THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA AlumniISSUE 46 ❘ DECEMBER 2014 OUR NEW GOVERNOR Alumna Professor Kate Warner, AC, makes history Proud partners of the University of Tasmania We can accommodate all your needs • Accommodation • Conferences • Meetings • Gala Events • Dining • Entertainment 2015 Corporate accommodation rates now available. To request a rate sheet please call (03) 6221 1648 or email [email protected] Restaurants & Entertainment: (03) 6221 1888 Accommodation Reservations: 1800 420 555 Conferences & Events: (03) 6221 1712 ALUMNI ISSUE 46 DECEMBER 2014 For more information and bookings please call us or visit www.wrestpoint.com.au 25285 25285 WP_UTAS_210x297.indd 1 2/10/14 2:49 PM Welcome Many Tasmanian families credit the University with guiding their careers down through the generations s the only University “I came out of a tiny, little mining town they too have remarkable stories to tell. in this state, we have in the rainforest on an island at the edge This edition of Alumni magazine also put down deep roots of the world, my grandparents were honours Professor Kate Warner who, as into the Tasmanian illiterate …” we go to press, has just been sworn in community. We are The University of Tasmania is delighted as Tasmania’s first female Governor, an appreciative of the to have played its part in helping Richard appointment that has met with a chorus privilegedA position we have acquired on the long ascent to publishing’s of approval and goodwill. It is a wonderful over 125 years, and also mindful of the pantheon, as it has in the success of his endorsement of the importance and responsibilities that accompany this siblings in their chosen fields. impact of this institution that another of status. We are equally proud to claim former our alumni has been called upon to fill This issue of Alumni magazine Deputy Premier Sir Max Bingham, his four one of the highest offices in the state. explores in part those community ties, children and three of his grandchildren as This momentous occasion is all the as represented by a small selection of the alumni (a fourth grandchild is a current more poignant as we stand poised on our many Tasmanian families who have strong English Honours student). own historic milestone – the University’s links to the University. Other families such as the Ibbotts, 125th anniversary. In the spotlight of late are the Flanagans, Peacocks and Whites have recognised the Professor Peter Rathjen, courtesy of author Richard Flanagan’s importance of education and learning and Vice-Chancellor Man Booker Prize triumph with his novel The Narrow Road to the Deep North. The University of Tasmania is delighted to have Readers of The Age will also be familiar with older brother Martin’s writings. played its part in helping Richard Flanagan on As Richard pointed out at the time, he isn’t part of a literary tradition – far from it. the long ascent to publishing’s pantheon for key overseas locations (London, New FROM THE CHAIR York, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur), all major Australian capital cities and, of course, Our 125th anniversary celebrations are locations right across Tasmania. Planning about to begin, so join the party is also well underway for the premier University Dinners held in conjunction with the University of Tasmania egular readers of my crew. Having Cougar II displaying the Foundation – they promise to be extra column in Alumni will regal red lion of the University from special next year. know that over the past few Sydney Harbour to the Derwent River May I welcome Mr Alastair Lee as our years I have been excited will be a wonderful way to start our new Associate Director, Alumni Relations. about the upcoming 125th commemorative year. Thank you to all our Alastair has settled in to his new role well anniversary celebrations alumni who have submitted contributions and is already having an important impact Rof the University of Tasmania next year – of stories, photos and anecdotes as part on alumni activities and affairs. Alastair 2015 seemed a long way off back then, but of our anniversary history project. Some will be at many of our events during 2015 it’s now almost upon us. of these and other stories will form part so please make yourself known to him. Planning for the year has accelerated of our fantastic new interactive website As 2014 draws to a close may I take this at a frantic pace. Tasmanian residents showcasing many of the people and events opportunity to wish all alumni my very may have read the University will sponsor which have made our University so great, best wishes for the season, and I look Cougar II in the upcoming Sydney to to be launched soon. I encourage you to forward to meeting many more of you in Hobart Yacht Race. The owner of the find out more by visiting utas.edu.au/125 2015. boat and skipper of the crew is Dr Tony The Advancement team has been busy With very best wishes, Lyall (MBBS 1978), an alumnus of the planning a full schedule of activities for Dr Ashley Townsend University, along with many of his 2015. Eighteen events have been planned Chair, University of Tasmania Alumni ALUMNI ISSUE 46 DECEMBER 2014 3 Contents 11 17 31 Welcome 3 Music topples barriers 8 Road to glory 22 Professor Peter Rathjen Andrew Legg, the founder Author Richard Flanagan of the Southern Gospel Choir A Cougar on the prowl 5 Sarah’s time to shine 23 The University kicks off its 50 a fine score 11 Poet Sarah Day 125th anniversary celebrations The Conservatorium of hopefully with a win in the Music’s impressive innings Getting a head start 26 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race AFL coach Brendon Bolton Life on the edge 17 A big year ahead 6 Dr Owen Ingles has Lasting legacy 28 The University has a full worked in some dangerous A chance encounter opened calendar of events to celebrate environments a door for Frank Sainsbury its 125th anniversary They do us proud 18 Stand and deliver 31 Leading the way 7 University alumni rank A stirring opera on the life Tasmania’s first female governor, high in Queen’s honours of a notorious bushranger Professor Kate Warner, AM Our top contenders 19 Winning double 32 Australian of the Year Graduates Dr Kiros Hiruy nominees and his daughter Tsionawit Family on same page Arch Flanagan had a love of words and instilled in his children a desire to help those in need Alumni is the regular magazine for graduates and friends of the University of Tasmania. Alumni include graduates and diplomats of the University, TCAE/TSIT and AMC, and staff of three years’ service. Alumni is prepared by the Communications and Media Office for the Advancement Office. Let us know your story at: [email protected]; +61 3 6324 3052; fax +61 3 6324 3402; University of Tasmania Advancement Office, Locked Bag 1350; Launceston, Tasmania 7250 Cover image: The new Governor of Tasmania, Professor Kate Warner, AC, by Peter Mathew. 4 ALUMNI ISSUE 46 DECEMBER 2014 125TH ANNIVERSARY A Cougar on the prowl The University hopes to kick off its 125th anniversary celebrations with a lion-hearted effort in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race by its sponsored entry By Anna Osborne PETER ROBEY PETER ROBEY All shipshape: The University of Tasmania-sponsored Sydney to Hobart entrant Cougar II. he 125th anniversary The celebrations will also be marked th ANNIVERSARY celebrations will take to globally with the iconic race capturing Alumni Events the water to mark the significant international audiences. 125 February 27 Young Alumni official start of the 2015 Cougar II, a TP52, is owned and Reception, Hobart festivities. skippered by Dr Tony Lyall (MBBS 1978). March 11 Singapore The University is Members of the yacht’s crew also have 12 Kuala Lumpur Tsponsoring the Sydney to Hobart entry, strong ties. This year’s race will be the 13th April 20 Sydney Cougar II, which will be aiming for a year Dr Lyall has skippered in the Sydney May 27 Perth podium finish in the handicap stakes to Hobart. 29 Adelaide come the 2014 event. “From a sailing perspective the Rolex June 9 Brisbane University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sydney to Hobart represents somewhat of 10 Melbourne Peter Rathjen said it would set the tone for a grail,” Dr Lyall said. 30 Hong Kong July 4 Hangzhou a milestone year. “I can think of no better symbol 7 Shanghai “This race is iconic to Tasmania,” he to chasing that grail than under the August 12 International Graduands said. “It is full of spirit, life, colour and University’s heraldic lion.” Reception, Hobart passion. From that perspective, we saw Cougar II underscored her September 22 New York very strong parallels between this race competitiveness by beating six other 25 London and our University, which is imbued Sydney to Hobart contenders to chalk up October 7 Young Alumni with those same qualities. The finish a record-breaking line honours win in Reception, Launceston of the Sydney to Hobart in many ways the 67th TasPorts Maria Island Race last 18 Canberra November 13 50+ Club Lunch signals the start of a New Year in our city, month. It was the first race outing for the December 14 International Graduands so what better way to start our 125th new University of Tasmania black carbon Reception, Hobart celebrations?” fibre mainsail. ALUMNI ISSUE 46 DECEMBER 2014 5 125TH ANNIVERSARY A BIG YEAR AHEAD The University has a full calendar of events to celebrate its 125th anniversary across the state, Australia and the world By Anna Osborne ew Year always offers alumni located around the world.