INPRINCIPIO IN THE BEGINNING

POLITICS OF INSTAGRAM ALUMNI POPULISM RESEARCH

AUGUST 2017 • VOLUME 29 • ISSUE 1

— VICE CHANCELLOR RECEIVES HONORARY DEGREE —

THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME THE OBJECTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME AUSTRALIA ARE:

a) the provision of university education within a context of Catholic faith and values; and b) the provision of an excellent standard of – i) teaching, scholarship and research; ii) training for the professions; and iii) pastoral care for its students. INSIDE

4 HONORARY DEGREE FOR 14 LIFE ON THE EDGE VICE CHANCELLOR Real sense of community on University of Portland, USA, Broome Native Reserve confers honorary degree on Professor Celia Hammond 16 SMALL STEPS TOWARDS RECONCILIATION Uluru summit puts spotlight on 6 CELEBRATING NOTRE DAME’S Indigenous rights CLASS OF 2016 More than 2000 students, 17 THE CENTENARY OF THE FATIMA EVENT nine graduation ceremonies A century later still the subject of intense interest 8 REGIONAL HEALTH CARE BOOST New rural training hubs to 18 TALKING PHILOSOPHY transform health care Improved literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills 9 NOTRE DAME EXCELS IN NATIONWIDE STUDENT SURVEY 19 HEALTH MATTERS Top rankings in five key indicators Solving the growing problem of obesity 10 BREAKTHROUGH RESEARCH 20 THE POLITICS OF POPULISM FOR STROKE TREATMENT Seismic shift in voter mindset Simple injection, significant reduction 22 NOTRE DAME’S SPORTS STARS SHINE in brain damage ON WORLD STAGE 10 WORLD-FIRST IN CHRONIC Elite athletes ‘punching above their weight’ MIGRAINE TREATMENT 24 MOST INSPIRING Research hope for three ‘WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2017' million Australians Notre Dame Medicine studies 11 LOOKING FOR ANSWERS IN METASTATIC graduate joins illustrious line-up BREAST CANCER TREATMENT 25 CHALLENGING THE POLITICAL STATUS QUO Critical information for those who fear recurrence Graduate stands up for State elections 12 INSTAGRAM STUDY 25 A DEGREE FOR TEACHING, AND FOR LIFE Alarming response from young, Masters in Theology a major bonus female students 26 EVENTS

INPRINCIPIO | 3 FEATURE

HONORARY DEGREE FOR VICE CHANCELLOR

Notre Dame Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond, has received an honorary degree from The University of Portland in the USA. The Doctor of Public Service honoris causa was conferred on Professor Hammond by Father Mark Poorman, President of long-standing international partner, the University of Portland, for “changing the landscape of education in Australia”.

The University of Portland, a long standing international partner of Notre Dame, was established by the Congregation of the Holy Cross in 1901 in Portland, Oregon. It is currently home to more than 4000 students and over 1000 faculty and staff. For the last 22 years Portland has earned a top-10 ranking by US News & World Report in its annual list of best colleges in the United States. Professor Hammond, was also honoured to be invited to deliver the Commencement speech to nearly 1000 graduates and their families at Portland’s 2017 Commencement Ceremonies. A series of excerpts from her address throw a spotlight on her journey through life.

…ON LIFE AND LOVE ›› In 1982, I wanted to win an Oscar – the best I can be, and about trying to do just like Meryl Streep. something ‘good’. I am an ordinary girl, born a long This is what I have learnt: contrary ›› In 1985, I wanted to be a time ago in a place far, far away (in the to so many popular songs, films, books supermodel (I had front teeth by late sixties in a small country town – we can’t all “be whatever we want to then, but no other qualifications). in Western Australia – who has been be” nor can we “have it all” (whatever blessed beyond her desserts to be doing ›› Through my university years I dreamt that means). We can’t all be the ‘best’ in what she does, to be living how she does, of becoming a female partner at a law a Hall of Fame. to be loving and being loved as she is. firm before the age of 30 – with five The ‘best’ that I can be is the best Like all of us here, I have my kids. I also dreamt of becoming the ‘me’. The best that you can be is the best own unique gifts and talents. And first female Prime Minister. you. We should direct our hopes, our I assure you, to make it clear, this is dreams, our aspirations and our prayers I have achieved none of these things not false modesty. I also work very to (i) having the insight and openness and if I were to judge my life against hard. But I am not extra-ordinary, to recognise our own uniqueness, our these childhood dreams I have failed I am an ordinary girl who has been own gifts and talents, our calling, our miserably and should feel grossly extra-ordinarily blessed. vocation in life – and to (ii) trying to unfulfilled. And there was a time when live a life in which we use and develop I did, dark days which were actually what we have been gifted with for the …ON AMBITION one of the biggest blessings I received betterment of the world in which we live. I spent the first two decades of my life as they made me open to accepting my This does not need to be big, grand as a Walter Mitty type dreamer (in the own frailties and imperfections: open to or take place on the world stage. We original James Thurber sense). accepting me for me; open to accepting do not need to be in a Hall of Fame to the help of others and open to God. ›› In 1976, at age eight, I wanted to be live a good and fulfilling life, to make a Olympic gymnast Nadia Comaneci. difference and to do good in the world. As wonderful as achievement ›› In 1977, I wanted to be a pop singer …ON LIFE LEARNINGS like Agnetha from Abba (which, and success may be they are poor with short hair, glasses, freckles Today my dreams, my hopes my substitutes, indeed no substitute, for a and no front teeth was never going aspirations and my prayers are no longer life guided by faith, a life of love, and a to happen). about being someone else – but rather life in which you develop and use your they are about embracing what has distinct, unique gifts. ›› In 1981, I wanted to win Wimbledon been gifted to me, about striving to be – just like Chrissy Evert.

INPRINCIPIO | 4 …ON GOING OUT INTO THE WORLD I know that without my dark and challenging times I wouldn’t be here today. Once again, this ordinary girl from a small country town a long way from here has been blessed beyond her desserts to be here with you: at this beautiful university and at this wonderful time of your life. Today is your day to celebrate what you have achieved and to do so with all those who love you and have supported you – congratulations to you all. It is also a day to look forward. To dream, to aspire, to hope about what lies ahead. My prayer, my dreams and my hopes for all of you as you leave this beautiful university and walk out into the world, is ›› that you embrace your own God given unique gifts, skills and talents; ›› that you embrace your life, live your own life, and do so in a way that is good, which is decent and which serves others; ›› that in times of joy you laugh, take pleasure and are filled with gratitude for the blessing which you have been given; ›› that in times of darkness and challenge, you find the strength and courage to get through them with an openness to yourself, an openness to others, an openness to and trust in God, so that one day you can look back on them with gratitude for the blessing which they gave you; and ›› that you truly love and know that you are truly loved throughout every moment of every day.

INPRINCIPIO | 5 CELEBRATING NOTRE DAME’S CLASS OF 2016

Notre Dame has celebrated its largest ever graduation ceremonies with more than 2000 students conferred degrees at nine ceremonies nationally in 2016/17. Family, friends and the University community gathered in Fremantle, Broome and Sydney to farewell the 2016 graduates who received qualifications in more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Notre Dame also conferred two honorary degrees to valued members of the legal and education communities for their commitment to their professions.

FREMANTLE GRADUATES SET TO LEAD, CONTRIBUTE & PROSPER TOP UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE A HALLMARK FOR SYDNEY GRADUATES The achievements of more than 1000 Notre Dame Fremantle The historic Sydney Town Hall provided the perfect Campus graduates were celebrated at the University’s backdrop for Notre Dame’s Sydney Campus in March 2017 Graduation Mass and Ceremonies in December 2016. as 1035 graduates shared memories of their university Celebrations commenced with the annual Graduation experience and walked down the now-famous blue carpet for Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in . More than 1100 guests the final time. attended the special ceremony in which graduates were Monica Cunneen (Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and presented with their graduation crosses – a traditional icon Arts) and Natasha Stark (Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of of the University and a commemorative symbol of a student’s Surgery (First Class Honours)) were the highest achievers in time at Notre Dame. their graduating cohorts. Monica attributed her success to Notre Dame paid special recognition to the top graduates the welcoming and personalised learning environment at who delivered the Farewell Addresses at each of the four Notre Dame. ceremonies – Tess Bestall (Bachelor of Nursing), Samantha “I came here because of the way The University sees every Doughty (Bachelor of Behavioural Science – Major: English student as an individual, with individual needs and dreams… Literature), Hannah Kolbusz (Bachelor of Education – Early I was surprised and also very thankful for the personal Childhood & Care: 0-8 years), and Nicole Koch (Bachelor of approach,” Monica said. Physiotherapy (Honours)).

INPRINCIPIO | 6 GRADUATION

CONTRIBUTIONS TO LAW AND CATHOLIC EDUCATION RECOGNISED A former Western Australian Supreme Court Senior Judge and a 50-year pioneer of Catholic education in New South Wales were conferred honorary degrees at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Graduation Ceremonies in Fremantle and Sydney. Notre Dame conferred a Doctor of Laws to The Honourable Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond, former Chancellor Justice Neville Owen for his tireless and faithful commitment Justice Neville Owen and current Chancellor, Peter Prendiville. to the legal profession, while Brother Patrick Howlett, a long-time Principal at Parramatta Marist High School, was recognised with a Doctor of Education. Justice Owen is a former Chancellor of the University and has been an active contributor to the University community since 1997 when he was a founding member of the School of Law Advisory Board. He was appointed as a Governor of Notre Dame that same year, and a Trustee and Director of the institution in 2005. His support and contribution to Notre Dame however go much further than Governance. On countless occasions, he has given freely of his time and his wisdom to members of the Notre Dame community. He has taught students, provided Brother Patrick Howlett advice and counsel to Board members, Vice Chancellors, Executive and other staff. At the ceremony, Justice Owen congratulated each RECOGNISING OUTSIDE CONTRIBUTIONS TO FRESH KNOWLEDGE graduate on their achievement and encouraged them to be Reflecting the University’s commitment to scholarship proud of their Notre Dame degree. and research, higher degrees by research were conferred to “The strange journey to the land we do not know is the the following: path on which your professional life will take, along with many surprises on the way. It will be an exciting time,” Justice FREMANTLE Owen said. ›› Laura Bava (Master of Arts – Arts & Sciences) “I congratulate each and every one of you on reaching this ›› Patrick Barton (Master of Philosophy – Arts & Sciences) milestone in your life’s journey. It is one of many that you will ›› Megan Van Selm (Master of Philosophy – Physiotherapy) encounter in a way of life that has endless possibilities and promises of great things.” ›› Dr Sushmita Datta Roy (Doctor of Education) Notre Dame also honoured Br Howlett’s commitment to ›› Dr Carolyn Keane (Doctor of Nursing) the advancement of Catholic education in New South Wales, ›› Dr Sally Clark (Doctor of Philosophy – Nursing) by conferring upon him a Doctor of Education at the Sydney (Doctor of Philosophy – Health Sciences) Campus Graduation Ceremony on 14 March 2017. ›› Dr Ashley Cripps A pioneer of Catholic education in the Marist tradition SYDNEY for more than 50 years, Br Patrick is most recognised for the ›› Eileen Gleeson (Master of Business) introduction of project-based learning in the classrooms at Parramatta Marist High School. Project-based learning is a ›› Louise Johnston (Master of Education) teaching model approach that encourages deeper learning ›› Jennifer Walter (Master of Philosophy – Arts & Sciences) in an academically rigorous environment where students are ›› Martin Bain (Master of Philosophy – Education) challenged to work collaboratively to build professional skills. ›› Jonathan Coates (Master of Philosophy – Education) “To receive this award at Notre Dame is not only an acknowledgement of my achievements, but also those of ›› Melissa Locke (Master of Philosophy – Education) teachers and educators with whom I have worked throughout ›› Wayne Wheatley (Master of Philosophy – Education) my career,” Br Howlett said. ›› Patrick Langrell (Master of Philosophy – Philosophy & “Aside from educating, and transmitting knowledge and Theology) culture, Catholic educational institutions like Notre Dame ›› Norman Blumenthal (Master of Science – Medicine) and Parramatta Marist also transmit the meaning of life – the preparation for facing growth, the joys, the sorrows and the ›› Dr Yasar Alani (Doctor of Business Administration) difficulties of life." ›› Dr Linda Bellen (Doctor of Philosophy – Education)

Background image: Fremantle Medicine graduate Dr Pia Jelinek at the December Graduation Mass.

INPRINCIPIO | 7 REGIONAL HEALTH CARE BOOST Major new rural training hubs at Notre Dame are set to transform regional health care by increasing training opportunities for nursing, midwifery, medical, and allied health students and professionals in both Broome (WA) and Wagga Wagga (NSW).

Notre Dame will lead a consortium of ›› increasing community and student- ›› establishment of clinical training universities to establish the Kimberley led rural clinical placements; pathways to enable medical University Department of Rural Health ›› transition support to rural and graduates to complete their (KUDRH) on the Broome Campus, as remote practices for those new to postgraduate training regionally; well as the Riverina Rural Training Hub the Kimberley; ›› identification and support of suitable (RRTH) at the University’s Rural Clinical ›› professional development student and postgraduate trainees School in Wagga Wagga, as part of a $54.4 opportunities for the existing with an interest in rural practice; and million Federal Government initiative workforce; and ›› development of regional training announced on Thursday 13 April 2017. ›› increased research relating to capacity. Both initiatives will provide a rural and remote health and inter- “We are excited that Notre Dame will significant boost for the provision of health professional practice. have an important role in facilitating the care in areas of most need, ensuring that Professor Juli Coffin, Head of Notre advanced training of medical graduates health students and professionals have Dame’s Broome Campus, welcomed through the new Riverina Regional Hub. a greater opportunity to live, study and the announcement: “the Federal Fostering opportunities for specialty work in regional WA and NSW. Government has recognised the need training in the Riverina will support new The Kimberley hub, which is due to for a multidisciplinary health training doctors with a continuous and complete commence operation in 2018, will provide hub in the Kimberley to meet the region’s training pathway enabling them to live training and undertake research focused growing demands for highly skilled allied and work in the region over the long on advancing health outcomes for health professionals,” she said. term,” Professor Christine Bennett, Dean Aboriginal people living in the Kimberley. “It will not only provide greater of the School of Medicine, Sydney, said. It will provide high quality health access for students in an Indigenous Notre Dame Vice Chancellor, Professor training and support in the Kimberley health context, but also a rich personal Celia Hammond, said the University was through a range of activities including: and professional experience that you delighted to receive the funding. ›› collaboration with primary health can’t find anywhere else in Australia.” “We are confident they will make networks and Aboriginal health Working alongside Notre Dame’s a difference to addressing health organisations to implement a model School of Medicine, Sydney, the Wagga workforce shortages and needs within of support assisting and empowering Wagga hub will enable: regional WA and NSW, and continue our undergraduate students to study and ›› collaboration with key community, long standing commitment and presence return to work in the Kimberley; health and education stakeholders in those regions and communities,” in NSW; Professor Hammond said.

INPRINCIPIO | 8 NOTRE DAME EXCELS AGAIN IN LEADING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SURVEY RANKED #1 IN FIVE KEY INDICATORS IN WA AND NSW

For the second year running Notre Dame has excelled in a nationwide survey of university students commissioned by the Federal Government.

Findings from the combined 2015 and 2016 Student being placed in the top two universities in Australia for ‘Overall Experience Survey (SES), announced in April, show outstanding Quality of Educational Experience’ with an 89.8% rating, well results for Notre Dame placing it first in Western Australia above the national average of 79.9%. and New South Wales in five of seven key indicators – ‘Overall It was ranked second nationally for ‘Learner Engagement’ Quality of Education Experience’, ‘Teaching Quality’, ‘Skills with a 79.1% rating, compared to 64.1% nationally, and ‘Skills Development’, ‘Learner Engagement’ and ‘Student Support’. Development’ at 90.8% compared to the national average of The SES, published on the government’s Quality Indicators 81.1%. for Teaching and Learning (QILT) website (www.qilt.edu.au), The SES survey builds on Notre Dame’s success in graduate is unique in that it draws feedback from current university employment outcomes. In a separate survey, published on students with the aim of helping future students compare QILT in December 2016, Notre Dame outshone its colleagues in universities across States and disciplines. the area of graduate employment with 94% getting a job soon More than 327,000 students from around Australia after leaving the University. responded to the survey, including more than 4000 students Findings from the survey are published on the Government’s from Notre Dame’s Fremantle and Sydney Campuses. Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website. Notre Dame also continued to excel on a national level,

Quality Indicators for Learning & Teaching (QILT)

Overall quality Teaching Skills Learner Student of educational quality development engagement support experience #1 in NSW #1 in NSW #1 in NSW #1 in NSW #1 in NSW & WA & WA & WA & WA & WA

qilt.edu.au qilt.edu.au qilt.edu.au qilt.edu.au Result 89.80% 90.30% 90.80% 79.10% 85% National average 79.90% 81.40% 81.10% 64.10% 71.70% WA & NSW position 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st National position 2nd 3rd 2nd 2nd 3rd

Combined 2015 and 2016 Student Experience Survey results

INPRINCIPIO | 9 RESEARCH

DR DIEGO MILANI PROFESSOR ERIC VISSER REDUCED BRAIN DAMAGE FOR STROKE BREAKTHROUGH SUFFERERS MIGRAINE RESEARCH Research by Notre Dame and Notre Dame researchers are on the the Perron Institute into the cusp of a world-first breakthrough treatment of stroke indicates in the treatment of chronic that a simple injection – that can migraines – a condition suffered by be administered on-the-spot by more than three million Australians. paramedics – could reduce brain An 18-month study by Professor Eric Visser, Notre damage by up to 40%. Dame’s Churack Chair of Chronic Pain, and Medicine graduate, Dr Eamon McDonnell, is investigating Researchers have identified a peptide-based treatment whether vitamins C and E could be a solution to this that could provide a new frontier in the treatment of debilitating condition. stroke and its devastating consequences for more than Ninety people across the country are involved in 60,000 Australians each year. this study with half receiving placebo tablets and the “The research findings highlight the possibility that a rest, vitamins, to assess the effectiveness of the latter simple injection of a new peptide, composed of the amino in reducing migraines. acid arginine and administered within 40 minutes of “This is the first time that a combination vitamin the onset of the stroke could significantly reduce brain trial has been undertaken anywhere in the world and damage,” said Notre Dame PhD researcher, Dr Diego we’re hoping, through further clinical trials, to see a Milani, who is leading the research program. 30-50 per cent reduction in migraine symptoms,” said Laboratory studies have so far shown no visible side Professor Visser. effects to the treatment. Clinical trials, to be conducted “Vitamin B2 and magnesium have already been in the next few years, will not only assess the effectiveness found to reduce migraine frequency, however, we of the peptide in treating brain injury, but also chronic feel vitamin C and E may also be effective due to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. their distinctive antioxidant activities which reduce Currently, life-saving stroke treatment can only be inflammation in the brain.” administered in hospitals which often leads to delays as Migraine sufferers not only report a reduction in patients are ferried over long distances to hospital facilities. social activities and work capacity, but also experience “It could be particularly effective in remote and rural additional physical and psychological pain which can areas as stroke sufferers could get immediate attention linger for many weeks. Yet despite its frequency and from paramedics,” added Dr Milani. recognition, many patients remain undiagnosed or “I hope to one day see the treatment carried in every untreated for migraine. ambulance in the country as, currently, almost 90 per “We hope this research leads to a reduction in cent of stroke sufferers do not receive any treatment suffering for migraine patients using a simple and before they get to hospital.” inexpensive vitamin therapy,” Professor Visser said.

Photo: Perron Institute

INPRINCIPIO | 10 ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR SALLY LORD LOOKING FOR ANSWERS IN THE TREATMENT IN METASTATIC BREAST CANCER Associate Professor Sally Lord from Notre Dame’s School of Medicine, Sydney, is on a mission, a special mission that could help the more than 17,500 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

With the help of a $200,000 grant the NSW Cancer Registry, NSW hospitals, “This information is critical for from the National Health and Medicine and Medical and Pharmaceutical women who have suffered breast cancer Research Council, Associate Professor Benefit Scheme claims for women as the fear of recurrence is a major Lord is leading a team of experts studying with a new diagnosis of breast cancer source of anxiety. Many women receive the incidence, distribution and possible before (registered in 2001-2002), and the diagnosis when they are building control of metastatic breast cancer – after (registered in 2006-2007), new their careers, have dependent children an aggressive form characterised by treatments were introduced in 2005. and are making major life planning cells breaking away from the primary “Through this research, we hope decisions. We hope this project will tumour and traveling through the blood to provide women and their doctors help by providing doctors with relevant or lymph system to form new tumours in with up-to-date information about information to help counsel these other parts of the body. the epidemiology of metastatic breast women.” Breast cancer consumer groups in cancer,” said Associate Professor Lord Associate Professor Lord said the Australia and internationally have long who expects to have preliminary data results may offer further important advocated for better information for by the end of this year and complete the insights such as specific changes in Australian women with breast cancer, study in 2019. the location of cancer spread, survival specifically about the risk of metastasis “There have been major advances in rates resulting from the new treatments, and the survival rates of women living breast cancer treatment over the last any regional variations, the need for with metastatic breast cancer. decade that have reduced a woman’s improvements in care for some groups The project will use information chance of developing metastatic disease and the development of new treatments. collected from about 16,000 women in and which have significantly improved New South Wales including data from survival rates.

INPRINCIPIO | 11 CARMEN PAPALUCA

INSTAGRAM STUDY: ALARMING RESPONSE FROM YOUNG, FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

When Instagram hit cyberspace in 2010, it was marketed as a photo and video-sharing application for users to publish snapshots of their lives at a particular point in time. Regarded as one of the world’s most influential social media networks, its 700 million users now follow trends, post ‘stories’ and explore content contributed by the global community.

However, Notre Dame PhD researcher and tutor, Carmen “While images related to fitness encouraged students to Papaluca, has found that the Instagram landscape isn’t keep active, they were motivated to do so from a negative all fun hashtags and cool photo filters. Many young users perspective – to help them overcome their perceived physical have reported experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, shortcomings. loneliness, bullying and negative self-esteem. “However, students in their mid-twenties were far more In a study aimed at exploring the effects of Instagram on focused on work and lifestyle. They felt their lives lacked the wellbeing of young female university students, Carmen meaning in comparison to others in the same age group who had discovered that those in their late-teens or early-twenties had posted ‘selfies’ working abroad, travelling to exotic destinations vastly different reactions to Instagram images than those in or showing off their enviable social lives,” she added. their mid-twenties. Common across the entire group was a tendency for the In a series of focus groups involving more than 50 students students to manipulate their own Instagram accounts by aged 18-25 years, Carmen presented a range of images on boosting follower ratios and using fake images as a way fitness, beauty, nutrition, health, travel and work. of coping with the feelings of inadequacy and envy they “Students in their late-teens and early-twenties were drawn experienced while using the social media platform. to the images of fitness and beauty. But rather than positive “Despite the negative aspects, they all feel the need to reactions, the images generated feelings of inadequacy and document their own lives on Instagram in order to seek negative self-perception,” said Carmen, who decided to validation, try to improve their popularity and self-esteem undertake the research to clarify the link between Instagram through ‘likes’ and comments,” Carmen said. use and emotional wellbeing.

INPRINCIPIO | 12 FEATURE

“It’s a kind of vicious cycle and, alarmingly, these feelings of Therefore we need to address this issue when children and anxiety and low self-esteem are often generated from within adolescents start using social media and when their level of their own friendship circles.” usage peaks,” said Carmen. As a next step, Carmen plans to use the research to inform “I hope this research will start the conversation among a larger study measuring the impact of Instagram on various young people and those around them – including parents aspects of wellbeing among female adolescents. She also wants to and teachers, and provide important information for school, use her collective research to inform schools and policy makers policy makers and health professionals, particularly about the about the negative implications of social media platforms. potential negative implications around Instagram.” “I think it is still underestimated how pervasive the social media influence is for children and teenagers, and how the negative impact is carried forward into their twenties.

INPRINCIPIO | 13 NULUNGU

RECALLING COMMUNITY, CULTURE, ENDURING FRIENDSHIPS The late 60s and early 70s were a time of great transition for Aboriginal people across northern Australia. Missions were closing down and people were moving off cattle stations into Native Reserves established close to the towns. While there are few reported happy memories of life on other Reserves in WA, the residents of one collection of 12 tin shacks – known as the Anne St Reserve and established in the red sands on the edge of the Broome township housing up to 130 people – bucked the trend. Despite the hardship – living cheek by jowl in two-room tin shacks and with just two toilet blocks shared by all families, there was a real sense of community, culture, shared meals and enduring friendships. In this article, researchers from the Nulungu Research Institute at Notre Dame’s Broome Campus, Dr Kathryn Thorburn and Anna Dwyer, discuss the subject of their current focus: a social history of the Reserve which will culminate in a book documenting this important snapshot of history.

INPRINCIPIO | 14 NULUNGU

Aboriginal people lived on the Anne St. Reserve between 1968 and 1982. It was situated on the periphery of town, surrounded by bushland and within walking distance—along tracks and through scrub—of Chinatown, Nulungu College and the Town Beach. In the early 80s, families living there were moved into mainstream State Housing in nearby areas of Broome. The Anne Street Reserve was flattened and redeveloped by the State Housing Commission. Today barely a trace remains, apart from a number of well-established trees. But memories of life on the Anne Street Reserve are still held dear by many families. Many different languages were spoken on the Reserve: Yawuru, Nyangumarta, The Anne St Reserve existed close to where the current centre of Broome is today, and Karajarri, Baard, Nyul Nyul and contained 12 houses, made entirely of tin, and comprising just two small bedrooms. Shared Mangala, and traditional dancing and ablution blocks were out the back. From all accounts, large families resided in these tiny songs were part of daily life. houses, with people often sleeping out on the verandas. At any given time, there were as Research has established that many as 130 people living on the Reserve. hundreds of people, literally dozens of families, lived on the Reserve at some point over the 14 years of its existence. What started out as a simple social history project by Nulungu Research Institute has yielded some surprising stories, and uncovered a part of Broome history that was unrecorded, but far from forgotten. The research team has been overwhelmed by the number of people who wish to engage with the project, and have their memories of life on the Reserve recorded for future generations. Anna and Kathryn spoke about the Anne St Reserve Project at the Australian Institute of They are happy that their stories will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Conference held in Canberra earlier this year. recorded, and that they will form part of wider narratives around the history of the town of Broome. One of the extraordinary things about these memories is that the vast majority has very happy memories of the Anne St Reserve. People do refer in passing to the material poverty of their living conditions, but then go on to recall how peaceful life was on the Reserve was, how pervasive was the sense of community and wellbeing. They also recall a sense of real abundance – always plenty of fish, turtle and dugong, as well bush tucker being shared among the families.

As part of the research process, Kathryn (third from left) and Anna (fourth from left) have sourced a number of old photographs of people living on the reserve, and of places around Broome. They have also identified materials from the State Records Office, old files from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and the now defunct Department of Native Welfare The section outlined in red indicates which refer to the establishment of the Reserve. A community meeting was held in late the location of the Anne Street Reserve 2016 to share some of the materials with people who have memories of the Reserve, and to  in context of the current Broome town. provide an opportunity for people to identify individuals in the photographs.

INPRINCIPIO | 15 PROFESSOR DOUG HODGSON

SMALL STEPS TOWARDS RECONCILIATION

The recent Constitutional Recognition Summit at Uluru put the spotlight back on Aboriginal and Indigenous rights. The summit concluded with a ‘statement from the heart’, a call for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution of Australia which is the only Commonwealth country that does not have a treaty with its Indigenous people. In this article, Dean of the School of Law, Fremantle Campus, Professor Doug Hodgson discusses how the argument for constitutional recognition can be viewed through the lens of Indigenous rights.

It is widely recognised that Australian of Indigenous peoples and their rights The UNDRIP provides significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander as special subjects of concern and political and strategic leverage for peoples are the oldest surviving culture importance. This is largely due to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in the world today. Yet, the Australian the fact that Indigenous populations peoples in advocating their case for law Constitution was drafted on an implicit continue to be over-represented as a and policy reforms within Australia to principle of terra nullius (vacant land), percentage of the world’s poor. redress historical disadvantage. to be divided and governed. Consistent with recognising the What the United Nations still lacks While the 1967 referendum removed inherent worth and dignity of every is an instrument to bind Member explicit systemic constitutional human being there is a need to uplift the States including Australia to implement exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait most disadvantaged and marginalised UNDRIP’s aspirational principles into law. Islander peoples it did not recognise sections of the Australian family. On the one hand, it can be argued that their unique and special position as the TheUnited Nations Declaration on the constitutional recognition of the First continent’s first people. Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Nations Voice would predominantly be a Fifty years on, the call for further which was formally endorsed by the symbolic gesture. On the other hand, it amendments continues to be a sticking Australian Government in 2009, lays could provide the long-term constitutional point in the political arena. out a framework for the preservation entrenchment that is needed to move The debate around enshrining a of culture, customary legal systems and advancement of Indigenous rights in First Nations Voice in the constitution land ownership, along with advancement Australia from well-meaning intention can be examined through the lens in the areas of health, education, and the to meaningful realisation. of Indigenous human rights. For the ownership of cultural knowledge. last half decade the United Nations international human rights framework has featured an increasing recognition

INPRINCIPIO | 16 PROFESSOR TRACEY ROWLAND

THE CENTENARY OF THE FATIMA EVENT

May 13 this year marked the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions. The Virgin Mary, or Our Lady of Fatima as she became known, appeared to three Portuguese children six times from May to October 1917, making a series of prophecies that a century later are still the subject of intense interest. Notre Dame’s Professor Tracey Rowland, St John Paul II Chair of Theology, recounts the story.

Fatima is a town in central Portugal named after a Moorish temperature inversion must have taken place. Princess. In 1917, it came to international attention when three “The cold and warm air masses could conceivably propel peasant children named Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta (the that rotating air lens in an elliptical orbit first toward the Iberian form of the name Hyacinth) claimed to have received earth, and then push it up as if it were a boomerang, back to apparitions from the Virgin Mary while attending grazing sheep. its original position…Meanwhile the ice crystals in it acted as In all they claimed to have received six apparitions from so many means of refraction for the sun’s rays.” the Virgin during the year. By the time of the sixth apparition Throughout much of the 20th century, the word “Fatima” on 13 October, they had become national celebrities. was synonymous with speculation about a “third secret” They had also suffered imprisonment and several long and communicated to the children in 1917. Lucia wrote the details intimidating interrogations. The children however persisted in a letter that was read by several popes but its contents were in their claim that a lady dressed in white had appeared to not revealed until 2000. The secret contained a vision of an them and told them various things about heaven, hell and assassination of a pope amidst a ruined city. purgatory. Her major claim was that unless people repented The fact that the assassination attempt on St John Paul II of their sins “Russia would spread its errors throughout the took place on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and that the world”, there would be a second and more terrible war and the bullet strangely changed its trajectory upon entering the pope would have much to suffer. pope’s body, bypassing vital organs, is regarded by many as On 13 October, between 30,000 and 100,000 people gathered another Fatima miracle and one linked to the third secret. in a field where the children claimed the Virgin was to appear Francisco and Jacinta both died within three years of the and perform a miracle. They then witnessed some kind of solar apparitions, victims of influenza. Lucia became a Carmelite event. One professor who was present said: nun and lived until she was 98. “As if like a bolt from the blue, the clouds were wrenched Francisco and Jacinta were canonised as saints on May 13 apart, and the sun at its zenith appeared in all its splendour. this year by Pope Francis. It began to revolve vertiginously on its axis, like the most For a Catholic University dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the magnificent fire wheel that could be imagined, taking on all canonisation of the Church’s two youngest saints (since the the colours of the rainbow and sending forth multicoloured Holy Innocents were massacred by King Herod), is a cause flashes of light, producing the most astounding effect. This for celebration. The Fatima apparitions testify to the fact that sublime and incomparable spectacle, which was repeated Our Lady or, as the French say, “Notre Dame”, continues to be three distinct times, lasted for about ten minutes.” involved in the affairs of the world and that what we make of In his book ‘God and the Sun at Fatima’, Stanley L Jaki, a the gift of our life matters to her for all eternity. Benedictine priest and scientist, suggested that a sudden

INPRINCIPIO | 17 DR LAURA D’OLIMPIO TALKING PHILOSOPHY Empirical studies have demonstrated that students who study philosophy have improved literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills. In this Q&A, Dr Laura D’Olimpio, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus, discusses the value of philosophy and why we should encourage children’s ‘why?’ questions.

WHY IS THE STUDY OF HOW DOES THE TEACHING OF PHILOSOPHY Q1. PHILOSOPHY VALUABLE? Q4. ‘PLAY OUT’ WITH YOUNGER STUDENTS? Philosophy is valuable because it trains the thinking skills In philosophy classes it is wonderful to see students engaging everyone needs in life and invites us to pause and consider the excitedly with classical thought experiments such as ‘how can ‘bigger picture’. Empirical studies demonstrated that children I be 100% sure that I’m not a brain in a vat?’. studying one hour of philosophy per week improved overall on More room needs to be made in educational spaces for test results and there were reports of better behaviour. Teaching such philosophical reflection, wondering, dialogue and children philosophy promotes the practice of good habits, while not being costly to implement in the classroom. Given the exploration of ideas for their own sake. This is sorely this is the case, the real question is why aren’t more schools needed given much of education is aimed at test results and offering philosophy as a compulsory subject to all students? measurable outcomes.

HOW YOU THINK PHILOSOPHY HOW DOES PHILOSOPHY PREPARE Q2. IS BEST TAUGHT? Q5. STUDENTS FOR THEIR CAREER? I believe that philosophy should be taught dialogically, that is A philosophical question invites contemplation, wonder, and to say we should practise thinking and engaging with others will generate multiple answers. The role of philosophy is to philosophically, to develop critical thinking skills supported fully interrogate the answers in order to determine which is by moral intentions and appropriate affective dispositions, the best and most reasonable. such as compassion. These skills are necessary as we live in a Seeking and defending such answers is useful to students both global society that is more connected than ever. in their future careers as well as everyday life. The method of Socratic Dialogue goes back to the birth of Western Philosophy in Ancient Greece when Socrates would wander the streets of Athens conversing with others in an effort to seek the truth.

WHERE DO Q3. YOU START? I believe we are all born natural philosophers in the sense that human beings are inquisitive and love learning about life and the world around them. I think it is important to encourage children’s 'why?' questions from a very early age, take them seriously, and playfully engage with their answers. Adults can also learn from engaging in such discussions! Q&A

INPRINCIPIO | 18 ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR FIONA FARRINGDON HEALTH MATTERS In 2014-15, Australian Government statistics showed that a staggering 63.4% of Australian adults were overweight or obese, up from 56.3% cent in 1995 – an epidemic that costs the national health sector $14.6bn annually. So how can we solve this problem? A tax on sugar? Improved food labelling? Regulated advertising of ‘junk food’? Health promotion expert, Associate Professor Fiona Farringdon, looks at some potential solutions.

HAS THERE BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTORS HOW CAN WE SOLVE THIS PROBLEM? CONTRIBUTING TO THE RAPID INCREASE IN IS A TAX OF SUGARY ITEMS OR IMPROVED FOOD OVERWEIGHT/OBESE AUSTRALIANS OVER THE LABELLING MEASURES THAT YOU WOULD SUPPORT? PAST 20 YEARS? Absolutely! Some of the revenue could be put towards Poor diet and insufficient levels of physical activity, of course, subsiding fresh produce, especially in rural areas. but it’s more complicated than that. Aggressive advertising, Food labels are confusing and the health star rating can sponsorship of sport by the big-name fast-food brands, send an inaccurate message. It’s not mandatory for a food increasingly easy access to cheap fast food, and confusing company to label its goods with a health star rating, and while labelling have contributed to the normalisation of food the rating is useful when comparing food in the same category consumption patterns contributing to this alarming trend. (e.g. yoghurt) you cannot apply the same methodology to food Social determinants also play a role. Inequality of income across multiple categories (e.g. yoghurt and pasta sauce). impacts overweight and obesity, with adults in the lowest socio economic status (SES) more likely to be overweight (66%) than those in the highest (58%). And, in outer regional and remote WHAT CAN WE DO AS A COMMUNITY TO Australia, 15% more people are overweight or obese compared ENSURE THE NEXT GENERATION DON’T GET to those who live in urban areas. CAUGHT UP IN THIS EPIDEMIC? We need to change the commercial nature of WHAT DO THE STATISTICS TELL US? Australia’s food industry by: ›› restricting where energy-dense food is The 2014-15 study showed that 93% of adults did not promoted in supermarkets; currently it’s at eat the recommended five serves of vegetables, and 50% eye level and in easy reach of children; did not eat the recommended two serves of fruit per day ›› regulating aggressive advertising of energy- (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2015). While discretionary dense food including sponsorship of sport; foods contributed 35% of energy intake for adults, and 39% ›› limiting the number of fast food chains that for children and young people aged 2–18 (ABS 2014), it’s not are easily accessible and cheap; just fast food that contributes to obesity. It is the combination ›› creating user-friendly, mandatory labelling of factors listed above. of processed and fresh food consistent with the recommended daily serves; and ›› introducing a sugar tax.

The ‘eat less’, ‘exercise more’ message is not working; we need to put policies in place that create a supportive environment for eating healthily – making the healthy choice the easy choice and at times the only choice.

INPRINCIPIO | 19 THE POLITICS OF POPULISM: WHO WINS?

INPRINCIPIO | 20 FEATURE

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR MARTIN DRUM, DR DANIEL BALDINO AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOHN REES

The politics of populism is not a new phenomenon, but the world is witnessing a seismic shift in voter mindset. This wave of popular discontent partly contributed to: the Brexit vote – and more recently the outcome of the election in the United Kingdom and the dramatic rise of a virtual unknown to the leadership in France; to the election of Donald Trump to the White House; and to the rebirth of One Nation and other niche political parties in Australia. Notre Dame’s political experts, Associate Professor Martin Drum, Dr Daniel Baldino and Associate Professor John Rees explore the fascinating world of populist politics and its impact across the world.

A lot has been said and written Populism is not a new phenomenon. ‘Populism’ can be understood in many recently about election results, whether But we are witnessing a global upsurge ways; it’s a term that has been applied in Australia, the UK, the USA or France. in recent years. to the electoral shocks of 2016 such as Whilst Donald Trump, Bernie For instance, Donald Trump is the Brexit in the UK, the Trump Presidency Sanders, Marine Le Pen, and Jeremy first person ever elected to the White in the USA, the election of Rodrigo Corbyn advocate quite different policies, House who has not held high political, Duterte in the Philippines, and the rise/ one thing which unites them is their governmental or military office. The return of One Nation in Australia. critique of ‘business as usual’ politics. We ‘drain the swamp’ war-cry proved to be According to the populist script, are experiencing interesting times when a highly effective campaign pitch with strong personalities such as Donald many people feel that they have missed strong revolutionary undertones. Trump, Nigel Farage or Marine Le Pen out in a globalised world, where secure In short, Trump had a type of a no- emerge as ‘The People’s’ representatives stable employment is less common, and nonsense, ‘wrecking-ball’ appeal. This to challenge the faceless power of global governments are seen to have failed in was even starker when contrasted with elites and to champion the traditional delivering good outcomes for them. his direct opponent Hilary Clinton, community interests and national Australia is similar to these who was a life-long public servant and identity of common people. examples in some ways and different in a DC ‘insider’ with more government Yet the story that has unfolded is more others. Australians continue to vote in vast experience in a wide range of high complicated: the new French President large numbers against the government profile areas. is a champion of economic globalisation; of the day. In fact, the last Australian Trump himself later admitted he Canada’s Prime Minister an advocate government at the national level to initially did not like the corny ‘drain of global multiculturalism; the new get a swing towards it at an election the swamp’ slogan but embraced this Prime Minster of Ireland is a 38 year- was the Howard government in 2004. new mantra when it started to poll well old gay son of an Indian migrant; and At every election since, the incumbent among US voters – particularly white the Mayor of London is a Muslim. government has got a fair kicking. working-class voters who were fearful Above all, the big winner from Australian voters who are and even hostile towards globalisation the 2017 UK election was Labour disappointed with politicians generally and immigration. opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn, an have a host of smaller parties to From an Australian perspective, this old school economic socialist riding choose from and they are doing so more unpredictable global strategic high on a surge in the youth vote. in ever-larger numbers. At the 2016 outlook does reinforce the need for an Therefore, populism hasn’t cornered Federal Election, in the House of overarching and coherent national the market on either ‘personality Representatives, almost a quarter of strategy framework that can assist the politics’ or electoral success in the the electorate voted for someone other evolution of foreign and defence policy West. We are witnessing global clashes than Labor or the Liberal-National as well as in making judgements about of culture as well as class, of sentiment Coalition – the largest percentage ever. Australia’s national interests. This as well as opportunity, of values In the Senate, it was more than a third. should include addressing the habit (notably toward outsiders) as well This vote was split between groups as of blind loyalty in regard to the US as security. Populism will certainly diverse as the Greens, One Nation and alliance. Australia does need a robust find its niche, but one senses that The the Nick Xenophon team. US alliance but it also does not need to People will continue to vote for a mix Many Australian voters are indeed be a ‘deputy sheriff’ – it should always of flamboyance and policy, not so much looking for someone different; they just be seeking greater independence albeit allergic to change as wanting a stake in can’t agree on who that someone is. within an alliance context. deciding what the future looks like. Associate Professor Martin Drum Dr Daniel Baldino Associate Professor John Rees

INPRINCIPIO | 21 FEATURE

NOTRE DAME’S SPORTS STARS SHINE ON WORLD STAGE

BRIANNA THROSSELL NATALIE FARDELLA NATHAN WILLIAMSON BACHELOR OF PHYSIOTHERAPY / BACHELOR OF EDUCATION BACHELOR OF HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION PRE-MEDICINE CERTIFICATE FREMANTLE CAMPUS FREMANTLE CAMPUS FREMANTLE CAMPUS Natalie Fardella is making waves Nathan Williamson scored a goal Brianna Throssell flew the internationally in the up-and-coming of his own when he was appointed a Australian flag with pride at the 2017 sport of Synchronised Skating. national umpire for the AFL. Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro – A hybrid of figure skating, pairs Fittingly for the West Australian, making her first Olympic final in the skating and cheerleading, Synchronised he made his debut in the 2017 season 200m Butterfly. Skating features teams of 12-16 working opener between the Fremantle Dockers After finishing third in both her heat in unison to present formations, spins, and Geelong Cats in Perth. and semi-finals, Brianna placed eighth lifts and complex footwork with high Nathan has since been appointed in the final against the world’s best with levels of artistic skill. to regular AFL games across Australia a time of 2:07.87. The result capped a After taking top spot at the 2016 – stepping onto the hallowed turf successful 12-months for Brianna who Australian national competition, Natalie of the MCG for the first time during in 2016 won a silver medal in the 200m and her team, Ice Synchro WA, finished the second-round clash between Butterfly at the Australian Nationals. 15th at the 2017 World Championships Melbourne and Carlton in April. Now, she is firmly focussed on in Colorado Springs, USA, in April. Nathan’s talent was first recognised representing Australia at the 2018 Now she has turned her attention to in 2013 when he was named as a on the Gold coaching, training young skaters for their field umpire for the 2013 WAFL Colts Coast. chance to compete in the Synchronised Grand Final. He then umpired the “When you find something you love Skating competition at the 2022 U18s National Championship in 2014 and enjoy doing, you can overcome Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. and received his National Officiating challenges that arise. I’ve been “I hope to give back to the sport that Scholarship in 2015. swimming my whole life. I love the has provided me with an incredible “Umpiring as another pathway to atmosphere of an aquatic centre and opportunity. In my coaching role I hope experiencing the greatest game in the when you start to get results, the positive I can inspire future skaters to achieve world and through it I’ve learnt how energy spurs you on,” Brianna said. their hopes and dreams,” Natalie said. to deal with pressurised situations, difficult decision-making, and setbacks. It’s made me far more resilient in my Photo: Swimming WA Photo: Ice Synchro WA personal life,” Nathan said.

INPRINCIPIO | 22 As part of the Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) network, Notre Dame is currently assisting more than 65 elite athletes across the country and, when it comes to sporting prowess, our elite athletes are really ‘punching above their weight’. Over the past 12 months, they have achieved outstanding results in the sporting world – including six highlighted here – while studying for their professional careers at Notre Dame Campuses in Fremantle and Sydney.

NINA KENNEDY HANNAH DYBALL RENEE FORTH BACHELOR OF BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE BACHELOR OF PRIMARY EDUCATION BACHELOR OF EDUCATION FREMANTLE CAMPUS SYDNEY CAMPUS SYDNEY CAMPUS Pole vaulter, Nina Kennedy, continues After nervously following her Renee Forth is helping to grow the to raise the bar – literally – in her quest brother onto the rugby pitch for the Australian Rules Football ambitions for a medal at the 2017 World Athletics first time at the age of six, Hannah of young women across the country – Championships in London in August. Dyball began a lifelong fascination for both as a marquee recruit for the GWS First thrust into the international the game and one of Australia’s best Giants and mentor coach. spotlight in 2015 when, as a 17-year-old, women’s touch football players. Geraldton-born Renee first laced up she became the World Junior Outdoor Hannah recently returned from the her boots for the Coastal Titans in the Record holder with a clearance of 4.59 2017 Open’s Trans-Tasman Series at the WA Women’s Football League in 2011. metres, Nina has gone from strength to Sunshine Coast, Queensland, where Her outstanding on-field performance strength, most recently winning a gold the Australian women’s team won all led to her selection in the WA State medal at the Nitro Athletics in Perth in three games to take top spot in the Team four out of the following six years. February as a member of sprint legend prestigious international tournament. Renee played for the Melbourne Usain Bolt’s ‘Bolt All-Stars’ Team. Hannah first represented Australia Demons in 2014 and the Western And, with this current best of in 2013 at an international series in New Bulldogs in 2015, and was drafted 4.59m, she has already qualified for Zealand and one of her personal career by the GWS Giants for the inaugural the on highlights was winning the 2015 Touch AFLW season in 2017. the Gold Coast. Football World Cup final – also against Capping off a remarkable period, “While can be a New Zealand, in Coffs Harbour, NSW. Renee was also selected as one of challenging sport, I am privileged to She now hopes that the Australian three mentor coaches for the first be surrounded by such supportive team can reprise these successes at AFL Women’s National Academy coaches, family and friends, who give the 2019 Touch Football World Cup in – a specialist training program for me the encouragement and confidence Malaysia. promising young players. to succeed,” Nina said. “I’m grateful to Notre Dame for “Notre Dame’s support has made allowing me to achieve sporting my experiences – both academic success, while balancing studies in and sporting – very positive. I look education so that I can realise my forward to growing AFL for women and career goal of becoming a primary educating young minds in my career as school teacher,” Hannah said. a primary school teacher,” Renee said.

Photo: GWS Giants

INPRINCIPIO | 23 ALUMNI UPDATE

MEDICINE GRADUATE NAMED 2017 ‘MOST INSPIRING WOMAN OF THE YEAR’ Michele Delacretaz had lived a full life – as a nurse, midwife, and lecturer – all while raising a family of four when, at the age of 50, she decided to further pursue her passion for medicine by taking up a four-year degree in medical studies at Notre Dame. In March this year she was recognised for her achievements – and joined an illustrious line-up of other recipients, when she received Momentum Australia’s highest award.

“Believe in yourself and your intuition” is the key piece of “That night I was told I would be considered on equal par to advice Notre Dame graduate, Dr Michele Delacretaz offers, every other contender. Age alone would be no barrier,” she said. following her journey as a 50-year-old mature-age student at Speaking of her current role as a junior doctor at Royal Fremantle’s School of Medicine. Perth Hospital, what Michele lacks in ‘youthful enthusiasm’, The newly-graduated doctor received Momentum for she makes up for in life experience. Australia’s* ‘Most Inspiring Woman of the Year, 2017’ Award at “Now, as I proudly step into my 55th year, I am honoured Hancock Prospecting’s International Women’s Day Luncheon to be a junior doctor under the direction of a committed and in March. dedicated multi-professional team at Royal Perth Hospital. Previously awarded to high profile Australian figures My long-term goal is to continue to work in women’s health, including Gina Rinehart in 2015 and Julie Bishop in 2016, the striving to make a positive contribution to women both locally award recognised the mother of four’s dedication to health, and globally. However, as with all journeys, it is not only about working as a midwife for over 30 years and being an academic the end point, it is about how we get there, and the connections and lecturer, before pursuing medical studies. we make along the way.” Michele first graduated from Notre Dame in 2005 when Michele’s final message from receiving the award is, “to – under her married name Michele Barry, she completed believe in yourself and in your intuition. Do not be restrained a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education under the by age or be frightened to learn new things, and remember that guidance of Professor Selma Alliex, currently the University’s persistence is your friend to help you grasp the opportunities Head of Campus in Fremantle. as they pass you by.” “Medicine was something that I considered for many years, but never had the necessary confidence or self-belief to pursue *The Mission of Momentum for Australia is to create support my passion,” said Michele. for worthy causes through new health awareness and prevention That all changed when she attended an Open Day at Notre campaigns. Momentum for Australia is proud to support the Dame’s Fremantle Campus in 2012. community and work together toward achieving real solutions to “I sat quietly at the back and listened. The room was full of issues including mental health, breast cancer and youth health. youth and intelligence, both of which made me quite nervous.”

INPRINCIPIO | 24 ALUMNI UPDATE

A DEGREE CHALLENGING FOR TEACHING, THE POLITICAL AND FOR LIFE STATUS QUO When Daisy Turnbull-Brown decided to work towards a Master’s degree To say that former Notre Dame in Theology at Notre Dame it was student, Caitlin Collins, took on essentially with a view to enhancing something of a challenge at the recent her skills as a teacher. A major bonus State elections in Western Australia is has been its value to her everyday life. something of an understatement. GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF EDUCATION (SECONDARY) (2010) The opportunity to stand for the blue- SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, SYDNEY ribbon seat for Cottesloe – against MASTER OF ARTS (THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) (2016) former Premier Colin Barnett – was a SCHOOL OF PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY, SYDNEY The path that led me to Notre Dame was definitely not once in a lifetime experience. a straight one. I had studied Arts/Commerce at Sydney University and four years later wanted to retrain as a teacher. I looked at all the options for postgraduate teacher training BACHELOR OF ARTS courses and Notre Dame was one of the few that allowed out (HISTORY, POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS) (2010) of office hours face-to-face study. I thought that learning in a SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES, FREMANTLE classroom environment was an important part of becoming a I graduated from Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts degree, teacher, and my Notre Dame experience absolutely confirmed majoring in History, Politics & International Relations. During that. I was so impressed with the calibre of teachers across my degree, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in subject areas, many of whom were still working as teachers Spain, as well as Ireland, where I worked as a political intern and could bring real world experience into their teaching. in Parliament House in Dublin. After completing my Honours Once I started teaching, I was interested in training in 2010, and not knowing exactly what career path I wanted to teach Religious Education, but having just secured a to take, I decided to travel through India and South America. Graduate Diploma, I thought it would be better to work I worked as an English teacher in Colombia then moved to towards a Master’s degree in Theology. This may have been Vietnam where I taught in schools and universities for a year. I insane on my part as my husband and I were about to have eventually moved back to Perth to complete a Graduate Diploma our first child, but again Notre Dame was fantastic in its of Education. Teaching Australian politics reignited my interest flexibility. I started the course then took a leave of absence, in the subject I had been so passionate about at university and I then returned studying only two-three subjects a year. developed a strong desire to actively participate in the political Throughout my study at Notre Dame I have been working process. What better way to do this than to run against our as a teacher and this year have started teaching Studies of former Premier for the Seat of Cottesloe. As the Labor candidate Religion at an independent school in Sydney. I am constantly in a blue-ribbon seat, I did my best to challenge the political astounded by how my Master’s subjects are useful for status quo. The campaign was truly an exhilarating experience teaching, and for life. I really learned to critically assess that taught me a lot about myself and my community. Despite my faith and ask many questions about theology, as well as the defeat, I plan to stay involved in politics and hope to start my answer a few of them as well. PhD at Notre Dame next year. The most important part of my Notre Dame experience, however, has been the teachers. The professors and lecturers that ran each course did so by developing authentic relationships with their students, understanding their various academic needs and working with the students to ensure the best learning took place.

INPRINCIPIO | 25 EVENTS

FREMANTLE Thursday 14 September – Abraham Day Monday 18 - Thursday 28 September – Course Advice Sessions – make an appointment Tuesday 17 October – Postgraduate, Honours & Research Information Evening Thursday 21 December – ATAR Advice Day

BROOME August – November – Nulungu Talking Heads Lecture Series

SYDNEY Tuesday 26 September – Pathways to University Information Session Friday 29 September – Getting the Most Out of Year 12 Tuesday 14 November – Getting to Know Nursing Tuesday 21 - Thursday 23 November – Twilight Tours & Information Evening Monday 4 - Friday 8 December – Logos for Schools (Philosophy) Monday 11 - Friday 15 December – Logos for Schools (Ethics) Saturday 17 December – Uni Options Day

IMPORTANT APPLICATION DATES

Friday 29 September – Undergraduate applications due for Semester 1, 2018 Friday 24 November – Postgraduate applications due for Semester 1, 2018

INPRINCIPIO | 26 CAMPUS MINISTRY

FREMANTLE Tuesdays during Semester 2 – Plunge In Tuesdays: 12 and 19 September – Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Training Tuesday 10 October – Holy Hour for Vocations Wednesday 8 - Friday 10 November – Study Retreat

SYDNEY Mondays: 4 September; 2 October; 6 November – Theology on Tap Tuesday 26 - Friday 29 September – Study Retreat Thursday 7 - Saturday 9 December – Australian Catholic Youth Festival, Sydney.

INPRINCIPIO | 27 JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY

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