD the Centre for Housing, Urban and Regional Planning, School (Physics and Astro) 2011), ARC Super Science Fellow in the of Social Sciences, has been elected Chair of the Regional School of Chemistry and Physics and the Institute for Photonics Studies Association. and Advanced Sensing, was awarded the University of Adelaide Faculty of Sciences, Science and Technology Award. 1970 • Daniel Kiley (B Ma & Comp Sc 2007, LL B 2009) has been named • Professor James Paton (B Sc 1975, B Sc (Hons) 1976, PhD (Sc) winner of the Hostworks Online Achievement Award in the 1979) has been elected as a Fellow to the Australian Academy of Channel Nine Young Achiever Awards. Science. Professor Paton, who is the Director of the Research • Quentin (Quincy) Grant’s (PhD (Mus) 2009) opera Ode to Centre for Infectious Diseases in the School of Molecular and Nonsense was premiered by the State Opera of South Australia Biomedical Science, has made major scientific contributions in April 2013. to the field of pathogenesis and prevention of bacterial • Kate Gunn (B Psych (Hons) 2008) won the prestigious Premier’s infectious diseases. Young Achiever of the Year Award for South Australia as well as the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Rural Health Award in the 1960 Channel Nine Young Achiever Awards. • Valmai Hankel PSM (BA 1967) has been awarded the Royal • George Young (B E (Mechatronic) 2007, B Ma & Comp Sc 2007, Geographical Society of South Australia’s highest award, B Ma Sc (Hons) 2008) has been named a co-winner of the the John Lewis Gold Medal, for geographical achievements Porter Ogden Jacobus Fellowship, Princeton’s top honour for through scholarship. graduate students. The fellowships support the final year of • Justice Bruce Lander (LLB 1968) has been appointed South study at Princeton and are awarded to students whose work has Australia’s first Independent Commissioner Against Corruption. exhibited the highest scholarly excellence. Justice Lander was admitted as a barrister in 1969. He became a • Quentin Angus (Cert Mus (Lvl 4) (Jazz) 2004, B Mus (Perf) (Jazz) Supreme Court judge in 1994 and was appointed to the Federal 2007, B Mus (Hons) 2008) has been awarded the Coffee Club Arts Court in 2003. Award in the Channel Nine Young Achiever Awards. • Professor David Walker FASSA FAHA (BA (Hons) 1968) has • Nigel Smart (MBA 2008) has been appointed Chief Operating been named the inaugural BHP Billiton Chair of Australian Studies Officer for the Adelaide Football Club. at Peking University. • Dr Michael Findlay (MBBS 2006) was the inaugural recipient of the James McWha Award of Excellence. • Emma Knights (Adv Dip Mus (Perf) 2004) is currently working around Australia as a freelance musician. Her new musical production company will bring its first opera production Space Encounters to primary schools in South Australia. • Dr Mario Ricci (B HSc (Hons) 1998, PhD (Med) 2004, current staff) is one of just seven tertiary educators throughout Australia and New Zealand to be appointed an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) in 2013.

The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 29 Alumni Snapshots

t has been a very busy first half of the year with alumni events 2 being held nationally and internationally. Professor Warren Bebbington, Vice-Chancellor and President, has presented Ithe University’s new strategic plan to alumni across the globe, generating lively discussion and receiving positive feedback. Snapshots of these gatherings, plus the Alumni Golf Tournament and some of our newest Alumni Fellows, have been captured on these pages. More photographs are located on our Flickr site at www.flickr.com/photos/adelaidealumni/

The Strategic Plan 2013-2023: Beacon of Enlightenment, can be downloaded at www.adelaide.edu.au/VCO/beacon/

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1. Representing the three countries competing in the Alumni Golf Tournament at the Singapore Island Country Club – Singapore, Malaysia and Australia – Australia being the victors for 2013. Left to right: Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon (Malaysia), Dr Richard Huebl (Australia), Peter Moorfield (Australia), Ping Shih Lee (Singapore).

30 Lumen | Winter 2013 6

2 BONUS WILLUNGA 100 SHIRAZ

7 8 VIOGNIER ON ANY DOZEN

It’s not every day a wine scores three trophies from three different wine shows.

But then, this 2010 Willunga 100 Shiraz Viognier from McLaren Vale isn’t an everyday wine. With generous blackberry succulence 6. Left to right: Robert meeting dark chocolate, plum and 9 Tiley, Jocelyn Hedley, Geoff Harcourt, white pepper, it’s a real special Joan Harcourt, Brett Dutschke, Haydee occasion delicacy...and we’d like Cusihuaman Auccacusi to offer University of Adelaide Sydney Alumni Event Alumni a couple of bottles FREE 7. Left to right: Margo on the purchase of any dozen. McOmish, Peter Yeo

Brisbane Alumni Event To find out more visit 8. Presentation of Alumni Fellows, Left to right: winedirect.com.au/lumen Chris CP Chong; Prof Warren Bebbington, or call 1800 64 9463 Vice-Chancellor and President; Christina 2. Left to right: Omid 3. Left to right: David 5. Left to right: Prof Carl Tan; Dr Ng Boon Keng Kavehei (Postgraduate Watson, Bob Porra, Bridge; Hilaire Graham; Alumni University Christopher Whittle Pauline Lyle-Smith, Singapore Graduation Medallist 2013), Dennis Muirhead, Taraneh Arianfar Canberra Alumni Event President of the South 9. Left to right: Soo Mei Australian Universities Ling; Wong May Ker; Dr 4. Left to right: Lawrance Melbourne Alumni Europe Zalina Shari; Jany Fong Alumni Event Wong; Vincent Chen; Raymond Chua London Malaysia Alumni Event Alumni Event Singapore Alumni Event

Offer valid until 31st August 2013 Freight of $7.50 per 14 bottles applies story by Ben Osborne and Graeme Pope

You can make a difference A new generation of pork researchers are beginning to make their mark, thanks to the generosity of previous generations.

niversity of Adelaide students Pig Industry day at Roseworthy earlier Our family is honoured Anthony Martynuik, Emma this year. to have a scholarship Greenwood and Mandy Bowling “Our family is honoured to have a Uare the first recipients of the Ronald J. scholarship named after my father which named after my father, Lienert Memorial Scholarship, an initiative benefits students and the industry that he which benefits students and awarded annually by the SA pig industry. was passionate about,” he said. It is given to support the study program For Mandy, the scholarship will help the industry that he was of an Honours student researching pig her pursue her research interest in pig passionate about. production at the University’s Roseworthy production, based at the Roseworthy campus, and is named after Ronald campus’ 300-sow piggery. John Lienert OAM. “The scholarship encourages students For further information on the Mr Lienert is remembered by the to undertake research in areas such as pig Ronald J. Lienert scholarship, or other Australian pork industry through his welfare, nutrition, reproduction or genetics scholarship opportunities, please contributions to the management of state and allows them to investigate their email: [email protected] and national industry agro-political issues, ideas,” she said. or call +61 8 8313 7193. his membership on numerous industry “It’s going to help me by giving me boards and committees, his agribusiness opportunities to meet people in the pig interest through Lienert Australia and his industry, receive mentorship throughout impact on the genetic improvement of the the year and get exposure to different Australian pig herd. areas of pig production.” Above: Mandy Bowling His son, Nick, presented the 2013 Inset: Nick Lienert scholarship to Mandy Bowling at the SA Photos by Chris Tonkin

32 Lumen | Winter 2013 The University of Adelaide Merchandise Keep your memories of the University alive by purchasing from the catalogue of official merchandise. Ideal gifts and mementos for the graduate or student!

$27.00 $27.00 $22.50 $39.95

Limited stock Limited stock

Ladies red low round neck t-shirt Ladies white V-neck t-shirt Black standard t-shirt White Polo Embroidered top Ladies only red, black and white Ladies only red, black and white Ladies and Mens – navy, grey and white Ladies and Mens – navy and white 95% cotton, 5% elastane 95% cotton, 5% elastane 100% cotton 60% cotton, 40% cooldry

$27.00 $39.95 $49.95 $49.95

White Singlet. Ladies and Mens – Charcoal Lightweight Zipped Jacket Navy Embroidered Hoodie Red Hoodie. Ladies and Mens, white/navy trim or navy/white trim Ladies and Mens – navy and charcoal Ladies and Mens – navy and grey red, navy, grey and white 50% polyester, 50% cooldry 80% cotton, 20% polyester 80% cotton, 20% polyester 80% cotton, 20% polyester

$90.00 $46.00 Mens $42.00 Ladies $21.00 $12.00

Yellow Jacket. Unisex – navy/red trim or Navy Vest. Ladies and Mens – navy/ Scarf unisex – navy and charcoal Cap navy 100% cotton navy/gold trim or navy/grey trim, grey. Reversible, logo on navy side only, 100% acrylic latex material, shower proof 100% polyester

To view more items in the official merchandise range please visit www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/merchandise Please note: we cannot guarantee that fabric colours are the same as those pictured, prices correct at time of publication.