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CREATIVITY WORKSHOP
D U N M O R EL A N GCO LLEGE .COM. AU
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DR VICKI WATERS
DUNMORE LANG COLLEGE BIANNUAL MAGAZINE
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A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
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WELCOME
DARRALANGANHA DHULUBANG
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C R E AT I V I T Y WO R K S H O P
A JOHN DUNMORE LANG SCHOLAR
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EMERGING CIVIC LEADERS
W E LCO M E TO O U R N E W S TA F F
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YO U N G L E O S AT CO L L E G E
FA R E W E L L TO UNCLE CHRIS GEORGE
8 O H W H AT A N I G H T !
10 P A R E N T S ’ D AY
11 WA L A N G A M U RU A RT AU C T I O N S
13 BOOK CLUB
17 H OW A RU S S I A N E XCH A N G E CAN MAKE A CHANGE
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25 D R V I C K I WAT E R S H O N O R A RY P H D I N S CI E N CE
26 O P E N D AY 2 0 1 9
27 G R A D UAT I O N S
28 MY S E M E S T E R E XCH A N G E IN LANCASTER, ENGLAND
31 A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
WA R R AWA L U P DAT E
cover image: Darralanganha Dhulubang | DY L A N B A R N E S
Acknowledgement
Dunmore Lang College acknowledges and respects the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge and recognise the Darug people as the traditional custodians of the lands on which our college is located and where we conduct our business. We pay our respects to the ancestors and current day descendants of the Darug nation and to the Elders, past and present for their valuable role as knowledge holders and leaders within the community. Dunmore Lang College is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their unique place in the Australian nation.
WELCOME
TO OUR SUMMER 2019 EDITION OF NGARRA
From the College’s beginnings in 1972, we have provided support for students who would not otherwise have been able to study at Macquarie University. These students, mostly from rural and regional areas but also students who are the first in their family to attend university or facing other significant difficulties, have gone on to complete their degrees and make a contribution to their local and wider communities.
Now. Always. The survey results and initial focus group feedback have provided a strong affirmation of the strategy and direction we are following with both students and parents supporting the new initiatives as well as confirming their impact. A summary of the results will be sent to parents and students by the end of the year. In the meantime, we will continue to develop and build on these foundations.
completed the Ryde Emerging Civic Leaders course as well as members, and inaugural Chair Jack Croake, of the newly established Leos Club based at Dunmore Lang College. There may be difficult challenges facing us both locally and internationally, but it is heartening to see the next generation of leaders demonstrating the passion, values and commitment to address the key issues and make a difference.
More recently, we have seen the ongoing impact of droughts, fires and difficult economic times on our students and their families. As a practical demonstration of our support for them and their wider communities, the College will be holding the accommodation fees for 2020. This means all students, new and returning, will pay the same fees in 2020 as in 2019. We are also introducing alternative payment plans to help families spread the costs over the full year rather than the shorter university academic year.
It was a pleasure to welcome alumna, Mel Barry, back to the College recently when she shared her creative talents and passion for sustainability through a creative workshop attended by students, staff and alumni. Details including photographs of participants’ work, some of which has been taken back to be displayed in the UK, are included in this issue.
During the study break, the Dean of Students, Ms Liza Allen, and I were privileged to attend the awarding of an honorary doctorate in Science to Dr Vicki Waters by Macquarie University. Dr Waters was recognised for her 25year contribution to education, most recently as Principal of Pymble Ladies College, as well as a highly respected independent school and education sector leader. Miss Dorothy Knox who established Dunmore Lang College and served as the inaugural Board Chair for nine years was also a past Principal of Pymble Ladies College so Dunmore Lang College and PLC have had a long association and we were delighted to celebrate Dr Waters’ achievement. Congratulations Dr Waters.
In addition, we are launching a new campaign to increase our scholarship funding with the aim of supporting at least fifty per cent of students by 2025. As a not-for-profit organisation we have limited options for absorbing costs, however, we can assure families we will not be reducing services nor cutting back on our support programmes or staff to achieve this. We remain committed to providing a full Residential College experience for students as they make that important transition to university study as well as continuing to support returning students towards graduation. This year we continue to build on our programmes in response to Respect.
Continuing on the artistic theme, we are very glad to have added a recent work by current student Dylan Barnes to the artworks around the College. Dylan’s work joins the Warrawal window design by Aimee Woods (College alumna) and the stairway inserts by Aunty Elaine Chapman (past elder-inresidence); over the next few years, we hope to continue adding art works from within our community. For our alumni, I hope you enjoy the new magazine section from the archives highlighting past events and life in College. If you have any old photographs or memories, please share them so we can be include in future editions. Of particular note this year, has been the number of students engaging in the wider Ryde community congratulations to the students who
As the year draws to an end, we wish our students all the best for their exams and for safe travels home.
DR. ALASDAIR MURRIE-WEST PRINCIPAL
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P I C T U RI N G H O P E FOR T H E E N VI RO N M E NT
We arrived at the Common Room to see a large and interesting array of art media and pre-loved craft materials, from hessian sacks, to pipe cleaners, springs, industrial off-cuts and more. The walls were covered in a display of photos, poems, drawings and articles on endangered species and the environment. Students, a staff member and College Alumni including one honorary Dunmore Lang Alumni (good friends with many former College residents) were greeted by the workshop coordinator and Dunmore Lang College Alumna, Melanie Barry, who introduced the theme and workshop process. And, so we began our creative journeys - some hesitantly, lacking confidence in our artistic abilities and others with more experience avec assurance. Any feelings of hesitancy were quickly overturned by Mel’s enthusiasm and
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a series of exercises that brought the best of our artistic talents to the fore. In short succession, we drew images from a Haiku, a Midnight Oil song and a piece we chose from around the perimeter of the walls as inspiration. Fired up by a new found confidence in our artistic abilities, and after a short morning tea break, we gathered our supplies and started creating our individual pieces. It was surprisingly quiet in the Common Room as we all became completely absorbed in our creations.
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Two hours later most of us had completed our pieces and were happily enjoying wine, cheese, laughs and good conversation. Four pieces were chosen by Mel to be displayed at the Art Hut in Thrive Battersea Park, London. Thrive Battersea is a charity that offers therapeutic gardening programmes and support to hundreds of people in the local community with health, social or educational needs. Many thanks to Melanie Barry for her inspirational guidance for the group and a wonderful morning.
PHOTOS JEFF WILLIAMS
I was delighted to see many artistic skills shine through in a short amount of time. The concentration and effort from this wonderful group definitely paid off. They produced an impressive array of drawings, paintings and mixed media pieces, depicting a range of hopes for and struggles in our natural world - pollution, pollinators and urbanisation included. And I was thrilled to hear that the workshop was freeing and fun! Melanie Barry
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EMERGING CIVIC LEADERS Y VOTE
Emerging Civic Leaders is a fully funded programme for young people aged between 18 and 24 who are passionate about leading social change and ensuring the voices of their generation are represented. The online course covers topics from problem-solving and creative thinking to communications and high impact leadership. Participants also have the opportunity to join with some of Australia’s young entrepreneurs and social change leaders to design and deliver a Pledge to Vote campaign in their local electorate with the aim of understanding the top issues that are important to voters as well as increasing voter participation in the community. One of the major tasks achieved by our group was helping at the open age musical festival known as ‘Shore-Shocked’ which was held at Chatswood. When attending this event, we encouraged young people under the legal voting age to pledge to vote when they become eligible. College students Grace Frith (Kingswood), Corazon Garcia-Kytola (South Kempsey), Sophia Rosberg (Inverell) and Alumna Katie Hickling (Port Macquarie) completed the programme together.
Initially I was hesitant to join the Emerging Civic Leaders Programme, as I was concerned I did not know enough about politics to become involved. However, I discovered you do not need to be completely across politics in order to use your voice to stand up for what you are passionate about, or to “flex your democratic muscle”. I really enjoyed learning more about how to make your vote count and encouraging other young voters to care more about the importance of their vote. It was a great opportunity to learn more about making a difference and a great introduction to politics for anybody who is interested.
Grace Frith | Kingswood, NSW When I first began YVOTE, I thought it was going to be another group project, much like the ones in Uni that we all so deeply despise. However, I was proven very wrong, the people within this project were passionate about their democratic right, and how the youth demands to be heard. With the help of those running YVOTE and desire for change from the group, even challenging projects felt impactful and enjoyable.
Corazon Garcia-Kytola | South Kempsey, NSW
above: Accepting award from Mayor of Ryde, Cr. Jerome Laxale
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YOUNG LEOS AT COLLEGE E L I N O R B OW M A N | S TA N H O P E , N S W
LEOs is a youth division of Lions Clubs International for people between the ages of 12-30 years. The word ‘LEO’ is an acronym that stands for leadership, experience and opportunity. After being an active participant in LEOs for 4 years in high school, I joined the City of Ryde Lions Club when I moved to Sydney. The opportunity to become engaged in the local Ryde community through the Lions Club was amazing but I was keen to recruit some members who were closer to my age as most of the members in the Lions Club were over 60 years old. This is why I decided to start the City of Ryde LEOs Club. As a community-based club we serve the Ryde community with membership open to anyone living in Ryde.
With the help of friends we were able to muster up over 25 people for the Club to become chartered. Similar to Lions, we serve the community in many ways from the traditional sausage sizzle fundraising for worthy causes in the community to providing our time and skills to support other organisations and causes. We meet every Thursday fortnight at 7:30pm in the seminar rooms at Dunmore Lang College and encourage new people to come to our meetings to learn more about how they can become more involved in the community.
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OH WHAT A NIGHT ! GRACE ELLIS | DURI,NSW
JIM BOAG | NYNGAN, NSW
Jim and I began planning the Dunmore Lang College Ball on January 1st! There was a lot to organise but during the following eight months, we were helped by ADS Members Ellie Evans, Toby Condon and Emily Behan, we worked consistently to organise the College’s largest annual event.
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After looking at many different options and much deliberation, we chose Dockside in Darling Harbour for the Ball location and Home as the venue for the after party. It was quite a challenge to organise all the transport, photography, DJs, food and beverage, and decorations and still remain within Ellie’s strict budget! While organising the Ball was difficult, stressful and definitely a much bigger task than Jim and I had anticipated, it was worth every minute of the stress and it was a very proud moment for both of us when the night finally arrived. Everyone looked incredible, and seeing the smiles and enjoyment of the
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students made organising the Ball an amazing experience and one we will remember for a long time. Thank you to everyone who attended the event. We hope you had a fun and memorable night. Thank you to Ellie, Toby, and Emily, for keeping us sane, and to Alasdair and Liza for their help. We could not have done this without you! Finally, thank you to Jim ‘Awesome Sauce’ Boag for being an incredible friend and always having my back! That’s all from us. Ball Committee 2019 over and out.
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PARENTS’ DAY Earlier this year we welcomed parents and families to the College for the annual parents’ event Gathering in the Principal’s garden parents caught up with friends as well as making new connections with families from their own areas as well as around Australia. The speaker for the day was past parent and current consultant to the College, Roger Norton. Roger spoke about his experience as a parent and the sense of safety and comfort he felt knowing that there were College staff and student peers working together to provide a safe and supportive community environment. He also spoke about the many different ways living in College enriched his son, Phillip’s, life
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not only during his time in College but in his wider studies and leading into his career, now based in the UK. These included the many friendships he made, several of which extended long after he left university, the opportunity to live in a diverse community and meet students from different backgrounds and cultures, university exchange and travel opportunities as well as leadership positions in the College community. Roger spoke about the ways in which this not only provided him with friends and new experiences but also helped to develop skills that prepared him for life after University.
WALANGA MURU ART AUCTIONS Walanga Muru held their annual art auction in July this year at newly opened Venture Café. The auction raises funds for scholarships to support Indigenous students studying at Macquarie University. On display amongst the various pieces were two art works by Dunmore Lang College students Dylan Barnes (Empire Bay) and Elijah Ingram (Leeton). The Principal and Dean were keen attendees again this year, successfully bidding on a number of art works including Dylan’s; all of which will be displayed around the College. Unfortunately, despite an intense bidding war with Pro Vice-Chancellor, Kevin Jameson, we were outbid for Elijah’s work.
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BOOK CLUB
On the last Tuesday of each month, the bookworms of College gather at 11 o’clock to discuss the latest chosen book. Dress code normally consists of pyjamas and slippers, and Tim Tams and choccy milk are provided as a late-night snack. We have studied a range of books, from non-fiction to fantasy to a novel from the perspective of a cat. It is a great way to procrastinate assessments and stock up on books, but it is also very valuable and insightful to see different opinions on the books we discuss.
TH E TAT TO OI ST O F AUSCH WI T Z by Heather Morris The main character, Lale, is the tattooist in the Auschwitz concentration camp. Every day when new prisoners come in, he marks the numbers on the prisoners who are to work. It was here where he met young Gita, and instantly fell in love with her. Lale is cunning and uses his position to obtain medicine, chocolates and food which he gives to Gita and the other prisoners who need help. He is kind, generous and clever and a very loveable character. His enduring love for Gita is a stark contrast to the horrors that he witnesses within the camp. The novel is deeply confronting and an incredibly honest representation of experiences in the Holocaust, written from Morris’ three year friendship with Lale Sokolov, who had been with Gita for more than 60 years.
G R A C E F R I T H | KINGSWOOD, NSW
TH E TRAV EL LI NG CAT CHRONICLE S by Hiro Arikawa If you love cats you will really love this book. It is a beautiful story about the deep connection between a man and his pet. It is a bit of a tear jerker but in the best way, overall a great read.
S A R A H W O O D | N EMINGHA , NSW
THE HANDMAID’S TALE by Margaret Atwood Handmaid’s Tale is a fantastic read. Definitely recommend it to anyone who loves dystopian societies with morally corrupt governments. Word of warning - this book contains confronting themes so please talk to someone if it gets too much for you
TETEI BAKIC | HARRINGTON PARK , NSW
A LL T H E L I G H T WE C A N N OT S E E
THIS IS GOING TO H U RT: S ECRE T D I A RI E S O F A J U N I O R D O C TO R by Adam Kay A great book that awakens the doctor inside of you, answering all of the potential questions that you’ve never been brave enough to ask. A collection of insightful diary entries that address the highs and lows of life in the field of Medicine.
ANNIE SERISIER | LOWANNA , NSW
by Anthony Doerr This novel weaves together some hefty topics in a format that allows the reader to easily relate to and access the complexities being conveyed. It follows the experiences of multiple individuals living in the 1940’s in German-occupied France, Germany and the seemingly eccentric Brittany coast. It tackles the concepts of survival, endurance and moral obligations (which was quite introspective at times) yet remains entertaining with rich dialogue and engaging characters and stories. For me, it was the first time I had read a story with a sightly impaired protagonist and that was very new and informative for me as an individual. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this story provided and could not recommend it more highly.
S U M M O N E R: T H E N OVI CE by Taran Matharu Fletcher works as a poor blacksmith assistant, until one day he discovers a book which allows him to summon demons. His world is transformed as he is whisked away to Vocans Adept Military Academy for young summoners. A fantasy series filled with magical creatures, Elves, Dwarfs and dangerous Orcs. A really excellent read for anyone who wants to escape the real world.
JIM BOAG | NYNGAN, NSW
A N A S TA S I A N Y E - L E D E R H O S E | BURRA, NSW
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inside NGARRA
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HOW A RUSSIAN EXCHANGE CAN MAKE A CHANGE While the idea has been in the back of many a student’s mind to go on exchange, not many would consider a place such as Russia to be their ideal destination. As students of Russian, it was a natural choice for Francis Head, a fellow Collegian, and myself. After commencing Russian language and cultural studies at Macquarie University, Frances and I were lucky enough to spend July in Russia for a three week intensive Russian language course. In a country where there is a high level of poverty, I was struck by the generosity and kindness of the people. One example is a young Chechen taxi driver, who broke numerous road regulations helping me chase down my missing phone, and all for a very small fare. Some unique experiences from my trip include: The countless railway engineers and security personnel who helped with directions, the people who gave us free drinks at bars to welcome us to their country and show us the
warm hospitality of the Russian people, the giant man covered in tattoos who enjoys blowing glass figurines in his spare time to handling an assault rifle with a burly Russian guard. While many people have mixed opinions on doing an exchange, the benefits, confidence and joy you can experience from being self-sufficient in a foreign country where no one speaks your language is second to none. Being able to experience a country’s food, customs, the people’s sense of humour, language and stories is something you can’t buy on a package holiday. Going on exchange offers you a small amount of time in your life and university career where you can step into the shoes of a local for a moment to view life through new eyes and open new doors for the future.
JACK MOTION | HAMILTON ISLAND, QLD
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WARRAWAL UPDATE UNCLE CHRIS
SMOKING CEREMONY At the beginning of Semester Two we held another Smoking Ceremony for continuing and commencing students and some staff of Dunmore Lang College. Several international students joined in this ceremony and were able to learn firsthand about our traditional Aboriginal cultural practices. We were also privileged to have some staff from Walanga Muru and students from Ngukurr in southern Arnhem Land who are staying at RMC join us for this ceremony. This was an awesome chance to bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures together to celebrate our commonalities and cultural practices on the land of the Darug nation. All participants were involved and educated in all aspects of the process – collecting wood, bark and leaves and the lighting of the fire for the ceremony. Aboriginal student leaders from Dunmore Lang College played a more active role in leading and conducting this ceremony as part of their ongoing cultural and personal development.
DIDGERIDOO & CL APSTICK CREATION During the latter half of Semester 1 and into Semester 2 some of the young Aboriginal men of Dunmore Lang College have been busy creating some didgeridoos and clapsticks for their personal use. The timber for the clapsticks was sourced from a large eucalypt tree being felled in the grounds of the College. The didgeridoos were purchased from a supplier with the bark still remaining on them but their centres already hollowed out. In clapsticks and didgeridoos alike, the young men were tasked with removing the bark and outer layers of timber to obtain the desired effects or timbers to create the artefacts. There is an ongoing responsibility that needs to be met for maintenance and care of these implements when you create them. This requires regularly applying multiple coats of oil over several weeks to the surfaces to prevent them cracking and splitting. Once this process was completed the men added art, design and carving to their implements to finish them off. One set of clapsticks crafted was taken overseas by the creator and gifted to hosts at an international Indigenous conference in Taiwan.
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HAND STENCIL SIGN IN As part of the welcome to College for the commencing students they were given the opportunity to place their hand stencils on the wall of the Warrawal Room. This activity now records their presence here at the College and their representation of their cultural mobs, family and places or origin. The process was led and conducted solely by the Aboriginal student leaders to reinforce their relationship to the space, their role as leaders in the College and their connections to the new students through cultural practices. This was a significant event with the students now comfortably taking ownership of the process and the responsibility that goes with that.
KARI SERVICES – WEAVING / ART WORKSHOPS Dunmore Lang College have negotiated with staff from Kari Services to coordinate and facilitate several traditional weaving and art workshops for students and staff. These workshops are promoted and open to all students and staff of the College to participate. There has been keen interest shown by a good cross section of Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal and international students in the activities provided. The workshops allow for participants to learn these traditional practices from Aboriginal staff from Kari Services and to be able to successfully achieve creative outcomes whilst gaining a greater understanding of traditional Aboriginal culture and practices. There are plans to continue these workshops through Semester 2 2019 and possibly in 2020.
TRADITIONAL ARTEFACTS & TO O L S D I S P L AY Earlier this Semester we updated and re-installed a set of artefacts donated a number of years ago by Mr Charles Miller, Dunmore Lang College Board Chair (1987–1995). The display includes a centrepiece artwork and a collection of artefacts and tools and I provided information plaques detailing the materials used, construction methods, and traditional uses for each item. In addition, each item is named in several Aboriginal languages providing an insight into the similarities and differences across Aboriginal nations and languages describing the artefacts and tools. Description plaques show and explain interesting facts about each item so that current students can learn about their uses and cultural significance.
DARRALANGANHA DHULUBANGre n o ti c e l f l a n o rs A pe My artwork is entitled “Darralanganha Dhulubang”, which means ‘restless spirits’ (Wiradjuri). I wanted this painting to acknowledge both my personal identities of Indigeneity and gender-queerness and reflect the importance of stabilising and uplifting Indigenous queer people. I aspire to have my artwork displayed within the Dunmore Lang College common areas or office so our College can show pride in representing and uplifting our Queer, Indigenous peoples, especially those that are making major differences in our communities and in themselves as they study at Macquarie University. Personally, having one of my artworks into which I have incorporated so much of my passion, knowledge and personal journey and having that artwork purchased by the College is a liberating feeling and demonstrates the support network that Dunmore Lang College offers.
D Y L A N B A R N E S | E M P I R E B A Y, N S W
A JOHN DUNMORE LANG SCHOLAR T I E R N E I G H PA R N E L L | J O H N D U N M O R E L A N G S E N I O R S CH O L A R R ECI P I E N T 2 01 6
Graduating from University was both a daunting and exciting experience. Graduating as a John Dunmore Lang Senior Scholar gave me motivation and direction to continue studying for a little longer, in order to maximise my capacity to learn, grow and give back.
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After University I moved home to Alice Springs and, with the help of my award, I enrolled by distance in a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. I started working 9-5 with the Central Australian Women’s Legal Service (CAWLS) and I spent my nights working with Alice Springs Youth Accommodation and Support Services (ASYASS), supporting young Aboriginal mothers and children on bail. In December, I was admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory as a lawyer and transitioned from client support to legal practitioner (Whoo!).
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After my admission, I worked as a legal practitioner for one year, providing legal advice, representation and community legal education to women experiencing domestic violence. My clients came from all over Central Australia – from upmarket suburbs and town camps in Alice Springs to remote Aboriginal communities hundreds of kilometres from the nearest police station. Many of my clients had witnessed, survived and been surrounded by violence for most of their lives. The hardest part was helping women who, for fear of retribution and/or distrust
The John Dunmore Lang Senior Scholar award is generously funded by Mr John & Mrs Yvonne Almgren. The award recognises the contribution of a senior student to the life and community of Dunmore Lang College as well as their potential to contribute to the wider community in their future professional career and community service. In 2016, the recipient was Tierneigh Parnell. We asked Tierneigh to provide a brief outline of her time at College and what she has been doing since graduation.
of the system, refused to take their complaints any further than my office. In January 2019, I started a new role with the Department of the Chief Minister (equivalent of a Premier), facilitating new working relationships between Aboriginal communities and government agencies to support selfdetermination. In this role, I have assisted to transition service delivery to community control, negotiated Indigenous Land Use Agreements and coordinated inter-agency responses to community unrest, it has been a mixed bag.
The best part of my job is getting out into community and working with local people to solve pressing issues. I still do my overnight work with the young mothers and children on bail. I am also the Alice Springs representative on the NT Women Lawyers Association, the Secretary of my local netball club, the Youth member on the Council Environmental Advisory Committee and a Board Member! I was previously a member of the Youth Justice Advisory Committee, advising the Minister for Territory Families on
youth justice matters. In May 2019, I was nominated for the Northern Territory Young Achiever Award. I was unsuccessful with the award, but was fortunate to be awarded the overall People’s Choice award. In between back-to-back shifts, netball and buying my first home, life is busy. I am thankful for my time at Dunmore Lang College and the supportive community that continues to encourage and inspire me to go above and beyond.
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF
M ELISSA CLO HE SY
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Melissa commenced as Chief Financial Officer of the College in January 2019. She has over 15 years’ experience working in Accounting roles within the education sector both in Victoria and New South Wales. As well as a love of finance, Melissa also has a passion for travel, the outdoors, sport and live music. She is a dedicated netball coach and is committed to empowering young women to achieve their potential both on and off the netball court.
BE N K I TCH E N E R
ASSISTANT DEAN AND CULTURAL ADVISER Ben is an Aboriginal man of Wiradjuri and Dharawal descent, who grew up on the NSW Central Coast. He studied a Bachelor of Biodiversity and Conservation at Macquarie University, and has worked in a number of roles within the University.
MAI NTENANCE ASSISTANT
Ben also has significant experience in conservation ecology, Indigenous land management, and Aboriginal cultural education, which has seen him collaborate with a number of private and government organisations around NSW and internationally.
Greg is married with four children, one dog and a cat. Greg has a background in horticulture as well as maintenance work. His hobbies and interests are blues, rock and jazz music, watching films and sport.
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RECEPTIONIST Lauren spent 6 years working in child care before changing careers and working in a transcription company as receptionist and coordinator. Lauren loves to travel and see something new at least once a year. This year she is heading to London to feed her Harry Potter obsession.
He is passionate about combining western and Indigenous approaches in science and education, and has been able to apply these skills in his most recent role working with Aboriginal communities in remote Arnhem Land. As a Research Officer for the Department of Environmental Services, Ben conducted plant and animal surveys alongside local ranger groups, and as part of this program, assisted students and citizen scientists to develop their own environmental skills.
GR EG EVANS
L AU RE N H I CKS
A L I S S E S H E E RI N REGISTRAR
Alisse began her career in travel working for both Qantas and United Airlines, which saw her travelling to some amazing destinations. Prior to starting at College, Alisse worked for BUPA. Alisse is married with three teenage children. She loves spending time with family and friends and going to the gym regularly.
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FAREWELL TO UNCLE CHRIS GEORGE Sadly, Uncle Chris George has left the College to continue his work and journeys closer to home and family. We are very grateful to Uncle Chris for everything he has brought to the College over the last twelve months. Through his presence and work, he has propelled our cultural support and education programme far beyond where we thought possible in such a short time. His calm and warm presence has enriched the lives of every member of the College community. We will miss having him visit the College each week. Tetei Bakic and Tyren Ah-see kindly organised the farewell event for Uncle Chris on his last day at College.
The farewell BBQ at the Principal’s house was a great opportunity for everyone who knew Uncle Chris to wish him well and thank him for his contribution to the College. He has definitely left his mark on the College in many ways and will be dearly missed. For example, he was able to bring together Indigenous and Non-Indigenous students for smoking ceremonies in the courtyard as well as teach us about Indigenous histories and knowledge in the Cultural Training Workshop as part of the Leadership Programme. He would make himself available to all students for help with assessments and was always up for a yarn during meal times. I’ll never forget when Uncle Chris took us out to the Lane Cove National Park and showed us the rock carvings, shared stories about the people from that area and cooked up a mean BBQ after sunset. Hope he comes back to visit us again soon!
Tetei Bakic | Harrington Park, NSW The farewell was a great night. The smoking ceremony we did for Uncle Chris was beautiful and we were grateful to do one for him just as he has done many times for us. It was awesome to see all the people Uncle Chris impacted in one room! It’s almost impossible to show the gratitude we have for Uncle Chris but we hope he loves his presents. Uncle Chris was not only a great mentor but a dear friend to everyone. The knowledge and experience he brought will impact us for the rest of our lives. He has left a lasting impression to everyone he spoke to. We are sad to see him go but we can’t wait to see his future endeavours. We will miss you Unc!
Tyren Ah-see | Woongarrah, NSW
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Congratulations
DR VICKI WATERS HONORARY PHD IN SCIENCE
Dr Vicki Waters, Managing Director of EducateCo and recently retired Principal of Pymble Ladies’ College received an honorary doctorate in Science for her work in the education sector. Honorary degrees are awarded in recognition of exceptional achievement or contribution in relation to a particular field or discipline, to the University or society. Miss Dorothy Knox, past Principal of Pymble Ladies’ College, established Dunmore Lang College and this connection has been present at many levels over the years from students to the College Board and the Principal and Dean of Students were delighted to attend the graduation ceremony where Dr Waters received her PhD.
Think holistically and focus on the big picture. Think beyond binary where reality is reduced to two alternatives ... Dr Waters is a well-known and highly respected independent school leader who has led and transformed school communities over her career as an educator and senior executive. Most recently as Principal of Pymble Ladies’ College, she was instrumental in leading a national discourse on the need for world-class education and opportunities for girls as well as working with the Macquarie University Faculty of Science and Engineering to create new educational opportunities. “It is an absolute privilege and honour to be awarded an honorary doctorate of Science by Macquarie University at a time when opportunities for girls
and women in this field are supported and nurtured through innovative educational practices,” Dr Waters said. Dr Waters also delivered the Occasional Address to the Science graduates drawing together several areas of discoveries, challenge and change that occurred during the Renaissance period and parallel examples in the world today. Highlighting the breakdown of long-standing barriers based on ignorance or myth, the advent of the scientific method and the rapid explosion of scientific discoveries, as well as the quantum shifts in communications that occurred in both periods, Dr Waters noted the ways in which people living then and now experienced unprecedented rates of growth, ground-breaking changes in ways of thinking and perception of the world and a rapid rise in new developments. She challenged graduates to embrace these changes as opportunities to apply their training and skills and make a difference in their chosen fields. Reminding graduates that much of history often repeats, she also noted that such major shifts in thinking also bring significant and often negative health, economic and social impacts. Dr Waters challenged graduates to look for and find ways of dealing with these. “Just as the first Renaissance had a dark underbelly of unrest, social and political turmoil and destructive influences, there are many serious issues facing us today: It was Machiavelli who wrote in 1517 that to foresee the future, we must consult the past. There is no doubt that what we see in the world at the moment with Brexit, Trump,
refugee crises, climate scepticism and protectionism that all of the warning signs are there that we too, face the prospect of an underside to our renaissance. However, with its global nature, our renaissance is on steroids compared with the first and if we get it wrong, the complete destruction of our planet could well be our fate. As graduates working in the fields of science, mathematics and engineering, you have a role to play in saving our future. May I suggest just four actions you could consider: Think holistically and focus on the big picture. Think beyond binary where reality is reduced to two alternatives – that is true-false, right-wrong, black-white, for-against, government-opposition. The answer generally lies elsewhere; Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd. Embrace the discomfort of rejecting myths. Have the courage to welcome new thinking and embrace diversity; Remain true to your values – let them be your moral and ethical compass; And finally, pursue your passion, be prepared to travel to discover your own Florence. In conclusion, to borrow from Dickens “It is the best of times, it could be the worst of times. “ But that is up to us. Graduands, congratulations and best wishes for the careers that lie before you.” The College is delighted to congratulate Dr Waters on her well-deserved recognition and award.
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OPEN DAY 2019
The bright sunny weather was a welcome change to the overcast, cold and often rainy days that preceded Open Day. Student volunteers were out and about early helping to set up the College’s stalls both outside MUSE at the University and at College. Our volunteers walked visitors to and from the University, took tours and answered questions posed by potential students and their families. Welcome refreshments were available for our guests and parents were able to sit down in the Dining Hall or in
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the sunny courtyard for a rest to enjoy a coffee, gelato or the delightful treats provided by our chef. The Principal and Dean of Students met with prospective students and many completed their interviews for admission to 2020. With that ticked off their list, we wish them all success for their exams and safe travels before they arrive at Dunmore Lang College next year.
GRADUATIONS As Principal and Dean we watch our residents move from fresh-faced first year students to confident and capable third years and beyond over the time they are with us. It is always a joy to be part of their graduation ceremonies as they transition to the next stage of their lives.
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UREN SOL with Pro Vice-Chancellor A (Indigenous Strategies) Dr Leanne Holt Bachelor of Ancient History
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ICHOLAS BROWN N Bachelor of Security Studies
3 Z HI (FEN) LI
Masters of Research
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HRISTOPHER SIMONS C Bachelor of IT – Games Design and Development
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LOISE OSBORNE E Bachelor of Social Science
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RIDGET BYRNES B Bachelor of International Studies, Bachelor of Laws
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ACHARY THOMAS Z Doctor of Philosophy
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EON MILNE L Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
not pictured: HAHA ASGHARZADEH KANGACHAR S Masters of Biotechnology
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THOMAS BLAKE Bachelor of Business Leadership and Commerce
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CLAUDIA BORTON Bachelor of Arts MAXIMILIAN CLANCY Bachelor of Commerce ENRIQUE FOX Bachelor of Arts – Psychology MEGAN GOSS Bachelor of Commerce EVELYN HEAP Bachelor of Human Sciences YUCHENG (GRACE) JIANG Masters of Accounting TEJAS KUMAR Bachelor of Commerce – Professional Accounting
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ELEANOR LEAL Bachelor of Security Studies
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MARCUS MCCAIRNS Bachelor of Commerce CHUN PING (DANIEL) NG Bachelor of Commerce YVETTE NOBLE Bachelor of Arts PAREENA PARYANI Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education (Primary) HASHAN PUSSEGODA Masters of Commerce KERRI SNYDERS Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education (Primary)
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MY SEMESTER EXCHANGE IN LANCASTER, ENGLAND A L E X A N D R A H A L B I S H R AY N E R | B R I N S M E A D , Q L D
This January I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go on exchange to Lancaster, England for a semester. I spent 6 months in this small city about an hour north of Manchester in the English countryside. Lancaster is a student town, with students making up one fifth of the total population. Lancaster University has 14,000 students and is small compared to Macquarie University which has over 44,000 students. The university has nine Residential Colleges on campus with the vast majority of first-year students living on campus. There was a very active student lifestyle at Lancaster Uni with weekly local markets run on the campus, numerous societies and the main nightclub in town being owned and operated by the Student Union. The classes I undertook were amazing, whilst still focused on my degree they gave me a new and different approach to my learning that was not only challenging but even enjoyable. I was fortunate to be provided with a place in a flat where I met the most incredible people who made sure I felt welcome and ensured I could make the most of my time. I also met many other exchange students from around the world including America, Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand and many others. Living away from home on my own in a new environment provided the opportunity to not only learn about other people and their cultures but also much about myself and where I might go in the future.
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Being on exchange in England also made it easy to travel around the UK and Europe on weekends as well as during the mid-semester break. I was able to go to Amsterdam, Scotland, Prague, Germany, Italy, Greece and Croatia and even managed to be in Dublin for St Patrick’s Day. The opportunities afforded by going on exchange is beyond anything I am able to explain. The friendships I forged and the perspective I have gained for my future ahead has been priceless. If anyone is thinking about going on exchange, I could not recommend it more. Despite my memories of being so worried about going and not knowing anyone, the opposite happened and I made many new friends. Two weeks after returning home I booked flights to Dallas, Texas for the end of the year to visit one of my new best friends who was also on exchange, and after that I am returning to Lancaster for a month to visit all the people who made my experience so phenomenal. A few hundred words can never be enough to detail the six months of incredible times I had, but I hope a little glimpse into my time may be enough to encourage others to consider doing something similar. There is so much support available from Macquarie University, including information and assistance in choosing where to go, planning your study, HECS transferable help loans and scholarships. It really is something everyone should consider.
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PHOTOS DUNMORE LANG COLLEGE ARCHIVES
The ‘Forest’ early 2000 s
Common room early 2000 s
Dining hall early 2000 s
To the Ball 1970 s
Macquarie Campus 1967
As our built environment changes, it is important to reflect on where this place began. This campus has a history and so does Dunmore Lang College. Stories are built into the walls, can be seen on scuff marks on the pool table and in the trees on the path to the University. Luckily some snapshots of these times long since past have survived. The Macquarie campus was sparsely built in 1967, but was the home of a new generation of academics and students in Sydney. What is now MUSE and Student Connect began as the Library, and can be seen at centre-right of the image. Farmland gave way to buildings constructed in the Brutalist style of the sixties, but even as modern development continues into the new decade the University hasn’t compromised its trademark greenery and the natural landscape that defines it. Dunmore Lang College students leaving for the Ball in the early 1970s One of the oldest pictures in the College archives, this picture dates to the early 1970s – the foundational years of Dunmore Lang and Macquarie University. While the facade and driveway of the college look the same, fashion from the annual Dunmore Lang College Ball has definitely changed. Advertisements were arguably less subtle in the early 2000s, but it seems exposed hanging lights were as trendy then as they are now. A water dispenser
stands where our much-loved and much-used coffee machine now lives, how the students survived without it is one of the great mysteries of our time. Before the modern revamp of the Common Room in 2014, things looked a little bit different (the floral curtains were a real winner). While you’ll still catch the students playing pool and table-tennis of a weekend. What was once a stage is now home to a lounge area with a flat-screen TV and projector and kitchenette area opened up an old enclosed area for making hot drinks. Like most places in Sydney, the ‘Forest’ had a few more trees in the earlier years of the University. The bridge, however, is now a touch more structurally sound and picnics in the sun are an everyday occurrence for Dunmore Lang College students. The built landscape of our College and University has changed since even I began at Macquarie, and as construction takes over Wally’s Walk it is important to remember that without change there is no progress. Universities and Colleges are built on the fundamental idea of progress, and since the 1970s Dunmore Lang College has taken the lead on-campus. As students and academics, we should notice these changes, be excited for future growth, and know that the past still exists.
S T E P H A N I E M CC A RT H Y- R E ECE | AVALON BEACH, NSW
A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
2020 is going to be a big year for Macquarie students. The campus is transforming as construction pushes forth in a bid to move away from the University’s Brutalist architectural roots towards a more modern facade. The curriculum is also undergoing a massive update, allowing for a more flexible university experience for students at both an undergraduate and postgraduate level.
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YOUR FUTURE AT DUNMORE L ANG COLLEGE Dunmore Lang College is an independent Residential College affiliated with Macquarie University, Sydney.
Founded in 1972, the College provides a supportive living environment for both undergraduate and postgraduate Macquarie University students in a variety of accommodation styles.
T O A P P LY V I S I T : D U N M O R E L A N G C O L L E G E . N S W. E D U . A U
We are a residential academic community based on core values of respect, personal integrity and responsibility, excellence, and service to others. We encourage students to seek leadership and initiate change.
T O T O U R T H E C O L L E G E C A L L : 02 9856 1000