'",- AUCHMUTY LIBRARY The UNIVERSITY :':~~".""'.~.' . of. NEWCASTLE. ".' '="II ~ AUSTRALIA ' !.l-f.... I . Sen''l l 24(; • Features:
NHMRC grants announced - page 3 Staff profile - Architectural Brian English - page 6 solutions on display Central Coast News - final year student Lyndall Ryan - page 8 . exhibition - page 13 IESD news - page 17 Etcetera - page 18
a remarkable exhibition of Aboriginal artworks - Faculty of Art and Design Gallery page 10-11 this year. It is particularly .' pleasing to congratulate Associate Professor Geoffrey University delleg,i\Ii( Samuel on his promotion to the • the position of Professor of Anthropology. Three women will join the Associate Professorial ranks next year - lecture namely Dr Mary-Anne Williams Honourable Gordon Sapttie~, of the School of Management, Dr AC; Mirka Miller of the Department • the ongoing visits ,to .... th~t~: _ of Computer Science and Departments, Faculties ~~d:' ":,'1' Software Engineering and Dr other Divisions, -,.ot.d~~,:--~t' Lynette Lim of the Centre for University; -- '" - \ Clinical Epidemiology and • the Federal ele~tiQ~'~_ --ifi:' ~ . Biostatistics. October, and the enhaJ;l,«re.~ Among the many highlights participation of th~ AuSttiJrari- ,~-_ for me during 1998 are: Vice-Chancellors' Coll'Ui1.iU&' ~ '.' ' ""'" ,,_,."'f: • the opening of the Sports and and the University in rai~g· ,'~ Aquatic Centre, The Forum; major issues concerning higii~ ,>',
• the retreat in February which education; '~. 0'" initiated our 1998-2002 Strategic • the restructuring of,' -tite Vice-Chancellor's Column Plan; Faculty of Art and Design • new senior academic the International appointments in Australian 1998 is rapidly drawing to a of the reviews and planning Studies and Business (Central One as an el"ctronicaUY: close and I would like to wish activities. Staff have responded Coast Campus), and in Fine Art, all staff and students of the well to the challenges and it is Clinical Psychology, Economics, • Emeritus University an enjoyable appropriate that we recognise General Practice, Clinical Dutton's farewell; Christmas season and best excellent performance. Pharmacology and Biological • the ongoing and wishes for 1999. I found it to hI? For the first time, the Sciences; development of-,'! a challenging year but one that University is giving special • the opening of the IanStewart partnerships with was both stimulating and recognition to a number of Wing of the Chemical and Central Coast enjoyable. We have many things general staff members who have Engineering building; Services, to be thankful for at this been nominated and judged as • the graduation ceremonies CommunitY Services; University but I am most providing excellent service. I and celebrations of the • planning for thfi!' grateful for the commitment of would like to congratulate Paula achievements of our graduates at Central Coast Re!?OII1\ our st~ff and their excellent Jarvie, Gionni Di Gravio, George Callaghan, Ourimbah and in for oUir C.mbralC",.. rO endeavours in teaching, research Florek, Elaine Swift, Peter Singapore; • watching the Knig1j;~;1 and research training, and Thomas, Chris Cuthbert and • honorary degrees and awards rugby league; service activities. We also enjoy Helen Doheny on the high for Dr Bru~e Baird, Dr Peter • meeting with local"irirl full support from the Hunter standards in their work and on Hendry, AO, Professor John groups over and Central Coast communities, receiving the Vice-Chancellor's Harding, Justice Michael University; which we cannot take for Award for General Staff McHugh, AC, Dr Rein von • the appoint~ent .', granted. Excellence. High Gendt, Ms Robyn Walmsley and Deans of Medicine ancff!8 1998 saw the implementation commendations also go to Dr Tan Chin Nam; Sciences and EconoIl!!i~l~ of the Change Management Richard Bale, Jenny Kirkby and • the inaugural Exceptional Commerce; Plan, initiated following the Rod Lewis. The Awards provide Service Medal awarded to Dr • the developme~~ announcement in August 1996 for the recognition of excellence Brian Smith; 'Graduate Sch.ool' of major funding cuts for the by general staff and I strongly • the reappointment of our University and the higher endorse and commend them. Chancellor, Mr Ric Charlton, AM coursework education system. The savings Congratulations to the 23 for a further four year term; profile. and revenue enhancement target academic colleagues who were • the establishment of Hunter Again, best of $14million over 1997-98 will promoted this year in Medical Research Ltd as a joint Christmas/New v ••.; ,,;,.1Iil be met. albeit at some cost to staff recognition of excellent venture with the Hunter Area season to you and }'ouldilim~t, positions. The plan has provided performance of their teaching, Health Service and the local hope that 1999 the University with a sound research and service duties. The community; successful year , platform for the future and success rate for promotion was • my appointments to the University and for each of created opportunities to the highest since 1992, reflecting Board of the Hunter Area Health personally. strengthen our profile as a result high standards of performance Service and the Hunter Instihtte
1 Page 2 UNINEWS 1 i lin news
Heart project one of major grant recipients modifications and symptom reduce the financial burden on management, the team hopes to the health system which results reduce the number of hospital from the amoWlt of time these re-admissions. people are re-admitted to Other team members include hospital." Dr Jill Cockburn, Head of the The University received a Discipline of Behavioural total of $3.77 million for new and Science in Relation to Medicine continuing grants - more than from the Faculty of Medicine last year's total of $3.18 million. and Health Sciences, and While the average success rate Professor Laurie Howes, for organisations applying for Professor of Clinical NHMRC fWlding this year was Pharmacology at St George 24 percent, Newcastle had a Hospital. success rate of around 29 "This is a significant grant, as percent. Of the 22 research A three-year program to have been previously admitted it's the first time such a rigorous organisations in NSW to receive improve the quality of life Jor to the hospital with heart failure. approach to improving the re funding, the University received people with a debilitating heart "We will be taking a admission outcomes for heart the third highest amount. condition and reduce hospital re multidisciplinary approach to failure patients has been Research in the areas of cancer, admission rates has received working with people who have proposed," Jill explained. heart disease, attention deficit substantial funding in the latest congestive heart failure. This "lt will not only lead to hyperactivity disorder and round of National Health and will involve p~ysiotherapists, greater quality of life for people preterm labour are among the Medical Research Council occupational therapists, social with congestive heart failure, but new projects to receive funding. (NHMRC) Grants. workers, pharmacists, dieticians A project team headed by and nursing staff at St George, Newcastle tops table for new research grants Newcastle PhD student Patricia in consultation with The University has achieved the. highest success rate of any Davidson has received $123,041 cardiologists," Patricia Australian university for new research grants. to trial the program at, the St explained. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Ron MacDonald, said the George Hospital and Congestive heart failure is the University had received $1;381,297 in new research grants from Community Health Service, most common reason for the Australian Research Council (ARC). "That means 32.4 percent where Patricia works as a admission and re-admission to of new first year ARC grants we applied for were furided,''he said. Clinical Nurse Consultant. The the St George Hospital The national average was 20.7 percent. 'tOurs was the highest randomised controlled trial atSt Cardiology Unit. Through success rate of any'Australian university ·and was a better George will assess the impact of education about the importance . achievement than the major metropolitan Universities. program interventions on re of appropriate exercise and the IIARC funding is extremelic;ompeti~ve and Newcastle has done admission rates for patients who encouragement of dietary extremely well."
UNINEWS - December
A readership survey was staff, students and research. A Classified advertisements and .other contributions for Etcetera conducted in the July edition of greater emphasis will be placed should be sent to Rose Roohan, phone: ext 6463, email: Uninews and results were on pictorial stories as our feature [email protected] published in the August edition. article and the photographic 1999 Schedule In response to your feedback, we content will be maintained. Edition Copy deadline Circulation date will make a few changes next Thank you to all those who 1 February 4 February 18 year. responded to our survey. 2 March 11 March 25 We currently run several The editor and Marketing 3 April 15 April 29 stories or sections over one or and Media Services staff wish 4 May 13 May 27 two pages and the rest as half you a safe and joyous Christmas 5 June 17 July 1 page or less. As a result of the and look forward to reporting on 6 July 22 August 5 survey, we'll reduce the number the University's stories and 7 August 26 September 9 of full page stories in favour of a achievements in the New Year. 8 September 30 October 14 greater number of shorter Enquiries and contributions 9 October 28 November 11 stories. This will allow us to should be directed to the Editor, 10 November 25 December 9 increase the number of stories Uninews, Marketing and Media Publisher - Fran Flavel we do on various areas of the Services, phone: (02) 4956 1869 Editor - Kim Britton University, including those on or (02) 49·56 2829, email: Writers - Kim Britton, Karla McCormack, Charles Grahame, academic and administrative [email protected] David Herbert Photography - John Freund, Chris Patterson, Wendy Sansom
UNINEWS Page 3 ------j Doubling your chances of employment
Combined or double degrees that workplace include the ability to allow students to IIndertake two work as a team member, good courses of study simultaneollsly are oral and written conununication becomillg increasingly popular. skills and the ability to work UllilJews looks at what they are, who across disciplines. does tl,cm and why. "The demand for combined A double degree program is degrees is high," she said. "By an integrated one,leading to two choosing studies that provide awards. For example, the them with a broader education, Faculty of Education offers a combined degree students make number of double degrees. themselves more marketable to Students undertake their employers and more adaptable Bachelor of Teaching course in the workplace." simultaneously with shtdies in Engineering offers more the discipline area in which they combined degrees than any wish to specialise as a teacher other Faculty. Dean, Professor e.g. Bachelor of Teaching/ Adrian Page, said engineering Bachelor of Music. All the combined degrees have been courses take four years of fu11- around for 20 years but the time study to complete. A offerings have widened to reflect student must satisfy the industry needs. "Offering a requirements for both awards range of combined degrees together, as the degrees cannot allows us to address the needs be taken out separately. of the profession and to stay at Combined degree programs the forefront of developments. are those which lead to two We also have to compete against separate awards at graduation. other institutions offering these Two courses are undertaken flexible options in order to attract simultaneously, but the student the top students." can take each award out Basically you can combine separately e.g one after the other, just about anything with an rather than together (as in the engineering qualification, decided I'd better wake up to to be respected, they must filst case of the double degrees). provided it is an approved myself." Having sorted out his go overseas," he said. "Most Combined degree courses attract course of study and it can be time management and settled people go to England or America high achieving students (mainly timetabled. For an extra year's into independent living, Jamie is but I'll be going to Germany." school leavers), who have the study, you come away with two now doing well in his course. In terms of appeal to option of dropping back to a degrees but combined degrees While he chose to study employers and value for money, ,'. single degree course if they find also involve a lot more work. engineering as a career path, his combined degrees offer top the combined degree studies too Despite very high entrance real passion is for maths. "I students an undeniable edge. At demanding. This option is not requirements (a minimum of 85 thought maths would be the University of Newcastle, th!i! available under the double TER score or equivalent UAR), interesting and that the two possible combinations of study degree structure. some students find it difficult. degrees would look good to an are only limited by the ability to University Secretary and Jamie Bailey, who is doing a employer," he said. work out the timetable. Registrar, Gem Cheong, believes Bachelor of Engineering Combined degrees can that combined degrees give (Electrical)/Bachelor of provide an art student with the students a breadth of general Mathematics, got a TER of 99 but skills to manage a business or a education that isn't provided in struggled with the workload in scientist the ability to write a specialist courses. Countless his first year. Jamie had just highly literate essay. Music employer surveys have shown turned 18 and left his family's student, Ricky Walla, is that graduates entering the Gorokan home for the first time combining his Bachelor of Music workforce after completing a when he came to study at with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring single discipline course lack a Newcastle. "I should have had a in German. Ricky, who has broader perspective, Gem said. year off," he said of his poor played violin since he was five, "The surveys tell us that performance in first year. "It will use his combined skills universities need to give their wasn't a matter of not being when he goes on a student students a more rounded capable. I didn't want to drop exchange to Germany next year. education. Skills needed in the back to a single degree so I "For an Australian musician
Page 4 UNINEWS Governments responsible for health
The prime job of government and they really necessarily straightforward. "In John Hunters from whom the governments is to guard should do the right thing by us," the 1920's, the country... got rid region's major hospital takes its people's health, not the Professor Cairns said. of their army. They were able name. His visionary work led economy, a former head of Increased affluence in a thereby to concentrate on him to become a professor of Harvard School of Public Health society did not necessarily lead looking after the very poor anatomy at the age of 25, before told an audience at the to improved health outcomes. population and as a result, the his untimely death at 27. Mectical University in October. Emeritus The more doctors a country has, life expectancy in Costa Rica· is education today still draws from Professor John Cairns, who was for instance, the higher the infant just about the same as in the his work. The memorial lecture, delivering the inaugural John mortality rate. "This figure, United States." to be delivered every two years, Irvine Hunter Memorial Lecture, which came from the great Professor Cairns delivered has been funded by a $100,000 said that the function of having epidemiologist. Archie his lecture, entitled Public Health donation by John Hunter's son, a healthy economy was to look Cochrane.. .is part of the message and the War against Untimely retired pathologist Dr Irvine after people. that governments should Death, at the conclusion of a two Hunter. Professor Cairns, renowned remember that their job is to look day workshop organised by the Dr Hunter didn't ever meet for his work in the fields of after the people," he said. "If a University'S Centre for Clinical his father, who died before he genetics, cancer, virology, government is not primarily Epidemiology and Biostatistics, was born. He said the lectures mole.cular biology and public interested in the welfare of in association with the were a suitable means of health, was speaking on the people but in the economy, and Newcastle Institute of Public remembering him. "They importance of public health it lets doctors and nurses and Health. The Molecular epitomise what he was striving interventions throughout hospitals proliferate to the point Epidemiology in Relation to for, excellence in education and history. One of the first the market will take, that is the Cancer workshop was held to research." manifestations of the basis for this effect." explore new research areas made disintegration of the Soviet Costa Rica, the poorest possible by the molecular
Union, for instancej had been country in central America, biology revolution. changes in life expectancy and showed that the correlation The John Irvine Hunter infant mortality. "The message is between affluence and the Memorial Lecture honours Dr that we are in the hands of our control of untimely death wasn't John Hunter, one of the three
Brainpower on display at student exhibition
A new EEG telemetry system that eliminates many of the usual wires and equipment was one of the highlights of a project exhibition by final year Engineering students last month. The EEG system was built by Peter De Lore, a Computer Engineering student and employee of the John Hunter Hospital's Biomedical Engineering Unit. It uses a radio link to transmit data from sensors on a patient's head to remote monitoring equipment. Current systems use a nest of wires to transmit the data. Peter demonstrated the machine by operating a computer with his brainwaves. He built the system because of the ever present need to make hospital patients as comfortable as possible. "This system allows us to move the monitoring system away from the patients' bedside/' he said. "It can often be an urmerving experience to be course to build the machine, with assistance from surrounded by medical equipment when you are the University and funding from the Biomedical sick in hospital. There are similar machines in the Engineering Unit at John Hunter." United States and the technology is fairly The exhibition featured a number of innovative widespread, but this sort of EEG equipment wasn't projects including a security system which runs available in Australia. through an existing PC network, a robot designed "Given that there was an obvious need I used to fetch a ball, and a solar powered vehicle. the knowledge I gained from my Engineering
UNlNEWS Pages -- up to research why marriages people, helping them to develop and families were "breaking up" their talents and supporting in Australia, the Unit broadened teams to work together have its scope under Brian's leadership always been important to me and convinced the Australian and that happens to be in accord Bureau of Statistics to undertake with many of the latest themes the field work for national studies in management theory. It also to research a broader range of helps to have a broader demographic and social perspective, to place yourself phenomena related to families. outside of the change occurring "Our unit also changed the whole within an organisation and see nature of the 1976 census in the demographic, political, Australia and those that have cultural and social context of followed. So it had a big that change." influence." As a result of the challenges The Family Research Unit presented by dwindling closed in 1982 when the Institute government funding for of Family Studies was established educa tion, Brian thinks in Melbourne under the Family universities are more aware and Law Act. But the experience have more control over their Brian gained wor king on direction than they've nationally significant projects previously experienced. had a big influence on him. "We have had limits to "Working with a broad range of growth in the past three years people to get major projects up and that pre~ents a serious and running made me challenge to the old determined to do things well. It assumptions about funding and is no use running a project, about ways to approach new offering a course or working for developments. The University is a University that you don't think addressing these issues in its can be the best." strategiC plans. Within the He brought this enthusiasm to constraints of limited growth, I wouldn't ever have expected it Newcastle in 1990 when he was we are re-emphasising research appointed to the Foundation and research training, Brian English didn't ever form an ambition to be a Deputy Vice Chair in Social Work. "To come maintaining a diverse range of Chancellor. He simply did what he had done several times before in as the Foundation Professor, with undergraduate and his working life - stepped in to act in a position that became vacant the freedom to select a team and postgraduate awards and our suddenly. Yet it is his lack of a planned career path that he believes create the courses, was a fantastic commitment to no gives him an independent approach. opportunity. Then with Lois undergraduate fees. We have "It never crossed my mind that I'd end up in senior roles. Each Bryson, who became the also emphasised the value we one of them just came to me. However, it makes you very free. I Foundation Dean, and others, we place upon our staff and our have never been in a position where I felt compromised by fear of established the Faculty of Social students, upon devolving losing a title or a perk like a company car. I have always felt free to Science." Another unplanned responSibility to Faculties, upon act responsibly." move came soon after when he partnerships within and beyond Brian's first ambition was to leave the small town in Wiradjuri took over from Lois as Acting the region and to achieving country, on the south-west slopes of NSW, where his farru,ly on both Dean and then as Dean. He has internationally recognised and sides had been known for four generations. "Everyone knew also been President of the relevant programs. There is no everything about you. I was desperate to get away. I left school every Academic Senate (1994-7) and reason why staff in the year from the time I was 14 but kept coming back." Eventually he Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic). University of Newcastle can't be made it and after various diversions including working as a After acting as Deputy Vice world leaders in research and beekeeper and spending a couple of years as a Trappist monk, he Chancellor from August, Brian education. " went to Sydney to work as a parole officer in the Department of was the successful candidate for But above all, Brian believes Prisons and to study part-time at the University of New South Wales the position in November, 1997. in the value of education, to (UNSW). He majored in sociology, social work and industrial He believes that professional individuals and to SOciety. relations. organisations like universities, "Education provides On graduation, Brian joined the UNSW's Family Research Unit health systems or legal practices knowledge and skills. It makes in 1972 as a research officer and part-time PhD student. It was then are primarily about encouraging us reflective about values and that he got his first unexpected career change by stepping into a and supporting the talents of the goals, it increases tolerance in vacated position. "On the sudden death of the Unit Director, I was people working in them. people and in society and it asked to take over and stayed in that position for several years." Set "Respecting and apprecia ling enriches culture."
Page 6 UNINEWS nin(.'vv',
Warrior symbolises future links Ancient civilisations and University of Newcastle for the modern p'artnerships in teaching enhancement of research and and research come together in learning through collaborative the form of a replica terracotta endeavour and cultural Chinese warrior recently exchange," Professor Holmes installed in the grounds of the said. University. Mr Wu Keming, Consul A gift from Xian Jiaotang General of the People's Republic University of the People's of China officially installed the Republic of China, the figure is replica in the grounds on October 28. "The warrior will stand close to the Language Centre and will be a daily reminder to all of the close links that now exist between the two universities, and the growing relationship The Open Foundation Course between Australia and the Marjorie did the OFC in 1976 (OFC) recently celebrated more People's Republic of China," and enrolled in a Bachelor of than 20 years of helping people Professor Holmes said. Arts degree at Newcastle, to enter university with a graduating with a double major reunion dinner. Open The Vice-Chancellor and Mr in Psychology in 1980. She then Foundation is -a preparatory Wu Kerning with the terracotta worked as a research nurse with course which allows people to warrior at the presentation the Central Coast Area Health· undertake University studies. ceremony. Service, where she was Marjorie Cuthbert, OAM, responsible for quality assurance a symbol of commitment and Warrior. represents who was among the first and introduced a patient cooperation between the two graduates of the OFC, was classification system. She was 'antipathetic' values organisations. It is a replica of presented with the inaugural awarded her Master's degree in Several universities had one of the 7000 life-sized Open Fo'Wldation Achievement Health Administration from the' refused gifts of replica terracott~ terracotta warriors so far Award. Speaking at the dinner, warriors or not displayed them University of NSW in 1983 and unearthed in the tomb of Qin held at the Callaghan campus in prominently in protest at the completed research studies Shihuangdi, the first emperor of values that the !erracotta army October, Marjorie described the towards her PhD in 1989 before China. The tomb's existence was represents, retiring history path her life took as a result of withdrawing for personal unknown outside China prior to scholar, Henry Chan, said. her OFC shtdies. The daughter reasons. 1974 and is now a major "The terracotta army was of the Medical Superintendent of Positions she has held include attraction for visitors to the created to guard the tomb of the the Royal Newcastle Hospital, Deputy Director of Nursing atSt COWltry. first emperor of China, Qin her desire for a medical career Vincent's Private Hospital in Shihuangdi, who unified China in "It's interesting to note that was initially frustrated in the Darlinghurst and Chairperson of 221 BCE and reigned Wltil he died the warriors were created over post-war period when returning in 210BCE," Henry explained. Division of Nursing at La Trobe 2000 years ago by the emperor "Unfortunately, he is regarded by servicemen were given University. She was Principal Qin Shihuangdi who, history Chinese historians and scholars as· preference for positions at the Research Fellow at La Trobe's records, attempted to limit one of the very worst tyrants in medical school. She became a Albury-Wodonga campus until learning and often punished Chinese history, who is credited nurse. her retirement in 1994. scholars," Vice Chancellor, with the burning of books in 213 "I 'Was working as a NMy life has never been the Professor Roger Holmes, said. BCE and the burying alive of community health nurse at same since I did the OFC," Confucian scholars in 212 BCE." "Qin Shihuangdi is better Windale when I read that the Marjorie said. She travelled from The memory of Qin known in history, however, as OFC was starting at Newcastle. Albury, where she is a healthcare the creator and first emperor of Shihuangdi was revived in China by Chairman Mao during the Although I had four children, the consultant and President of the China." Cultural Revolution in 1974, and introduction of free education Wodonga District Hospital The gift of a warrior has now the discovery, of the army under the Whittam Government Board, for the reunion. An OFe become a symbol of the strong guarding ·his tomb was revealed gave me the opportunity to alumni group was established as links between the People's to the world, Henry said. "Mao study. I enrolled as fast as I a result of the dinner. Republic of China and other did not have a very high opinion could. I wanted to do societies. of intellectuals and scholars. psychology because I'd been "The warriors representyal ues "In this particular case it is a doing a lot of counselling at the very antipathetic to those that are symbol of the commitment to Windale Health Centre but the cherished and upheld by cooperation between Xian universities." patients needed more than I Jiaotong University and the could offer."
UNINEWS Page 7 -- New professor imagines "most interesting and Republic, Michael Mansell'~ , instructive" . plan for an Aboriginal republics Later, as a postgraduate Republic in 1987 on the eve of studentat Macquarie University, the Bicentenary, Keating's she completed her doctoral' move in 1992 to establish· a thesis on the survival of the Republican ,Advisory' Tasmanian Aborigines. She was Committee, Steve Vizard's appOinted to the Women's republic of middle Australia Affairs Department of Prime based on his attendance at'the Minister and Cabinet under Constitutional Convention thiS Prime Ministers Whitlam and year, and Pauline Hanson's Fraser. view of the Republic of· "1 even had the privilege of Australia 2050, published ip _ taking minutes at cabinet 1997: meetings," she recalled. "Australia's :new presidet\t": In the 1980s Professor Ryan is Poona Li Hung. Ms H~&·-j.·;· pioneered Australian and lesbian, is of multiracii!r' Women's Studies programs at descent, of Indian and ChineSe Griffith University in Brisbane, background, part machine -~, later becoming Reader in first cyborg preSident. Hei·::~. Women's Studies at Flinders neuro circuits were produce School. She then occupied the and changed over the last 23 lecture are being printed _and I position of research assistant to years." may be obtained from the Professor Manning Clark at'the She described each of these in Secretary of the School.of Australian National University detail, the anti-monarchist Humanities at the Central in Canberra for three years, an republic arguments published in Coast Campus, Ms LynHunter, assignment she described as Geoffrey Dutton's An Australian on ext 4120. Page 8 UNINEWS lin news Industry scholarship scheme launched An innovative scholarship engineer, told industry sponsors development of the scholars." beyond academic performance. scheme that will see industry . at the launch that he fully The scholarship, worth An additional 10 scholarships playa part in the education of appreciated the gap between $40,000 over five years, involves are available in 1999 in electrical, engineers was officially academic qualifications and true 84 weeks of industry attachment civil, software, chemical and launched last month by the practical capability. as part of the course, including mechanical engineering. Chancellor, Ric Charlton. "Over the years it has been the scholar's fourth year being Dean of the Faculty, Professor Adrian Page, said it is important that engineering education remain innovative and relevant. "We at Newcastle take great pride in the quality of our graduates but as technology and the work place change we need to develop new ways to ensure we remain at the forefront of engineering schools both nationally and internationally. "UNISS has been developed to meet' this challenge and by involving industry partners we will be able to improve the quality of our courses for all students, not just those involved in the program." Professor Page paid tribute to the work of Dr Ian Webster in developing the program from concept to its launch. "I know Electrical engineering student, Leonie Freeston, receives her schoh;lfShip from UNISS sponsor, that Ian has worked tirelessly on Brian Ness, of Transfonn Composites this project and it is in no small part due to his vision and above The University of Newcastle the case that universities spent entirely in the sponsor's all his enthusiasm that the Industry Scholarship Scheme academically prepared the industry. A total of three Faculty is able to offer this (UNISS), a cooperative venture young graduate engineer scholarships have been awarded modem and creative program," between the Universi ty and leaving industry to complete for 1998 with scholars selected he said. industry sponsors, involves their training," he said. "UNISS by both sponsors and the The launch, held on October scholars undertaking extensive seeks to make this process a joint University. Compe.tition was 30, was hosted by Energy industry attachment during their undertaking with both partners intense for the available Australia, who are assisting in studies. Mr Charlton, himself an taking responsibility for the positions and criteria went far the electrical engineering program and were one of the Steelmaker to teacher - an award winning transformation first sponsors to take up UNISS. Other founda lion UNISS The Faculty of Education has won a national The Vice-Chancellor said the award provided sponsors include Transf~)fm award for its innovative program to train "an excellent tribute to innovation and Composites (mechanical), TYP redundant steelworkers to be school teachers. The achievement through collaboration". Consulting (electrical), Sulcal inaugural Award for Outstanding Achievement in "We are particularly proud of this program. The constructions and ABI Group Collaboration in Education/Training, presented by result has been a win for all parties' involved. In (civil), BHP Research and the Business/Higher Education Round Table, was particular I'd like to congratulate Sandra Sirasch Technology Development presented by Victorian Premier, Jeff Kennett, in of the Faculty of Education who has managed the (chemical and software), Melbourne last month. It was accepted jointly by project." Tomago Aluminium (chemical) the Faculty, BHP Rod Bar and Wire Division and The program was an outstanding example of and Pacific Power (electrical and the NSW Department of Education and Training, how the education system and the private sector chemical). who collaborated on the program to provide could marry their skills and knowledge to not only The Faculty hopes to expand retraining for workers who are to be retrenched as adjust to change but to initiate it, he said. UNISS in 2000 and will be a result of the closure of the Newcastle plant in looking for potential sponsors. November next year. UNINEWS Page 9 -- When art collector and pilot Helen Read was a child, she asked her Australian mother about a souvenir boomerang on display in her home in Somerset, England. After listening to her mother's stories about Aboriginal people and Australia she resolved straight away to live and work with Aboriginal people. That resolve camed her on a journey to the Simpson Desert - the filSt of many journeys Into Aboriginal Australia. It was while working as a nursing sister and pilot for the Pintupi people in the mid- 1980s that Helen first saw the beautiful artworks being produced by Aboriginal people. Captivated by the idea of introducing others to the art and culture of Aboriginal Australia, Helen formed Didgeri Air Art Tours in 1987- Based in Darwin, she flies groups to art producing communities in Arnham Land. the Tiwi Islands, Kimberley and the Western Deserts. , , , I Over the years, she has amassed a splendid personal collection of artworks. A chance meeting with Pauline Guthrie, Curator of Tin Sheds Gallery in Syd ney, resulted in a travelling exhibition of some of Helen's collection, A Thousand Journeys, which is being shown in the Faculty of Art and Design Gallery. Opening the exhibition, Helen said the purpose of A Thousand Journeys is to help high light the indigenous cultural diversity and strength in north-west Australia. "These works are chosen from my heart - for their power, beauty, education and sometimes for their added sentimental value." The exhibition, which closes on December 13. will tour regional galleries in NSW and Victoria until December 1999. UNINEWS Page 11 -- Books Students excel at University Games .' -' Australian first in education of vision impaired The first Australian reference book on the ed uea tion of children with vision impairments was launched at the Royal Instihtte for Deaf and Blind Children on October 22. With very little literature available in Australia addressing this area of special education, the new textbook, Towards Excellence: Effective Education for Students witll Vision Impairment, will fill a wide gap and will greatly augment professional resources that are available internationally. The text was produced at Renwick College, the Centre for Professional Training and games. The_largest multi-sport several individual athletes were Research operated by the Royal A team of University athletes event held in Aust,calia, the selected in Australian Institute for Deaf and Blind perform~d with distmction at ' the 1998 Australian University games were supported by the Universities Green and_ Gold Children in affiliation with the Games held in Melbourne Victorian Government through Merit Teams. Gold medal University. Co~editors of the the provi'sion _of $90,000 in, -winners were: Christie Newton _. book, Gillian Gale and Pat recently, bringing home .gold, silver and bronze medals in sponsorship. They were opened (javelin), ! Page 12 UNINEWS un news Setting a blistering pace An exhibition of the work of Museum in Sydney's Rocks area and final year architecture students a series of projects for a development was held at Elder's Wool Store site in Singapore. in Wickham last month. Stephen Mackay Gray, pictured Featuring a wide variety of with his work at the exhibition, works compiled over 12 months, planned a Sydney Institute of the exhibition featured a number Literary Art to be constructed of different architecrural styles adjacent 'to the University of· and concepts. Technology and the Sydney Head of the Department of University faculties of art and law in Architecture, A/Professor Rob the Haymarket. "The project ties in Cowdroy, said the projects on with the existing cultural and display provided vehicles for the education zone, with the centre students to demonstrate their designed to promote literature and mastery of the whole of their the work of Australian writers." course. Stephen, whose second passion is for "The final year project tests literature, said it was important that model building and drawing students choose a theme for their full skills, planning abilities and y~ar project that won't bore them. skills in dealing with real clients "You create your own problem and and presenting their work at the then solve it but you have to find a end/' Rob said. "The best of working client who helps create your them have a major second brief." Stephen hopes to work for an agenda that allows the examiner architectural firm in Newcastle. to see that the student can handle The exhibition was also shown at a multiple agenda." the Australian Technology Park in One of the projects on display Sydney on November 13, where it that demonstrated a social attracted attention from other f' agenda, for instance, was plans architecture students and academics ':,~ ~ for an Aboriginal housing as well as providing a market for 'I development in Redfern, in. student employment. "Newcastle t inner Sydney, which was sets a blistering pace for the other formulated in cooperation with schools," Rob Cowdroy said. "There the local Aboriginal community. is always keen interest in what our Other projects included plans for students are doing." a highly controversial extension to the Contemporary Art Breakthrough in asthma diagnosis More than two million effective means of measuring most effective treatment. This is of Respirologists in October. In Australians are affected by airway inflammation than the particularly relevant when addition to these findings, Peter asthma, making it the nation's more traditional breathing test. prescribing the newest forms of is studying allergic broncho most widespread chronic health "Doing breathing tests alone asthma treatments, such as pulmonary aspergillosis, a problem. Astudy by a Newcastle do not reveal if a person's Flixatide, Serevent, Foradile and fungal complication of asthma PhD student could lead to more airways are still inflamed despite Singulair. Until now it has been that leads to permanent lung effective diagnosis and treatment. Some people have the unclear as to what medication to damage. He is trying to secure treatment of people with asthma classic asthma symptoms of choose and when to start it. research funding to investigate and chronic cough. cough, wheeze and "Before this study, the the effectiveness of the Dr Peter Wark, with the breathlessness even though their usefulness of induced sputum antifungal antibiotic, support of Dr Peter Gibson and airways aren't inflamed," he analysis in a clinical setting had Itraconazole, in controlling the the Airways Research Group in explained. not been determined. Our problem. the Department of Medicine at Determining whether a research now shows that it may John Hunter Hospital, has person's airways are inflamed, be a useful guide to therapy," discovered that induced sputum or knowing the degree of Peter' said. (which measures white blood inflammation, could be He delivered the results of his cells in the airways) is a more important when deciding the study to the Asia Pacific Society UNINEWS Page 13 -- . Vigilance needed In recycling effort Australia consumed around this year indicated that 85 "Most of the material is become com:placent about using" 3.37 million tonnes of paper in percent of paper suitable for plastic wrap, tissues, them and allowed contaminanq;.· the 1994/5 financial year or recycling is being collected. hand towels, napkins and lolly to creep in. She asks tha~ staff:. around 40 million trees. We Physical Planning and wrappers but there are also some remain vigilant abo"ut· w.lirit currently recycle over 1.4 million Estates'(PPE) Environmental hazardous items like broken makes its way· into th~:·(.~,. tennes of paper, with each tonne Project Officer, Leanne Gardiner, glass and food scraps creeping distinctive blue paper recy~J; estimated to save 0.3 cubic says this is a good result but into the bins. bins. If you need additiort:al~~4_; '-'.) -"-.,,'11,-;: metres of landfill space, 30,000 leaves room for improvement, "These materials have to be deskside bins or a larger 73lltte}':_~ __ ~:{:: Htres of water and 4,100 kilowatt with over 20 tonnes of recyclabie removed by hand and we are bin for your photocopying rooili~~:;:i:~{;~ hours of electricity. paper dispatched to landfill this concerned that the mounting contact Leanne on ext 7328. -,,. The University uses almost year. Leanne is also concerned cost of labour makes recycling 120 tonnes of paper each year or about an increase in the amowlt less viable." more than 1,500 average sized of inappropriate material being Leanne believes that '1. trees. A waste audit of the found in the paper collected for familiarity with the blue Callaghan campus conducted. recycling. recycling bins has led people to Let them eat waste Another project initiated this year is diverting virtually all of the food waste generated by Union outlets and residential colleges at the Callaghan campus away from landfill. From humble beginnings with the purchase of two standard worm beds, Mim Woodland of PPE has established a system of worm farms in the landscaped area to the west of the Forum sports centre. Bachelor of Environmental Science student, Kristy Ashendon, cared for the worms in the standard beds in a specialist study undertaken as part of her final year major in Environmental Management. The findings from her study showed that worm farming (vermiculture) was an effective August and have been tended by the cooperation of staff to means of minimising waste on 'Work for the Dole' teams. As retrieve food scraps from office campus and led to the decision well as recycling food waste, the buildings across the campus. JI to expand the operation. worm castings provide a rich "Watching Kristy working organiC fertiliser for use in the with the worms, I thought it was grounds. Sustainable solutions recognised' very labour in tensi ve and Mim is hoping to enlist some The worm farm proj ect wondered if there might be an volunteers among the staff to recently won a Newcastle the EnviJ·on.D.. "lI;II' easier way to go about it," Mim help gather food scraps from Council Environmental said. "I visited Lake Macquarie lunch rooms and offices for the Achievement Award. The Council and saw them using a worm farm. "We are collecting awards acknowledge 'Private travelling wall that I thought grass clippings and shredded organisations that seek would work so we modified the paper as food sources for the environmental sustainability in design to allow us to use. a worms during the summer their activities. The project won work, site ench"ni!! Bobcat instead of shovels." break but have still had to go off the 'Waste Management Ten travelling worm walls campus to the Mater Hospital Category'. The University also and two "winrow" beds were and other places for food to won the 'Resource added to the standard beds in maintain the worms. We need Page 14 UNINEWS Knowledge ... Our Way Healing .... Our Way Australia's first information Research Officer John Shipp. package that asks Aboriginal He said the multimedia people to identify the cultural package has several benefits, not issues which need to be only for medical students and considered when delivering health professionals, but also for health services to specific the communities. communities was launched at "The communities the University last month. themselves have spoken about "Healing ... Our Way: how difficult it is to get doctors, Aboriginal Perspectives on or particular health services. Aboriginal Health" has been They hope that by providing developed by the Discipline of information on their area in this Aboriginal Health Studies of the way they will encourage people Faculty of Medicine and Health to practice there," he said. Sciences. Attending the launch, which Participants in the cultural education symposium, held in the Faculty of "Aboriginal culture is very was held in the Faculty of Art Art and Design Gallery sophisticated, and can have a and Design Gallery on strong influence in how health Copyright issues involving Heather Zeppell and Delvene November 12, was Mr Ray Kelly care should be delivered," contemporary Aboriginal art was Parkin from the Department of of the Awabakal Health Service one of the topics discussed at a Leisure and Tourism Studies explained Discipline Head of (Newcastle) and Mr Steve day-long symposium on delivered the keynote address at Aboriginal Health Studies, Ms Blunden of the Durrie Medical Aboriginal _culture involving the symposium when guest Gail Garvey, "The package we Service (Kempsey). Mr Craig have developed is designed to Ritchie, Program Coordinator of representatives from all areas of speaker Chris Bonney, project give medical students and health Awabakal Medical Service, education. office for the National Indigenous The Deparhnent of Aboriginal Arts Advocacy, had to canceL care professionals an idea of the executive member of Aboriginal cultural issues of a particular Health Resource Centre (AHRC) Studies held the Symposium of Organisers felt that the day commw1ity, as well as details of Cultural Education, presented a great understanding and Board member of Hunter "Knowledge ... Our Way", on of the influence cultural existing health services, and Health launched the package. November 23 as an opportunity education has on teaching and general information on the for participants to look through learning, and showed that area." The package, which took two the educational window of interaction between people can Aboriginal art and culture. only broaden the understanding years to develop, was funded by a $200,000 grant from the The organisers hoped that by of education. bringing together people from Department of Employment, different areas of education - Education, Training and Youth high schools, TAPE, the Affairs (DEETYA), through the community and the University National Priority Reserve Fund. they could develop a cohesive Using an: interactive CD-Rom, approach to teaching, and "Healing... Our Way" provides a understand the influence snapshot of four communities - Aboriginal culture has on Broome in Western Australia, Tennant Creek in the Northern learning. Their expectations were exceeded with workshop Territory and Newcastle and participants proving that even Kempsey in New South Wales. though they teach and learn in Those four communities were different educational spheres, selected because of -their cultural education is evident. diversity, and their Aboriginal Everyone is benefiting from Medical Services. It is hoped that cultural education. As people with further funding, other become more culturally aware communities can be added to the themselves, it's allowing them to package. provide a better understanding of "We have spent considerable cultural difference and tolerance time discussing issues with the local communities - both when toward diversity. gathering infonnation and as we were putting the package together - to ensure it correctly reflected their views," explained UNINEWS Page 15 --- Is anyone li~t,et1ingl.· The value of volunteers The value of volunteers at the the Family Action Centre. University is regularly The 35 graduates of the acknowledged - without them, HomeLink and Home-Start many programs such a's the training programs received Family Action Centre's certificates and congratulations HomeLink and Home-Start from the Patron of the programs simply wouldn't exist. HomeLink program, Hazel On November 24 their Hawke. contribution was formally Following some touching and recognised at the External entertaining accounts from Relations Division's Volunteer volunteers of the work they do, Luncheon and Volunteer of the Or John Irvine offered valuable Year Award. Held for the advice on the importance of volunteers of the Family Action people remembering to take care Centre, International Students' of themselves while they are Care Program, International caring for others - still getting Office and 2NUR-FM, the day the message across as he kept the included special guests Hazel audience roaring with laughter. Hawke and Or John Irvine. Entertainment by the extremely Vice Chancellor Professor talented Broadmeadow School Roger Holmes announced Concert Band helped make the Lillian Morgan from Maitland afternoon highly memorable for Home-Start as the 'Volunteer of the 250 guests. the Year', her name drawn out '1t's just a small way we can of a basket. show our volunteers that we "The Volunteer of the Year is appreciate what they do. One selected this way because it afternoon of entertainment, would be too hard to distinguish though" can't equate with the one particular volunteer who many" many hours they give to should receive the honour ... they the various community col0\ll'o; ",_':-, '_ " ______. all do an equally great job," programs run by External , . "/w\l111d. expect that the explained Di James" Director of Relations/' Ms James said. PollcYva.c\1i!in'illa! exists. in Swedish visitors take advantage of successful solutions A contingent of visitors from Sciences and Social Work at the Mid Sweden University MSU, met with several panels of (MSU) recently visited the staff from nursing to discuss Faculty of Nursing to look at issues including flexible delivery successful solutions to a range of modes" research policy education issues. The visitors, concerning postgraduate from the Division of Health education" problem based learning and information technology. The six member Visitors Ann-Margret team were gathering experiences Nilsson, Sustat Markland, Ella from Australian universities to Danielson and Bengt inform an extensive review of Akerstrom (seated from left) policies and infrastructure being with Faculty of Nursing staff undertaken at MSU. Page 16 UNINEWS un1news : Postgraduate study room opened The Vice-Chancellor last month opened the Postgraduate Study Room in the Auchmuty Library. Adjacent to the Flowers Reading Room, the new room has four computers providing a full range of services including internet access. It demonstrates the commitment of the Information and Education Services Division (IESD) to supporting postgraduates. A display focusing on the University's first doctoral candidate, William Coleboume, coincided with the opening. Dr Colebourne presented his dissertation, a linguistic analysis of Hermas' The Shepherd, to the Department of Classics in 1965 and was awarded his PhD the following year. IESD Information Resources Year 2000 problems is being President of the Dr Colebourne taught Program Manager, Greg established by IESD. Ph: ext Postgraduate classics at Maitland Boys High Anderson, said that a fee of $40 5847, Students'Association, before joining the staff of St would provide registration to a email:Y2000@:newcastIe.edu.au Greg Harrington, John's College, Morpeth in host library. In support of Semester break hours - with the Vice 1948,where he lectured for 30 Newcastle students, however, libraries and student computing Chancellor at the years. Following his death IESD will pay $30 towards this services opening of the earlier this year, his collection of fee, reducing the cost to $10 per Auchmuty Library Postg.raduate Study books on classical languages and institution. IESD will pay the fee 8.30am - 5.00pm Room the scriptures was donated to the in full for postgraduate and Huxley University. It is housed in external students. Reciprocal 9.00am - 5.00pm Archives and Special borrowing rights between the Conservatorium Collections, where it institutions are free for staff. 9.00am - 5.00pm complements other collections From Semes'ter 1 next year, From December 7 -February5 from St jolm's College, including students can register by Summer School services will be a magnificent theological library completing an application form provided: donated by the first Anglican on the library homepage or from Auchmuty Bishop of Newcastle, William the Loans Enquiries desks. Monday and Tuesday Tyrrell. The Archives of the Applications must be completed 8.30am - 8.00pm College, comprising and fees paid before using Huxley administrative and academic another library. Host libraries Monday and Tuesday papers, are also stored there. won't accept phone or fax 9.00am - 8.0Opm Researchers can consult any verifications. All libraries will be closed of these collections by visiting Contact Loans Enquiries from Thursday, December 24 to Archives and Special Collections Desk staff: Monday, January 4. During or at the website, Auclunuty ext 5850 semester break, student www.library.newcastle.edu.au/ [email protected] computer laboratories and archives/ archives.html Huxley ext 6692 service points will operate from Access to university libraries [email protected] 9am to Spm. No weekend enhanced Central Coast ext 4020 services will be available. These Librarians from all NSW uldmr®dewey.newcastle.edu.au services will also be closed from university libraries (with the Music ext 8880 noon, December 24, reopening exception of ANU in Canberra) [email protected] January 4. have agreed to allow reciprocal Year 2000 project borrowing rights to staff and A service centre to help students of cooperating departments deal with institutions. computing issues surrounding UNINEWS Page 17 ----j etcetera K2 Three side cut skis 178cms Give Blood and Save Lives What's On - one season old - with Salomon The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is pleased to advise 850S bindings - ideal skis to of a transport service to convey increase skiing level quickly - groups of three to 11 people to our Wednesay, December 16 $350 - willing to sell for the price Newcastle Centre and 12.15pm - ATEM (the Association of Tertiary of the bindings. Ski boots Donormobile sites to donate and Education Managers) lunch-time seminar. RSVP Salomon ProForma Size 8 (42) then return. This courtesy vehicle will operate as follows: Monday, for catering purposes to Campus Liaison Officer, mens (black) and Skisuit - Bolle David Donnelly, ext 5561, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Blue Mens Sized Large (fits 34- and Friday 7.30 am to 3pm. email [email protected] 36" waist) - open to offers. Blood donors will be able to Speaker: Professor Roger Holmes, Vice-Chancellor Skip ants - Bolle Black Sized help boost much needed blood Large (fits 34-36" waist) - worn· supplies by attending. By doing December 25 - 31 twice - $50. Snowboard boots - so, they will be providing blood needed for many purposes, University closed - Merry Christmas and Happy K2 Sherpa for Clicker bindings - including cardiac surgery, New Year size 8 - one season old (8 days haemorrhage in child birth, cancer boarding) - new $299 will sell for patients, haemophiliacs and other 1999 $1500no. cases where people have suffered April 7-10 Paul Munro, ext 5278, email severe blood loss. If you would like to organise a Fifth Internatfonal Multi-disciplinary [email protected] Qualitative Health Research Conference University group to attend the Blood Bank, please call our Public Relations of Newcastle Merewether, Walking Department on 4923 6745 and we Contact Prof Irena Madjar, distance to beach, schools and will be happy to make the Faculty of Nursing Ext 7043 the Junction. Cavity brick and necessary arrangements. email: [email protected]~astle.edu.au Tile 3 bedroom. 2 bathrooms, Building name change formal lounge and dining rooms Please note that Lecture November 18-20 plus large family room, double Theatre E (E01) has been renamed ME '99 - The Second International Conference garage plus workshed, yard. Science Theatre to enable easier Managing Enterprises: $349,500 Ph 49635623 (H) or ext identification and avoid Stakeholders, Engineering, Logistics and 6458 confusion. The building code has Achievement also been changed to 5TH and the Contact Prof Janet Aisbett Ext 7248 actual room number FOR RENT for the theatre will be STIlOl. email: [email protected] Urgent - Three bedroom All University campus plans, house available, Warners Bay, maps and signage are being while staff member on leave, Jan updated by Physical Planning and Estates to reflect the changes .. FOR SALE - June 1999, fully furnished. Rent Please advise all members of staff negotiable. Contact Alison and any visitors to the campus. Yacht - Fibreglass, 26 ft with matching cushions. This is a Ferguson, ext 5716 or 4947 2424. Sandra Jones roomy 9 ft beam providing very solid lounge suite, built to Senior Facilities Officer(Space double V berth plus 2 single last forever. It is only two years Ultra modern one and two Management) berths. As new Yanmar 8 hp old and well worth the asking bedroom apartments available Physical Planning & Estates diesel. 12 v lighting with solar price of $1,500 (it cost over $2000 for short or longterm Vacation Care cell and two batteries. VHF - new). Ring Arme on ext 6444 or accommodation. These Vacation care will run from Seaphone plus stereo. Galley a/h 4975 2139. apartments are fully furnished January 18-22, 1999 .. Your child with pressure water, two burner including linen, cutlery, etc. can join the fun making a chicken stove, enclosed toilet. Heaps of Bed - black steel frame, queen Centrally located in Newcastle wire dinosaur, cylinder puppets, a kaleidoscope and a monster sails and gear. Solid and stable size bed - near new- $350.000no, on bus route to University. puppet. Other activities include a ext 8845 or 0411 588228. Please contact Dianne Piefke boat providing reliable cruising handball competition, volleyball, or club racing. $15,950. Phone/ ext 7072 tennis and marbles. Full and half Email for no obligation trial sail. Above ground driclad day care is available and bookings Ext 5907 (W) 49 633512 (H) ambassador pool - 4.5m x 3m x Merewether, Feb 1 to Dec 31 sessions will be held in the Atrium edpjm@cc,newcastle.edu.au 1.1m. Fully dismantled, includes 1999, Spectacular views along Room of the Chancellery from· 12.30 - 1.30pm on Thursday, all fittings/pump and filter -. Merewether Dixon and Bar December 3 and from 12.00 - Girls bike 16" with $400. Also white pool fencing Beach. Walking distance to beach 1.0Opm on Tuesday, December 15 detachable training wheels. and gate - $300. Grey upright and school. 2 storey brick and or contact Kerrie Tapp, ext 6547, Good condition. $50.00 computer stand - $75. tile. 3 large bedrooms, dining fax 5285/5288, email Glen ext 5276 room, lounge room, family kmatteI:s@mail. Fees will remain at $15 per child per day and an Three seater lounge with two [email protected] room, 2 bathrooms, garage, large annual booking fee of $5 will cover chairs and foot stools in golden yard $350 per week. Ph 49 you for the year. Payment in oak pine with green tartan 635623 (H) or ext 6458 conditions advance will ensure your child's covered seating and back, with apply. place. Page 18 UNINEWS The Special Education Centre has some places available in 1999 for children aged around 4 years in its integrated preschool program. The program operates 9am-3pm on Printers· and photographerscho Mondays and Tuesdays. Children with and without a disability are enrolled on a 50:50 Following a tender _process. undertaken -by -Marketing and Media Se,tvi,;.s' basis. The advantage to the children with a . (M&MS), the foUowing printers and photographers have been selected to unejerlak,i disability is the opportunity to model nonnal language and social skills. The advantage to Uni~ersity work for 1999: the children without a disability is I individualised attention (two teachers and an Printers aide for 14-16 children). a well-planned program, and the opportunity to gain an Uoyd~tt understanding of children who learn a bit more . Newcastle. Camera Print (NCP) slowly. Fee is $15 per day. Enquiries: Anne Dobson McEwan Porter, ext 6265 Physics students ....,.,., ~''''''"'' Production &Publi~~tions Program . heading overseas Two Newcastle postgraduate students are heading overseas to take up important posts at internationally renowned Universities. Gareth Williams has accepted a postdoctoral pOSition at Pennsylvania State University in the United States and R9nny van Moere has accepted a scholarship to the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Ronny's sch.olarship is particularly notable· because the standard of his work has been so high, he has been offered the scholarship prior to receiving his final grades. Ronny has been working in the area of surface Physics and last month his work on the surface structure of stainless steel was presented at the Australian Institute of Physics Congress. He also has the distinction of being the first student to use the University's new Scanning Tunnelling Microscope. At the University of Twente, he will be working under the guidance of Professor Bene Poelsema who is , I internationally renowned for his work in , surface physics. Ronny completed his Bachelor of Science at Avondale College then transferred to Newcastle for his honours year after 'experiencing' the Department during one of his third year subjects. Gareth Williams is also waiting for his final results, but is set to join Professor Barbara Garrison at Penn' State in the next few weeks. Gareth who is from the Hunter, completed his Bachelors' degree at ANU before returning to Newcastle to do his PhD. His project has involved a combination of computer simulation and experiments with one of the most powerful lasers in Australia. Earlier this year he presented a paper on his work at an international conference in Japan, and was well received. UNINEWS Page 19 Students stamp their mark on Australia Post Six University design "When Australia Post students will be included in commissions a new stamp, they Australia Post's pool of call on a pool of designers to designers, to help create submit work in the style they are Australia's stamps. looking for. The students created a "Our students are now part number of stamp designs as part of that pool." of their second year coursework The Head of the Department in Graphic Design. of Design, Allan Morse is particularly proud that this opportunity has arisen out of the students' coursework. One of the shtdents, John Atsalos, was awarded the inaugural Visual Communication Postage Stamp ~sign Award, which has also arisen from the students' success. Katrina Graham of the Australia Post Stamp Advisory Committee, who judged the award, attended the presentation ceremony last month. The award of $100, presented by the Dean Artist - Camilla Seamer of Students, Professor Philip Foreman, recognises the high standards the students have Their lecturers, Katie Williams achieved. and Cynthia Boyle, were so impressed with the work, they submitted it to Australia Post who were similarly impressed. "This will give the students an opportunity to undertake professional practice in illustration design," Ms Boyle said. Artist - John Astalds Artist - Timothy Chenery Page 20 UNINEWS