FREE Publication Adelaidean NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF Volume 14 • Number 1 • March 2005

inside this issue 4 Joint forces in new Early-warning weather radar on uni grounds battle to save water

7 Older drivers get green light: study

8 Graduations photo spread

14 Olivia takes Adelaide to the world

5 From left: Associate Professor David Chittleborough (Earth & Andy prepares Environmental Sciences) and Professor Graeme Dandy (Civil & for another mission Environmental Engineering) toast the new Water Research Cluster Environment 11 Secret’s out on latest The interests of researchers, industry at the launch of the Water Research In the above context, the university’s Guild production and the general community alike Cluster last month. Water Research Cluster has are being served by a new research the potential to benefi t large The “cluster” concept is designed initiative launched at the University to build large cross-disciplinary communities. of Adelaide, the Water Research teams with expertise to tackle big It covers a wide range of water- 12 Cluster. research questions and to enable related topics, such as impact Cherie Blair says University of Adelaide researchers to hi to Adelaide Water, a major geo-political issue of climate change, water supply with local, national and international work more effectively with industry, infrastructure, water-effi cient resonance, is the theme of one of other research organisations and the buildings, river ecology, river four Research Clusters supported community. health, water recycling, and coastal 15 within the university. The work of researchers early in management. From law to laughter – their careers will be particularly interview with Shaun Micallef “In South in particular, The Water Research Cluster draws on water has become a crucial encouraged through the Clusters. a long tradition of water research at community issue as the population “Clusters will be a forum for the university. begins to face the reality of water developing dynamic partnerships, Adelaide researchers have restrictions and higher water prices, making more effective use of our contributed to a dynamic water while at the same time demanding talent and resources, and creating industry in , leading that our rivers and water bodies even more innovative educational the world in innovative delivery and be protected and restored,” said and training programs by building on management of water systems. the University of Adelaide’s Vice- cross-sector relationships,” Professor Chancellor, Professor James McWha, McWha said. Story continued on page 2 Adelaidean

Adelaidean has a readership of more than 31,000 per month – 13,000 in print and 18,000 online Editor: David Ellis Design and Layout: Chris Tonkin Writers: Ben Osborne Howard Salkow David Ellis McWha’s Words Media student writer: Sukhmani Khorana I like the fi rst six months of the year. It is a time to look afresh We need to have as one of our priorities informing the Contributors: at the opportunities and challenges we are presented. It community – whether that be industry, professions or Alison Beare is also the time to start thinking about visits to the various the general public – about the quality of our work and Lisa Edwards schools, departments and units around the university. the contribution the University of Adelaide makes to our Edward Joyner community and society as a whole. Greg Zweck While it’s true that Vice-Chancellors always have openings Printed by: and launches to go to, and speeches to give, I also like to This not only refers to research but also our teaching. The Lane Print Group have informal meetings with staff in their own environment. new teaching year has just begun, and thousands of new Tel: +61 8 8179 9900 These meetings tend to be more frequent in the fi rst half of students have commenced their educational experience Fax: +61 8 8376 1044 Email: [email protected] the year because the pressures on everyone build up as the with the University of Adelaide. Many more thousands are Web: www.laneprint.com.au year progresses, and the opportunities to visit seem to get continuing their experience with us. I’m fi lled with great Distribution: fewer. Over the past two years I’ve managed to visit every pride for the individuals and teams of people working hard area at least once (and I’m hoping that none have been to make it all happen. These include both academic and Lane Print Group Passing Out Distribution Co. missed out – if they have, please get in touch with my offi ce!) general staff, and the many volunteers and students who also help out in a variety of ways. Advertising: Although I prefer an informal atmosphere at these meetings, KRL Media the importance of such visits cannot be overstated, certainly Universities are such complex organisations; if it weren’t for Tel: +61 8 8231 5433 Fax: +61 8 8212 1238 not from my perspective. Being able to see fi rst-hand the all of these people, there would be no gems of discovery, no Email: [email protected] vast amount of work being done at the university is so challenging viewpoints, no enrolment of new students, no Coming Events: much more tangible than reading a report about it, and it future for our society. gives staff, postdocs and postgrads the opportunity to ask All coming events must be University of 2005 will bring us many challenges and opportunities. As Adelaide related and of public interest. questions – and, in many cases, provide the answers. Please send details of events via email to: we take the time to work through everything that is presented [email protected] What I take away from these meetings is something that to us, let’s also take the time to show others at the university Deadline for next issue: many members of the public don’t get a chance to see – an and the wider community why we are proud to be a part of Monday, March 14, 2005 amazing level of expertise at this university, evidence of true the University of Adelaide. Room G07 Mitchell Building, enthusiasm for the work, and a sense that what is being South Australia, 5005. done in each and every area is somehow of benefi t and/or Tel: +61 8 8303 5174 interest to the wider world. Fax: +61 8 8303 4838 Email: [email protected] Frequently when I visit an academic department I come www.adelaide.edu.au/adelaidean/ across some gem of information. It is true that there is Material may be reproduced without a great wealth of talent at this university, across all its permission but acknowledgement must campuses, the quality of which continues to surprise me. be given to the Adelaidean. Now entering my third year at Adelaide I know these things JAMES A. McWHA Registered by Australia Post No Vice-Chancellor 565001/00046 shouldn’t surprise me anymore, but they do.

Editor’s note Sadly, this is my last issue of the Adelaidean as editor. Since taking on the role in the year 2000 the publication has Joint forces in new battle to save water changed in many ways – I continued from page 1 on our lives and our environment, would like to think for the better. Academics from the Cluster have and as well as on those of our Today the Adelaidean is read already made a difference to water neighbours in the Asia-Pacifi c by more people than ever, and research in Australia through such region,” Professor McWha said. not just within the walls of the projects as: “For example, the Cluster already university; people on buses and in cafes may be reading these • identifying the impact of human has links with the Centre for Water words even now! activities on coastal Australia; Supply and Drainage at the Harbin Institute of Technology, China. The aim of the Adelaidean is to • assisting the Murray Darling Basin spread the good word about Commission identify how much “The provision of clean water supply the University of Adelaide, its water the River Murray needs; is a major issue in China, where it is staff, students and graduates. not possible in many cities to drink If each issue is just a glimpse of • reducing the costs of installing water out of the tap without fi rst what the university is achieving, piped irrigation systems to replace boiling it.” it should give you some idea channels in the Riverland; and of how much great work goes The other University of Adelaide • devising soil treatments to reduce on here. Research Clusters are: Healthy loss of nutrients from catchments. Ageing, Healthy Development, Thanks to all of the contributors Defence and Security. over the years, thanks to my “The Water Research Cluster has the colleagues, and thanks to capabilities and resources to have Story by Howard Salkow & everyone for reading! an even greater impact in the future Sukhmani Khorana David Ellis

Adelaidean | Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 2 Eve to tempt concert goers

Eve Vocal Trio (from left): Greta Bradman, Emma Horwood and Christie Anderson Music

A mix of international performers be joined by -based Music. For their concert on April 15 performance of Peteris Vasks’s Violin and high-quality local talent will be pianist Benjamin Martin to perform three musicians from the Adelaide Concerto with Margaret Blades on display when the popular Elder Schumann’s much-loved Piano Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will (leader of the ASO) as soloist with Hall Lunch Hour Concert Series Quintet Op.44. join them. Their program includes the Elder Conservatorium Chamber returns to the University of Adelaide some stunning new compositions by Orchestra on June 17. Ensembles making their debut in this month. leading Adelaide composers. the series include Caliente, Eve The concerts will be held in Elder The lunch hour concerts, held every Vocal Trio and the Southern Cross Southern Cross Soloists are ensemble Hall every Friday at 1.10pm from Friday during semester, feature Soloists. In addition there will be in residence at the March 4 until June 17. Admission is an eclectic mix of chamber music, performances by the Elder School of Conservatorium, where its members $5 and tickets are available at the orchestral repertoire, recitals Music’s major orchestral ensembles also teach. Led by Paul Dean, one door from 12.30pm on the day of and jazz. and many of its staff and students. of Australia’s leading clarinettists, each concert. The fi rst concert of the 2005 Caliente specialise in Brazilian music the program features familiar Special subscription passes are program features the internationally and for their concert on March 11 repertoire which has been arranged also available for $60. For more acclaimed Australian String Quartet they will perform contemporary to specifi cally suit the unusual information or to obtain a detailed (ASQ), quartet in residence at the and traditional songs and choros. instrumentation of the ensemble. brochure contact the Concert Offi ce University of Adelaide’s Elder School The ensemble is fl amboyant and on (08) 8303 5925. Other highlights include a of Music. colourful, and uses an extensive performance of Beethoven’s Violin range of percussion. To be held on Friday, March 4 in Concerto with Natsuko Yoshimoto For full program details visit: Elder Hall at 1.10pm, the opening Eve Vocal Trio features three (leader of the ASQ) as soloist www.music.adelaide.edu.au concert features fi ve internationally outstanding singers who are all with the Elder Conservatorium acclaimed musicians; the ASQ will graduates of the Elder School of Symphony Orchestra on June 3 and a Story by Alison Beare & Ben Osborne

3 Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 | Adelaidean Early-warning weather radar on uni grounds Physics

The University of Adelaide will house “It will enhance the Bureau of the fi rst of Australia’s technologically Meterology’s ability to identify advanced weather radars. major storms affecting central South Australia, and should increase To be developed on university land the warning times directed to the at Buckland Park north of Adelaide, community in the event of severe the new radar is expected to be weather conditions,” he said. operational by mid 2005. University of Adelaide Professor of “This is the fi rst of six new Doppler Physics Robert Vincent said the new radars as part of the Federal radar data would also be valuable in Government’s $62 million fi ve-year supporting the university’s research commitment to replace less powerful programs. meteorological radar systems throughout Australia,” said Mr Greg “The site is currently used for Hunt, Parliamentary Secretary to atmospheric physics research and the Minister for the Environment the addition of the new radar data “The new radar will mean better announced the new radar with and Heritage. will be a major benefi t to researchers monitoring of weather fronts as they Mr Hunt and Professor Vincent. in better understanding weather “The improved quality of data travel up from the Southern Ocean patterns,” Professor Vincent said. provided by Doppler radars and across the Yorke Peninsula and “Improvements in short-term allows better detection and The Bureau’s existing radar at improved radar-derived rainfall forecasting services, including improved forecasting of severe Sellicks Hill, some 60km south of estimates across catchments in the better tracking of wind changes, weather patterns including severe Adelaide city and at more than 300 Mount Lofty Ranges – vital as we will also be a signifi cant bonus for thunderstorms capable of producing metres above sea level, is suitable for continue to experience drought aviation, marine and bushfi re fi ghting large hailstones, heavy rainfall, general weather surveillance but is conditions,” said South Australian communities across the greater damaging winds and tornadoes. not ideal as a Doppler radar site. Senator Alan Ferguson, who jointly Adelaide region.”

Adelaidean | Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 4 As Andy prepares for another mission…

University of Adelaide engineering graduate Dr Andy Thomas is currently preparing for his latest Engineering voyage to space. Dr Thomas will be a mission specialist, joining six other crew members aboard the NASA space shuttle Discovery. Discovery will be the fi rst …Andy Thomas scholar launches into study shuttle to return to space since the Columbia disaster in 2003, with an expected launch in either May or June this year. Simon went to Hawthordene Primary School and Blackwood High School, where last year he Dr Thomas was a late addition to the crew, and obtained a Tertiary Entrance Ranking (TER) of brings with him experience from three previous 99.95. He was also awarded the Campbell Award shuttle missions as well as a long stint in orbit for the best-performed Year 12 student at a South aboard the Russian Mir space station. Australian public school, and the OneSteel Award for the best-performed student in Physics, Maths In an interview on NASA’s website, Dr Thomas and Chemistry. said a “positive legacy” had to come out of the Columbia accident, and his assignment to the He will now use the scholarship to study for a double degree in Mechatronic Engineering and Discovery crew was an “unexpected privilege”. Maths & Computer Science at the University of “I don’t know of any [astronauts] that would say Adelaide. that their passion for human space fl ight has in any “When I was a bit younger I did have an interest way been diminished by [the Columbia] accident. in fl ight and space, but I never wanted to be an It’s perhaps given us a sense of resolve, more than astronaut or anything like that – it was more the anything else, to continue,” he said. idea of fl ight itself that interested me,” he said. Dr Thomas repeated earlier calls for Australians to “I used to make these complicated paper get involved in space fl ight, saying: “the resolve of planes when I was seven or eight which I used people… has not been diminished in Australia for Simon Uppill has gone from constructing intricate to enjoy seeing fl y, but now I’m more interested human space fl ight, and there is a growing group of paper planes as a boy to being the Andy Thomas in the mechatronic engineering fi eld and using people – young people, mostly – who really believe Scholar for 2005. computers.” that Australia should become involved in space The 17-year-old was recently announced as the Simon is also a talented athlete, and is currently exploration; that it’s actually in Australia’s long- latest winner of the prestigious scholarship, which the Australian champion for his age group in term best interest to do that”. is awarded for academic excellence to a new orienteering – a sport he enjoys because it tests him physically and mentally. “And I hope that those young people and other student undertaking Mechanical, Mechatronic or Aerospace Engineering. Other criteria include people in Australia will look at my role on this fl ight “It’s more than being able run fast, and it’s more leadership qualities, career aspirations and than being able to read a map and navigate your that, although I’m not formally representing the involvement in the community. country, it does show what can be done and that it way around an unknown area safely and quickly might inspire others, a new generation in Australia, It is named after one of the university’s most – it’s a combination of both,” he said. prominent graduates, NASA astronaut Dr Andy to step up to the challenges of human space Simon is among the thousands of new students Thomas. The scholarship pays for all tuition fees exploration.” studying at the University of Adelaide this year. and provides the recipient with an annual allowance For the full interview with Dr Thomas, and updates of $5000. Story by Ben Osborne on his shuttle mission, visit the NASA website: http://spacefl ight.nasa.gov/home/index.html

5 Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 | Adelaidean Top guns of science attracted to Adelaide

Science

The University of Adelaide’s respected research capabilities have been signifi cantly enhanced by the appointment of three of the world’s brightest young scientists. The scientists are Professor Tanya Monro, who will focus on photonics research; Professor Diane Mather, a world leader in plant breeding; and Professor Alan Cooper, who will bring a biotechnology focus to the evolutionary biology research unit in Adelaide. “We are proud to attract to South Australia brilliant, innovative minds that will invigorate our intellectual life and provide leadership in key areas of importance for economic development,” said Professor Peter Rathjen, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide.

Tanya Monro Alan Cooper Diane Mather

Professor Monro will help to establish a signifi cant Professor Cooper, an Australian Research Council Professor Mather has joined the School of photonics research effort in South Australia, (ARC) Federation Fellow, will link up with the rapidly Agriculture and Wine as a Professorial Research involving the Defence Science and Technology growing evolutionary biology research unit in Fellow in the Discipline of Plant and Pest Science Organisation (DSTO) and the university. Adelaide, which involves the University of Adelaide and the Molecular Plant Breeding Cooperative and the South Australia Museum. Research Centre (CRC). Considered to be one of the youngest academics to receive a Chair in Physics, Professor Monro, The Federation Fellowship has allowed Professor Professor Mather is a world leader in plant breeding 32, has commenced her position as Professor of Cooper and his colleagues to establish an and her research has focused on mapping genes Photonics in the School of Chemistry and Physics. Australian Centre for ancient DNA research at that affect economically important traits in plants, Adelaide. He arrives in Adelaide later this year. particularly barley. Professor Monro has spent the past six years in Southampton, where she and her research team After briefl y working in the US, Professor Cooper Previously a Professor of Plant Science at McGill developed new technology for the production of a moved to Oxford University where he has been University, Montreal, Canada, Professor Mather’s special type of optical fi bre called “holey fi bre” or the Director of the Henry Wellcome Ancient research has included identifying the regions of “microstructured fi bre”. Biomolecules Centre since 1999. chromosomes that encode for traits that affect grain and malt quality. Holey fi bres contain an arrangement of micron- His research will investigate issues such as sized air holes that allow the optical properties environmental change and how this relates to As a research program leader in the Molecular of the fi bre to be tailored in innovative ways. climate and human factors. Plant Breeding CRC, Professor Mather will work Professor Monro’s group were also the fi rst to with researchers in Adelaide, across Australia apply this holey fi bre geometry to optical fi bres “The key idea behind [this] is to reveal how things and internationally, to develop and apply new made glasses other than silica. have changed over time, so that current variations technologies for crop improvement. and events can be properly understood and “Optical fi bres have made a huge impact in the interpreted,” he said. “Adelaide provides an excellent environment for telecommunications industry. One of the aims of research in plant genetics and for the application of our research is to develop new types of optical “For example, by studying the impacts of climate research outcomes in molecular plant breeding,” fi bres that can be used for applications in other change on animal populations over the past 50,000 Professor Mather said. areas such as industrial processing, displays, years we can much better anticipate what the biomedical sciences and beyond,” she said. effects of current climate change will be.” Story by Howard Salkow and Lisa Edwards

Adelaidean | Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 6 The youngest drivers are worse than the oldest. On average... one in every two drivers aged under 25 was involved in a crash

Older drivers get green light: study Automotive Safety

The stereotype of older drivers being Now working as a research offi cer “For example, older drivers with of drivers in the driving test had the worst on the roads may not be at CASR, Dr Baldock based his PhD declining driving abilities tend to diffi culty with right turns across entirely true, according to a new research around the concept of “self- avoid driving at night and in the rain, traffi c – yet this driving manoeuvre is University of Adelaide study. regulation” among older drivers. because they feel they do not have very rarely avoided,” he said. the ability to perform these sorts of Self-regulation can be defi ned as how, Dr Baldock’s study has possible Dr Matthew Baldock studied older tasks safely any more. drivers for his PhD at the university’s as they get older, drivers can modify implications for the way older drivers internationally renowned Centre for their driving behaviour based on their “I also found that most drivers are assessed on their driving ability Automotive Safety Research (CASR) own perception of how good they are who reported driving less overall for re-licensing purposes. behind the wheel. than they did 10 years ago did so and the Department of Psychology. “Because most older drivers remain because of changes in lifestyle, such Dr Baldock conducted a study safe by self-regulating their driving He found that by avoiding diffi cult as retirement. It is promising that examining the driving behaviour and behaviour, mandatory age-based driving conditions such as peak many take the opportunity that this attitudes of 104 drivers aged more driving assessments are unlikely to hours, rain and darkness, elderly provides to avoid situations like than 60, and also analysed offi cial be cost benefi cial,” he said. drivers have far less crashes than night, rain, and peak hour.” South Australian crash statistics for their younger counterparts. “However, it is important to the past fi ve years. However, there are still some driving recognise that there are still some tasks which older drivers show “The youngest drivers are worse “Overall, my studies showed drivers who do not self-regulate little self-regulation for, Dr Baldock than the oldest. On average, in that older drivers do engage in a despite defi cits in their driving ability, said. These include such tasks as South Australia, one in every two degree of self-regulation of driving and a small proportion of drivers who performing right-hand turns across drivers aged under 25 was involved behaviour, and this self-regulation continue to drive when their ability is oncoming traffi c. in a crash in the previous fi ve years, does have a relationship with driving no longer adequate. A system needs compared to only one in fi ve drivers ability – the more they perceive their “Older drivers are over-represented to be in place to refer these drivers aged over 60 during the same ability to be declining, the more self- in collisions in which they are turning for assessment.” period,” Dr Baldock said. regulation they employ,” he said. right at intersections, and a number Story and photo by Ben Osborne

7 Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 | Adelaidean Graduations

More than 3700 students graduated in stately Bonython Hall last December, with 12 ceremonies held across six days. Here are just some of the faces among the crowd of happy graduates to receive their degrees, diplomas and certifi cates from the University of Adelaide.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT: Bachelor of Design Studies graduate John Kearie gives wife Rebekah a kiss

DOUBLE THE CELEBRATION: sisters Tania and Tricia Larking (above) both graduated in December... Tania (left) with an Arts degree, and Tricia with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Meanwhile, Nicole Santinon (right) received a Bachelor of International Studies and a Diploma of Languages!

Adelaidean | Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 8 HONOURED GRADUATE: sculptor John Stuart Dowie (left) received a special degree, the University of Adelaide’s Doctor of the University honoris causa, for his contributions to the spiritual and artistic life of Adelaide, South Australia and the nation over more than 60 years

LIKE FATHER LIKE DAUGHTER: Head of the School of Mechanical Engineering Professor Colin Hansen (left) was delighted to see his daughter Kristy graduate with First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering

OARSOME ACHIEVEMENT: Olympian and world champion rower Amber Halliday (far left) graduated with a Bachelor of Media degree

WINE WONDERS: Arthur Ray Beckwith (above, centre) received a special degree, the University of Adelaide’s Doctor of the University honoris causa, for his contribution of the highest order to the development of the Australian wine industry. He is pictured here with winemaker and Deputy Chancellor Brian Croser (left) and Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha.

MEDAL EFFORT: Dr Sam Mickan (right), now a Lecturer with the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, received the Postgraduate Alumni medal for his outstanding academic achievement

9 Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 | Adelaidean Dream comes true for student

Medicine Medical student Robert McCusker Mount Gambier’s McCusker family won’t have to and father Dr Barney McCusker wait too long to welcome another medical doctor Photo by Gretel into the fold. Sneath, courtesy of In a perfect case of like father, like son, Robert The Advertiser McCusker is following in his father Dr Barney McCusker’s footsteps by studying Medicine at the University of Adelaide. And the rural community of Mount Gambier will no doubt be hoping that on completion of his studies, Robert will return home to practise, where Dr McCusker is now a highly respected orthopaedic surgeon. For Robert, this is a dream come true. On receiving his offer from the university’s Medical School, the Mount Gambier High School graduate said he always wanted to study medicine and practise in the country. “My fi rst reaction was one of disbelief. After completing the admissions process and seeing all the exceptionally smart kids applying, I had my doubts,” he said. “I’m extremely excited and I cannot wait to get started.” top students who applied to study medicine in said Professor Derek Frewin, Executive Dean of Robert will be joined in Adelaide by twin brother Adelaide. This year, the Medical School attracted the Faculty of Health Sciences. Doug, who will be undertaking a Bachelor of applications from a record 2038 school leavers Of those who received fi rst-round offers, 10 had Design Studies. from across Australia. perfect scores while the overall average TER was In doing Year 12 over two years, Robert achieved “Our national program is highly regarded and 99. Medicine remains a popular profession among a Tertiary Entrance Ranking (TER) of 98.7. He this is evidenced by the increasing number of females, who occupied 60% of the applicant pool. was among the growing number of the nation’s applications from across the country each year,” Story by Howard Salkow

Adelaidean | Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 10 Secret’s out on latest Guild production

Theatre

Robbie MacFarlane, a second-year student at the University of Adelaide’s Elder School of Music, already has extensive opera and choral experience, Caption: Music student Robbie MacFarlane will lend his talents to the fi rst Theatre Guild with promise of more to come. performance of the year Photo by Ben Osborne The 18-year old was part of the chorus of the recent Adelaide production of Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle, and will now play tenor in the University of Adelaide Theatre Guild’s upcoming production The Wonder: A Woman Keeps a Secret by Mrs Centlivre. Currently a member of Adelaide Voices and the Elder Conservatorium Chorale, Robbie said singing with more seasoned performers had been a good learning experience for him. “I’ve learnt a lot about performance techniques from these great singers,” he said. An important aspect of Robbie’s success is the tutelage of Keith Hempton, the Head of Vocal Studies at the Elder School. In addition, the “The music of the play is refl ecting what the Music student Robbie MacFarlane will lend his talents to the fi rst relaxed atmosphere at the university’s renowned characters are thinking, and would make the play Theatre Guild performance of the year School of Music has helped him advance in his a total piece of theatre as it would have been in the Photo by Ben Osborne career despite his young age. early 1700s,” he said. Directed by Alex Kirk, the cast includes David “The Elder School is a good place for young The Wonder was fi rst performed at the Theatre Adams, June Barnes, Hal Bruce, Warwick Cooper, singers to start – it is less competitive here than Royal, Drury Lane in 1714. Susanna Centlivre was Glen Christie, Marlon Dance-Hooi, Rachael Evely, at similar institutes in other Australian cities, one of the most popular and prolifi c playwrights Phil Grummet, Philip Lineton, Ewart Shaw, Emily and therefore we’re a more close-knit group,” of the early 18th century, and The Wonder was Smith, Ann Weaver and Bob Weaver. The prologue Robbie said. considered her masterpiece. The story revolves will be read by John Edge. The other two singers in The Wonder, Norbert around two women, Donna Violante and Donna The Wonder will be performed as a moved reading Hohl and Laurence Leong, are former students of Isabella, and their dilemmas with love, marriage, for one night only at the university’s Little Theatre the School and also performed in The Ring Cycle. and jealousy. at 7pm on Thursday, March 17. All tickets are Music plays an important role in the Theatre “The music complements the mood of love and $5 and are available from the Theatre Guild on Guild’s forthcoming play, making Robbie excited at mistrust in the play, while the poetry of the songs (08) 8303 5999. being a part of it. adds to the overall drama,” Robbie said. Story by Sukhmani Khorana

CDRC Dental School, The University of Adelaide CLINICAL DENTAL CENTRE PROFESSIONAL SUITES

l Routine dental care and emergency dental treatment for private patients. (in normal business hours, Monday to Friday) l Fully qualified dentists and specialist practitioners provide patient care. l State-of-the-Art clinical facilities. l Full-time students eligible for concession. l Convenient location. l EFTPOS and credit card facilities.

CONTACT RECEPTION ON: Ph 08 8303 3437 C OLGATE AUSTRALIAN CLINICAL DENTAL RESEARCH CENTRE 2nd Floor, Adelaide Dental Hospital, Frome Road, Adelaide

11 Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 | Adelaidean Cherie says hi to Adelaide

Adelaide’s role in the childhood of British Prime Minister Tony Blair received a mention recently by none other than Mr Blair’s wife, Cherie. Mrs Blair – described by Forbes magazine as the most powerful woman in the United Kingdom and the 12th most powerful woman in the world – was on a speaking tour in Australia and New Zealand last month to promote her new book and to help raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia. Mrs Blair’s tour included Adelaide, which was the fi rst time she had visited the city. During her speech at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Mrs Blair showed photos of a young Tony at play and with his family in the Adelaide suburb of Dulwich. Tony Blair spent three years of his early childhood in Adelaide while his father, Leo, was a Law lecturer at the University of Adelaide. He lived just a few kilometres from the university in Ormond Grove, Dulwich, one of Adelaide’s inner eastern suburbs, from 1955 to 1958. Mrs Blair said her husband was only a pre-schooler at the time and “can’t remember a thing about Adelaide”. However, she said his time in Adelaide had obviously had an important impact on the young Tony whether he knew it or not, attributing Mr Blair’s “love for the sun” to his childhood years in Australia. Mrs Blair’s book, written under her maiden name, Cherie Booth, and co-authored by Cate Haste, is called The Goldfi sh Bowl: married to the Prime Minister. Photo courtesy of Cherie Blair Story by David Ellis

Which country will you graduate in?

Country When Who Where Hotel Nikko, 165 Jalan Malaysia 1pm Saturday, March 12 All faculties Ampang, Kuala Lumpur Grand Hyatt Hotel, Hong Kong 4pm Sunday, March 13 All faculties 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong

Schools of Engineering; Professions (AGSB, 2pm Saturday, March 19 Architecture, Law); Faculty of Sciences Ngee Ann-Adelaide Singapore Faculty of Health Sciences (Dental & Education Centre, Medical Schools); Faculty of Humanities and 97 Tank Road, Singapore The University of Adelaide’s 2pm Sunday, March 20 Social Sciences; School of Mathematical fi rst series of graduations for and Computer Sciences; Professions 2005 will be held this month (Commerce, Economics, Education) in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore. In addition to the ceremonies, a Friends and Benefactors event will be held in each country: There will be a total of four graduation ceremonies across Malaysia Friends and Benefactors Breakfast, 8.30am Friday, March 11, Hotel Nikko the three countries, with two ceremonies to be held in Singapore for the fi rst time due to Hong Kong Friends and Benefactors Dinner, 6.30pm for 7pm Sunday, March 13, Dynasty Club increasing student numbers. More than 160 students will Singapore Friends and Benefactors Breakfast, 8.30am Friday, March 18, Novotel Clarke Quay graduate at the ceremonies.

Adelaidean | Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 12 Next year’s hopefuls taste campus life

Future Students

The University of Adelaide has once again shown its commitment to inform school students about tertiary education through the 2005 Senior School Orientation Day organised for Glenunga International High School. The Orientation Day, held last month at the university’s North Terrace Campus, included information on various academic programs and university life, as well as providing campus tours to prospective students. Among the numerous Year 12 students who visited the campus were Olea Corcoran, Sarah Burrow, Candice Bergin, and Nick Zaglyodnov. They all aspire to visit the same campus next year, but as undergraduate students enrolled in different courses at the University of Adelaide. While Olea is interested in taking up a program in “special needs teaching”, Sarah is keen on the arts and languages. Nick has his future well planned, with the intention to get into a three-year undergraduate program in Design Studies, and subsequently study Architecture or Interior Design. A large group of Glenunga’s Year 13 students, Glenunga International High School students (from left) According to Candice, who has recently returned including Michael Tormet and Bess Williams, also Sarah Burrow, Candice Bergin and Olea Corcoran Photo by David Ellis from an exchange program in Japan, the University visited the university and participated in a number of Adelaide’s North Terrace Campus is the of orientation sessions related to their future Bess has heard that the Media program at Adelaide most convenient for her among the three South courses of study. is quite comprehensive, and gathered more course Australian universities. While Michael is interested in pursuing Medicine details from the Media seminar she attended during “I want to do a double degree, and Adelaide Uni is (“The uni has a pretty good reputation, and the the Orientation Day. the most convenient as I could do both Medicine Medicine program here is amongst the best”), “I am interested in a course that covers media as and Japanese without having to travel and change he would be equally pleased to get a place in a whole, and not just journalism, which is why I campuses,” she said. Aerospace Engineering if he does not manage want to do the Media degree at the University of the requisite scores for the medical degree. Bess Olea, Sarah and Nick seemed impressed with the Adelaide,” she said. seemed quite certain about her choice of study, good reputation of the University of Adelaide, which is the Media program at the University The Orientation Day was organised by Miss Mary thereby making it their fi rst choice. of Adelaide. Brownlee, Senior Lecturer in the university’s “I’ve been told that this university has very good School of Education. Miss Brownlee acknowledged Michael has been gathering information about lecturers, and also a very enjoyable campus life,” all the staff – academic, administrative and general study options at the University of Adelaide since Sarah said. alike – who gave up their time to help make the he was in Year 10, and said the university’s Open day a success for the Glenunga students. “The University of Adelaide has a lot of history Days and orientation sessions for school students behind it, and also nicer buildings,” Nick said. were useful. Story by Sukhmani Khorana

13 Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 | Adelaidean Olivia takes Adelaide to the world

Comment

Miss World Australia and University of Adelaide Gastronomy student Olivia Stratton has been busy spreading the word about Adelaide and Australia to the rest of the world. In the Adelaidean’s fi rst comment piece for 2005, Olivia tells us about her experiences and her new role.

I believe food, wine, art and language provide such a wonderful refl ection of culture. My international qualifi cations have helped me to truly realise and embrace culture in my life and career. The global contacts and support I have acquired through my studies, work and travels have enabled me to gain the knowledge and confi dence to take on any challenge but most Australia Olivia Stratton (above) has been working to promote the benefi ts of studying in Adelaide. She played a key role as speaker and presenter at the importantly to live my dream. Australian Universities International Alumni Convention in Hong Kong last December I have recently completed my 12-month full-time (on stage top, and left with former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke). position as Miss World Australia, after being chosen from over 500 contestants nationally to represent my country at the biggest international motivate others through education, understanding provided me with a solid foundation from which I pageant, Miss World. It was a great honour to be and combining our efforts to make a positive have launched into my international position as an voted and win the international title of ‘Miss World difference globally. Ambassador. While already being multi-lingual, I People’s Choice’ in front of an audience of over Now in my ongoing role as an Ambassador for have also just recently started Mandarin studies to two billion viewers in 120 countries; the largest Australia I specialise in public relations and as a further expand my knowledge of the language and annual televised event in the world! professional speaker, working both in Australia Chinese culture, which will greatly assist me with and overseas. My expertise includes food, wine, my work both in Australia and China. One of the many highlights from my year as Miss fashion and education, with my ambassadorial World Australia was my world tour. During this Achievement can mean many things for different position involving work alongside of such time I was chosen as the International Ambassador people, whether it be for someone to have the right people as former Australian Prime Minister Bob for the Sauchin Project in Shanghai for four weeks, and opportunity to an education or to be the CEO Hawke and linking in with numerous and varied working with industry representatives and media of an international company. I am very passionate organisations, including corporate, government, from both Asia and Australia to promote South about my work and will continue to aspire to cultural and charity groups. Australian food, wine and tourism. From this one day being an Ambassador for the United position, as well as working closely with Australian I believe South Australia boasts some of the best Nations. Through hard work, determination and embassies around the world, I have been able to food, wine and education in the world; this has perseverance I believe dreams can become reality.

Adelaidean | Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 14 From law to laughter

Alumni

Shaun Micallef is one of Australia’s most successful entertainers. He has succeeded in writing, producing, performing on stage, in movies and on television, appearing in such popular programs as SeaChange and Full Frontal. This month, Micallef – who is also a Law graduate of the University of Adelaide – returns to Adelaide to perform with fellow comedian Glynn Nicholas in The Pleasure of Their Company. The following is an edited version of an interview with Edward Joyner, arts writer for the student newspaper, On Dit.

EJ: Readers might not be aware that EJ: Would you say that Adelaide Uni now president of the Law Society! He’s still there… it’s just unfortunate that you actually have a law degree from was where you started out performing? a good friend of mine, and we used to Adelaide didn’t have the television the University of Adelaide, which I think do many shows together… he remained industry that seems to exist here in you completed in 1983… I believe you SM: Yeah, I think so. I did a little bit of in the legal profession, and I left. So Melbourne. Even in , television also met some of your colleagues, acting when I was younger, I went to even while I was working, Alex and I is very Sydney-centric, but in terms of like Francis Greenslade, at Adelaide acting classes… but I wasn’t very good, used to do radio comedy and cabaret comedy, Melbourne is really the place University – do you have any memories I’m not really an actor! At university I shows… I used to write for Glynn to come – lots of supportive audiences, of your time at Adelaide? learnt how to write sketches and things, Nicholas when he was on a show called and lots of pubs around the place. which is really what I’m still doing. It The Big Gig on the ABC. While I was SM: Despite my efforts to obliterate EJ: Speaking of Adelaide… your latest was that exposure to the audience at still practising I used to write it out by most of them, I do have some trace show, The Pleasure of Their Company, university… they laughed at a lot of stuff, hand and post it off… so when I made elements of memory! I started at is the fi rst theatre performance you’ve and if they didn’t you just cut it out of the decision to come to Melbourne and Adelaide Uni in 1980… The big memory done in a while, isn’t it? the show – it was a great test. A lot of write for TV, I’d always been doing that is doing Footlights Reviews… we used people working on TV now have never stuff… I think I still use the discipline I to do about three shows a year. Each SM: Yeah, it would be the fi rst since I had that experience, there doesn’t seem picked up in the law course. would run for about two weeks, and left. I did a tiny little bit of stand-up in to be that tradition anymore of coming Melbourne when I fi rst started, but really would follow exams… so about two EJ: Your delivery is very… deadpan. Do from university review at all, it seems to I haven’t done any since… we used weeks of rehearsal, then you do two you think that stemmed from your law? be if there are any comics on they come to do shows all the time in Adelaide, weeks of actual show… and we’d do from stand-up… and they can’t string them in the Union Hall at the end of the SM: Yeah, even when I see myself on indeed, much of the material I will be together a sketch or a character or TV now, I reckon I always look like a doing [laughs] so if you remember year, and the other two shows were at anything like that, which is a great pity. the Little Theatre… it’s about 100 seats solicitor [laughs] who is dressed up those shows… but yeah, it’s been… I think, and quite a nice little theatre EJ: Your legal training must have been in a stupid costume and looks slightly 10 years. So it’s quite signifi cant, it’s uncomfortable… I think that because like an anniversary – it’s been 10 years – that was my favourite theatre. Francis useful with shows like Welcher & I happen to have a voice that suits since I left, and really, 10 years since I Greenslade, with whom I worked on Welcher (legal comedy), but how has it appearing in court, I’ve always got that performed in front of a live audience. television on many occasions, was also related to the rest of your work? studying French at the time I think… with me, that’s why I have that slightly and also Gary McCaffrie, who co-writes SM: Well I’ve always done both. I guess uncomfortable look of “why am I here? and co-produces a lot of stuff we do on at university I was always studying law Shouldn’t I be sitting in an offi ce?” The Pleasure of Their Company and fi nding time to do these reviews… will be held at the television, he was there at law school EJ: Do you miss living in Adelaide? about a year ahead of me… he sort of to me they were always vaguely Adelaide Arts Theatre led me into Footlights, and then once connected, so even when I went out SM: Yeah, all my good friends are in from March 12-20. we’d fi nished at law school, eventually and worked as a solicitor I was still Adelaide… I have two really close Bookings available through BASS. let me into writing for a TV program on writing and directing for Footlights, and friends who I’d see a couple of times Channel 7. So those two guys have appearing in them… and doing shows a year. I didn’t leave Adelaide until I been with me for a long time, I’ve known off-campus with university friends like was 31, and I come back every year The Adelaidean thanks Edward Joyner them for over 20 years. Francis, and Alex Ward also – who is at Christmas time as my family is and On Dit for this contribution

15 Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 | Adelaidean Try something different for breakfast

Radio Adelaide

Breakfast radio in Adelaide has a new Lisa Leong and Jonathan face – and a slightly new fl avour. Lucraft might host Radio Adelaide’s brekkie show on Radio Adelaide 101.5FM, the different mornings, but that University of Adelaide’s community doesn’t mean they can’t radio station, has appointed Lisa share a post-show breakfast Leong as its new breakfast presenter. together! Photo courtesy of Ms Leong is now hosting the Radio Adelaide brekkie show on Radio Adelaide from Monday to Thursday, with volunteer presenter Jonathan Lucraft continuing to host on Fridays. Originally from Melbourne, Ms Leong gave up a lucrative career as an intellectual property lawyer in London to pursue her love of radio. While in London she started working as a volunteer presenter with a Ms Leong applied for and was thought about why I got into radio; Station Manager Deborah Welch said hospital radio station, later fi nding accepted into the full-time radio it defi nitely was to do an interview- Ms Leong’s appointment was a key work with other commercial and course at the Australian Film, based show,” she said. one for Radio Adelaide. community radio stations. Television and Radio School in That means the Radio Adelaide job “Audiences need to develop a “I got to a point where I decided that Sydney. She quit her job in London was perfectly suited to her, she said. relationship with someone, and our instead of giving all of my spare time and moved back to Australia. ever-changing, volunteer-based to the law fi rm, I’d actually like to “It’s an interview-based breakfast presentation in breakfast meant that contribute more to the community,” Before she had even fi nished the show, and I’m a morning lover, I’m the audience never quite got that Ms Leong said. course, Ms Leong landed a job with not a late-night person at all. commercial radio station Hot Tomato connection. With Lisa in the role, “It was something that was missing on the Gold Coast. A year later, she “On Radio Adelaide you get to do and Jonathan, who’s already quite from my legal life. I enjoyed the moved to Adelaide to become a late- seven interviews a morning, it’s very well known to our audience, we work and I enjoyed the team, and I night and weekend announcer for challenging… but also I think my can now build that relationship,” really enjoyed my time in London as commercial station SA-FM. ideals are very similar to community Ms Welch said. a lawyer. But it wasn’t ringing true radio ideals, which is to give people a to me, whereas I felt that when I was “All this time I was in commercial voice who wouldn’t otherwise have a To get a taste of the new breakfast doing this [working in radio], I was radio, I was picking up a lot of skills voice in mainstream media, to always show on Radio Adelaide, tune in on 101.5FM, or listen online at: starting to feel like this was much and it was really useful… but there challenge yourself, to be innovative, www.radio.adelaide.edu.au more me.” was an element missing. I often and also to train people.”

Adelaidean | Volume 14 Number 1 March 2005 16