UOW 318 Supplement 25/8/08 4:43 PM Page 1

Community Connections - Shoalhaven Campus Supplement - 2008 Edition Campus growth boost for the Shoalhaven By KATE McILWAIN is happy to see the Nursing degree taking shape Collins said. “So many doctors and local businesses are involved in making it work.” at their local campus. Campus Director Robbie Collins The University of Wollongong’s Shoalhaven “This community really values nursing, and Other growth at the Campus has seen a new Campus is continuing to expand, with new the linkages with the community are what made director appointed to the Shoalhaven Marine and courses and new buildings helping cement its this happen,” she said. Freshwater Centre. Dr Pia Winberg takes over Her amazement at how fast the Campus has close community ties. During the Bachelor of Nursing course, students from centre founder Associate Professor Ron grown suggests that anything could be possible The latest development is the completion of a are required to undertake practical experience West. Dr Winberg is a Shoalhaven resident who is in the future. building for students studying for a Bachelor of placements, which will take place in community well-known in the community. “My aim has always been to build a Nursing degree, which is being offered for the facilities like Shoalhaven District Hospital, Culburra “It’s great to have someone who lives here and community of learning and we are certainly on first time this year at the campus in West Nowra. Nursing Home and other health services. has a passion for the area as the head of the our way. We have two research centres now and The building includes tutorial and lecture The Graduate School of Medicine is now well marine centre,” Ms Collins said. our range of degree offerings has increased rooms, a simulated hospital ward that allows into its second successful year, with second When asked about what’s in store for the phenomenally,” she said. students to practise their clinical skills in a real- year students also out in the community on future of the Shoalhaven Campus, Ms Collins “All I can say is that we may have to look at life setting, and space for staff and administration. practical posts. could only reply with a laugh: “Five years ago I more space. There are huge opportunities here Campus Director Robbie Collins said that the “Again, with the medical school, it’s the would have laughed at you if you had said there and our links with the community are the Shoalhaven community has been supportive and community links that are just awesome,” Ms would be a Graduate School of Medicine here.” driving energy.” Nursing now offered at Nowra Brooke’s a natural By KATE McILWAIN

Brooke Morrison is part of the first group “It’s great studying close to home. It only of students to undertake the Bachelor of Nursing takes me half an hour to get to Uni and I can degree at the University of Wollongong’s work part-time and focus on study more,” Shoalhaven Campus. Brooke said. The degree has been available for more than Studying away from the main UOW campus 20 years at UOW’s Wollongong Campus, and at does have challenges – and benefits. the Bega Education Centre since 2005 – and now Every lecture is available online, because students from the Shoalhaven area can complete students from Wollongong and Shoalhaven can’t their degree near home. be together for their lectures each week. Now in her second semester, Brooke, 18, from Students can podcast the lecture from the Currarong, decided on nursing as a career path internet onto their MP3 players and can listen to when she was a student as St John the Evangelist it in their own time. High School. “We get the lectures a day after they are “I did work experience at Shoalhaven Hospital recorded and I can listen to them while I’m at in Year 10 and just loved it,” Brooke said. “I really home – or whenever I want,” said Brooke. “It liked the interaction with different people and the also means I only have to attend classes three satisfaction of helping people.” days a week.” From her experience at school, Brooke found In her spare time outside university life, she had a natural ability and decided to work Brooke is active in the Currarong community. towards tertiary study. Having the course offered She plays soccer and other community sports, at Shoalhaven Campus in 2008 made her goes swimming and works at the local surf shop. decision to become a nurse even easier. When she is on campus, Brooke will soon be

able to use the brand new facilities in the nursing building that has just been completed. The building includes an administration space, classrooms and a simulated clinical area set up to replicate a hospital ward for students to practice their skills. With a class of just 38 students, Brooke and her classmates have prime access to the technical facilities and their teachers’ attention. “The teachers are so helpful and they always know your name – it’s really personalised,” Brooke said. After only one practical placement at Culburra Nursing Home, and with two years to go of her degree, Brooke is enthusiastic about where nursing will take her. “As a registered nurse you can work in community nursing, surgery, the intensive care unit or anywhere - the career possibilities are endless.”

Above: Brooke Morrison is one of the first cohort of Nursing students studying at the University of Wollongong’s Shoalhaven Campus. Left: The recently completed School of Nursing building at the Shoalhaven Campus. UOW now offers the bachelor of Nursing degree at Nowra, Wollongong and Bega. UOW 318 Supplement 25/8/08 4:43 PM Page 2

Community Connections - University of Wollongong - Shoalhaven Supplement

Graduation reward for effort

The annual Graduation ceremony is always Students received degrees which included a special time at UOW’s Shoalhaven Campus – the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, when graduates don their caps and gowns to Bachelor of Business Administration, Graduate celebrate the successful completion of their Diploma of Education and Master of courses. Management. “This is always an exciting occasion for our Around 300 guests attended the graduation students,” says Shoalhaven Campus head celebration. Robbie Collins. Top: Husband and wife duo, Frank and Lily Dale, both “After three, and in some cases four, years of graduated from the Shoalhaven Campus last year with study and dedication many of these students Bachelor of Arts with Distinction degrees. will move into professional occupations in the Shoalhaven region. It is well recognised that we Middle: Pictured (left to right) are 2007 Shoalhaven have a shortage of professionals and these graduates Erin Barber (Bachelor of Arts), Lauren students will contribute to addressing that gap Harvey (Bachelor of Arts with Distinction), Eleanor as well as contributing to the economic and Flood (Bachelor of Arts), Mardi Grundy (Bachelor of cultural growth of the region.” Arts with Distinction) and Nicole Lenihan (Bachelor Graduation is held in December and last year of Arts) Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerard Sutton Bottom: Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerard Sutton Principals from the South Coast and Shoalhaven visiting UOW’s Innovation Campus recently: (from left) Paul presided as a record cohort of 51 graduates congratulates Frances Topp who received a Bachelor Morris - Bega High School, Wayne Pryce -, Graeme Sutherland - , received their degrees and diplomas from the of Arts (with Distinction) at the 2007 Graduation Steve Glenday - and Neil Simpson - . Shoalhaven Campus. Ceremony. Coast school principals applaud satellite centres

By KATE McILWAIN

The University of Wollongong’s satellite SHOALHAVEN CAMPUS campuses at Nowra, Batemans Bay and Courses offered: Bega received a vote of confidence when the region’s high school principals met in Arts Wollongong recently. • Bachelor of Arts (Community, Culture and Principals gathered at the University’s the Environment) new Innovation Campus (iC) in August for Commerce their quarterly Southern Principals’ Council • Bachelor of Business Administration meeting. UOW hosted the event to highlight • Bachelor of Business Administration the strong links between schools and the (Event Management) University. • Bachelor of Commerce # Twelve principals from the Shoalhaven • Bachelor of Commerce (Accountancy) and South Coast joined representatives from • Master of Management 41 high schools in the Southern NSW region. Education The meeting is held each term to discuss how schools can work together to share • Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) training and development. Medicine Nowra High School principal Wayne Pryce • Bachelor of Medicine said that the University played an important • Bachelor of Surgery role at his school, where students benefited Health & Behavioural Science from participation in UniConnections and mentoring programs for HSC students • Bachelor of Nursing arranged by the Shoalhaven Campus. “The Shoalhaven Campus has been very BATEMANS BAY EDUCATION active in supporting education in the CENTRE Shoalhaven area, and very active in giving Courses offered: students a support network,” he said. Arts Visiting the newly opened Innovation Campus for the first time, Mr Pryce said he • Bachelor of Arts (Community, Culture and thought it was an ‘outstanding facility.’ Environment) Other principals from the Shoalhaven and Commerce South Coast were equally impressed, and • Bachelor of Business Administration spoke highly of the links between their • Bachelor of Commerce # schools and UOW. • Bachelor of Commerce (Accountancy) Batemans Bay High School principal Neil • Master of Management Simpson said UOW’s facility had been an # First and second years (or part thereof) of the important addition to his district. Bachelor of Commerce course can be completed at “The Batemans Bay Education Centre the Batemans Bay Education Centre. has been open for four years now, and it has a great profile in our town. As the courses expand there is more interest BEGA EDUCATION CENTRE from my students in studying there,” Arts Mr Simpson said. • Bachelor of Arts (Community and He also said the iC was “pretty impressive Environment) - a huge vote of confidence by the uni in the whole district”. Commerce Paul Morris, from Bega High, said that • Bachelor of Business Administration the University is very much a part of the • Bachelor of Commerce # Bega area. “It (UOW’s Bega Education • Bachelor of Commerce (Accountancy) Centre) provides a framework for education • Master of Management in the community.” Education During the Principals Conference, Deputy • Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International) Health & Behavioural Science Professor Rob Castle gave a presentation to the guests. He spoke about UOW • Nursing Bridging Program relationships with local schools and • Bachelor of Nursing programs – like Early Entry and Bonus Point # First and second years (or part thereof) of the Schemes – that the University offers to Bachelor of Commerce course can be completed at school staff and students. the Bega Education Centre. UOW 318 Supplement 25/8/08 4:43 PM Page 3

University of Wollongong - Shoalhaven Supplement - Community Connections

UniConnections Based in Shoalhaven since 2004 and Students get creative southern Illawarra since 2006, UniConnections is an equity program that targets students from schools that experience regional, economic and or social with UniConnections disadvantage. The program aims to help students to gain skills and motivation so that By KATE McILWAIN they can succeed in the HSC and consider further education options. It also aims to UOW’s UniConnections program is familiarise school students with university getting creative as it expands into its fifth year in options, expectations and university life. The the Shoalhaven region. program can include UOW students The program was developed in 2004 to mentoring high school students, workshops benefit students from schools that experience on campus and assistance with study skills. regional, economic and or social disadvantage. Careers Programs All schools in the Shoalhaven region are considered to be regionally disadvantaged due Discovery Days - Held every February, this is to the distances required for travel. a chance for Year 12 students to experience UniConnections Co-ordinator Sue Rosskelly university life for a day. said the University’s Shoalhaven Campus was Link Program & Rural Ambassadors an integral part of the Shoalhaven community Program - Current UOW students visit and the UniConnections program was a positive students at schools all over NSW to talk example of UOW’s engagement in the region. about what UOW offers. Earlier this year a group of senior high school Careers Fairs/Careers Teachers’ meetings - students from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven UOW staff and student representatives visit schools took part in a series of workshops local school career fairs and events. hosted by the Faculty of Creative Arts. Seminars and Enrichment Days The students participated in hands-on Creative Writing, Music and Composition, A variety of seminars and enrichment days Drama Performance, Visual Art and Visual are held through the school year to help Design workshops, had the chance to explore students studying in particular areas. Some the Faculty, speak with academics and find out of the events include: how to put together a portfolio of work and • Maths and Computing Workshops: prepare for auditing. Nowra Anglican College student Sharney Harrison (lower right) and other students at a drama workshop as part of Saturday/afternoon workshops in maths, Rachelle Balez ran the visual arts workshops UOW’s UniConnections program for high school students. computing and engineering for Years 7- and said the program was beneficial to the 12; aim to encourage interest in maths/ student involved. computing by providing practical Creative Arts Faculty and the sort of study as part of their HSC. “The school students enjoyed the day and it experience. required. A number of other successful activities have gave them a chance to experiment with • Guides in Engineering Workshops: Among the students participating in the been held specifically for Shoalhaven school mediums and materials they would not have Saturday workshops with Guides NSW; performance workshop was Sharney Harrison students including essay writing skills access to in the classroom,” she said. aim to encourage girls’ interest in from Nowra Anglican College, who said she workshops for HSC students, senior student “The prospect of university can be very engineering. enjoyed taking part in the different performance workshops for indigenous students and a highly intimidating, with students often believing • HSC History Extension Seminar: Held activities. successful Tutor Assistance Program where university isn’t for them. By getting the students annually for students studying the History Along with others from her school, and other UOW students are placed in various Extension subject for their HSC. involved in the workshops it exposed them to schools from Shoalhaven and the Illawarra, she Shoalhaven secondary schools and Other faculties may offer extension/ support uni life.” participated in a variety of singing, movement Homework Centres to assist school students programs from time to time. Check with Students who participated in the workshops and improvisation activities aimed at helping with class work, assignments, study skills and individual faculties for details. said the day gave them a greater insight into the students who have to do drama performances provide mentoring. Berry Men’s Shed story worth telling By KATE McILWAIN

Berry Men’s Shed was introduced to the digital age when members teamed up with University of Wollongong Graphic Design students to make digital stories about their work at the Shed. The Australasian Occupational Science Centre (AOSC), located at UOW’s Shoalhaven Campus, commissioned students to develop the digital stories to promote the health benefits of older people participating in community projects. The stories include images, sound and video footage about various community groups, including Bomaderry Bowling Club, Shellharbour Dolphins and the Ulysses Motorcycle Club. AOSC Director Dr Alison Wicks usually attends the Shed one day a week for her own recreation. She believes it is the perfect representation of a project that gets older people involved in the community. “These programs allow older people to participate in activities that are not only personally meaningful but also keep them actively engaged “Commissioning the graphic design students in their community,” Dr Wicks said. was a win-win solution. The students had an “The digital stories will raise the public opportunity to experience working to a client’s awareness of the contribution these programs brief and AOSC benefited from the students’ make to the health and well being of the creativity and skills.” members. Increased awareness could increase Dr Wicks also said that it was good to see membership of the programs,” she said. here,” he said. Digital storytelling was selected as the collaboration between the Wollongong and The Men’s Shed was established three years Mr Pack, who has a background in medium for the AOSC project as it can promote Shoalhaven Campuses, and between the ago by Berry Uniting Church and is open two management consulting, said he has been healthy ageing to a diverse audience through disciplines of Health and Creative Arts. days a week for men and women of all ages to working a variety of small projects like fixing a the internet. It also provided an opportunity for work in a wood workshop on a variety of latch for Berry Museum’s gate, repairing the the voices of older people to be heard. maypole at the local school and making tea light “Hearing the participants themselves talk Above: Dr Allison Wicks from the Australasian community building projects. Occupational Science Centre located at UOW’s (candle) holders and trivets for Christmas about the benefits of participating in community Shed member Clive Pack was involved in the Shoalhaven Campus at the Berry Men’s Shed. digital storytelling projects. He said working with presents. based programs is much more powerful and Left: (left to right) Pharmacist Shelley Riddle, the students was an interesting experience. “It gives me a chance to meet guys of the interesting than reading what academics or retired retail manager Ron Garstang and retired “The students interviewed us about why same age and I can also use a lot of equipment researchers have to say on the matter,” Dr management consultant Clive Pack are regulars at people came to the Shed, and what people did that I couldn’t get access to at home.” Wicks said. the Berry Men’s Shed. UOW 318 Supplement 25/8/08 4:43 PM Page 4

Community Connections - University of Wollongong - Shoalhaven Supplement Pia passionate about our marine environment

By KATE McILWAIN

Shoalhaven scientist Dr Pia Winberg has been appointed as the first Director of the

Shoalhaven Marine and Freshwater Centre PROFILE STAFF Ron West (SMFC) at the University of Wollongong’s Shoalhaven Campus. The centre was established with a $660,000 Federal Government grant, and is run by UOW in Position: partnership with Shoalhaven City Council. It has Associate Professor and Founder, Marine laboratories for research and industry training and Freshwater Centre (Shoalhaven purposes, office space for staff and students, Campus) indoor tanks and aquariums and outdoor aquaculture ponds. Faculty of Science: School of Biological Fish biology, fisheries and aquaculture are all Sciences important themes for the research centre. Dr Winberg has a research background in Community Engagement marine ecology and environmentally sustainable Activities: aquaculture. Before taking on her new role, Dr Winberg • In July 2008, UOW’s Australian studied for her PhD at UOW under the guidance of National Centre for Ocean Resources SMFC Founder, Associate Professor Ron West. She and Security at UOW won a major four- also has her own business – Sustainable Seafood – year, $1.5 million research grant to and lives locally with her family. investigate Indonesian marine fisheries. “I am passionate about the wonderful natural Professor West will lead the research aquatic resources of the South Coast, and how we team funded by the Australian Centre for can use and manage these well,” she said. International Agricultural Research. “I believe that this Centre, and the Shoalhaven Campus as a whole, can stimulate innovative ideas • Professor West also has strong linkages in the region, and build on the strengths and with community groups along the NSW interests in the local community and industries.” South Coast from Port Hacking to Eden Dr Winberg will coordinate and stimulate through providing technical advice, being involved in public seminars and research projects with relevance to the South Coast taking part in community-run marine fresh and marine water environments, ecology and science activities. biology and environmentally sustainable industries. In addition her ambition is to stimulate interest • He has been involved in providing for science at a tertiary level in the region through research advice and running small-scale, local schools. low-cost, research projects for community groups, councils, local Shoalhaven Marine and Freshwater Centre director catchment and estuary management Dr Pia Winberg is passionate about the South Coast marine environment. committees.

• Over the past decade he has been a member of many advisory committees including: Fisheries Scientific Committee; Dendrobium Mine Independent Expert Review Committee; Southern Coalfields – Independent Expert Panel; Wollongong Different paths to university Estuary Management Committee (past Chair); Coast and Clean Seas By KATE McILWAIN Early Entry degrees such as Accountancy, Economics, Committee; South Coast Indigenous To take the stress out of the HSC, students can Engineering, Science and other degrees that Aquaculture Committee; Marine and 12 can be a stressful time for students, require maths. Year apply for Early Entry. This means that students can Coastal Working Group; and Scientific teachers and parents and a lot of emphasis is get accepted early into most degrees offered at Committee on Wildlife Use. placed on the Universities Admission Index (UAI). Bridging Courses UOW, before sitting for their HSC exams. The University of Wollongong has a variety of • Provided management advice to many Successful applicants can receive a guaranteed If you haven’t studied relevant subjects during the pathways and programs that don’t just rely on the national, state and local governments, place, or a place that is conditional upon the HSC, but need to know about them for University UAI, to make sure good students don’t miss out particularly through scientific panels and results of their final exams. Trial HSC results, study, UOW offers bridging courses at the beginning on their chance to study at university. workshops, on issues such as: resumes, portfolios and interviews can be used to of each year. These courses are for students who have been accepted to university and are offered in environmental flow requirements; algal determine entry. For information about the degrees Points to UOW Biology, Chemistry and Physics. blooms; impacts of fishing; that offer Early Entry, and the closing dates for UOW wants to recognise students who perform environmental targets for catchments; 2008, visit: www.uow.edu.au/prospective/ well in the HSC, so it has developed a new Entry Via TAFE/AQF wetland assessments; aquaculture earlyentry/ development and coastal management. program for 2008 - Points to UOW. This program Studying at TAFE before coming to university is a awards extra UAI points to students who have Step to UOW great way to gain practical skills and experience to Why is community excelled at subjects that will be relevant to their help you in your university studies. Admission If something unexpected happens during the HSC university study. For example, if you want to study through a TAFE Diploma, Advanced Diploma, engagement important? and you don’t gain a place at university through the a degree in Engineering, a good performance in Associate Diploma or Australian Qualifications traditional pathways, Step to UOW can help. Step is Maths and Science subjects will earn you extra Framework (AQF) Level IV Certificate (except Trade Professor West says: “The mantra of designed for young people in regional areas who points. To calculate the number of points you can Certificates) is dependent on the completion of the ‘global problems, local action’ is have experienced a disadvantage during high get, and to find out more information go to course and the level of academic performance fundamental to improving the www.uow.edu.au/prospective/year12/ school. The two-semester (one year) bridging achieved. Some Advanced Standing may be sustainable management of the coast, and local action should be based on UOW044720.html program is offered through Wollongong College granted for TAFE qualifications. Australia – on UOW’s main campus. Students are good science. But community Bonus UAI Scheme guaranteed a place at University once they have Scholarships engagement presents a conundrum for scientists, whose success is usually For students who go to school in the Shoalhaven successfully completed the program. More than 300 scholarships are offered for students measured by international recognition, and South Coast regions, the Bonus UAI Scheme Aboriginal and Torres Straight enrolling at UOW – so all student are encouraged to national grants and scientific provides another way for students to gain extra apply. Scholarships can be based on academic Islander Programs publications. It leads to a balancing act points. Three bonus points are automatically criteria, extra-curricular activities and career between the often-insatiable demands Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders can access added to the UAI of any student from a school on ambitions, or they can be equity based. Some UOW from community groups to get involved our list who wants to study at UOW. To check if study through an achievement test and an scholarships allow students to gain work experience in local problems, and the need to stay your school is on the list go to: interview. The test examines literacy, numeracy and or community engagement skills. To view the full internationally competitive by addressing www.uow.edu.au/prospective/year12/ learning comprehension skills. An advanced maths range of scholarships and entry criteria go to global issues. UOW016802.html test is available for those wishing to enrol in www.uow.edu.au/about/scholarships/

WE hope you have enjoyed this special supplement highlighting aspects of community engagement the University of Wollongong shares with the Shoalhaven region.