ALUMNI MAGAZINE EDITION 1 2012 ALUMNI | 2 9 CONTENTS Features 6 A Chancellor’s Journey 9 Tales of Olympic Glory 14 Travelling Alums 6

Regulars 4 14 3 From the Vice-Chancellor 4 Campus News 32 Network News 33 Alumni in Print

* Front Cover: Alum Benn Harradine at work, for full story see page 10

PRODUCTION SUBSCRIPTIONS EDITORIAL TEAM Ennia Nyabadza-Jones If you wish to be added to the subscription list EDITOR Taegan Reid for either a hardcopy or electronic magazine, please contact [email protected] Rosemary Thomson From 2012 the Alumni Magazine will be CONTRIBUTING WRITERS published twice a year for Alumni and WRITE TO US Victoria Jack Friends of the University of Newcastle. It is Send your comments or contributions to Taegan Reid produced by the University of Newcastle [email protected] Rosemary Thomson Office Of External Relations. David Young

The future of our University is inextricably but Professor Trevor Waring AM has certainly From My Desk linked with those of our surrounding been the ‘graduates Chancellor’. I thank him communities. As we look to promote and build for the many alumni events he has attended to Yours collaborations, alliances, partnerships and and for his genuine interest in our alumni other forms of cooperative interaction, we over his many years as Chancellor. I know create an environment where true innovation that many of you count him as a friend and if can occur. The synergies which emerge you wish to send him a message you can do through this kind of activity can harness the so through this office. It will be a pleasure to strength of each partner - where complex introduce you to our new Chancellor, Dr Ken issues and problems can be addressed, and Moss AM who is looking forward to meeting where each of the partners benefits from the you all. exchange. As the London Olympics fast approach, this “No single actor, public or private, has the edition also looks at some of our graduates all-encompassing knowledge, overview, connected to Olympic competitions over the information or resources to solve complex years. I wish our 2012 alumni competitors and diversified problems.” well, and I am sure along with support for your own country participants, you will join me in The Copenhagen Center wishing every success to your fellow alumni You will read in this edition, some of the who will be competing this year. aspirations of the Vice-Chancellor for I also draw your attention to a 25% discount engagement and innovation and I hope that for further study (page 30). as an alumni community you will be inspired about the possibilities in our shared future. Rosemary Thomson Associate Director, External Relations We also farewell an outstanding Chancellor - Leading University Alumni Diana might have been the ‘people’s princess’, and Corporate Relations 3 | ALUMNI

FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

Over the past seven months since starting as the Vice-Chancellor, campuses and facilities, and the investment required in our systems I have had the pleasure of discussing the future of our University and processes to achieve the 2025 Vision. with many alumni in Australia and overseas. What has impressed me I encourage you to read more about NeW Directions by visiting greatly is the enduring connection you hold to the University, your our website at www.newcastle.edu.au/new-directions. I have pride in the institution’s achievements and your aspirations for a already received excellent input from our alumni on the strong future. 2025 Vision and NeW Directions. Please continue to email The University shares those aspirations, and we are building the your thoughts and comments either to me directly or through foundations to meet the challenges ahead for our University. [email protected] Nationally and internationally, the higher education sector is A significant development since my last column has been a ‘changing transforming rapidly. of the guard’ in Chancellors for the University. The Chancellor is chair Changes to policy and regulatory environments, growing competition of the governing body of the University, the University Council, and for staff and students, the role of new technologies in research and plays a critical role representing Council and the institution to external teaching – to name a few – are reshaping the way universities plan for bodies and the community. the future. Newcastle alumnus, Dr Ken Moss AM, commenced as the University’s The higher education landscape will be very different by the time the 6th Chancellor in May. Dr Moss holds an expansive professional University turns 60 in 2025. The challenge we face is to build our background, strong business acumen and a long connection with the foundations in education and research as a world class university and University that will be of enormous value in his role as Chancellor. establish a strong global leadership role. Professor Trevor Waring AM was Chancellor for eight years providing To meet the challenge, the University has embarked on an ambitious leadership, commitment and passion for the University during a ‘NeW Directions’ planning process in 2012. remarkable period of service. He will be greatly missed by University Council, staff, students and alumni. Through NeW Directions, we aim to define a vision of what we aspire to be by 2025. I am encouraging everyone in our University I look forward to meeting more alumni over the coming months, community to contribute their ideas to develop the vision of what we sharing with you developments at the University, and hearing your aspire to be by 2025. The current draft 2025 Vision is a ‘two-parter’, thoughts and ideas on key issues that are important to our future. which reflects our global and regional outlook: Please keep in touch. • The University of Newcastle aspires to be a global leader in all of Best wishes its spheres of achievement. Professor Caroline McMillen • Through engagement with partners, the University will deliver Vice-Chancellor and President world class innovation to support the development of strong regional communities. A clear vision shapes goals, priorities and strategies. In 2012, we will develop our lead priorities in education and research for 2013 - 2015 in the first of a rolling set of biennial strategic plans. These priorities will inform the nature of our future workforce, the layout of our ALUMNI | 4

CAMPUS NEWS

MESSAGE FROM THE PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Our Vice-Chancellor has set a strong and mutually beneficial and many professional innovative mission for the University to links and lifelong friendships are formed. engage with its various communities, both in Academic research into community Australia and abroad. engagement is an emerging discipline, Recently the Vice-Chancellor opened and an element of this is research and a workshop between the University of practice occurring around ‘Enhanced Service Newcastle and Coal & Allied which explored Learning’. In March, we welcomed to the the ways the University can bring a multi- Callaghan campus a visiting scholar from disciplinary approach to areas of mutual Texas State University Trae Stewart. Stewart interest. This model can be replicated is an Associate Professor of Education and for future university-industry research Community Leadership, and a Co-Director partnerships. of the International Centre for Educational Leadership and Social Change. As the University engages with business, industry, government, not-for-profit and Service Learning plays an increasing role community based groups it is pleasing to in Australian educational settings, as well see links developing across these sectors as being an integral part of the University with so many of our alumni. The possibilities of Newcastle’s community engagement are wide ranging, and we hope to see more mission. This initiative brought together of our alumni mentoring both students professional and academic staff to explore Professor Stephen Crump nearing graduation and recent graduates, current practice. As we look to develop this Pro Vice-Chancellor taking students on engaged learning space, we will also be pleased to welcome External Relations experiences at their workplaces, or hosting the involvement of our alumni. them for an international engagement I look forward to seeing you at an alumni experience and so on. Such experiences are event throughout the year. NEW ACCOMMODATION AT CALLAGHAN Construction is set to begin next month at Callaghan Campus on a dynamic, state-of-the-art accommodation precinct, which will offer a clever mix of private and shared spaces including a cafe, recreation spaces, group study areas, a games room, a movie theatre, a vegetable garden and common areas for dining and live music. Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services), Mr Trevor Gerdsen, said that aim of the development is to provide an affordable, vibrant and contemporary accommodation precinct that will support students to thrive in their studies and community life. The modern development comprising of four eight storey towers will offer 780 additional beds, available to students from 2014.

RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT INNOVATION AT UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE In an Australian first, a virtual radiotherapy treatment room will be used to train student radiation therapists in the safe and effective delivery of high doses of radiation to affected cancer sites in the body. The School of Health Sciences at the University of Newcastle will be home to the nation’s first virtual linear accelerator machine, which mimics the clinical radiation treatment technology currently used to treat cancer patients in Australian radiation oncology centres. The creation of this virtual training facility will allow the University to lead the way in addressing the chronic shortage of radiation therapists in Australia. This is great news for the 50% of cancer patients requiring radiation treatment. 5 | ALUMNI

NEWCASTLE ALUMS WIN A NEW SONG PRIME MINISTER’S ENDEAVOUR AWARD School of Nursing and Midwifery graduate Kazuma Honda - a Registered Nurse at the Royal North Shore Hospital Intensive Therapy Unit - and Alix Hall, a psychology graduate currently undertaking a PhD in Behavioural Science in relation to Medicine - have been awarded the 2012 Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Outgoing Endeavour Award. The Endeavour Awards are prestigious Australian Government scholarships that provide research and professional development opportunities for the best and brightest scholars from Australia and Asia. Philip Matthias, academic and conductor of the award Kazuma aims to commence his research in Japan in 2012 and will explore the winning University of Newcastle Chamber Choir married factors that influence non-English speaking nursing students’ sense of belonging Bernadette Lannen to the sounds of the choir in April. in clinical placements.

UNIVERSITY PRESENTS AWARD TO NEWCASTLE PROFESSOR ELECTED TO GOVERNOR GENERAL TOP NEUROSCIENCE POST The Governor General of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO The University of Newcastle’s Professor John Rostas has joined a list of distinguished and admirable Australians when the formally started his role as President of the Australian University presented her with its award for Outstanding Contribution Neuroscience Society. to the Australian Community, on 13 February 2012 at Admiralty House in Sydney. The Australian Neuroscience Society – is a not-for-profit organisation of scientists who study the brain and nervous Previous recipients of the award include former Governor General system. Sir William Deane, former Lady Mayoress of Newcastle Margaret McNaughton, World Vision Australia CEO Dr Tim Costello AO, and Professor Rostas is Deputy Head of Faculty (Research) child protection academic Professor Dorothy Scott. in the University’s Faculty of Health; he was the inaugural Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute and is an The Family Action Centre, a part of the Faculty of Health at the internationally-recognised authority in the area of ‘synaptic University of Newcastle, established the award in 1998 to recognise plasticity’ – modifications of the connections between nerve the work of Australians who make meaningful contributions to the cells responsible for wiring the nervous system. community at all levels. “As President, it is my job to lead the organisation’s activities Centre Director Judi Geggie said the Governor General was promoting neuroscience across Australia and New Zealand and selected to receive the award because of her significant contribution to help our members promote their work to the community,” he to the community over more than three decades and in particular, said. for her work with remote Indigenous communities. ALUMNI | 6

Portrait of a Chancellor – Artist Paul Newton 7 | ALUMNI

Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring AM was a BHP labourer before A Chancellor’s tertiary studies enabled him to become a leading clinical psychologist and university chancellor, a position he Journey retired from at the end of April. That journey – and the kindness people showed him along the way – influenced his determination to share with others the “transformative” power of education.

It was from humble beginnings that income because the charity was run on a tiny welfare projects and became a leading Trevor began his university career. After budget of donations and the proceeds from clinical psychologist, but he never forgot the leaving school at 15, he moved to Newcastle fund-raising events. simple acts of kindness that were critical in at 20 as a newlywed with his childhood allowing him to take that path. In the early Trevor decided, at one point, that he needed sweetheart Helen – who he is still married to ‘80s, he made a conscious decision to start to defer his studies until he was able to save today – and took a job as a BHP labourer. pursuing leadership roles that would allow up the money to pay his course fees. When him to make a similar contribution to the It wasn’t long before Trevor started looking he requested permission to do so, Professor lives of others. One of those roles was as a for opportunities to improve his career Brin Newton-John – the then Vice-Principal half time fellow in the University’s Medical prospects. In 1965, he studied the high of the University – “would have none of Faculty, and later, as a Conjoint Professor school leaving certificate five nights per it”, Trevor recalls. Instead, Newton-John with the School of Psychology – a title week, while working by day in a steelyard. deferred the fees and insisted Trevor conferred upon academics considered as The next year – leaving certificate in hand – continue with his degree. A year later, when national or international leaders in their Trevor was accepted to study an arts degree financial trouble struck again, Dr Margaret fields. at the University of Newcastle. Jurd came to the rescue and paid the fees on Trevor’s behalf. Another such leadership role was as a He had no doubt enrolling in university was member of the University Council, which he the start of something big, the 69-year-old Those generous acts – and others likes them was elected to in 1984, before becoming recalls. “Having actually been accepted into – were instrumental in shaping his future, the Deputy Chancellor in 1997. In 2004, he university - I found that such an extraordinary down-to-earth Professor believes. “People was elected as the Chancellor, an honour life-changing opportunity,” he said. “If you along the way were prepared to help me, not Trevor describes as “quite extraordinary”. came from a background similar to mine – necessarily at their own expense – although The role allowed him to give back to a and from my particular generation – there often it was – but just because they didn’t system that had such a significant impact were the few who went to university. It was see why they shouldn’t,” he said. on the trajectory of his own life. “I think it’s most uncommon for those like myself.” “They were sort of critical turning points. because I’ve received so much that I think Although Trevor was thrilled to begin his You look back and you think ‘if this the university itself is a transforming body tertiary education, the logistics of balancing hadn’t happened, then this wouldn’t have – it can transform people’s lives,” Trevor study and paying the bills to support his happened’. At the time, neither they nor I said. “The amount of return you get from an growing family proved a struggle. Working as would have recognised the significance of education in terms of the quality of life… first a youth worker and then the director at the act.” there’s something of me that wants to give the Newcastle Youth Service was personally In the years that followed, Trevor gained a back into that,” he said. rewarding, but offered little in the way of Master of Science, contributed to various With wife Helen at her graduation With son, Associate Professor Peter Waring, in 2009 With Helen and children, L-R: Cathy, Janice and John Singapore

During his 8-year stint as Chancellor, Trevor– as a university as a whole have what I would Alumni Medal for Professional Excellence. the first University of Newcastle graduate regard as a sacred trust – [that is] to have “I have also thoroughly enjoyed meeting so to assume the role, and the first to live in these lives in your hands and the lives of the many of our alumni, my fellow graduates Newcastle – chaired the University Council people they will serve,” he said. both in Australia and abroad – I am proud and senior committees. A most engaged to be part of the alumni and really value the Among his favourite experiences as Chancellor in his role as a representative to friendships I have made along the way.” Chancellor were the many graduation the community - he averaged attendance ceremonies he attended for students who In April, Trevor’s Chancellorship came to an at one event per day for the entirety of came through the University’s three enabling end when he officially retired – but it’s no his Chancellorship - approximately 3000 programs – courses designed as alternative surprise to hear he hasn’t slowed down too events over the last 8 years. His duties also entry pathways for students often from much. He remains on the Hunter’s Local included officiating at approximately 160 difficult backgrounds. “They would bring you Health District Board and the boards of a graduations for about 50,000 students, to tears, some of the stories,” Trevor said. number of charities, including Samaritans. which – according to Trevor’s calculations – means he’s spent around 319 hours of his One story that stuck out in his mind was that While we might not see him around campus life on stage shaking hands. Also worthy of of a young mother of three who had her first quite as often anymore, Trevor’s face won’t note, is the fact that he had a personal word child in her mid-teens. She gained entry into be forgotten. Before retiring, he posed for for each graduate. Yapug – an enabling program for indigenous artist Paul Newton who painted a portrait students – and did so well that she was later of Trevor that now hangs in the Great Hall Of all the graduations he’s attended, his accepted to study medicine. “I find that mind- (see page 6). Although he was honoured to favourite was the 2009 graduation of his blowing – that’s extraordinary,” Trevor said. be remembered in such a way, Trevor – not wife Helen, who attended the University as “It’s just so inspiring to see people succeed one to take himself too seriously – joked that a mature-age student after supporting her when they have come through the back the portrait didn’t turn out exactly as he had husband and four children through their door to get there. It’s an illustration of the hoped. “The artist was a most incorruptible studies in the years prior. Trevor was on transforming nature of the University.” man,” he said. “Despite my requests, he stage, of course, when Helen walked up to refused to paint hair on me.” receive her Bachelor of Arts. “A couple of In representing the institution as Chancellor my colleagues were betting on whether she in the community, Trevor hopes he has been Trevor will maintain his close relationship would get a kiss [in addition to the customary able to bridge some of the gaps he believes with the alumni when he takes up the role of handshake] when she came across the have existed, historically, between the public Patron of the new Hunter Alumni Chapter to stage – and of course she did,” Trevor and academic organisations. “I would hope be launched on 27 September 2012. laughed. people would think, if nothing else, that I had some basic interpersonal skills that made Reflecting on his time as Chancellor, people comfortable, so they didn’t think Trevor said he had tried to bring some of academia was elite and out of reach,” the empathy and sensitivity to the role that he said. Picture bottom left: The Deputy others showed him during crucial points Vice-Chancellors with the Chancellor Trevor has also been recognised by his in his studies. “While we have to run the and Vice-Chancellor, April 2012. University in a business-like manner, we alumni peers. He was the recipient of both are not a business like any other business. the 1982 Newton John Award for his Bottom right: The Chancellor with I just felt that we as a governing body and contribution to the region and the 2001 Malaysian Alumni, November 2011. 9 | ALUMNI

With the 2012 London Olympic Games fast approaching, it seemed a fitting time for the Alumni Magazine to tell the stories of some of the University’s most successful athletes.

The University of Newcastle has been home to many academic achievements, but a lesser-known fact is that many of our graduates also excel on the sporting field. Our list of high-achievers crosses many sports and includes people such as swimmer Justin Norris, who studied at the University before moving to the Australian Institute of Sport. Justin won bronze in the 200m butterfly at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, softball player Belinda Wright who won bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and runner Heath Francis who has a plethora of gold, silver and bronze Paralympic medals from Beijing, Sydney and the Athens Games in 2004. Not only does the University boast a proud sporting history, our graduates have also played important off-field Olympic roles. Among the most celebrated is teaching graduate and honorary degree recipient Dr Kevan Gosper – 4x100m silver medallist at the 1956 Summer Olympics held in Melbourne - who has served in key roles on the International and the Australian Olympic Committees over many years. Engineering graduates Mark Arkinstall and Ryan Andriessen’s leading structural design work with the team that created the famous Watercube swimming centre for the Beijing Games; business graduate Jason Choy, CEO of the firm managing many of the security solutions for the London Olympics; and, teaching graduate Gerry Collins who has called races for the ABC from the last 6 Olympics. As part of our Olympic feature, we spoke in detail to former Hockeyroo captain Robyn Leggatt, judo player Martin Kelly, discus thrower Benn Harradine and four-time Paralympic wheelchair basketballer Liesl Tesch. The profiles on the following pages look at their impressive achievements on and off the field, as well as delving into their Olympic memories and investigating their most memorable sporting moments. DID YOU KNOW? • 22 sporting clubs are formally affiliated with NUsport. • The first club affiliated with NUsport was the Bushwalking Club in 1953. • The largest confirmed membership of a club was the mountaineering Club with over 400 members for 1995-1998, peaking at just over 500. • The first Sport Person of the Year was awarded in 1965 to Rugby Blue John Rowland. • Eight sports scholarships are offered at the University each year, seven of which are funded by the University and one by the Friends of the University. • In September 2003 NuSport hosted the Australian University Games with over 5000 students from 47 campuses around Australia involved in the week long competition. The University of Newcastle won 6 gold medals and placed second overall. • Forty communication students from the University of Newcastle were selected to work as ‘flash quote’ reporters at the Beijing Olympic Games. The University of Newcastle was the only tertiary institution in New South Communications Students working at the Beijing Wales selected to send students to work with the international media Olympics 2008 contingent. • Dr Bernie Curran, current Vice President of the Executive Committee of Alumni is also a Rugby Blue. ALUMNI | 10

Throwing the distance Champion discus thrower Benn Harradine The 29-year-old – a University of Newcastle He thanks his family for supporting him is tall, heavy and incredibly muscular – so Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Health through the ups and downs of a career it’s a little surprising to learn that prancing and Physical Education graduate – has been in which he’s racked up five consecutive around like a ballerina is a regular part of his involved in discus since he was eight years national titles and a Delhi Commonwealth preparation for the London Olympics. of age and won his first national underage Games gold medal. title at 14. At 18, he made a decision to start The Newcastle-raised thrower admits there As for future plans, Benn doesn’t like to give taking the sport seriously. is a frustrating misconception that discus too much away. But he will say that he wants is “just an arm thing and it’s easy”, but the “That same day I had ‘citius, altius, fortius’ to keep challenging the misconceptions diversity of his athletic abilities and training [the Olympic motto meaning faster, higher, of his sport and bring a little “flare” to his schedule prove otherwise. stronger] tattooed on my inner left bicep discipline. as a commitment to my dream of being an At 199cm tall and weighing 115 kg, Benn is “That’s what I live for,” Benn said. Olympic athlete.” an incredibly athletic figure who can squat He’s become renowned for his “interesting” 355 kilograms, bench press 225 kilograms, “I thought to myself ‘either I make the Games competition outfits and antics such as standing long jump 3.65 metres and sprint after I get this tattoo, or I look like a peanut completing a gymnastics routine in his 100 metres in less than 11 seconds (the for the rest of my life’,” he said. undies in snowy Germany as part of a bet he world record is 9.58 seconds). Fortunately, that dream did come true when lost at a training camp – footage of which he His exercise regime includes not just weight Benn represented Australia at the Olympic proudly displays on his website. training and throwing, but also gymnastics, Games in Beijing in 2008. “I want to give something to the audience running, jumps, ballet, hurdles, foot “I did learn a great deal from Beijing,” he said. that they will remember and smile about. co-ordination, stabilisation and yoga. After all, I love this sport I do. I started it “Now, looking forward to London, I have “Discus is an art… it’s the culmination of all because it was fun and I’m still having so more focus on two things: firstly, performing these training methods all put into throwing much fun 20 years later. Even at the most to my ability – secondly, having an epic time.” a 2 kilogram implement as far as humanly important of competitions, the enjoyment possible,” Benn said. An evident passion for discus and a down-to- never stops.” earth nature have been important assets for “We [discus throwers] may be big guys Benn in a sport that doesn’t even earn him and girls, but the ones at the top are enough money to pay the bills. extraordinary athletes,” he said. Robyn Leggatt represented Australia as a Hockeyroo during the 1980’s. A sporting life Friends and family won’t expect to see much Robyn was selected to captain the both the state and national sides on many of former Hockeyroo captain and Swansea Hockeyroos at the 1984 Olympics in Los occasions in the ‘70s and ‘80s. High School principal Robyn Leggatt during Angeles – a “pretty awesome” honour – but After the world cup in 1983, she was named the upcoming London Olympic Games. again trouble struck. in the world team – a group of 11 players Sports-mad Robyn will be glued to her The team had just lost a game – and with selected to form the ultimate international television during the Games coverage, but it, the gold medal – and were travelling side. she hasn’t yet decided if she thinks the back to the Olympic village to rest, before While working full-time and raising Hockeyroos look set to score a medal. they played the US in a penalty shootout daughters Jamie and Eryn, Robyn also for the bronze medal the next day. At the “It’s hard to say. Their lead up form hasn’t worked extensively as a coach – including last minute, the decision was changed and been great, but they’ve got a few people more than 30 years with the Novocastrian the team ordered to play the shootout that coming back from injury and the team on Women’s Hockey Club [Novos] premier side afternoon. paper looks pretty strong at the moment,” and Newcastle and District Women’s Hockey she said. “The other team had known for two hours Association. and they were out the back practicing. We Robyn recalls her own Olympic experiences She also served as a member of the board had just come off the field [from another as “bittersweet”. that established the Hunter Academy of game] and were mentally and physically Sport and last year was awarded an Order She was selected to play for the Hockeyroos exhausted,” Robyn said. of Australia medal for her many years as a at the 1980 Games in Moscow, but her team The Hockeyroos lost the shootout and hockey coach and selector. boycotted – as did many – because of the were later sent an official apology from the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. While her professional days are now behind International Olympic Committee. her, Robyn – the relieving principal at “Silly, silly us. We thought it would make a “All of the wonderful stuff about the Swansea High School – still enjoys playing difference – what a load of rubbish,” she said Olympics, and there was lots of it, sort of got with her long-time club Novos. of the decision. away,” she said. “It’s calorie expenditure and frustration The Hockeyroos went on to win a “But if that’s the worst that’s going to happen release,” Robyn joked. tournament held in the US that year as an in your life, then that’s pretty good.” alternative to the Olympics – and in doing “As a principal, you need it.” so, they beat the top-ranked teams Germany Outside of Olympic competition, Robyn had and Holland. plenty of success. In other words, the Hockeyroos essentially After moving from Taree to study maths won the Olympic competition that year – just teaching at the University of Newcastle – not officially. later changing to PE teaching – Robyn made ALUMNI | 12

Judo champion’s long road to the top Any Olympic athlete will tell you that walking advised the injury was not quite as serious as crowd was just amazing.” into a massive arena for a Games opening he had initially been told. Martin’s other sporting achievements include ceremony is a spine-tingling moment – but it “Coming back by myself from Europe, I was competing in three world championships and was particularly so for Martin Kelly, because pretty much thinking my chance to go to the winning six national championships, a silver he came so close to never making it there. Olympics was gone,” he said. medal at the 2001 East Asian Games and a The Maitland-raised judo player and bronze medal at the 2002 Commonwealth “But when I did get home, it wasn’t as bad as University of Newcastle graduate had Games. first thought. I didn’t end up needing surgery planned to compete in the Sydney Olympics because it was the posterior ligament [rather In 2007, Martin retired from professional in 2000, but that dream was dashed when than the anterior].” competition due to a neck injury. He now he broke two ribs in the qualifying event. works in the pharmaceutical industry and Martin recovered from the injury in time to Martin got back in form in time to attempt continues to train in judo, and coach qualify for Olympic selection, an event he qualification for the Athens Olympics in young talent. described as “the biggest moment” of his 2004, but injury struck once more. career. Martin said he was glad he made time in Months out from the qualifying event, he his busy training schedule to complete While he didn’t take home a medal, Martin badly hurt his knee at a training camp in a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a has vivid memories of how incredible it Poland and a local doctor, who spoke little Masters in Chemistry, because his studies was to take part in an Olympic Games – English, gave him a shattering three-word meant he had a career to fall back on when especially considering how hard he fought to diagnosis: he retired from sport. get there. “Cruciate. Surgery. Home”. “It’s important to keep developing your “It feels like you’re in any other competition education or professional life, because you Martin was devastated because he knew the until you walk into the opening ceremony don’t know when your sporting career is seriousness of a cruciate injury that required and there’s 100,000 people watching and going to end,” he said. surgery would likely mean he couldn’t cheering. The buzz is incredible,” he said. recover in time for Olympic qualification. “There seemed to be Australian flags Fortunately, when he arrived home he was everywhere and the response from the 13 | ALUMNI Sailing towards gold Wheelchair basketballer Liesl Tesch is of her life since she broke her back during a They won their first competition in the 2011 transforming her career in pursuit of a gold fall from her bicycle in 1988. World Cup meets in Miami and Weymouth medal, while using sport to transform the and took home bronze in the 2011 World Liesl – who suffers incomplete paraplegia lives of others. Championships. The same year, Liesl and – recalls how inspired she was the first time Daniel were named Australian Sailors of the The five-time Paralympian – who studied she watched the sport at a stadium in Mt Year with a Disability. a Bachelor of Science and a Diploma in Druitt a few months after her accident. Education at the University of Newcastle – is This year, the pair won a bronze medal “All of a sudden, there was life in a one of the most decorated and respected and a gold medal at the ISAF World Cup, wheelchair,” she said. members of the Australian Paralympic team. suggesting they’ll be tough competition at In part, Liesl’s transition to sailing was the upcoming London Paralympics. While she’s proud of the incredible things inspired by the “most amazing” experience of she’s achieved so far in her career – Aside from her sporting successes, Liesl her life – her participation in SBS television including two silver Paralympic medals and said one of her proudest achievements series Disable Bodied Sailors. The series one bronze – Liesl said she can’t curb the was recently establishing an NGO – Sport followed a group of people with disabilities urge to win gold. Matters – to bring the benefits of sport to ranging from paraplegia to blindness as they disabled people in developing countries. “We came second in Sydney. It sounds prepared for and competed in the 2009 glorious, but it’s losing the last game,” she Sydney to Hobart race. Liesl has established several basketball said. clinics for wheelchair users in places such as During the show, Liesl met and fell in love East Timor, South Africa and Laos. “Sydney was silver and Athens was silver with one of her fellow sailors. and then Beijing was bronze, so now I’m “Access to sport is a human right and Sport “Now we live happily ever after,” she giggled. determined to get the gold.” Matters aims to unite communities and In addition to this, Beijing silver medalist in create social change using sport as a socially The quest for that elusive gold medal led the sailing - Daniel Fitzgibbon saw Liesl in the acceptable, low cost tool for development,” 42-year-old to a surprising decision last year documentary and tracked her down with she said. – she retired from wheelchair basketball and an invitation to sail with him on an 18 foot took up sailing. “People with disabilities in developing nations Paralympic class SKUD18. are very isolated… but if they’re together It was a big shift for the Brisbane Water In the short time since the pair have been playing sport, they’re having fun, it is much Secondary College geography teacher, as sailing together, they have already enjoyed easier to improve health and human rights.” wheelchair basketball has been a huge part considerable success.

Liesl Tesch and Daniel Fitzgibbon – Photo Jeff Crow ALUMNI | 14 TRAVELLING ALUMS T ake a tOUR of the Moghul Gardens in Srinagar...

Written by David Young OAM noted horticulturist – photography by graduate Jennie Thomas

Newcastle Alum Jennie Thomas recently visited Kashmir - in the far north of India - with her camera and partner, David Young. David has a diverse and distinguished horticultural career. In 1987 he was awarded a Churchill Fellowship and in 1993 was honoured with the Order of Australia Medal. He hosted Canberra’s ABC Saturday garden show for 12 years and was the gardening expert for many years on local television and at radio 2CC where he hosted three hours of gardening talk-back each weekend. David has escorted many garden tours through England, South Africa, Europe and Asia. He and Jennie, both now retired, visit many unusual places and enjoy sharing their stories.

Few foreign tourists visit Srinagar nowadays as most western governments have travel advisories against visiting here. However, we didn’t feel unsafe at any time even though we didn’t see any other westerners. And even though many things have changed for the worse, one thing has changed for the better - the Moghul Gardens have been renovated. They are treasures well worth visiting!

I first visited Srinagar, the capital of the Indian north-western state of Jammu and Kashmir, in late 1980. Back then, it was an attractive place full of half-timbered houses with orangey-red bricks and thatched roofs. The Jhelum River which meanders through the city, the large Dal Lake and a couple of minor lakes, made this an idyllic place.

The first Moghul garden we visited was the Pari Mahal garden, located on the Zebanwan Mountain, 5 km west of the center of Srinagar. Consisting of six terraces aligned roughly north-south, with arched retaining walls supporting the terraces against the mountain. Unlike other Mughul gardens, this garden has no water cascades or chadars - ramps that transfer water from one terrace to another. Pari Mahal was built in the mid-seventeenth century on the ruins of a Buddhist monastery by Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, the Emperor who built the Taj Mahal. It was used as an observatory for the teaching of astrology and astronomy. After coming down from the mountain, we visited the largest and most Last year the opportunity arose to return to Kashmir and the old adage famous of the Moghul gardens of Srinigar - Shalimar Bagh - situated ‘don’t go back, you’ll be disappointed’ proved to be true. Gone were the on the northeast shore of Dal Lake. Restoring this second century slumbering idyllic surrounds of the past – now overrun with corrugated garden was the dream project of Emperor Jahangir in 1619. Emperor iron, waste and weed choked lakes, and an overabundance of police Shah Jahan ordered further extensions in 1630 and now, renovated and military personnel. once more, it is considered to be the high point of Mughul style horticulture. The layout is an adaptation of the ancient Persian gardens which were built on a square plan with four arms radiating from a central location. This couldn’t be replicated in the hilly conditions in the Kashmir valley, so the design was modified to suit the terrain and the water sources. Water was diverted from a higher elevation and was run - using gravity - along the main channel that runs through the three long terraces of this rectangular garden. There are many fountains and pavilions in this garden which is 587 metres long and 251 meters wide. The three terraces are lined with mature chinar trees (Plantanus orientalis), which create magnificent leafy vistas. Many of these trees were planted by Shah Jahan during the early decades of the 17th Century. Colourful flower beds beside chinar trees and long vistas of flower beds. But, it lacked the water the water follow the line of the vistas and add that extra dimension to courses. It was a perfect place to wander quietly at the end of a day delight visitors. spent exploring the Kashmir countryside. In 1632, Shah Jahan also built Chesma Shahi, the smallest of these Kashmir may not be the place for everyone to visit, but if you do get Moghul gardens. It is known as ‘Royal Spring’ due to the mineral-rich there, don’t miss visiting the 350 plus-year-old Moghul gardens of spring water that feeds the water courses. At one point, water tumbles Srinagar. down a steep ladder like ‘rill’. This much steeper site is at an elevation that affords grand views back to the mountains as well as out over the Srinagar valley and its lakes. Chinars feature predominately here as do various conifers and other trees suited to the climate which is hot and humid during the summer and snowy cold during the winter months. Colourful flower beds again delight the eye.

There must have been plenty of work for the horticultural trades in those times, or otherwise, prisoners and slaves from defeated armies were ‘gainfully’ employed! In 1633 a fourth Moghul garden was built in Srinigar - Nishat Bagh - (Garden of Joy) designed and built by Asif Khan the father-in-law and Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. As with Shalimar, a rectangular design was employed but with a central axis of 548m in length. Asif wasn’t silly enough to make his garden bigger than his Emperors! There are twelve terraces, each terrace representing a Zodiac sign. The cascades between each terrace and the numerous fountains create sound as the water falls. The water sparkles when the sun shines. Chinar and cypress trees again dominate the landscape. The garden of our hotel, a former palace, was built somewhat along Do you have an interesting travel story or photos you want Moghul design principles with pools and fountains, wonderful old to share? Email us at [email protected] ALUMNI | 16

GRADUATION GLIMPSES

Music graduate Liesl Scheman and her sister Chanel (far left) also a graduate, pictured with their family. Liesel and Chanel frequently provide the musical interludes at graduation ceremonies. On this occasion they were joined by young sister Rachel (second left). 17 | ALUMNI

Do you remember what the occasional speaker said at your graduation? The Great Hall resounded with wisdom as occasional addresses were given and graduate speakers reminisced. As the Chancellor mentioned, if the graduates who spoke are representative of their cohort - then the future is in good hands. Alum and renowned author, Marion Halligan returned and her speech was that of a master story teller at work; among a plethora of excellence, we bring you an extract from the occasional address given by Alasdair Foster on 14 April 2012 as a ‘graduation glimpse’. BUILDING BRIDGES You will find, as you move out into the world, in order not to cave in, each end must have a an increasing pressure to measure your firm footing that rests equally on either side. Alasdair Foster combines more than 20 success. Two apparently easy metrics are I have come to understand that human years experience heading national arts money and popularity. Sadly the measurable connections are like Wade’s bridges. They institutions in Europe and Australia, with is not always a correlate of the useful, and require a certain gravitas to hold together and 35 years working in the not-for-profit such measures are potentially dangerous to they last longest when they are approached sector. our sense of community and disabling to the in the mutual respect of equals. There is individual. His current role as founder of Cultural one more thing to remember about bridges: Development Consulting - which But consider now, as you start out on your they are most useful when they take you specialises in international intercultural journey, not of the beginning, but its end. somewhere new. projects, allows his creative, intellectual When you come to leave the road and look We live in ever changing times and we must and management skills to flourish back, what will you value most? I doubt that innovate and adapt if we are to function in pursuit of his passion for the it will be money in the bank or how many within the world as it is becoming. With democratisation of the arts. “likes” you have on Facebook. High on the list, industrialization came social and technological I think, will be human relationships and new Among a raft of significant leadership complexity. The response was increasing things learned. This is neither an accident nor roles, Alasdair has also contributed specialization, which found its apotheosis in a romantic humanistic illusion. his expertise to advisory panels for Fordism and the production line, where each the National Endowment for Science, When I was young, the term “Neanderthal” worker knows only how to perform one small Technology and the Arts (UK), the was used to describe a lack of culture and task and loses their overview of the whole. National Arts and Tourism Conference ingenuity. But archaeologists have found tools In a democracy it is essential that we have (Scotland) and the Australian National and artworks created by Neanderthals and a sense of the bigger picture. For it is only Visual Arts and Craft Network. In 2011, scientists have identified the gene associated then that we can make informed practical and Alasdair was the first non-Chinese with the adaptation to speech in Neanderthal ethical decisions. The best way to maintain advisor to China’s largest photo event, bones. Nonetheless, human beings prospered that overview is to continuously seek out new Pingyao International Photography while Neanderthals became extinct. perspectives. Festival. The one significant difference was that In his recent book on the human imagination, Neanderthals always lived as individuals - Jonah Lehrer emphasises that creativity is hunting and gathering solo. The advantage “an emergent property of people coming “So my friends, through of being human was collaboration. As the together” and of outsiders bringing a fresh Japanese say, “None of us is smarter than our education, we are perspective to insiders. He concludes that all of us”. So, my advice is to build bridges truly free. Free to choose “the act of creation is inseparable from the act between yourself and others; between your of connection.” our paths in life - armed discipline and others; between your culture with an education to get and others. So, today celebrate your achievement! But tomorrow, begin to build your bridges. Reach us wherever we desire to Early in my career, while working on a out to people who are different from you. go - that is the greatest film about the building of a new road from Share what you know and listen to what freedom of all.” Edinburgh to Inverness, I learned about the others have to say. structure of arched bridges and particular Max Allan Connect with the richness of humankind and those build in the early 1700s by General 2012 Graduate Speaker and be generous. George Wade when the very first road was University Medallist constructed between the cities. Alasdair Foster B of Laws / Dip of Legal Practice 2012 Occasional Speaker A stone arch is created using wedge-shaped B of Economics 2009 blocks. It is the very weight of the stones that Faculty of Education and Arts gives the arch its strength. However, the force Graduation Ceremony – April 2012 Some speeches are available online at that binds the arch also pushes outwards and, http://www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni/ alumni-news/graduation-speeches.html ALUMNI | 18 HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS APRIL 2012

Professor John Dai PROFESSOR GILLIAN TURNER AO PROFESSOR KICHU NAIR AM Faculty of Business and Law Faculty of Health Faculty of Health Internationally respected across business, Professor Gillian Turner AO is a distinguished Professor Balakrishnan (Kichu) Nair AM education and renewable energy research physician, an internationally acclaimed is a consultant physician in geriatrics sectors, Professor John Dai has forged a geneticist and a worldwide authority on the X and general medicine, internationally successful career working with high profile chromosome. recognised as a pioneer in his field. global companies and higher education Among her most important work in the He is Clinical Professor of Medicine institutions both in Australia and overseas. 1970s was contributing to the discovery and Associate Dean of Continuing Professor Dai holds a Bachelor of Arts of the Fragile X syndrome and defining the Medical Professional Development at degree from Shanghai Normal University importance of X-linked mental retardation. the University of Newcastle; Director (1976) and was appointed Adjunct Professor of the Centre for Medical Professional Professor Turner studied a Bachelor of at the Yunnan University of Finance and Development, Hunter New England Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Economics (China) in 2005, and an Adjunct Local Health District and Chair of the St Andrews University, Scotland graduating Professor at Charles Sturt University in 2006. University’s Conjoint Appointments in 1956. From 1956 to 1970 she trained as Committee. He has contributed significantly to the a paediatrician in Canada before emigrating education sectors in Australia and Asia. to Australia. She became interested in Professor Nair graduated with a Bachelor Working closely with his father, Professor developmental disability and genetics while of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery in Norman Dai, he developed the original working with her husband Brian Turner at India in 1973 and a Graduate Diploma program for Tertiary Education International, Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States. in Epidemiology (Clinical Epidemiology) which created opportunities for Chinese from the University of Newcastle in 1995. She was a Research Fellow with the students to gain Australian degrees and vice He is a fellow of the Royal College of Children’s Medical Research Foundation versa through joint programs and partner Physicians in Glasgow, Ireland, Edinburgh in Sydney from 1970 to 1974 and the institutions. and of the Royal Australasian College of Director of the Tumbatin Clinic at the Prince Physicians. Professor Dai played an integral role in of Wales Hospital for a decade from 1975. founding the Shangri-La University Alliance, The Clinic specialised in the assessment of In leading the evolution of professional established between the University of developmentally disabled children. medical development in his field, Newcastle and four Chinese universities. Professor Nair has advanced the study As Associate Professor of Medical Genetics and practise of geriatric medicine. In 2007, Professor Dai became a Director of at the Prince of Wales Hospital Sydney Design Licensing International, a company between 1986 and 1994, she established a He was the first in Australia to pilot a specialising in wind turbine technology. In genetic outreach service for regional areas multidisciplinary learning unit focusing on 2010, he signed a contract for that company of NSW and ran the Fragile X screening elderly patient care and in 2001/2002 to supply 800-kilowatt mini wind turbines program of NSW. he led the ‘Maggie Project’ in Newcastle, for Shanghai Tower which, when completed a program designed to improve the In 1994 she became Director of Hunter in 2014, will be the world’s second tallest quality of care provided to hospitalised Genetics and the Gold Service (Genetics of building. elderly patients. Its success led to the Learning Disability) and was appointed the establishment of similar programs across Also well known for his philanthropy and first Professor of Medical Genetics at the NSW. Professor Nair is foundation Chair community service, Professor Dai established University of Newcastle of the Hunter Ageing Research Group. a foundation that provides more than In 1990, Professor Turner was recognised $2 million Renminbi a year in funding for In 2009 he was awarded the Order for her outstanding contribution to the field research grants and scholarships to help of Australia for service to medicine of medicine in being made an Officer of disadvantaged, academically excellent and to medical education through the Order of Australia (AO) for services to students in China gain an education. He also the development of undergraduate genetics. She is an honorary member of the funded construction of the world’s largest and professional programs and as a Human Genetics Society of Australia. skate park, the SMP Park in Shanghai. geriatrician. 19 | ALUMNI GRADUATES AND STAFF SHINE IN THE 2012 AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS

Graduates staff

The Honourable KEVIN LINDGREN QC AM Emeritus Scientia Professor EUGENIE LUMBERS AM Doctor of Law 1997, Doctor of Philosophy 1973, Professor, School of Biomedical Science Master of Arts 1968, Bachelor of Arts 1962 and Pharmacy MEMBER IN THE GENERAL DIVISION MEMBER IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA For service to the judiciary and the administration For service to the medical sciences in the fields of justice through the Federal Court of Australia, of physiology and pharmacology as a researcher, and to legal education in the area of commercial academic and administrator, and to law. See page 20 regarding the 2012 Sir the community. Ninian Stephen lecture, presented by Kevin Lindgren.

Dr DAVID SOWDEN PSM Professor JOHN FORBES AM Master of Medical Science Department of Surgical Oncology, (Clinical Epidemiology) 2003 University of Newcastle, Calvary Mater Newcastle PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL MEMBER IN THE GENERAL DIVISION For outstanding public service to Queensland OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA Health, particularly in the areas of infectious diseases and clinical education. For service to medicine in the field of breast cancer research, to the development of improved clinical practice standards, and to the community.

Commander Conjoint Professor PETER HANSEN OAM ROBERT NELSON RAN OAM (Bob) Conjoint Professor, School of Bachelor of Education 1981 Architecture and Built Environment MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION IN THE GENERAL DIVISION For service to education through the For service to the building and construction development and national delivery of the industry, and to the community. Science and Engineering Challenge.

Mr ROSS BARRETT OAM DR LESLIE WOOLLARD OAM Bachelor of Engineering 1965 Conjoint Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine and Public Health MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION For service to the building and construction industry. For service to medicine in rural and remote areas of New South Wales.

Mr DOUGLAS DEAN AM Associate Professor GANAPATHI MURUGESAN OAM Bachelor of Commerce 1976 Conjoint Senior Lecturer, School of MEMBER IN THE GENERAL DIVISION Medicine and Public Health OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA For service to business and commerce through the IN THE GENERAL DIVISION development and provision of sustainable waste management and resource recovery solutions, and For service to medicine, particularly in the field of to the community. psychiatry. ALUMNI | 20

FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND LAW

Eminent lawyer lectures to first-year law Students

THE HON KEVIN LINDGREN QC AM The Hon Kevin Lindgren QC AM, Conjoint Professor of Law at The University of Newcastle, retired from a long and distinguished judicial career in February 2010, where he made significant contributions to the Australian Legal System. Lindgren was appointed to the Federal Court of Australia in 1994. Prior to his appointment he worked as a highly successful solicitor, academic – as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer then Professor of Law at the University of Newcastle, barrister and then Queen’s Counsel at the Sydney Bar. During his time as a Judge, Lindgren also served as the President of the Copyright Tribunal.

SIR NINIAN STEPHEN LECTURE The Sir Ninian Stephen Lecture was established in 1993 to mark the arrival of the first group of Bachelor of Laws students. The Right Honourable Sir Ninian Stephen, former Governor-General of Australia, delivered the inaugural lecture bearing his name.

Offshore processing of asylum seekers could threaten the implementation of a major principle of Australian law, a former federal court judge told University of Newcastle law students at the 20th annual Sir Ninian Stephen Lecture earlier this year. Kevin Lindgren QC AM delivered this year’s lecture, given annually by an eminent lawyer to welcome first-year law students to the University and the legal fraternity. Lindgren delivered his lecture – “The Rule of Law: its state of health in Australia” – to an auditorium of students and legal professionals at the Conservatorium of Newcastle on April 27. The rule of law is a key principle of Australian law meaning that all people – including the government, its agencies and others in positions of power – are subject to the same laws that apply to ordinary citizens. During the lecture, Lindgren discussed a number of possible threats to the application of the rule of law in contemporary Australia. Lindgren expressed concern that offshore processing enabled the government to exempt asylum seekers from receiving the same legal rights and protections that would be applicable if they were processed in Australia. “Granting asylum seekers access to lawyers and courts can be an inconvenience [for the government],” Lindgren said. Lindgren concluded by telling students that the independence and integrity of the legal profession was paramount in ensuring the rule of law was carried out to the fullest extent possible. “The independence of the legal profession is important for the rule of law,” he said. “Students… remember the rule of law depends very much on you.”

Colombo Plan graduate honoured with prestigious award

University of Newcastle economics and engineering graduate and Colombo Plan scholar, Dr TAN Chin Nam took the Singapore Australia Alumni Awards highest honour - the 2012 Eminent Alumni Award at a glittering affair at the Australian High Commission in May. The awards are open to all graduates of all Australian universities who live and work in Singapore. Dr Tan is one of Singapore’s most distinguished public servants. He received four Public Administration Service Medals during his 33 years of service in top leadership roles before his retirement in 2007 as the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts. Dr Tan is currently the Chair of the Media development Authority International Advisory Panel and holds significant directorships across Asia. Dr Tan’s expertise and personal contributions have influenced the development in Singapore of art and culture, the media, IT and Communications, tourism, Dr Tan (left) pictured with Dr. Lee Boon Yang human capital and the economy. 21 | ALUMNI

CARY LEE JOANNE HEIGHWAY Bachelor of Business (Honours) 2000 Bachelor of Commerce 2001 Alumnus Cary Lee is determined to curb the Hunter Region’s One often hears the expression ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. shocking prostate cancer mortality rate – a difficult mission, no Rom-coms use it to convince the gorgeous Channing Tatum look- doubt, but he’s already seeing signs of progress. alike to fall for the sweet, but socially awkward, schoolgirl. It is the line that makes you look twice at the shy guy who remembers your After working for 10 years in marketing planning and strategy, coffee order, and doesn’t judge you for it. Cary decided it was time to make a shift to something “a bit more fulfilling”. It is a line that describes Jo Heighway, who herself admits that, at first glance, she does not look like a leading financial super advisor So, he took a sizeable pay cut three years ago when he moved into with an abundance of credentials to her name. a financial role with the Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance. Jo Heighway is a young businesswoman, owner and entrepreneur The alliance provides a prostate cancer counselling service and whose dedication to bettering her own education has proven aims to increase community awareness of the disease. successful on a number of accounts. Cary – a Bachelor of Commerce graduate with Honours in In 2005, Jo started Engage Super Audits from her lounge room, Business – was soon promoted to CEO. offering auditing services to other accountants thanks to her In his time at the helm, he has already seen plenty of progress in education in financial planning, superannuation and auditing. the fight against the deadly disease. “Being in the industry for many years, I saw a growing need for Firstly, the Hunter’s prostate cancer mortality rate – which had accountants to be able to have their work audited without doing it in been 40 per cent higher than metropolitan Sydney – has gradually house or by a competitor,” says Jo. declined. “Self managed funds is one of the fastest growing industries Secondly, the Hunter has gone from being one of the worst areas in in Australia and I saw an opportunity to exploit this market, by the state to one of the best in terms of the number of men receiving developing Engage Super Audits.” prostate tests. In the past 7 years, not only has Jo been busy with her four “Obviously, we can’t take all the credit for that, but we truly believe children, she has seen her business grow to being one of the that we’ve made a significant difference,” Cary said. leading financial super advisors in Australia. One of the changes he has implemented as CEO has been a In September 2011, Jo Heighway was announced the NSW greater focus on targeting specific workplaces as a way to bring the Telstra’s Young Businesswoman of the year and then named prostate cancer awareness message to their key demographic – Telstra’s Young Business Woman for 2011. men in their 40s and over. Jo still recalls her time at the University of Newcastle, and is “That really hits our target audiences… so it’s a lot better than enjoying her ongoing engagement as an alumnus. running barbecues every week,” Cary said. “As my team grows, my relationship with the University of Newcastle Since finishing University, Cary has worked in a number of roles, becomes tighter,” Jo says. including as a tutor and guest lecturer at the University and in “I identify and invite high quality students to join my team, and love marketing for Newcastle Innovation. the speaking opportunities I am given at the university to talk to However, he said his current role was his most rewarding yet. students about my journey and provide guidance to their own.” “One of the best things you can get from your day is when With Jo’s charming nature, humble accounts of her glowing somebody comes in here a bit distressed and you have a talk to credentials and passion for her work, it is no wonder that she is them - they go to see the counsellor and they come out and feel in reception of Telstra’s Business accolade, and one of the many like a completely different person. They are grateful for this space successful Alumni of the University of Newcastle. and for being listened to.” Written by Jessica McAneney (Bachelor of Communication student), published in Yak, issue 2, 2012. ALUMNI | 22

FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND ARTS

Associate Professor Pamela van der Riet Erin at work from the School of Nursing and Midwifery Changing lives: a graduate’s mission

ERIN THURSBY Thanks to fundraising efforts, the project is the garden for the first time at an opening Graduate Diploma in Education 2006 now almost complete and includes features ceremony earlier this year. such as a gazebo, an arched bridge, a cubby After visiting children suffering serious “That was amazing, that was the total house, a swinging bridge, a fort, fairy murals, illnesses such as HIV, TB and cancer, reward… there were a few tears shed that a slide, swings, spring toys and a patio. alumnus Erin Thursby couldn’t shake the day,” she said. feeling that the patients in the paediatric Associate Professor Pamela van der Riet “Just seeing the kids faces when they were ward at Lampang Hospital in Thailand from the School of Nursing and Midwifery playing in the garden, you could see the needed her help. who fundraised on the project with her positive effect it had.” stepdaughter – said the garden was The Epping West Public School teacher first designed to provide essential psychosocial Although Project Fairy Garden is now up travelled to northern Thailand in 2011 and support for children and their families. and running, Erin has no plans to slow down. the idea for the “Project Fairy Garden” grew Seeing the impact it’s having on children in from her visit to Lampang Hospital where “Children need both stimulation and hope Lampang has made her determined to visit in Erin worked as a volunteer in the children’s when unwell,” she said. the July school holidays to help maintain the ward. “An environment that involves and actively garden and hand out soft toys donated by Since then, Erin has been determined to stimulates their senses can be a positive Salvation Army. improve the hospital environment available step in both psychological and physical Erin was overwhelmed by the community to the children she met, many of whom were improvement.” support from fundraising efforts in Australia out of school for long periods and had few Erin is helping ensure hospital nursing staff and the local support from sponsors, social or educational experiences while in and students from the local nursing college labourers and volunteers locally in northern hospital. know how to exploit the full potential of the Thailand. On her return home, Erin started volunteering garden by teaching them to conduct hands- “If you have a dream and you have lots of at Westmead Children’s Hospital – while on activities that help the children learn, support, you can make a difference,” Erin working full-time as a teacher – to research socialise and relieve stress. In January this said. ways she could help. year, colleagues from Epping West Public School accompanied Erin to Lampang and “I’ve noticed at Westmead, the kids just want conducted educational play workshops with to get out of the hospital rooms – to get out nursing staff and students. of the fluorescent-lighted rooms and into the garden,” she said. While the project has involved many hours of hard work – mostly squeezed in during her That observation was the impetus for Project annual leave and spare days and hours here Fairy Garden – a healing haven designed to and there – Erin said she got all the thanks help children at Lampang Hospital play and she needed when she saw the children use learn with other children. 23 | ALUMNI

ALLI HAMMETT CHRIS TOLA Graduate Diploma in Education 1985 Bachelor of Arts 1988 Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) 1984 An active undergraduate experience may have stopped Chris Tola Alli Hammett was told she would never walk again after suffering from graduating on time, but it also helped set the foundations for an a major stroke that left her paralysed down one side and unable to inspiring career. talk. Chris– who is part way through a Master of Business Administration Not only did she astound doctors by achieving what they thought – is the Newcastle City Council sponsorship and business impossible, she went on to pioneer changes in the way victims investment officer, a position that involves helping the city’s of stroke – Australia’s second biggest killer – are cared for in community groups gain the funding necessary to continue their emergency departments around the country. work. Twelve years since the day her life changed forever, Alli – a Chris’s passion for community-focused organisations was fostered University of Newcastle graduate – is still working to promote stroke during his undergraduate studies in the 1980s, when he was the awareness and campaign for increased government funding to President of the Newcastle University Surf Riders Club and was tackle the disease. also involved with the Newcastle University Sports Union and the Newcastle University Union Board of Management. Among her current projects, Alli is a member of the National Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Consumer Network and is working to establish “I was one of those guys that started when university was still free a not-for-profit organisation for stroke survivors and prevention. and took eight years to do a three-year Bachelor of Arts because I got involved in everything else,” he said. At the inaugural TEDxNewy conference last year, Alli spoke about another project – a social movement called Let’s Make Stroke Chris said his experience working with a number of community Sexy – that she has spearheaded to tackle the lack of awareness of organisations was personally rewarding and also gave him an stroke in Australia. understanding of how important such organisations were in creating a rich and diverse community – something he had endeavored to Alli said one Australian dies from stroke every six seconds, but promote in his professional life. people still know very little about the disease. “I really saw the world through being involved in the University of “It’s not sexy, it’s not an attractive topic, let’s face it. We don’t talk Newcastle,” he said. about these sorts of issues,” she said. Since graduating, Chris has worked with and volunteered for a Alli said that her stroke, while devastating, had motivated her to help number of organisations, many of which had an environmental focus. others. This included stints as a Coastalwatch and CoastalCOMS business “I’ve re-learnt to talk, I’ve re-learnt to walk, I’ve re-learnt everything,” development manager, a Coastcare regional facilitator and a she said. program manager with Keep Australia Beautiful. While stroke is a cause that Alli has dedicated herself to in recent Chris said he a strong interest in the health of coastal environments years, her service to the community began 40 years ago when she because he had been a surfer for many years. started volunteering for a children’s disability service at the tender age of eight. “I’m not an environmentalist, I wouldn’t know a lomandra from a tuckeroo… [but] I certainly believe I want to leave this place in a In 1981, she moved to Newcastle and undertook a Bachelor of better state than it was when I found it,” he said. Arts (Visual Arts) and a Graduate Diploma in Education, while volunteering for up to 20 hours per week. In his current role with Newcastle City Council, Chris enjoys working to support a broad range of community groups to help ensure they After graduating, she continued to volunteer while working as a can continue their valuable work. school teacher, road safety officer, community development officer and CEO of a not-for-profit organisation. He said there were thousands of community groups in Newcastle with interests as varied as the arts, mental health, social welfare and Last year, Alli’s long history of community work was recognised with sport. a Premier of NSW Award for Community Achievement. ALUMNI | 24 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

PASSION FOR CHANGE Energy expert Professor Behdad Moghtaderi is leading the way towards a cleaner future.

“I am driven by a desire to develop technologies impression, moving up the ranks from junior such as different roofing and walling systems that will help reduce greenhouse emissions,” lecturer to professor within eight years. influence a building’s thermal performance. Professor Behdad Moghtaderi says. “It is a A consultant to government and industry, “About 40 per cent of electricity used in moral imperative. The future of our planet relies Moghtaderi has his finger on the pulse when it Australia and 20 per cent of greenhouse gas on it.” comes to anticipating priorities for change and emissions are due to space heating and cooling It is this passion that has equipped the development in the field of energy. As a result, in buildings,” Moghtaderi says. “ chemical engineer to take a leading role in the he has attracted more than $17 million Therefore anything we can do to lower the University of Newcastle’s Priority Centre (PRC) in research funding in the past 12 years. energy footprint of residential houses in for Energy, a national leader in the research “We have recognised the research particular will improve the environment and field of new-generation clean and renewable opportunities, and we are delivering results that reduce electricity use.” energy production. are shaping government and industry agendas.” Moghtaderi’s research into chemical looping The PRC is a key component of the Newcastle Moghtaderi’s work in biomass and coal combustion, a carbon capture and storage Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), a utilisation is a good example of the influence technology, is also pioneering and has gathered world-class interdisciplinary research facility of his team’s work. One of his first projects momentum as industry recognises its potential on the University campus. Moghtaderi’s core at Newcastle proved that biomass, such as applications. He has attracted approximately research projects span low-emission coal woodchips, could be mixed with coal fuel to $5 million in grants for six related projects technologies, renewable energy systems, reduce emissions. A decade later, the research since 2004. energy efficiency in buildings, and the is being applied in coal-fired power stations development of hydrogen-fuelled units to “The exciting aspect of chemical looping is that across Australia. replace lithium batteries in laptops and mobile it is enabling technology that will allow other phones. Similarly, his ongoing collaborative research low-emission coal technologies to become with Emeritus Professor Adrian Page and the economically and technically more attractive,” Arriving in Newcastle in 1999 after studying Masonry Research Group into energy efficiency he says. “So it has huge potential for further in Iran and the University of Sydney, he was in buildings has prompted revisions to the research and development.” attracted by the strong research culture and Building Code of Australia. the opportunity to work with engineering Moghtaderi and his colleague Dr Elham luminaries such as Emeritus Professor Terry Using data collected from sensors attached to Doroodchi gained popular attention last year Wall and Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson. four small, purpose-built cottages on University when his GRANEX® power platform featured With a strong work ethic and sharp intellect, grounds, the research team has collected a as a finalist on ABC TV’s ‘The New Inventors’. the prolific academic was quick to make an vast amount of information on how factors GRANEX®, developed in conjunction with 25 | ALUMNI

BRENDA MATAKA Bachelor of Engineering 2006 A love of make-up was the catalyst for production metallurgist Brenda Mataka to pursue a career in chemical engineering. The 27-year-old Zimbabwe-raised graduate is living proof that engineering can be a fruitful career choice. In 2002, Brenda left Zimbabwe to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Newcastle. The move was inspired by her dream of one day making her own cosmetic products. In her third year of study, Brenda was required to complete a work experience component. The diverse nature of the degree presented other opportunities, particularly in the mineral processing. She secured a role at Newcrest’s Cadia Valley gold mine in Orange.

Granite Power Ltd, is an emission-free “It was quite a dynamic environment. Each day had a different engine that turns heat from low-grade challenge; but not matter how complex and difficult it seemed, it sources into electricity. was likely a similar problem had been successfully dealt with in the past” Brenda recalled. It is revolutionary because it is capable of using heat sources that might not otherwise “I decided to pursue a career in mineral processing and I haven’t be viably recycled – such as the flue gas looked back since – although I still indulge in my favourite cosmetics from a coal-fired power station, exhaust from brands now and then.” a diesel engine or heat from a geothermal After graduating with Honours in 2006, Brenda worked as source. With GRANEX® now being launched an engineer with Australian Nuclear Science and Technology commercially, Moghtaderi has entered into Organisation (ANSTO), where she spent three years working on another interesting collaboration with Granite research projects for the mining industry. Power Ltd, researching a low-energy, small- For the past 15 months, she has been a production metallurgist for scale desalination plant suitable, for example, BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam – a copper, gold, silver and uranium for use on remote farms. mine in remote South Australia, where she is exposed to a variety of “Like GRANEX®, the desalination plant is unit operations such as hydrometallurgy and solvent extraction. designed to be run on waste heat, such as While she is more than happy to chuck on a pair of overalls and diesel fuel exhaust. However, it will also safety boots, Brenda is quick to point out that she still enjoys her address wateruse issues by allowing farmers nail polish and jewellery. to turn brackish water on their properties into drinking water,” he says. “I may have missed out on making cosmetics, but turning dirt into gold is just as satisfying,” she said. Moghtaderi firmly believes the University is at the international forefront of research into Brenda is an advocate for women in engineering and has taken clean and sustainable energy sources. part in a number of events – such as university open days and conferences– where she encourages young female students and “The University’s engineering area has upcoming graduates to pursue careers in engineering, just as she always been a leader and now, with our PRC has. and the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources on campus, Newcastle really is “With the diversity of challenges the job presents, I am happy to Australia’s hub in energy research.” start the day with a sense of purpose and finish it feeling satisfied. I feel privileged to be making a contribution as an engineer.” ALUMNI | 26

FACULTY OF HEALTH

Hoops and Health Science

In basketball, a good game plan is essential. To play at a professional level, you need discipline, trust in your teammates and confidence in your next move. Erin Lorenzini-Todd seems to have applied these strategies to her own life since completing a Bachelor of Podiatry at the University of Newcastle in 2010. She is the principal podiatrist at Sydney East Podiatry—a private clinic specialising in sports podiatry and lower limb injury—and an elite basketball player, playing for the Sydney Uni Flames at the top of the National Woman’s Basketball League. Erin was lucky enough to know what she wanted to do straight out of school. “I always knew I wanted to go into health sciences,” she says. I enjoyed physics and biomechanics and I already had a sports background so for me, something like podiatry or physiotherapy was the next logical step.” She applied for Podiatry at La Trobe University and, following on from her junior success at state level, began playing basketball for Dandenong. Over the next five years, Erin would move from Melbourne to Adelaide to Sydney, juggling matches, training and study all the way. “I’ve always been determined,” she says. When you play professional sport, you have to be, but it helps that I love what I do. After moving to Sydney, Erin was surprised to learn that at that time there wasn’t a podiatry degree on offer in the city. “I wanted to play for the Flames,” she says, “but it couldn’t be everything; I wanted to have sports science as a career.” With a year of study to go, Erin enrolled at the University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah Campus, approaching her final year of university with characteristic drive. “During the basketball season, we were training twice a day, she says. I always knew I wanted to go We all had to fit in work or study with our training, but it was manageable. I could train in the morning, schedule appointments with into health sciences patients and go to classes during the day, train in the evening, and Erin Lorenzini-Todd study at night. The University of Newcastle were also flexible with my placements, which was great, as I was able to spend some time in “It’s difficult to step out of a demanding sport, spend time recovering Melbourne and Adelaide doing work experience”. and then find a way back in. If I can help prevent injuries in the first Erin found work immediately after graduating. She met her husband, place, then I’m happy.” Erin’s clinic covers general podiatry, sports David, and then, at the age of 25, she opened her own podiatry and paediatric podiatry as well as the vascular, neurological and business in Sydney’s Bellevue Hill. dermatological components of the profession. It was a strategic move. The business is growing as more and more A career in podiatry can be life changing, says Erin, as she dashes off athletes come to see Erin for anything from footwear advice to a to see another client, “but at the end of the day, it all comes down to complete bio-mechanical assessment, or pre-injury screening. “Pre- providing the right support.” injury screening is very important,” she says. “We can highlight areas of weakness and bring them into line before the injury occurs.” Erin has recovered from injury in the past so working with athletes to Image used with permission from the Sydney Uni Flames prevent the injury even occurring is an important aspect of her job. Photographer: Tom Whitaker 27 | ALUMNI

issues such as childhood obesity and than $8 million. Among them were projects smoking. aimed at improving the care available to people trying to quit smoking, reducing Since graduating with a PhD, he has worked drug and alcohol use and improving the with a number of internationally-recognised healthy eating and physical activity practices research institutions, including the UK of childcare services, sporting clubs and Cochrane Centre and the World Health community services. Organisation. Luke said that the collaborative nature of his In 2009, Luke was awarded a prestigious work with Hunter New England Population NSW Cancer Institute Fellowship. Health has ensured that his research is LUKE WOLFENDEN He was also named as a state finalist for the “practice relevant” and often translated into NSW Government’s Young Achiever of the Doctor of Philosophy 2006 public health policy and practice. Year award, based on the excellence of his Bachelor of Science (Honours) 2001 “Interventions I have developed have been research evaluation work on Good for Kids, Bachelor of Science 2000 broadly disseminated and can be expected Good for Life – Australia’s largest childhood to have had a positive health impact on the obesity prevention program. An academic career has given Luke community,” he said. Wolfenden the chance to make a significant Over the last five years, Luke has been contribution to the way we tackle health awarded 17 research grants totalling more

after leaving school in the mid-80s. Later, perioperative nurse at Wyong Hospital. she worked as a treatment room assistant She said she was very proud to have finished and collector before returning to nursing in her degree as a mature-age student and the 2008. reward for all her effort was getting to work Then, in 2009, she made the leap and in an area she was truly passionate about. enrolled at university in order to earn the “I have found my ultimate career and a degree she needed in order to begin working job I honestly love,” she said. Louise said in her dream job in perioperative care – the she found the work so fulfilling because it care provided while a patient is receiving a enabled her to help other people. surgical procedure. “The most rewarding part for me is when a LOUISE HACK “I have always had a strong desire to work in patient recovers from their procedure and Bachelor of Nursing 2011 the perioperative area and have had a keen thanks me for the care I have given them in interest in anaesthetics, which has been After working as a nurse for many years, it the immediate recovery phase, knowing they the driving force behind me becoming a was completing a Bachelor of Nursing as have had a positive experience,” she said. a mature-age student that enabled Louise registered nurse,” Louise said. In the future, Louise hopes to work as a Hack to score her dream job in health care. Louise completed her degree last year at clinical nurse and educator. Louise started working as an enrolled nurse the Ourimbah campus and now works as a

when she finished high school at 17-years- like to see dental hygienists become a part old. of every dental surgery in the Newcastle region,” she said. At 23, she decided to further her passion for oral health – and her career prospects – by “I would also like to see dental hygienists undertaking a Bachelor of Oral Health at the more involved in health promotion within University of Newcastle. schools, pre-schools and aged care facilities.” Jennifer was a star pupil in the program. Jennifer said her work was rewarding In 2011, she received a Dean’s Merit because it gave her the opportunity to Award and a Golden Scaler Award for improve her clients’ quality of life. her outstanding achievements as a dental “Within the short window of time that I have JENNIFER BLANCH hygiene student. been practicing, I have been witness to Bachelor of Oral Health 2010 After graduating, Jennifer secured a full-time such positive outcomes from the care I have Many of us have a lax attitude to oral health, position as an oral hygienist at Morrin Dental provided,” she said. but alumnus Jennifer Blanch is on a mission in Newcastle. One of her hopes is that the “I love witnessing the excited responses to improve awareness of and access to benefits of dental hygiene will become more from my patients as they see marked dental hygiene in our region. widely available in the community. differences in their oral and general health Jennifer always had an interest in health “I believe dental hygiene is an integral from slight adjustments of their oral hygiene care and took a position as a dental assistant component of modern dentistry and I would techniques.” ALUMNI | 28 FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Bergskas at work and with her staff at the Guanabana factory in Bali LOCAL DESIGNER ON WORLD STAGE Jennifer Hawkins, Serena Williams and don’t know why you’re telling me that’,” she any other way. Jessica Mauboy are among the celebrities laughed. “I can’t imagine running a business in Sydney snapped wearing pieces by Newcastle “I looked at it and thought ‘I would love to – half the day is spent in traffic,” she said. designer Linda Bergskas, who created her have a shop.’ I rang him back that afternoon first designs while studying at University. “Here in Newcastle, everything is easy and said ‘I’ll take it’ and I resigned from my because everything is around the corner – Linda started designing and sewing job the next day.” nothing is time-consuming. I can have time clothes as part of her Bachelor of Visual The gutsy designer had no luck booking to socialise and everything as well. It’s more Communication (Honours) studies, which appointments with fashion reps to discuss manageable.” she completed in 2005. stocking her label, so she drove around the The balance between work and social life is The Norway-raised designer started selling country and turned up on their doorsteps even more important to Linda since recently the clothes locally at the time, but she never unannounced. giving birth to her first child. imagined her label – Guanabana – would In less than two months, she had 80 end up appearing on runways across the “My priorities have changed a little bit,” she bookings. country and around the world. said. Since then, Linda has hired a number “It was something I wanted to do my “I’m pretty content where I am.” of full-time staff and set up the label’s whole life, but I never thought it would be manufacturing operations in Bali, where she While she attributes her success as a something I could make a career out of,” she now lives part-time. designer to seven years of “working around said. the clock”, Linda says the long hours were Today, Guanabana is stocked in over 100 Linda worked for a fashion agency in Sydney made more bearable by the fact that fashion stores in Australia, Japan, the United States after completing her degree, but returned had “been a hobby more than a job”. and Norway, including famous department to Newcastle a year later to open her label’s store Barneys New York and high-end “There have been ups and downs and it’s now flagship store on Darby Street. fashion store Kitson. extremely challenging at times too. At the “I was up here on a sales trip and I was same I love it so much I couldn’t imagine Linda said many people were shocked to on Darby Street and randomly one of the doing something else.” hear that she runs such a successful label landlords saw me. He said the store was from Newcastle, rather than Sydney or going to go on the market and I thought ‘I Melbourne, but she says she wouldn’t have it 29 | ALUMNI

EWAN MCEOIN KIM ELLIS Bachelor of Applied Science Bachelor of Science 2000 (Environment Assessment and Management) 1994 The International Space University might sound like the stuff of Creative director, publisher, editor and curator are among Ewan science fiction, but for Kim Ellis, it was actually the stuff of dreams. McEoin’s diverse array of job titles, but the consistent undercurrent in his work is a desire to implement sustainable practices. Even better, it is now the stuff of reality for Kim – a “closet” space enthusiast – who recently won an award entitling her to spend 10 At first, it is a little surprising to learn that Ewan graduated from a weeks working at the world-renowned university, as well as the Bachelor of Applied Science and then spent the best part of the NASA Kennedy Space Centre. next 20 years working in the arts, publishing and design sectors. Kim, a professional scientist, first developed an interest in space Ewan admitted his career trajectory was probably a little different science and technology after visiting the illustrious space centre to most science students and, indeed, not quite what he initially 20 years ago. envisioned. Back then, the mother of two – who is now in her final year of a “Yeah, I thought when I graduated that I was going to go off and graduate law degree – never imagined she would go on to work tag and release animals in the wilderness. I didn’t do that. I probably with some of the world’s top space scientists. regret it sometimes,” he joked. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 2000 and began her In truth, Ewan is more than happy with the way things have turned career as an industrial chemist for Rio Tinto and BHP, before a out because his work has allowed him to have a significant impact fortuitous redundancy lead her to re-evaluate her professional life. on the way the design sector approaches sustainability (which is where the background in science comes in handy). After the job loss, Kim undertook a recruitment course that inspired her to turn her long-time passion into a profession. After starting out as a writer and editor for design magazines, including a seven-year stint as editor of Australian Design Review, Since then, she has gone on to make her mark in the highly Ewan also lectured in design at RMIT, served on a number of design competitive and challenging field of international space research. advisory boards and even appeared as a judge on ABC’s New The last two years have been particularly rewarding for Kim, Inventors. beginning with a successful application to study with some of the Before long, he was organising a number of the big-name design best in her field at the headquarters of the International Space events in Australia, including Victoria’s State of Design Festival and University in France. Queensland’s Unlimited: Designing for the Asia Pacific initiative. This year, after winning an Australian Government Endeavour Ewan said the events were aimed at finding ways the design sector Executive Award, she has returned to the university – although this could provide sustainable solutions and shape a brighter future. time at a US campus, and as a teacher, rather than a student. “They’re about finding ways to help the design industry move Kim’s stint in the US – running until mid-August – will include forward as an industry, rather than talking about moving forward,” working as a Deputy Academic Coordinator and lecturing on space he said. policy and law. The shift in focus is a sign of things to come for Ewan, whose future Her other professional involvements include a position as the plan is to do for the Australian produce industry what he has done in workgroup lead for the Australasian Alumni of the International the design sector. Space University and memberships to the Space Industry Association and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. “I want to figure out what needs to change in that whole sector to help small Australian producers to grow their businesses and be Through her company Earth Space Tech Kim also provides a range more sustainable,” he said. of technical consulting and communication services for community, government and private organisations. www.earthspacetech.com ALUMNI | 30 THE ALUMNI LECTURE SUPERSIZE ME? EARLY ORIGINS OF A LIFE OF OBESITY The 2012 Alumni Lecture attracted a full house, at City Hall on Wednesday 14 March. The recently appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen deconstructed the sophisticated science behind how the health and nutrition of a mother may alter the metabolic health of her children. Professor McMillen drew a picture for the audience of outcomes from experimental studies of the potential metabolic benefits and costs of weight loss during the period around conception in overweight and obese mothers for the next generation. Maternal obesity is associated with an increase in the risk of the development of obesity for her baby extending through infancy, childhood and later life. There are therefore concerns that we may be facing the emergence of an ‘intergenerational cycle of obesity’. This topic attracted a broad spectrum of community members and health professionals who were left so engaged with the implications of the research outcomes, that the Q&A session from the floor had to be reigned in after a fascinating further half hour. The Public Lecture series is open to all and offers a As a biomedical researcher, Professor McMillen is internationally diverse set of topics throughout the year. In 2012, the recognised for her work into the impact of the nutritional environment series will close on October 19 with the Barton Lecture before birth on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and obesity to be given by the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull – in adult life. for details of all the lectures, explore online at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/business-community/ The Alumni Lecture is held annually to showcase the expertise of public-lectures/ a newly appointed professor of the University, and is hosted by the President of Alumni and his/her Executive Committee of Alumni.

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MEET A MEMBER – THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF ALUMNI

A GREATER LIFE THROUGH GIVING BACK

A fortunate life and a successful career have motivated Greater Don is working on a couple of projects that particularly inspire him. Building Society CEO Don Magin to give back to the University and to “The University already has Alumni chapters and activity around the community. the world, but we are very excited to offer a Hunter Chapter to our Don started his career in the IT department at BHP in the mid-1970s regional graduates to be launched later this year,” Don said. and worked in the same field at the Greater for two decades, before The varied program will include the annual Alumni Awards gala dinner being promoted to CEO four years ago. at City Hall - which sees international alumni join the event – and After taking the reins, Don spearheaded the building society’s highly- a mix of events which allow learning from very successful alumni, publicised television advertising campaign featuring comedian Jerry leadership and thought enquiry, and also events which will allow for Seinfeld. social and professional interaction with alumni peers. Don said the campaign proved very successful for the building society Don is also leading a sub-committee which is looking at acquiring a and he considers it a highlight of his career to date. physical building as an Alumni House which the Committee believes could provide a unique centre the Hunter. “When I took over I was looking to raise the Greater’s profile and position us as an alternative to the major banks, so Jerry Seinfeld “There are alumni and students who are comedians, artists, actors, created a bit more attention,” he said. fashion designers, musicians, philosophers, theologians, historians – to name but a few – imagine what could happen in such a place and the While Don has dedicated much of his time to his work, he is also thought leadership that could emerge” he said. passionate about “giving something back to the community”. Did you know a Newcastle alum, Gary Quinlan, is Australia’s One such commitment is his position as a Director of Heal for Life Ambassador to the United Nations? That two of our young graduate Foundation, an organisation that aims to help heal victims of childhood engineers led the structural design for the famous ‘Watercube’ for the trauma. Beijing Olympics? The list goes on and we need to showcase some “Quite often, people who go to Heal for Life are at the verge of of what this city and our University has produced.” This man is excited committing suicide because they’re in such a state from the trauma about the possibilities. that they experienced. And it has consequences all through their life,” Juggling a demanding job with a number of community service he said. commitments is a challenging task, but Don believes people have a Don graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Mathematics and a responsibility to make a positive contribution to society. Graduate Diploma in Management in 1995 from the university. In “I think all organisations, whether the organisations themselves or 2010, Don was elected by his graduate peers to the University’s the CEOs really do have an obligation to give something back to Executive Committee of Alumni. the community… Giving back helps improve and enhance my own He said his tertiary education had played a key role in his professional outlook on life,” he said. success, so he felt a responsibility to “give back to the university and At the end of a long day at the office, Don likes to unwind by cooking those students who follow.” dinner each night for himself and his wife. “Mainly I’m involved in attending regular Executive Committee of “It’s the indicator to me that the day’s work’s over,” he said. Alumni meetings to discuss the opportunities the Committee can undertake to provide advantages and connections for the alumni and “It’s amazing how that takes your mind from work into a new space how we might make a difference for students who follow us,” he said. and it helps you leave work behind until the next day.” ALUMNI | 32

NETWORK NEWS

PRESIDENT OF SINGAPORE ALUMNI CHAPTER MARRIES IN INDIA Kaushik Bhanushal who graduated with a Master of Business Administration in 2007 married Khushbu in December 2011. He shares photos from their traditional Indian wedding ceremony and reception. Congratulations from the Alumni Network!

Malaysian Airline Captain and recipient of the 2011 Alumni Award for Regional Leadership, The inaugural Port Macquarie Alumni Reception was held on Thursday 23 February 2012 at the Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin is pleased to Rydges Hotel. With nearly 100 alumni there to celebrate, the event saw graduates living and working welcome baby Leila Iman to his family, pictured in the Port Macquarie area meet new Vice-Chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen and catch up here with Faiz and her big sister Alesha. over drinks and canapés.

Back to Campus On Thursday 29 March 2012, final year engineering students were treated to advice from Bachelor of Engineering graduates who returned to speak at an Alumni Advantage Breakfast. ‘Build strong networks’, ‘always be a team player’ and ‘ be passionate about your work’ were some of the tips passed on to the students as they look to start their careers. Returning alumni speakers included (left to right); Mr Alex Errock (2012) - Process Engineer, Newcastle Iron Recovery Plant Ms Sharon O’Rourke (1993) - Senior Process Engineer, Industrial Minerals, HATCH Ms Kim van Netten (2011) - PhD Candidate, University of Newcastle Ms Belinda Grealy (1998) - Northern Operations Manager, Pacific National Mr David Cork (1991) - Technical Director, The Corkys Group

DID YOU KNOW? In late 2011 Newcastle graduates cleaned up at the Australia China Alumni Awards winning 4 of 9 categories, competing against all graduates of all Australian universities, living and working in China. Read more at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni/acknowledging-alumni/alumni-awards/acaa.html 33 | ALUMNI

ALUMNI IN PRINT

UNDER THE EDGE - THE ARCHITECTURE OF PETER STUTCHBURY By alumnus Peter Stutchbury Bachelor of Bachelor of Applied Science (Environment Assessment and Management) 1994 Under the Edge showcases the work of leading Australian architect, alumnus and Professor of Architecture, Peter Stutchbury and brings his work to a greater audience. Stutchbury, in his own words and pictures, explains the underpinnings of his philosophy and practice. A collection of ‘Projects in Brief’ covers seminal works of his early practice. Fourteen major recent ‘Projects in Detail’ are presented, none of which have been previously published, with explanatory texts, sketches, plans and new photography. This is the first book to be published by the Architecture Foundation Australia under the guidance of former Dean of Architecture Associate Professor Lindsay Johnston. The book was edited by alumnus Ewan McEoin. Available online at - www.ozetecture.org - and through leading book stores.

FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND THE SECULAR STATE By alumnus Russell Blackford Doctor of Philosophy 1983; Graduate Diploma In Education 1978; Bachelor Of Arts 1977 Freedom of Religion and the Secular State deals with many of the hot-button issues that arise when religion and politics meet. It examines the nature of religion and secularism, offering a philosophical and historical perspective. Among other things, it presents a strong case for freedom of speech, including the freedom to criticize religion or particular religions. Available online at http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-370022.html?query=Russell+Blackford

THE FIELD GUIDE TO VICTORIAN PRODUCE By alumnus Ewan McEoin Bachelor of Applied Science (Environment Assessment and Management) 1994 The Field Guide to Victorian Produce is the first comprehensive guide to Victoria’s regional produce and the people that grow, make and sell it. The Guide is a valuable addition to the Victorian food sector - a much needed resource and a practical tool, revealing the fantastic produce accessible from Victoria’s small farms and independent producers, encouraging chefs and foodies to go to the source and to share their knowledge. The first in a new series of guidebooks to be edited by McEoin.

THE LAST THREAD By alumnus Michael Sala Doctor of Philosophy 2012; Master Of Creative Arts 2004; Bachelor Of Arts (Honours) 1999; Graduate Diploma In Education 1998; Bachelor Of Arts 1998 The Last Thread is Michael Sala’s fascinating life in fiction. From his early years in the Netherlands to growing up in Australia during the 1980s, Michael recalls the secret surrounding his estranged Greek father and how scandalous events from the past fractured his family. This is a moving chronicle of a boy’s turbulent relationship with his bullying stepfather, aloof older brother and adored mother, whose cheerful apathy has devastating consequences. As his life unfolds, Michael – now a father – must decide if he can free himself from the dark pull of the past.

CUSTOMER DELIGHT: STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FOR THE BUSINESS OWNER By alumnus Alain Guillemain Master of Business Administration 2006 Customer Delight yields gems of insight into the psychology of business success as well as practical advice on business operations. Guillemain has taken great care to ensure the book is engaging, informative and useful to those who run companies. It is a must-have every market leader in an age of increasing competition and elevated customer expectations. Guillemain is using the innovative new self-publishing tool www.pozible.com.au – utilising crowd funding for creative individuals, groups and organisations. ALUMNI | 34 Alumni shaping futures When Synthia Lau, 1996 Bachelor of Commerce graduate attended the inaugural Melbourne Alumni function last year and reconnected with other graduates and senior staff from the University – it started a new journey for her. Hearing about the University and its progress was great, but when Synthia heard of some of the challenges of the students today – it became a heart thing. Synthia wanted to do something that would make a difference.

“I was really touched by the students’ stories, “ Synthia says, year of university on top, passing all eight of his courses just off a I really wanted to give back - being a graduate made it very personal for Distinction average. me. I could relate and empathise”. Lisa Whitten’s scholarship is helping a whole family with the money Being able to help someone in life, in a way to which I feel so connected, going toward supporting herself and the four little girls she is the sole is just a humble token of my appreciation for the education I received foster carer for. from the University of Newcastle.” Challenges like financial hardship, disability, health problems and family If we all pull together, we can make a difference and show that we care.” issues can all mean the difference between completing a degree and dropping out for an increasing number of students – this year The perfect way to give back for Synthia proved to be through the 2011 applications for the Shaping Futures scholarships doubled. Annual Appeal which allowed for the establishment of the Shaping Futures scholarships for disadvantaged students. Donations came from The University of Newcastle Foundation hope to grow the number of far and wide – the majority from alumni. scholarships on offer and make a powerful difference in the lives of our most needy students Single mum, Lorraine Elwell, was one of the fortunate winners of the $4,000 helping hand. She was able to pay for a carer to look after her severely ill son for a few hours a week, allowing much needed time and Alumni have the opportunity energy to focus on her studies. to donate to the 2012 Annual appeal Daniel Frost suffers from a disability that makes handwriting extremely Make a difference where it matters most painful. The Business student used his scholarship to buy a laptop. Donate online at He is already well on his way to success, having come out of his first newcastle.edu.au/foundation/annual-appeal

A sporting chance When asked what she would like to say to those who made her scholarships possible, she doesn’t hesitate – “Thank you and keep it up”. “Uni students struggle, especially those in sport. I’d like to see more scholarships for women in sport in particular. They could really benefit.” The scholarship Rebecca won is one of only ten sports scholarships offered by the University of Newcastle. One of these was established by community group, Friends of the University. Friends president and graduate, Dr Vic Levi, said the group had felt sports students weren’t recognised enough and that there was a lack of scholarships for them. “I think sport is incredibly important. It keeps the body fit and mind active. It’s also an invaluable part of university life. Sport breaks down all barriers. Rebecca Smyth knows what it is like to feel valued. “Establishing a sports scholarship was the best thing we could do. It’s a The Dunedoo-born alum completed her Bachelor of Teaching and wonderful payback. It is such a thrill to see deserving students make a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education in 2007. She was the mark for themselves,” he said. recipient of the University Undergraduate Sports Scholarship in 2004 The Friends hold a book fair every second year to raise money for their and 2006. scholarship. “Winning the scholarships definitely made a huge difference. I felt I’d If you are interested in supporting sports students, you can contribute been recognised for my achievements and it gave me a real confidence to a scholarship or even establish your own. The University Foundation, boost. Chief Executive Officer, Louise O’Connell, says you can request Currently in the process of moving to Narramine to teach in Dubbo, the feedback on the recipient’s progress and stay in touch. 27-year old has her hands full juggling work, life and a second baby on “Quite a few of our alumni donors do this and really enjoy seeing how the way. their scholarship is transforming a life,” she said. “Now that I have to pay my own way, I realise even more how much it helped,” she said. 35 | ALUMNI ALUMNI EVENT DIARY JUNE – DECEMBER 2012 Make sure your contact details are up to date to receive your invitation to Alumni events.

JUNE Newcastle OCTOBER Newcastle Friday 24 August Newcastle Friday 15 June Mechanical Engineering Thursday 4 October Alumni Awards nominations close. & Mechatronics Dinner Friday 5 October Newcastle Club Callaghan Graduation Ceremonies Melbourne 6.30pm http://www.newcastle.edu.au//service/ Friday 22 June [email protected] graduation/ Melbourne Alumni Reception Newcastle Newcastle Central Coast Tuesday 28 August Wednesday 17 October Thursday 28 June Biomedical Science and Pharmacy 2012 Alumni Awards Friday 29 June Alumni Advantage Breakfast Newcastle City Hall Ourimbah Graduation Ceremony 6.45pm for 7pm start http://www.newcastle.edu.au//service/ Newcastle graduation/ Friday 31 August Newcastle Public Lecture Series Friday 19 October Human Rights and Social Justice Lecture Public Lecture Series - Politics JULY Speaker - Dr Anne Summers Barton Lecture Sydney Griffith Duncan Theatre, 1pm Speaker - The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP Wednesday 18 July Newcastle City Hall Sydney Alumni Reception SEPTEMBER 5.45pm for 6pm start Newcastle Newcastle Newcastle Thursday 26 July Friday 7 September Friday 26 October Chancellor’s Installation Ceremony The Forum and University Sports Awards Executive Committee of Alumni Annual General Meeting Newcastle London To be part of the committee and represent Tuesday 31 July Saturday 8 September your alumni community, register your interest School of Psychology London Alumni Reception at www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni Alumni Advantage Breakfast Shanghai, China Isabella’s Restaurant, 6.00pm Saturday 15 September AUGUST ACAA Alumni Awards Gala event NOVEMBER Newcastle www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni/awards Singapore Wednesday 1 August Saturday 17 November Public Lecture Series - Health Alumni Dinner Royal Newcastle Hospital Heritage Oration ACAA Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Speaker - Professor Leon Flicker The University is a partner of the [email protected] John Hunter Hospital, Australia-China Alumni Association. 6.15pm for 6.30pm start Graduates based in China are welcome Malaysia to join the association (ACAA) and to Sunday 18 November Newcastle attend their regular events. Malaysia Alumni Reception Wednesday 8 August Intercontinental Hotel Canberra Alumni Reception www.austchinaalumni.org/ [email protected] Newcastle Hong Kong Tuesday 14 August Newcastle Wednesday 21 November Medicine and Public Health Thursday 20 September Graduation Ceremony and Alumni Dinner Alumni Advantage Breakfast Public Lecture Series - History Hotel Icon Newcastle John Turner Memorial Lecture [email protected] Tuesday 14 August Speaker - Dr Michael Ondaatje Public Lecture Series Topic – “Clinging to Guns and God: Political Society & Health Lecture Conservatism in the Age of Obama” Speaker – Hon. Cheryl Kernot Newcastle City Hall 5.45pm for 6pm start Topic – “Challenging the orthodoxy! For more information on the Social Entrepreneurs and Business Public Lecture Series visit with a Social Purpose” Hunter www.newcastle.edu.au/business- Newcastle City Hall 5.45pm for 6pm start Hunter Alumni Chapter Launch community/public-lectures Thursday 27 September See the Event Calendar for further Register your interest at 2012 events [email protected] www.newcastle.edu.au/event/ CONTACT US and communityfriendspartners. It isalwaysapleasuretoseeourAlumni,andalsocorporate and weinviteyoutocomeinvisitus! The AlumniandCorporateRelationsofficeisapartofthisgroup the CallaghanCampus,itisconvenientandeasytofind. refurbished IndustryDevelopmentCentre.OnUniversityDriveat External Relationshasabrandnewhomelocatedinthe WE HAVE MOVED! External Relations to updateyourdetailswithus! know yournewaddress,and Remember toleteveryone MOVING? www.twitter.com/UoNAlumni Follow usonTwitter: www.facebook.com/UONAlumni Find usonFacebook: Email [email protected] orcall+61249217454 Alumni Relations consideration forpublicationinfutureeditions. magazine, andinvitesyoutosubmitarticlesand/or profilesfor The University’sAlumniRelationsteamwelcomesyourviewson this WE WELCOME YOUR VIEWS www details areavailable on Pictures ofeventsandchapter of NewcastleAlumni,Australia Find uson .newcastle.edu.au/alumni L inkedIn: University by [email protected] If you,oragraduateyouknow,hasaninterestingstory, letusknow Be partofthestorytelling! the world. celebrating theactivitiesofgraduatesbothinAustraliaandaround http://www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni/achievers/ See thenewAlumniAchieverswebpage ALUMNI ACHEIVERS www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation [email protected] T +61249217453 University ofNewcastle Foundation [email protected] T +61249215589 of EngagedLearning Office fortheAdvancement www.newcastle.edu.au/business [email protected] T +61249218612 Community Partnerships [email protected] T +6149216064 Business andResearchDevelopment

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