Alumni Magazine Edition 3, 2011

ALUMNI MAGAZINE

EDITION 3

2011

INSIDE THIS EDITION

Meet our New Vice-Chancellor

2011 Alumni Awards

Graduates’ Walk

Challenges in a Fast Developing Economy

Dancing on a Shifting Carpet

Alumni in Print

ALUMNI | 02

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN ACTION

MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR One of the many things I enjoy in my role as Chancellor, and as an alumnus myself, is meeting my fellow alumni. We have such a fine network of graduate colleagues across the globe, both those starting their careers with great energy and enthusiasm and those like myself who are at the stage of reflecting on what we have done, and how we may yet contribute.

The great thing about an Alumni Network is that no matter at what ‘age’ or ‘stage’ we are, together we are more!

We all have something to offer to our fellow graduates, the students who follow us, and the University itself. Collectively we make a significant difference in our various communities and to the world. The interesting thing about the giving of yourself - your time, talent or treasure is that you always get more back than you give.

In this edition, it is my great pleasure to introduce to you to our new Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Caroline McMillen.

Every Vice-Chancellor brings a new energy and vision to the institution, building on what they have inherited and creating new institutional achievements and Professor McMillen is poised to lead this University into a dynamic phase of its history. I am excited about our future. As alumni we all have a vested interest in the wellbeing and reputation of our fine University and I welcome you into this new chapter of our history.

I have enjoyed meeting with so many of our alumni throughout the year and offer you my best wishes for the year ahead.

Please stay connected.

Professor Trevor Waring AM Chancellor

As Pro Vice-Chancellor of External Relations, I am proud of the progress that has been made in connecting the University with its various communities this year. External Relations includes the business areas of Alumni and Corporate Relations, Business and Research Development, Community Partnerships, Tertiary Partnerships and Work Integrated Learning. I am grateful to the talented team of dedicated professionals who facilitate connections and create engagement opportunities across the University and with our regions.

The nexus between alumni and community engagement is an important one and we are working to strengthen that as we build a framework for the future. I was at Oxford University recently and met with Professor Sir David Watson who is an internationally recognised expert on higher education engagement. He was very impressed with our initiatives and saw the University of Newcastle as one of the most exciting places for new thinking about community engagement and especially our strategy for engaged learning.

I have greatly enjoyed meeting so many of our alumni as I travel on University business.

While in the UK, I was very pleased to host the recent ‘London Connections’ (see page 27) and to have dinner with our distinguished alumnus and Colombo Plan scholar, Mr Jaspal Singh (Bachelor of Arts Economics 1978; Bachelor of Engineering - Industrial 1978).

Finally, my thanks to Rosemary and her team, the Executive Committee of Alumni and all of the Alumni Network leaders for their contributions. I look forward to seeing many of you in 2012, and wish you the best for the New Year.

Professor Stephen Crump Pro ViceChancellor External Relations

FROM MY DESK TO YOURS Our Chancellor always has an anecdote about some of our alumni legends to pass on to new graduands. His address on graduation day is always very inspiring but most importantly he never fails to remind that the same people started their journey with an identical walk across the stage. The key to his message is always that the world is their oyster and the dreams they hold can become a reality.

As we come to the end of another year, I continue to be inspired by the graduates of our University. We know our graduates go into the market industry ready, professionally savvy, and with a dose of the ‘down-toearth’ approach that is unique to Newcastle.

I congratulate all our recent graduates, including those who took part in our very special international students’ graduation ceremony, and wish them every success in the future.

In this edition, we welcome our new ViceChancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen.

Caroline has expressed a keen interest in getting to know the alumni network and in the meantime I refer you to her article on page 3.

This edition also brings to you the thoughts and words of the 2011 Alumni Award recipients, many of whom returned to Newcastle from across the globe for another ‘sell out’ gala event in September.

I’m pleased to share their contributions to this edition, from page 5.

As we come to the end of another year, I thank all Chapter committees, regional coordinators and project volunteers for their unfailing enthusiasm. I also thank the Executive Committee of Alumni for their vision and projects. As the Chancellor says together we are more.

On behalf of the Alumni Relations team we wish you all a wonderful New Year and look forward to seeing and hearing from you in 2012.

Rosemary Thomson Associate Director External Relations Leading University Alumni Relations

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MEET OUR NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR

YOUR DEGREE A GLOBAL PASSPORT I am delighted to be writing to our global alumni community as I reach the milestone of my first month as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle. If the past five weeks are any indication, leading this institution is going to be both rewarding and exciting.

Since starting on 31 October, my focus has been to get out and about, and meet as many staff, students and alumni as possible. The welcome I have received has been very warm. Attending our overseas graduation ceremonies was a particular highlight offering me the opportunity to meet with our Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong alumni chapters.

In these early days, every person I meet reinforces my strong belief that the University of Newcastle is a world class institution. Across teaching and learning, and research we are among the best. One area of focus as Vice-Chancellor will be to continue to build our performance and, at the same time, position the University strongly on the global stage.

In today’s intensely competitive higher education sector, I believe that a global reputation is critically important for a university and each member of its community. For our researchers, academics and support staff, it is vital to be part of a strong institution that is known to support endeavour and strive for excellence. For our students and alumni, attending a university that is synonymous with quality and distinction provides an invaluable foundation for your career.

Educating first rate graduates is the University’s most important role and it is one we take seriously. It is our responsibility to ensure that

the degree our alumni have worked hard to obtain maintains and grows its value and currency through the global recognition of this University.

I am acutely aware of the importance of our position as a world class institution and how that translates and contributes to our region.

The University is a hub that the region can draw on, and a conduit to a global pool of knowledge around research, best practice and professional training. We have an important role to connect the region to the world and the University helps to bring the world to our region delivering benefits for the community, industry and the economy.

Access to education and helping to build the skills and capabilities of our regions’ communities are central to the purpose of our University.

We are leaders in providing greater opportunities for people to gain a higher education. Working in parallel is a genuine effort to make sure our programs keep pace with the evolving skills needs of the region.

I feel very fortunate to have joined an institution that is so engaged with its communities and passionate about its future, and I am really invigorated by the opportunities that lie ahead. I look forward to meeting more members of our alumni community over the coming months and hearing about your achievements, as well as your thoughts and ideas about the future of the University.

Professor Caroline McMillen Vice-Chancellor and President

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2011 ALUMNI AWARDS NO CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON If the young alumni finalists at the recent Alumni Awards are indicative of the new generation of graduates then the future is in good hands!

Three hundred people with the hottest ticket in town filled Newcastle City Hall for the sold-out 2011 Alumni Awards hosted by the Executive Committee of Alumni. A blue carpet was rolled out to welcome guests, followed by an extravaganza event themed “The Sky is the Limit” with moving clouds scrolling the ornate ceiling of the historic building.

“The calibre of the nominees continues to impress and ‘outstanding’ is not word enough to describe them. Some guests travelled from overseas to attend the evening which was skilfully managed by Master of Ceremonies, alumnus John Church. I congratulate all nominees, finalists and recipients and look forward to an even bigger and better celebration in 2012. It is amazing to come together each year as a global alumni community to celebrate,” said President of Alumni, Mr Brian Kennaugh.

Entertainment was provided by talented singer and pianist Sarah Dockrill, a final year student at the Hunter Valley Grammar School with a great future ahead. Sarah is the daughter of alumnus Tony Dockrill.

“The collective pride in the University Alumni was palpable. It is a great University with a reputation sustained in part by its graduates and what they achieve,” said Rosemary Thomson, Associate Director External Relations who leads University Alumni Relations.

Clockwise from top left: Entertainer Sarah Dockrill; MC John Church; the atmosphere on the night was electric - event décor and photo (far left) courtesy of Ousha Events.

SPILL THE BEANS... on a University of Newcastle graduate that you know TODAY! Send us their name and details of their achievements to nominate them for the 2012 Alumni Awards www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni/awards

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ENVIRONMENTAL AND PERSONAL CHALLENGES IN A FAST DEVELOPING ECONOMY Article by Dato’ Ir Dr Abu Bakar Jaafar Life in a fast-developing nation like Malaysia is often dictated by one’s circumstances rather than a specific plan or grand design. The required response is to be prepared to seize the moment.

Armed with the University of Cambridge’s Higher School Certificate in 1968, I had ambitions of pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. But, advised by my unforgettable mathematics teacher, Mr V. Chakaravarthy, that Malaysia already had too many civil engineers I instead proceeded, with a Federal Scholarship, to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Newcastle. With an eye on working in the natural rubber industry in Malaysia, my final year thesis was on ‘Dynamic testing of rubber shear pads in compression’.

Things did not quite work out that way.

Even before my March 1973 graduation, I had to report for duty as an Inspector with Malaysia’s Factories and Machinery Department. My first assignment had nothing to do with mechanical designs but on pollution. The task was to verify communist guerrilla claims that the government was “capitalistic, polluting the waters, and affecting the masses.” There was more than a grain of truth to this.

Untreated discharges from palm oil mills and natural rubber processing factories found their way into domestic water supply intake points. It was thus less the environment per se but the exigencies of national security that prompted the enactment of environmental laws which culminated in the Environmental Quality Act 1974.

An advertisement in the Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association read on a rainy Sunday in June 1974 led ultimately to my Master in Environmental Science from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. On another fateful Sunday two years later my late father-in-law, Tuan Haji Md Taha Saad, drew my attention to a vacancy in the Division of Environment, Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment and I subsequently joined the Division as Principal Assistant Director (Water Quality).

On the underlying principles that prevention is better than cure and prior assessment is a prerequisite to

management, we quickly went about drafting the first set of major regulations governing pollution from palm oil mills, natural rubber processing factories and industries. The Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure and Requirements has been in place since 1 April 1988.

The highlight of my public service career relates to two projects: promoting private investment of over US$100 million in the toxic and hazardous waste treatment facilities by applying the polluters-pay principle; and creating a nation-wide network for continuous monitoring of air and river water quality.

In 1978 and 1979, I was appointed to the Delegation of Malaysia to the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea. This prompted me to enrol in the Department of Geography at the University of Hawaii to conduct research work at the EWC Environment Policy Institute which provided an almost perfect place for sparring thoughts and ideas at the colloquiums or brown-bag lunches. I realised that in the pursuit of academic excellence, process is as critical as substance.

Retiring as Director-General of the Department of the Environment at 46, I joined Kumpulan Guthrie Berhad to take up the challenge of modernising palm oil milling which today is still yet to advance processing technology in extracting crude oil from fresh oil palm bunches.

Fulfilling this research agenda remains an outstanding life-time dream. But as someone said, “to dream is free, to realise one’s dream is very expensive.”

My current work at the United Nations in New York on the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf has assumed greater significance with 26 weeks spent on meetings annually.

To quote Dag Hammarskjold’s words enshrined at the UN Building, “Never, for the sake of peace and quiet, deny (our) own convictions or experience”. That, and my training in engineering, has prepared me well to deal with whatever life has thrust my way.

May the future hold for one and all peace, security, and sustainability.

RECIPIENT OF THE 2011 CONVOCATION MEDAL FOR PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE DATO’ IR DR ABU BAKAR JAAFAR Environmental Scientist and Maritime Expert, Malaysia Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) 1973 Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment A mechanical engineer, environmental scientist and maritime expert, Dato’ Dr Jaafar has had an influential career in the Malaysian Public Service. Throughout 22 years his roles have included Director-General of the Department of Environment, Deputy Director-General (Planning), Senior Controller (Engineering and Processes), Managing Director of Alam Sekitar, and Group Director of Technology.

The Malaysian Government has recognised his achievements with numerous awards for Excellence in Public Service. Since his retirement as Director General, Dato’ Dr Jaafar remains instrumental in setting the environmental agenda for Malaysia through his work at the United Nations, as an advisor the Malaysia National Committee on the Continental Shelf of the Secretariat to the National Security Council of the Prime Minister’s Department. He is also a Member of Malaysia’s National Council for Scientific Research and was appointed Chairman of its Environment Committee in April.

Footnote of interest: Dato’ is a Malaysian title awarded by the Malaysian Royal Family, similar to Australia’s title of “Sir”.

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DANCING ON A SHIFTING CARPET Article by Julie Squires Twenty years ago, whilst studying for my degree, I would work late at night in the sculpture studio at the University of Newcastle. The wind would make noises outside the shed and I would dread the walk to the car park. Sometimes I would be the one frightening security staff during their nightly patrol as I was grinding away at some metal, ear muffs and goggles on, oblivious to the outside world.

The inaugural 1975 Newton-John Award recipient, Hon. Allan Morris, presented the 2011 Newton-John Award to Julie.

RECIPIENT 2011 OF THE NEWTON-JOHN AWARD JULIE SQUIRES Resident artist, The Gasworks Art Park, Victoria, Australia

I was young, determined, energized and focused. ‘Pig headed’ and ‘ambitious’ probably applied too. But if you refuse to limit your goals, sometimes the universe listens. Making art is addictive. It is a gift to be able to spend your time following your bliss, but debilitating if you can’t live your passion. The only way to succeed is through total commitment.

The most challenging and satisfying part of my work is when a piece is finished and I get to see the community relate to it. It is the most personally exposing experience, too. I have created something and now it has to live independently in the public world.

If I succeed in tapping into something that resonates with the community, they take ownership of it and it becomes part of their sense of identity. At best, public art enriches a space and gives a voice to a part of us that is ephemeral; at worst people walk past without noticing it.

Twenty years on, I’m still grinding metal late at night in a shed, with wind rustling trees on the roof, dreading the walk across the park to my car. There’s no job security and definitely no superannuation. But there is a great legacy and still the same smile on my tired face at the end of a good days work.

Master of Fine Art 2006 Graduate Diploma in Art 1996 Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) 1994 Faculty of Education and Arts Originally from Newcastle, Julie is now a resident artist at the Gasworks Art Park in Albert Park, Melbourne.

Specialising in steel fabrication and bronze cast sculpture, Julie’s work has proved both popular and accessible to the public. Newcastle Port Authority has gifted bronze models of her major bronze sculpture Destiny to seaports in China as an acknowledgement of the two nation’s friendship.

In 2004 - 2005, after a speaking tour of Russia, UK, USA and Canada, Julie managed the building and installation of the Scenic Interiors for the Australian Pavilion at the World Expo in Japan. After finishing work as the Creative Director of Indigenous Art on the Australian Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, Julie was selected to represent Australia at the Shanghai Biennale in China. Julie’s work with Indigenous communities surrounding Alice Springs is a further testament to her abilities to coordinate and manage complex art projects.

Julie’s body of work includes 20 Public Art Commissions in Australia and pieces are held in collections in Australia, Europe, China and the United Kingdom.

Some of Julie’s public art sculptures in Victoria. Clockwise from top: ‘The Eagle’, ‘Pompei’s Boat’, and ‘The Diggers’.

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CONFESSIONS OF A RELUCTANT ENGINEER Article by Mr Peter Tay Occasionally I reflect how education at the University of Newcastle helped my career.

I had vague ideas of what an engineer did when I applied for a Colombo Plan Scholarship in Industrial Engineering - so in March 1968, eight other Singaporean scholars (complete strangers) and I, landed at the University of Newcastle. Under the circumstances, I adapted as best I could with acceptable grades (not the many high distinctions of my course mates). Still, five years later I was the first at the University to graduate with a combined Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Engineering degree.

Returning to Singapore I joined the Ministry of Defence as a Systems Engineer.

There was little engineering content, mainly feasibility studies and streamlining processes. By chance more than design, my last appointment was Director, Manpower and I discovered my love for human resource management. When joining a government-owned company, I often headed Human Resources, albeit in non-paid secondary appointments. Still, my willingness to undertake added responsibilities must have impressed my bosses. I was General Manager at the tender age of 31 and sponsored for a Sloan Fellows Master’s at MIT in Boston, USA. Unbeknown to me these overseas stints at Newcastle and Boston built my confidence when I became CEO of Singapore Food Industries in 1989. The company had lost its way, satisfied only in serving its Singapore Government customer. I took the company public in 1999, leading a team which transformed a Singaporecentric food distribution company to an international, marketing-led food company with operations in Singapore, UK, Ireland, China and Australia. When I retired in 2006 after 17 years, sales had grown by 12 times, profitability grew 36 times and total shareholder’s returns were 29% per annum.

Growth was often through mergers and acquisitions. Seventy per cent of all acquisitions fail. Appreciation of cultural differences and adapting is essential.

We had more employees in the UK than in Singapore and one cannot simply demand respect, loyalty and performance from British or Australian managers and

workforce. One earns them. My earlier learning through willingly taking unpaid jobs helped; as did improving systems and processes, most necessary in operationsintensive food companies.

I would summarise successful international business leadership as: • Learning to quickly adapt drivers of businesses, products and markets; • Getting ideas across and motivating others; • Having a “winner’s mentality” and drive; • Operating in ambiguous environments, with IQ and EQ in human, political and bargaining processes; • Taking initiative and calculated risks, even those that may fail.

I now help small businesses and coach budding business leaders. Since 2008 I have raised over $320,000 for seven University of Newcastle scholarships annually. When I recall 1968, just five months after leaving for Newcastle, my father was retrenched when the British withdrew East of Suez. Without the Colombo Plan Scholarship from Australia my life would be one of lost opportunities. What better way to reciprocate gratitude than to give scholarships to help others, and encourage friends to do likewise.

JOINT RECIPIENT 2011 ALUMNI AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP PETER TAY Corporate Advisor, Singapore Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial) (Hons) 1972 Bachelor of Arts (Economics) 1973 Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Faculty of Business and Law Peter Tay was Singapore’s CEO to emulate during his 17 years at the helm as President and CEO of Singapore Food Industries Limited. He was the subject of a documentary and many media forums due to his success in transforming the business from a Singapore-centric food distribution enterprise to an international powerhouse with multi-domestic characteristics in the many countries in which the group operated.

Focussed as much on people as on commercial success, Mr Tay became an icon not only of commercial enterprise – but led the way in shaping human resource and industrial relations policy. In 2006, the Convergy’s Group (a global enterprise for human resource and customer service) awarded him the Convergy’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Human Resources. Mr Tay serves as a Director on a number of boards in Asia, and consults broadly in business development and mentors budding business leaders. He also writes on management issues in Pan-Asian international food publications advising on food security and the importance of human resources.

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CLEAN ENERGY LESSONS FROM THE SOUTH Article by Dr Andrew Mears

JOINT RECIPIENT 2011 ALUMNI AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP DR ANDREW MEARS Principal Consultant, Majority World Technology Ltd, New South Wales, Australia Bachelor of Electrical Engineering 1987 Master of Engineering 1993 Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Dr Mears is a climate change, energy and sustainable development specialist with an impressive record of international achievement across the private sector, academia, non-government organisations and key international agencies - including the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme.

With a total of 15 years residency in a dozen countries spanning the Pacific, Southern and East Asia, Dr Mears has been influential in international policy development. Dr Mears’ focus has been on alleviating poverty through the strengthening of micro and small enterprises via the promotion of lowcarbon, climate-resilient development.

His work with the United Nations saw him establish the US$10 million Cambodia Climate Change Alliance Trust Fund and Support Programme, and roll out a renewable energy-based rural energy services in Botswana changing the daily life and future of the people in these countries.

I have been working in the field of climate change, renewable energy and energy efficiency for more than 15 years in 15 countries. Energy underpins every aspect of our economic and human development and its price and availability will set our future.

From my experience, the technologies of renewable energy are now at a stage when new markets and innovative business models are possible. We are on the launch pad of a clean growth revolution.

Working on these issues in developing countries, I have seen first-hand how access to decentralised renewable energy services is already leading to the transformation of local livelihoods. Many developing countries are investing to create opportunity. It is no longer so much about the technology, as this is rapidly evolving. It is now much more about improving access to markets and the business models that enable this.

In developed countries like Australia, the advent of cost effective small clean energy systems are changing the way we think about electricity. These technologies mean that households are no longer just electricity consumers, they are also generating electricity. They can generate all or some of the electricity they need. What’s more, if they generate more than they need they may have something to sell back to the electricity grid. These small decentralised players now potentially have new roles in this marketplace.

But have we really seen in Australia as much change in the electricity market place as we might expect? The way households buy and sell their energy is still constrained by the old centralised utility model thinking.

Sure, there are more large retailers, but it is still a one-sided market in which households and small players don’t really get involved beyond their traditional customer role.

Why aren’t these decentralised energy

technologies also changing the way we engage in energy markets?

There are alternative models for decentralised energy services. I have seen them. In rural Botswana, successful small energy service companies provide solar power to poor households; in the rural Philippines, small power providers are using biomass to power micro-grids; community organisations are charging batteries using a pico-hydro in PNG; solar energy systems are being rented to households in South Africa.

These businesses have developed in these settings because there is no grid or because the cost of grid access is just too high.

In most countries the price paid by households for grid electricity has been increasing and most of this is due to the increasing cost of generating fossilfuel based electricity, and the deferred infrastructure costs in the main transmission and distribution networks. In Australia, households have had few alternatives but to swallow these increasing costs. In developing countries this often means that people cannot afford to access electricity at all.

Early this year the global average solar panel price was around $1.75 per watt; by the year’s end it could be as low as $1.10.

In a growing number of scenarios solar is becoming competitive with little or no subsidy. It is only a matter of time before solar competes broadly with conventional power options. How do we make sure that the business models and marketplaces allow us to fully realise the potential of these decentralised energy options?

I’m now working to build on the lessons from decentralisation of renewable energy services in developing countries to develop innovative platforms for efficient local clean energy markets in Australia.

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LEADERSHIP AND SAFETY FOR THE MODERN LEADER Article by Denise Goldsworthy, the Managing Director of Dampier Salt Limited, and the Managing Director of HIsmelt Corporation, both are part of the of Rio Tinto Group.

Denise is based in Western Australia.

Following the recent Alumni Awards I had the opportunity to speak to students about leadership and safety. These are performance areas that I think all modern leaders can never know enough about.

Whether in business, government, the notfor-profit sector, or just parents or coaches providing leadership to children how we influence others, and in particular whether we do this with integrity, will change our future.

There are lots of definitions for leadership and management. The definitions I find most useful are: • Individual leadership: capable use of a set of learnable skills to influence self and others to engage with group goals so that an organisational goal or result can be achieved over a period of time • Management: capable use of a set of learnable skills to plan, organise and control an organisation so that worthwhile goals are identified and resources organised and controlled to achieve those goals.

The key difference between management and leadership is that up to 100 per cent of the management task can be delegated.

None of the leadership task can be delegated.

As leadership is a learnable skill set it takes practice and experience to develop capability. Starting in the area of safety provides the easiest entry point for inexperienced leaders as improving safety has high ‘passion’ and ‘what’s in it for me (WIFM)’ factors. This makes it easier to engage a group of people and to understand what successful outcomes for all look like.

Everything applied effectively in the safety area can also be applied directly to other business performance areas. Once a leader has some success in the safety space it is easier to apply the same methods in areas that have a lower or varied WIFM factor for their teams.

The purpose of leadership is to increase human performance to achieve an outcome. Research (after Yalom, Irv, 1995, The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy) indicates that there are four functions that impact human performance: • Executive function – setting standards, giving directions; • Emotional stimulation – challenging, confronting, intrusion, stress ; • Meaning attribution – reflecting, interpreting, explaining, linking; • Caring - accepting, understanding, supporting, developing intimate relationships.

For executive function and emotional stimulation there is an optimum level to maximise performance, whereas for meaning attribution and caring there is no limit to their contribution to maximising performance.

Combining these insights together, what does a good leader look like?

• Has a high degree of self-awareness and control; • Has sound skills, knowledge, competencies, values and personal priorities; • Is genuine, open, honest, trusting and engaging; • Has a contagious passion for what they do; • Actively seeks feedback and continually looks for opportunities to learn; and • Treats everyone with respect and dignity.

This all sounds very easy, and the one thing the alumni have in common is our proven ability to learn. All of us are leaders in some form. The big question is, are you up for the challenge of making a positive difference?

RECIPIENT 2011 ALUMNI AWARD FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP DENISE GOLDSWORTHY Bachelor of Metallurgy (Hons Class 1) and University Medal 1989 Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment As Managing Director of two of Rio Tinto’s major companies, Denise is responsible for more than 500 employees and a large global customer base. Since her appointment to Dampier Salt Limited, record earnings of $129 million have been posted. Denise attributes the success of this worldleading exporter of solar salt, to her style of leadership and her strong motivation of her management team.

Denise has held a number of senior positions within Rio Tinto’s minerals group including Vice President, Operations, Rio Tinto Minerals – Asia Pacific (2006-2008) accountable for operational performance delivery in the Group’s solar salt, gypsum and talc businesses in Western Australia and Japan; and General Manager, Salt Operations (2003-2006) accountable for operations, engineering, HSE and human resources aspects of the salt business.

As the Director of Major Projects in Rio Tinto’s Iron ore business, Denise was responsible for a team in excess of 1,000 people with projects values of around US$3 billion. Denise was awarded the Hudson Australian Private and Corporate Sector Award before being named the Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year in 2010.

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JOINT RECIPIENT 2011 ALUMNI AWARD FOR REGIONAL LEADERSHIP CAPTAIN MOHAMMED FAIZ BIN KAMALUDIN Captain, Malaysia Airlines, Malaysian astronaut candidate, Malaysia Master of Aviation Management 2011 Faculty of Science and IT through GradSchool.com.au Not content with merely captaining large commercial passenger planes for Malaysia Airlines, Faiz is also one of Malaysia’s top four astronaut candidates. Faiz takes great delight in acting as a role model to the local community, and in the promotion of aerospace to the public, and in particular to local school children.

Through his roles as President of the Astronautical Association of Malaysia, and as the Director of Aerospace Education Services, Faiz has established awareness programs that are supplemented by workshops, television appearances, road shows to rural areas, career talks at universities, an international aerospace documentary, and the publication of his book.

Faiz’s passion and enjoyment in educating youth on aerospace science and technology is evident in the high level of engagement he has fostered across his region.

From top: Inside the Soyuz simulator in Star City, Moscow; Faiz with students of Beaconhouse, Sri Inai, Kuala Lumpur after his talk at the school.

TO DREAM OF SPACE Article by Mohammed Faiz bin Kamaludin Floating about in space and performing somersaults in microgravity conditions has always been a childhood dream of mine and probably for millions of others. However, making it a reality is a bit more difficult.

During the selection process of Malaysia’s Astronaut programme in 2006, I had a one in four chance of getting my ticket into space, but it wasn’t my year. Last year, however, I was privileged to meet Chiaki Mukai, the first Japanese woman to venture into space. She told me that going to space was never part of her plan in life but it happened anyway. She added that the oldest person to have gone to space was 77 year-old John Glenn. “Faiz,” Chiaki assured me candidly, “never give up on your dreams to go to space, well at least until you are 77 years old.”

I always believe that in life setting goals are important but not nearly as important as the journey getting there. When I climb

mountains, while reaching the peak is ultimately the sole purpose, the challenge and the struggle and suffering experienced during the climb is what thrills me. My aspiration of getting to space is still there at the back of my mind but I’m in no hurry.

During my talks to schoolchildren, I like to tell them that if I never get the chance to go to space, at least my children or grandchildren will probably get to, and their eyes light up! Just like today, it probably would have been impossible to think decades ago, that my daily routine would take me up as high as 40,000 feet every day. On clear nights the stars are so alive and the universe seems so infinite, that I feel so fulfilled zooming through earth at the edge of space doing what I love most, which is my regular job as a pilot and on odd days just simply inspiring kids and the youth of our future generation.

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BUILDING A REMOTE HEALTH SERVICE Article by Dr Anne Wakatama When taking up my appointment in Broken Hill in 2001, I was excited by the opportunity to contribute to remote health service delivery but had very little idea of the challenges I would face. I also had no coherent vision of what the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) needed to do to transform itself into a modern health care organisation able to meet the growing health needs of an aging population.

The RFDS South Eastern Section clinic network covers an area bigger than the size of Great Britain and comprises seventeen clinic sites. The ongoing priority has been to keep a stable, well qualified workforce.

While this is an issue in many organisations, it is particularly so in the remote setting.

A number of factors contribute to this but the most important seems to be that few health professionals have their origins in remote areas purely because of the population distribution in Australia. Their families usually come from the coast and moving inland means separation from friends and family.

Fortunately the RFDS holds a unique position in the Australian psyche as an iconic institution. While this attraction makes recruiting easier, an even more important factor in stability is retention.

Over the years the Service has found improving the retention of health staff requires the creation of interesting and varied jobs, ensuring that vacancies are covered by locum staff to avoid burnout, improving staff support and creating a health team made up of varied professionals working together in a multidisciplinary team.

These strategies have seen the health workforce in Broken Hill grow steadily to build a critical mass of over 30 staff in seven disciplines.

When new staff arrive they are often amazed at how difficult it is to progress things in the bush. If these ten years have taught me anything it is that progress rarely occurs rapidly, that one small success builds on another and that in the end it is possible to develop a coherent, efficient service provided you have patience and perseverance.

JOINT RECIPIENT 2011 ALUMNI AWARD FOR REGIONAL LEADERSHIP DR ANNE WAKATAMA Chief Medical Officer Royal Flying Doctor Service South Eastern Section, Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia Bachelor of Medicine 1983 Faculty of Health Graduating with Honours as one of the first cohort of students at the Medical School of the University of Newcastle, Anne commenced her career working as an Intern and Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Newcastle Hospital.

After 15 years experience running a private practice as a GP, Anne became the first female Chief Medical Officer with the South Eastern Section of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

At this time the Section was in a rapid phase of growth, moving from providing primarily acute care to a more comprehensive range of primary health care services.

In her role, Anne recognised a need to contribute to the training of medical and associated students on remote health care as a way to ensure the long-term viability of health services in remote areas. This led Anne to develop a primary health care vision for remote NSW, and to computerise patient records to undertake research not previously possible with paper based records.

ALUMNI | 12

MAKING MUM PROUD Article by Associate Professor Pauline Chiarelli

Dr Bernie Curran, Vice-President of Alumni presented Pauline with her award.

RECIPIENT 2011 ALUMNI AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR PAULINE CHIARELLI PhD 2001 Masters of Medical Science (Health Promotion) 1997 Graduate Diploma Health Social Sciences (Health Promotion) 1993 Faculty of Health While conducting childbirth classes through her physiotherapy practice in the 1980s Pauline became aware of the need for open discussions about womens’ incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction. A steady string of calls from colleagues seeking advice about incontinence issues led Pauline to form the Continence Foundation of Australia in 1980, and to undertake a PhD on the topic.

Pauline’s doctoral work resulted in the development of ongoing communitybased programs to promote continence. The literature Pauline developed as part of her thesis is still given to 85 per cent of new mothers.

As the leading authority on continence in Australia, Pauline’s recent work extends to male continence issues resulting from prostate cancer. Pauline has appeared in over 1,500 national and international broadcasts on the subject to raise awareness and address the challenges and she is making a difference in the lives of the men and women in our communities.

‘DO WHAT YOU LOVE, AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO.’ MOLLY FINNEY 1919 -1994.

My mother’s advice had stood the test of her own lifetime and now it was my turn. “And do something worthwhile…” she added as she waved me goodbye on the trip to university in Sydney. I was the first of my generation, or any member of my family, to actually go to university.

Do something worthwhile. Make a difference. Find a need and fill it. I was going to have to leave home, security and certainty to do it. University. Scholarship girl. Dad was a soldier. All my friends chose teaching or nursing and the comfort of living at home.

I chose to study Physiotherapy in Sydney because it sounded exotic and nobody, least of all me, knew what it was.

But I was to find out. I learned that as a physiotherapist I could make a difference.

As I started having my own babies it seemed a natural thing to start childbirth education classes and from these it became clear that I could do something worthwhile.

In the strait-laced, doctor-dominated world of childbirth of the time, post-natal incontinence was never mentioned and was stoically accepted as a badge of passage.

“Yes, yes. I leak too. All mothers leak.” My training and instincts told me otherwise.

I now had my mission and my life’s work: helping women to regain control of their continence. While I have often joked that it’s easier to be first than best, as I looked around me then I could see being first was going to be a lonely place to be. So I joined like-minded professionals, urologists,

physios, surgeons, nurses and together we established the Continence Foundation of Australia with the goal of ‘drying up Australia’!

From day one I have simply followed the need and sought to fill it. From an increasing clinical load specialising in retraining the muscles of the pelvic floor 30 years ago, the pressing need – the one in three women who have had a baby and who wet themselves - took me to research. I began advising government, training health professionals, working to establish a physio school at the University of Newcastle, publications, public speaking, television and radio presentations and a little booklet Women’s Waterworks that I wrote in 1987 and which now exceeds half a million copies distributed or downloaded in half a dozen languages. I’ve carried the message across the globe.

Looking back, I was just quietly getting on with the job at hand. Others may demur on the ‘quietly’ but I saw it as my mission and took every opportunity to carry the message.

There is something you can do. You can regain urinary continence. You do not need to be a prisoner of your bladder.

I have sought to carry this simple message for more than three decades now and am quietly delighted to have my career acknowledged with the Alumni Award for Exceptional Community Service.

Mum would have been chuffed!

Associate Professor Pauline Chiarelli is the Program Convenor of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy Program, Faculty of Health at the University of Newcastle, Australia.

13 | ALUMNI

RURAL LIFE AS A RURAL GENERALIST Article by Dr Sarah McEwan The Pilbara. A place where many have heard of, but few have ventured. Some 50,000 people call the Pilbara in remote Western Australia their permanent home but due to its rich sources of iron ore, crude oil, salt and natural gas deposits it means thousands more workers are required to service the areas massive mining industry.

The Pilbara. Evokes many different thoughts when mentioned. Some may say it is hot, dusty and grossly unliveable. Some people like me, over time have fallen in love with this place for its ancient, magical and at times quite quirky qualities.

Culturally this place has a lot to offer.

Not only with the strongly intact Indigenous heritage but also with the other unique aspects of this place that leads to the Pilbara’s own individual culture.

The Pilbara is largely populated by men, but most choosing not to reside here which leads to the fly-in-fly-out culture that is required to sustain the needs of the mining companies that are going a long way to assisting our economy to remain strong.

to stretch myself to learn new skills or new ways of using my current skill set every day of my working week.

Working in the Pilbara provides me with variety, flexibility and the ability to diversify my skills. My current role sees me work approximately 50 per cent of the time in the emergency department and 50 per cent in the maternity unit.

My usual working week can see me looking after acutely unwell patients with anything from severe trauma and heart attacks, to bringing new life into the world, to passing on knowledge to medical students.

At the end of the day I can drive home watching a breathtaking Western Australia sunset feeling completely fulfilled knowing that the opportunities I have been provided and the knowledge and skills I have gained as an undergraduate through the University of Newcastle are going a long way in servicing part of our country that is in most need for rural practitioners.

So what does this mean for a rural generalist like me in this area? Well there is one thing that I can say…. In my working life there is never a dull moment. It is always full of excitement and I often feel I am required

RECIPIENT 2011 INDIGENOUS ALUMNI AWARD DR SARAH McEWAN District Medical Officer, Port Hedland Regional Hospital: Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Emergency Department and Acting Senior Medical Officer for relief staff, Port Hedland, Western Australia Bachelor of Medicine 2004 Faculty of Health Sarah has contributed much to rural and remote medicine and has already received outstanding accolades. In 2009, Sarah was named the National Rural Faculty’s Rural Registrar of the Year by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and in 2010 was the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s Registrar of the year.

Her work as a teacher in the higher education sector and as a mentor in the John Flynn Scholarship Mentoring Program has done much to encourage medical students to consider a career path in rural health. Sarah’s interest and passion in indigenous health, rural and remote medicine and medical journalism has seen her publish extensively on the topic. Her desire to play her part in the promotion of medical journalism recently led to a guest appearance as a judge on ABC’s The New Inventors program.

Finalists of the 2011 Indigenous Alumni Award

ALUMNI | 14

DIVERSITY AND INNOVATION Article by Dr Nikola Bowden

RECIPIENT 2011 YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD DR NIKOLA BOWDEN NH & MRC Training Post-Doctoral Fellow, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, Australia PhD Medical Genetics 2006 Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Hons) 2001 Bachelor of Biomedical Science 2000 Faculty of Health After completing her PhD in Medical Genetics in 2006, Nikola developed a research program with the aim of delivering improved and personalised diagnosis and treatment to cancer patients. Nikola’s research investigates DNA repair in children with inherited skin cancer syndromes and the previously unstudied area of the same DNA repair in melanomas from adults.

Since my very first days in the lab as an Honours student in 2001, I have had a passion for understanding all that is possible about the genetic basis of disease. This interest has to lead to me being involved in research into a very diverse range of diseases such as schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, childhood cancers and my main focus, melanoma. This diversity is reflective of the changing face of genetics.

Researchers no longer devote their careers to one disease or one gene. For the majority of my career I have been fortunate enough to use new technologies that allow us to study all the genes in the genome at the same time. This type of research results in new discoveries being made much faster than ever before.

The ability to investigate all of an individual’s genes in parallel is possible as a result of the Human Genome Project which was completed just over 10 years ago. In a relatively short period of time science has advanced so dramatically that we now have the ability to sequence the whole genome of an individual in less than a week. This has also lead to a new era in cancer diagnostics and treatment. Cancers of all varieties are now being diagnosed and treated based on the genetic changes in the DNA of the tumour. Drugs are being developed that target these changes and because they are specific to the tumour the drugs have little or no side effects. The term ‘personalised

medicine’ is used to describe this new approach because the diagnosis and treatment is guided by the DNA of a tumour which will differ from patient to patient. I am excited to be involved in cancer research at a time of such great change and I believe innovation in research always lead to success.

Medical research can be a frustrating but extremely rewarding career. My favourite quote is from Nobel Laureate Harold Varmus: “Good research starts with a good question”. Since hearing this I have tried to follow this advice in all of my research.

Some of my greatest learning experiences have been when an experiment fails or a completely unexpected result is found. It makes the discoveries more fulfilling when you have faced hardship along the way.

Leadership is similar to research. It is constantly evolving and challenging but incredibly rewarding too. I have been fortunate to have a diverse range of mentors and leaders around me that have all shaped my career, each in their own personalised way. I hope to be a research leader in future years to pass on my experiences and knowledge to future generations of researchers and, most importantly, improve the lives of people diagnosed with cancer.

Her collaborations with the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the University of California, the National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health (USA) have assisted in her obtaining over $1.2 million in funding, publishing 17 articles in international peer-reviewed journals and presenting at 47 international and national conferences.

In 2006 Nikola was awarded an NBN Telethon Childhood Cancer postdoctoral fellowship. Nikola grew this position to form the Information Based Medicine Group under Professor Rodney Scott. Nikola was awarded the HMRI PULSE Education prize in 2006, the Hunter Children’s Research Foundation Research Excellence Award in 2007 and the Schizophrenia Research Institute Paper Award in 2008.

Nikola thanked her supporters (front row, l to r): Dr Paul Tooney, Nikola’s husband Neil Starr, Nikola, Professor Maree Gleeson; (back row, l to r) Dr Jeanette Lechner-Scott, Dr Katie Ashton, Brad Webb, Dr Ricardo Vilain, Professor Rodney Scott and Professor Judith Scott.

15 | ALUMNI

2011 ALUMNI AWARDS

The 2011 Young Alumni Award finalists.

Table host Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Kevin McConkey (front far right), with alumni and staff.

Alumnus and GHD Business Development Manager Nick Killin (back left) hosted a table of UoN alumni now working at GHD.

Guests of Convocation Medallist Dato’ Ir Dr Abu Bakar Jaafar enjoying the celebrations. His wife Datin Fatimah Md Taha is pictured centre, and his daughter Siti Hajar A Bakar (right) is also a UoN graduate (Bachelor of Engineering 2005).

Professor John Lester (centre back) hosted a table of alumni and guests of the Wollotuka Institute.

Former Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Saunders was farewelled at the event, pictured centre front with his guests.

ALUMNI | 16

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT CONVOCATION MEDAL FINALIST

CONVOCATION MEDAL FINALIST

CONVOCATION MEDAL FINALIST

NEWTON-JOHN AWARD FINALIST

PROFESSOR KIM-SHYAN FAM Head of the School of Marketing and International Business, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand

PROFESSOR SCOTT HOLMES Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Dean of Graduate Studies, The University of Newcastle, Australia

PROFESSOR JENNELLE KYD Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Research, Central Queensland University, Australia

DAVID BERTHOLD Artistic Director, La Boite Theatre Company, Queensland, Australia

PhD 1997 Faculty of Business and Law

Bachelor of Commerce 1984 Faculty of Business and Law

A Professor of Marketing, Professor Fam’s research in advertising and marketing in Asia has positioned him as an expert on marketing behaviours and consumer responses in Asia issues that are of critical interest to growing business and industry activity in the region.

At the age of 26, Professor Holmes was appointed Professor of Accounting at the Queensland University of Technology – the youngest ever Professorial appointment at the university at that time. In 1996 he was appointed Professor of Accounting and Founding Director of the Graduate School of Business at the University of Newcastle.

The quality and practical relevance of Professor Fam’s work is evidenced by the large number of grants received from industry sources. His healthy portfolio of high-grade publications is matched by his selection as editor of numerous journals including the prestigious Journal of Business Ethics and the Industrial Marketing Management Journal.

He established the Marketing in Asia Group (MAG) in 1997 and led MAG to play a key role in assisting the development of research in the related academic community in the fast growing Asian higher education sector. MAG now has over 400 academics and practitioners from over 35 countries, with a mandate that seeks to undertake and disseminate knowledge of Asian marketing based on rigorous, yet pragmatic research.

Three years later, under Professor Holmes’ entrepreneurship and guidance, GradSchool.com.au was born. As the first fully remote online postgraduate coursework program provider in Australia, GradSchool.com.au now boasts over 3,000 students.

In 2005 Professor Holmes established the Office of Graduate Studies which now caters to over 1,200 research by higher degree students.

In 2006, in recognition of his achievements, Professor Holmes received the Award for the Best Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year by the Business/Higher Education Round Table.

Professor Holmes has further contributed to the development of the Hunter region and government policy through his advisory work.

PhD 1995 Faculty of Health Professor Kyd’s research has advanced our understanding of respiratory and middle ear bacterial infections, and of the immune responses critical to effective prevention.

Professor Kyd has developed commercially valuable intellectual property in the form of vaccine components, which will result in the provision of more effective treatments. Her work identified how the composition of bacterial colonisation is contributing to the susceptibility of middle ear infections in children. This is particularly relevant to the high incidence rate in Aboriginal children who are also heavily colonised by these pathogens as infants.

Professor Kyd’s strong leadership credentials, led her to set up a significant biomedical research facility at the Australian National University in 1995, and to establish the National Centre for Forensic Studies in 2003.

She is a leader in an international group that is working with the pharmaceutical industry and key international researchers to achieve a vaccine for the prevention of bacterial middle ear infections in children.

Bachelor of Arts1986 Faculty of Education and Arts David is one of Australia’s leading theatre directors and has directed for most of Australia’s major theatre companies, as well as in Berlin and London’s West End. During his time as the Artistic Director of Sydney’s Griffin Theatre Company, he transformed it into Australia’s leading new writing theatre. As Artistic Director of the Australia Theatre for Young People he transformed the organisation to become Australia’s flagship theatre for young people.

During his years as Associate Director of the Sydney Theatre Company, David directed over 20 productions – many of them premieres.

He has also directed for Belvoir, Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Festival, Auckland Theatre Company, the Sydney 2000 Olympic Arts Festival and many others companies and festivals.

David has served as an arts advocate and advisor for numerous bodies, including the Australia Council, National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), the Australian Musical Foundation and several universities.

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2011 ALUMNI AWARD FINALISTS NEWTON-JOHN AWARD FINALIST

NEWTON-JOHN AWARD FINALIST

KAREN CAREY Director of Music, Methodist Ladies College, Sydney, Australia

GLENDYN IVIN Director, Exit Films, Victoria, Australia

Bachelor of Education 1989 Diploma of Music Education 1969 Faculty of Education and Arts Karen’s outstanding professional career and contribution to music education was recognised when she received the National Award for Excellence from the Australian Society for Music Education and the Australian Government Quality Teacher program. In 2011, Karen was the subject of the acclaimed documentary Mrs Carey’s Concert where her work with the Methodist Ladies College was showcased.

Karen’s career in music education has seen her work at a diverse range of schools where she was able to marshal students, staff and parents into performing well received choral pieces. The common thread throughout her career is the integration of schoolbased music into the community.

Karen’s development of strategic partnerships has allowed students to follow their musical passions whether it be to compose music, interact with resident composers, access high-level musicians through the profession’s Partners Program or to perform at the Opera House. She is a community engagement expert at work!

Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) 1994 Faculty of Science and IT Glendyn was 25 years old when he quit a successful career in graphic design to study filmmaking with a focus on documentaries. Six years later, Glendyn’s first short drama Cracker Bag catapulted him onto the world cinema stage after it won the Palme d’Or for short films at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.

Since 2000 Glendyn has been a director of Exit Films one of Australia’s largest and most awarded commercial production companies. Glendyn has produced a wide body of critically acclaimed work, including his award winning film Neverland, and his short film The Desert which was nominated for an AFI Award. Glendyn has produced multiple TV dramas such as Von Stauffenberg’s Stamp, Two Twisted, and Offspring. His debut feature film Last Ride starring Hugo Weaving was released in 2009.

Glendyn currently has films in development in both the US and Australia and has recently completed Beaconsfield for the Nine Network to screen early 2012.

ALUMNI AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP FINALIST

ALUMNI AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP FINALIST

DR AWNI AL-OTOOM Inspector, Senior Industry Officer, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (PCW), The Hague, Netherlands

PROFESSOR GANG WEI Director of China Engagement, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO, New South Wales, Australia

PhD 2001 Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

PhD 1997 Faculty of Science and IT

In his work at PCW, Dr Al-Otoom evaluates different chemical industries and assesses their relevance and risk to the purpose and objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention. By using local seminars to deliver his message Dr Al-Otoom has been able to promote both regional cooperation, and the safe use of chemical weapons.

Dr Al-Otoom’s role in orchestrating physical inspections of targeted facilities has done much to increase the security and confidence of the 188 countries that are signatories to the Convention.

Prior to working as an inspector for PCW, Dr Al-Otoom was an Assistant Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department of the Jordan University of Science and Technology.

In 2007, Professor Wei was awarded the Australian New Immigrant Remarkable Achievement Award by the Australian Federation of Chinese Organisations for services to science. Having developed extensive research collaborative links between the CSIRO, research institutes, national and international universities, Professor Wei played a key role in the establishment of the Australian China Nanoscience and Technology Centre and the CSIRO’s China Nanotechnology Strategy. After initiating discussions as to a possible collaboration, Professor Wei was able to play a lead role in the establishment of the China Alliance for New Energy Vehicle Innovation and the CSIRO Green Car Research China Strategy.

Professor Wei has been published extensively, and he is an advocate for the International Scientific Society and holds a large number of professorships, honorary titles and positions.

ALUMNI | 18

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT ALUMNI AWARD FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP FINALIST

ALUMNI AWARD FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP FINALIST

ALUMNI AWARD FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP FINALIST

ALUMNI AWARD FOR REGIONAL LEADERSHIP FINALIST

SCOTT BEVAN ABC News Journalist and Television Presenter, Newcastle, Australia

DR DEIN VINDIGNI OAM Chiropractor, Research Fellow, Founder Hands On Health Australia, Melbourne, Australia

DR DAVID ZHIDONG LI President, Heter Electrics Group, China

Bachelor of Arts 1989 Faculty of Education and Arts

PhD 2005 Master of Medical Science (Health Promotion) 1998 Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion 1997 Faculty of Health

DR LEANNE BROWN Senior Lecturer, Nutrition and Dietetics, The University of Newcastle, UDRH Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia

Scott began his career in journalism in 1984 at the Newcastle Herald. After a stint reporting and presenting news for commercial radio, he moved to Tokyo to improve the Japanese he studied at university.

In 1991 he returned to Australia to become a television reporter.

In his role as a news and current affairs reporter at Nine Network he covered major events such as the East Timor crisis, the Australian Embassy bombing in Jakarta, and the Papua New Guinea and Banda Aceh tsunamis.

Scott was the Moscow Correspondent for ABC News and Current Affairs, before returning home to host ABC News 24’s The World - a nightly one-hour international affairs and current affairs program. He is also a contributory presenter to The 7.30pm Report.

In addition to pursuing journalism, Scott has written two plays, and is now writing his third non-fiction book, to be published in 2012 about the Hunter region.

Dein is a Melbourne chiropractor, research fellow, and founder of the not-for-profit organisation Hands On Health Australia (HOHA). Dein’s current academic interests centre largely on evaluating the community-based health programs seeded by HOHA. The impetus for founding HOHA was a chance meeting with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. Recognising that their common sense model could work elsewhere in the world, HOHA has proved it, by growing to encompass over 25 clinics and clinical training programs.

One area of Dein’s continuing academic interest is Indigenous health and spirituality. A collaborative initiative between Indigenous elders, academics and health practitioners has been responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating community based and owned Indigenous health programs. In 2008 Dein was awarded an OAM for his contribution to health and community service throughout Australia and the Asian-Pacific region.

Doctor of Business Administration 2005 Master of Business Administration 1999 Faculty of Business and Law As the President of Heter Group, David leads one of the three largest manufacturers of lithium green batteries in the world. He also established the first China Care Next Generation Foundation Environmental Education Foundation - a national program to educate Chinese children on green energy and environmentally friendly energy solutions. After overseeing the construction of the largest lithium iron phosphate material factory in China, David then opened up the factory to local school children by establishing an on-site classroom and factory tours to inform participants as to new energy solutions.

His experience as Vice-President of the Chinese state owned Pilot Investment Holdings saw David manage sprawling urban development projects in Yanghu, Binjiang and Changsha, including the construction of 12 major roads. With a project finance budget of 21 billion RMB, David has overseen projects for the planning, funding and construction of parks, hotels, shopping precincts, office towers and education centres.

PhD 2009 Bachelor of Health and Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) 1995 Faculty of Health The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) recognised Leanne’s achievements when they awarded her the Greatness in Dietetics Award in 2003, and the DAA NSW Branch Services Award in 2007.

In 2008, her work in education was recognised with the University of Newcastle’s Vice-Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, and in 2009 with the Australian Learning and Teaching Council Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.

As one of only 67 Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitians, in Australia, Leanne has extensive clinical dietetic experience. Her location in Tamworth, as a lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at UDRH, has allowed her to provide leadership to rural dieticians in the Hunter New England area.

Leanne’s advocacy has led to a fifty-fold increase in dietetic student placement weeks for the region. The flow on benefits from this intensive student clinical training program are being realised through the improved recruitment and retention of dietetics staff in local rural areas.

19 | ALUMNI

2011 ALUMNI AWARD FINALISTS ALUMNI AWARD FOR REGIONAL LEADERSHIP FINALIST

ALUMNI AWARD FOR REGIONAL LEADERSHIP FINALIST

PAUL HUGHES Chief Executive Officer, Newcastle Airport Limited, Newcastle, Australia

JASON PAULING Operations Manager NSW and Southern Queensland, Bureau Veritas International Trade, Lake Macquarie, Australia

Bachelor of Commerce 1984 Faculty of Business and Law Paul has dedicated his career to the development and betterment of public services and amenities in our region. As a former manager of Community and Recreation Services at Port Stephens Council, he developed a financial strategy focussing on non-traditional sources of income through business and property development activities.

This allowed the council to instigate major projects which would otherwise have been unsustainable.

Applying this approach in his current position as CEO of Newcastle Airport, Paul has been able to grow passenger numbers by 58% to more than 1.2 million per annum, and undertaken more than AU$40 million worth of project work to prepare the airport for the next stage of growth.

With a 20 year Master Plan, a terminal expansion, an apron expansion and car park extension, the impact of Paul’s innovative strategies will be felt by the region for decades to come. Working closely with aviation, transport and infrastructure organisations, Paul continues to be a leading advocate and lobbyist for the region.

Master of Environmental and Business Management 2003 Grad Cert in Marketing 2002 Master HRM and IR 2001 MBA 2000 Bachelor of Science (Hons) 2001 Faculty of Science and IT Faculty of Business and Law Jason has shown himself to be a dedicated champion for the Hunter Region. As a Director on the board of the Hunter Business Chamber, Jason has worked to ensure an increased representation by the various sub-regions within the Hunter.

His role as a Director of Hunter Tourism sees him take a strong interest in the Upper Hunter, Newcastle Foreshore and tourism in the region.

As Chairperson of the Lake Macquarie Combined Chambers of Commerce, Jason provided leadership to the Charlestown business community. As President of Business Charlestown his guidance informed the construction phase of Charlestown Square, and through his role as President of the Lake Macquarie Business Club he has facilitated networking opportunities for small to medium businesses.

Impressively, these activities are in addition to his employment with Bureau Veritas International Trade Australia.

ALUMNI AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE FINALIST

ALUMNI AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE FINALIST

ANTHONY (TONY) BROWN Campaigner for the reduction of alcohol related violence, Newcastle, Australia

JAMES MORRIS Companion, Camp Quality, Newcastle, New South Wales

Graduate Diploma in Economic Studies 1984 Bachelor of Economics 1980 Faculty of Business and Law Tony held positions in economics and industrial relations in the public sector before graduating with an honours degree in Graduate Law in 2000. Despite receiving a Golden Key Honour Society Award for academic achievement, Tony forewent substantial business opportunities to devote much of his time to voluntary community work as a tireless campaigner to reduce alcohol related violence.

In 2007 Tony was responsible for reducing alcohol related violence in Newcastle by 37% with his successful community campaign to reduce late trading hours. Tony has spearheaded reforms initiated by the Police Association of NSW, The Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians, the NSW Local Government Association and the Lord Mayors of Melbourne and Brisbane to support similar proven harm prevention measures.

Dubbed the “Attenborough of pub ecology” by The Australian, Tony continues to support and assist a number of communities struggling to deal with this issue.

Bachelor of Education 1998 Diploma in Teaching 1990 Faculty of Education and Arts James has been a volunteer Companion with Camp Quality for six years, and is heavily involved in the planning, running and mentoring aspects of this charitable organisation.

James has helped to develop numerous camp programs and activities for children living with cancer, and mentored new companions on the policies and procedures required of the camp.

Going beyond the call of duty, James is actively involved in the 24-hour care required by camp attendees.

James has developed and participated in the numerous fundraising activities required to provide the cash flow necessary for Camp Quality to function. As a founding member of the Giggle Ball, James was instrumental in assisting the Ball to become the biggest fundraising event of the year. The Ball now attracts sufficient funds to support the attendance of over 100 children each year to the programs run by Camp Quality.

ALUMNI | 20

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT INDIGENOUS ALUMNI AWARD FINALIST

INDIGENOUS ALUMNI AWARD FINALIST

INDIGENOUS ALUMNI AWARD FINALIST

DEBBIE BARWICK Founding Director and Chairperson, NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce

DR KERRIE DOYLE Associate Professor, Indigenous Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia

TARA MALLIE-HUTCHINSON Project Architect, New Future Alliance, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

Diploma of Aboriginal Studies 1998 Faculty of Education and Arts

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) 1999 Graduate Diploma in Health Science 1993 Faculty of Education and Arts Faculty of Health

Bachelor of Philosophy 2009 Bachelor of Architecture 2004 Bachelor of Design (Architecture) 2000 Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

Despite commencing her education as a mature age student, Kerrie now holds an impressive number of qualifications. A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Mental Health and Social and Emotional Well-being; a Graduate Diploma of Applied Sciences; a Masters of Indigenous Health; and a Doctorate in Integrating Community into Local Health Services. Kerrie is currently enrolled in her second Doctorate on Social Inclusion in Aboriginal Communities at the University of Newcastle.

As one of only a handful of practising Indigenous architects in Australia, Tara has spent the last 12 months working on the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program in remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. In 2007 Tara received an Australian Research Council Indigenous Discovery Grant for her Masters research, which enabled her to present papers on her research in Tunisia, USA, New Zealand and Melbourne.

Debbie is a Gamilaroi Woman from Bora Crossing NSW and a direct descendant of the Barwick, Wortley and Talbot Families.

As a government lobbyist and advocate for improved access programs for the Indigenous business sector, Debbie has spent 13 years working with Indigenous entrepreneurs and business operators. Debbie’s collaborations with some of the country’s most esteemed Indigenous business leaders have led to the establishment of the first Indigenous Chamber of Commerce in NSW, the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council and the Indigenous Business Council of Australia.

In 2011, Debbie received the NSW Premier’s Award for Excellence for her work as; Founder, CEO and Chairperson Mandurah Hunter Indigenous Business Chamber; NSW Director Indigenous Business Council of Australia; Committee Member NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable, NSW Trade & Investment, Regional Infrastructure & Services; Chairperson Awabakal Newcastle Aboriginal Cooperative; and Member National Indigenous Business Women’s Network, Australia.

Photos courtesy of Ousha Events

Kerrie is now an Endeavour Award Fellow researching identity issues in New Zealand. Kerrie is also an Associate Professor of Indigenous Health at the University of Canberra.

Kerrie’s teaching has made a significant impact on ensuring the cultural proficiency of Australian health care practitioners and cemented her place as a role model for Aboriginal people.

While working as an Architect Graduate with the Government’s Architect Office, Department of Finance and Services in Sydney, Tara was the Specialist Designer for the $350,000 Kempsey High School Aboriginal Resource Centre and the Designer for the AU$6 million Bowraville Central School Redevelopment Project.

Tara uses the combination of concepts and knowledge drawn from her architecture and Aboriginal studies, and Indigenous heritage.

21 | ALUMNI

2011 ALUMNI AWARD FINALISTS YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD FINALIST

RYAN ANDRIESSEN Associate, Ove Arup & Partners Ltd, London, United Kingdom Bachelor of Engineering – Civil (Hons) 2001 Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment One of five top young leaders selected in the Australian Construction Industry in 2008, Ryan received the Australian Construction Industry Forum’s Leadership Scholarship. Joining Arup in 2002, Ryan’s promotion to Associate in 2008 made him part of their senior management team as their youngest Associate in Australasia at that time.

Since taking a lead role, Ryan’s projects have accrued profits to Arup in excess of AU$8 million.

Working on infrastructure projects in the USA, he led a team of 150 professionals made up from 30 technical disciplines located in New York, Toronto and London.

Ryan was a key member of the Arup team that won the International Project of the Year Award for China’s National Aquatic Centre (the Beijing WaterCube) from both the Australian Institute of Project Management and also the UK Association for Project Management.

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD FINALIST

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD FINALIST

PROFESSOR GAVIN CASSAR Associate Professor of Accounting, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA

DR CHRISTOPHER MCNEILL Senior Lecturer, Department of Materials Engineering, Monash University, Victoria, Australia

Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) 1998 Faculty of Business and Law

Bachelor of Science (Hons) and University Medal 2000 PhD 2000 Bachelor of Mathematics 1999 Faculty of Science and IT

Gavin caused an international flutter of excitement when his honours thesis was published in the leading research journal Accounting and Finance. On the strength of this impressive start, the United States Government awarded him a full scholarship to complete his PhD in Business Administration at the University of Berkeley. Now an academic, teaching in the MBA program at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Gavin has been the recipient of several teaching awards including, the David W. Hauck Award for Outstanding Teaching.

Gavin’s research focuses on how entrepreneurs and hedge fund managers use information for their decision making needs. By researching this issue in both the United States and Australian small business sectors, Gavin’s body of work has contributed not only to academic literature but also the formulation of the policy being applied to small firms by the government and banking sectors.

Now working as a Research Associate in the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Chris conducts research to understand the operation of plastic solar cells, and the development and exploitation of synchrotron x-ray analysis for studying the microstructure of organic semiconductors.

His achievements have been recognised with fellowships and invitations to speak at international conferences.

Chris’ work in science recently featured in two x-ray facilities, The Advanced Light Source in California and the Swiss Light Source.

With 45 referred articles and slew of grants behind him, including the highly prestigious and competitive UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Advanced Research Fellowship, Chris was awarded a VESKI Innovation Fellowship by the Victorian Endowment for Knowledge, Science and Innovation.

2011 CONVOCATION LECTURE The importance of developing models of care for use by mental health nurses was the focus of the 2011 Convocation Lecture.

Professor Louise O’Brien, a research and clinical specialist with over 40 years experience in the mental health field delivered her lecture Mental health care: everyone’s business to an enthusiastic gathering at Newcastle City Hall.

Professor O’Brien shared her extensive research into the provision of mental health services, the organisation and development of nursing practice, and the experiences of people with mental illness and their families.

The Convocation Lecture showcases the knowledge and expertise of a recent professorial appointment to the University of Newcastle.

Professor O’Brien is the University’s Professor of Mental Health.

Presented by the Executive Committee of Alumni through the University’s Office of External Relations, the event was hosted by the President of Alumni, Mr Brian Kennaugh who is pictured below with Pro Vice-Chancellor Faculty of Health Professor Nick Talley (left) and Professor Louise O’Brien.

ALUMNI | 22

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF ALUMNI Brian Kennaugh - Bachelor of Business 2003 For the Executive Committee of Alumni, the highlight of 2011 was without a doubt the Alumni Awards featured earlier in this edition.

Another highlight was the success of our mentoring program trial conducted this year. The initiative involved graduates providing one-on-one mentoring to final year undergraduate students to help their successful transition to the workplace. Feedback has been extremely positive and in 2012 we hope to broaden the scheme. Alumni can register their interest in mentoring by emailing mentoring@newcastle.edu.au We have many important plans for 2012 including the launch of the Hunter Alumni Chapter. We have some 50,000 alumni living in the Hunter region and our aim is to re-establish their connection with each other and the University. Part of this is the creation of the University of Newcastle Alumni House. It will be a home base for alumni from the Hunter and around the world. Among a range of things, we hope it will become a centre for dialogue, regional leadership and community engagement.

Finally, the Executive Committee is grateful for the strong support given to us by former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Saunders. He has been a great advocate for our projects and initiatives and we wish him well. We look forward to working just as positively with our new ViceChancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, and warmly welcome her to the University.

2012 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF ALUMNI Dr Bernie Curran Vice President of Alumni PhD Classics 1972 Mr James Tocci Immediate Past President B. Business 1997 Dr Jennifer Archer Senior Lecturer, School of Education Ms Deborah Bradbery B. Arts 1979 Dip. Education 1979 Ms Lillian Eastwood M. Educational Studies 2000 Ms Belinda Grealy B. Engineering 1998 Mr Dave Karlson MBA 1993 B. Mathematics 1981

Mr Robert Lutton B. Arts 1981 Mr Don Magin G. Dip. Management 1995 B. Mathematics 1974 Associate Professor Neil Morpeth PhD Classics 1988 Mr Greg Mowbray M. Medical Science (Health Promotion) 1996 Grad. Dip. Health Social Science 1992 B. Education 1988

Mr Jason Pauling MEBM (Environmental Management) 2003 Grad. Cert. Marketing 2002 M. HRM and IR 2001 BSc 2001 MBA 2000 Ms Belinda Smith Master of Business Administration 2008 Grad. Cert. Business Admin 2005 Ms Adriana Sung B. Food Science and Human Nutrition 2010 Mr Chad Watson B. Arts 1993

Mr David Newham Dip. Aboriginal Studies 1997 B. Social Science 2007

Mr David Wise International Partnerships Officer International Office

Ms Roxana Olivares B. Social Science 2000 Professor Tim Roberts Director - The Tom Farrell Institute

Ms Meredith Young B. Communication 2008

CHAPTER NEWS LONDON CONNECTIONS

THE PHILIPPINES Congratulations to alumnus Arvin Yana (Bachelor of Arts Communication Studies 1999) who has been recently elected as the National President of the Philippine Australian Alumni Association.

Arvin has been a long serving member of the University’s Philippines Alumni Chapter Committee.

A get together was held 13 October at the Green Man Pub in London, with alumni making new connections with fellow alums based in the UK. The next event is planned for early 2012, so keep an eye on the alumni website for further details. www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni

If you would like more information about the activities of The Philippines Alumni Chapter, please email the Alumni Chapter President alvaro.calara@dlsu.edu.ph

23 | ALUMNI

HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS DR VIC LEVI - Doctor of the University honoris causa Dr Levi is one of the University’s greatest supporters. An accomplished former journalist, he has served the University community in numerous leadership roles for more than four decades and his contributions have been of outstanding value and importance. A former President of Alumni and now President of the Friends of the University since 1996, Dr Levi has provided inspired leadership to the team of volunteers who work tirelessly to support the University of Newcastle. He has been on the Alumni Awards selection panel since the inaugural Newton-John Award began 36 years ago.

ALUMNI IN PRINT RECOVERED MEMORIES

By Greg and Sylvia Ray (Bachelor of Fine Art 2009) A companion book to The Missing Years, a book of historical photographs depicting Newcastle and the Hunter, Recovered Memories features many more images uncovered by the authors. Many of the images from the 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s have never been published. New pictures include a selection of vintage aerial photographs.

CASEBOOK ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

DR DAVID MARR - Doctor of Letters honoris causa

- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Dr Marr is one of Australia’s most highly regarded and respected journalists, and political and social commentators.

Beginning as a reporter at The Bulletin magazine in 1974, his journalism career has spanned television, radio and print media, including reporting for ABC’s Four Corners program and hosting Media Watch. Today he reports on politics, law, censorship and the arts as a Sydney Morning Herald columnist. A winner of four Walkley Awards, Dr Marr received the 2009 PEN Keneally Award for achievement in promoting freedom of expression.

Chief Editors: Dr David Chew Heng Ching - Colombo Plan Scholar, Bachelor of Arts 1975, Hon. Degree 2003; with Tan Chong Huat and Tan Lay Hong

PROFESSOR PATRICK MCGORRY AO Doctor of Medicine honoris causa One of the world’s top researchers in psychiatry, Professor McGorry is credited for driving change in the delivery of mental health services for young people.

He has spent 30 years contributing to the design and construction of a range of innovative service models to tackle hidden and complex mental health problems. In 2010 Professor McGorry was named Australian of the Year for his contribution to improving the delivery of mental health services for youth. Later that year he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia.

DR TOSHIYUKI YAMADA - Doctor of Engineering honoris causa Dr Yamada is an internationally renowned electrical engineer. His 50-year career boasts achievements in product development and research administration.

Following decades in executive roles for the Sony Corporation, in 2001 Dr Yamada was appointed President of Shohoku College in Japan. He has driven an extensive program of language study, work experience and cultural exchange between Shohoku College and the University of Newcastle that continues to provide valuable international study opportunities for students of both institutions.

High profile corporate scandals together with increased numbers of foreign listings on the Singapore Stock Exchange have propelled much interest, discussion and emphasis on the development and promotion of good corporate governance practices. This book studies real corporate governance cases in Singapore.

THE ACCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR

By Choo Heng Thong Bachelor of Engineering 1978 Born in the post-war baby boom years in Malaya, Choo Heng Thong rose from humble beginnings in Johor Bahru to become a highly successful entrepreneur during Singapore’s industrialisation. Perseverance and integrity mark his journey to success, yet he has walked away from it all to live a life of greater meaning.

100 WOMEN Edited by Gillean Shaw, Keryn Stewart and Professor Kevin McConkey Bringing together stories from Australia and around the world, 100 Women celebrates the achievements and challenges of 100 remarkable women - all of whom have a link to the University of Newcastle and many of whom are alumni. In their stories the women reflect on the changes they have experienced in their lives, and tell of their hopes for the future. www.newcastle.edu.au/100-women/buy-the-book.html For enquiries on how to purchase any of these books please email alumni@newcastle.edu.au

ALUMNI | 24

TOWARDS UoN50 – HISTORY AND HERITAGE

Towards UoN50, launched this year, will celebrate the history and heritage milestones as well as the little known facts that have made the University what it is today. Across all campuses, there will be permanent and temporary displays of historical objects and photographs. To coincide with the 50th anniversary in 2015, a series of books will be published chronicling the pre-history of the University and each decade following.

Chair of the Towards UoN50 working party, Emeritus Professor Adrian Page, said each Division and School would have the opportunity to celebrate in its own way. “Over the coming years we will be progressively documenting each and every aspect of the University’s history and traditions,” he said. “This is a very exciting project for the University and the broader community.”

By the end of this year, Towards UoN50 will have begun taking shape. The School of Education display, featuring a visual representation of its journey through the eras, will be complete. The School of Environment and Life Sciences celebrations, honouring its past professors and high achievers through honour boards and displays, will be in place and large external murals depicting the history of the Auchmuty Library will be unveiled. The construction of a Graduates’ Walk from the Auchmuty Library to the Great Hall, with pavers displaying the names of graduates of the University, will also begin to take shape.

“To make this project a true success, we want to work with as many people as possible who have had a hand in shaping the University,” Professor Page said. “We are asking alumni, along with current staff and students, volunteer and support groups, and the community, to bring together the individual and shared histories of the people who made this institution what it is today.

GRADUATES’ WAL K ce H ow 1 9 6 a rth 6

Visitors to the University’s Callaghan campus may have already caught a glimpse of the first of many projects that will form part of the 50th anniversary celebrations. The towering photo boards in the courtyard of the Hunter building celebrate each of the five decades, highlighting the journey from the University’s infancy in 1965 through its maturation into a world-class institution.

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The University of Newcastle will celebrate half a century of achievement in 2015.

Alumni will soon get the chance to literally become part of the University of Newcastle.

From 2012 alumni will be able to purchase commemorative pavers engraved with their name, degree and year of graduation which will then be set in a path to start at the Fountain and progress to the Library.

Imagine your child waiting outside the Great Hall for their graduation and seeing your name amongst the thousands of others who have made the journey before them!

FACULTY LEGEND

The University’s first graduate, Bruce Howarth (Master of Engineering 1966) along with 137 other pioneer graduates of the University will be the first alumni pavers on the Graduates’ Walk.

There is no better person to be leading Towards UoN50 than Emeritus Professor Adrian Page.

His association with the University began in 1966 and after spending several years working overseas has been back on campus since 1971, as an Engineering academic.

If you would like to join them, send an email to alumni@newcastle.edu.au to register your interest.

“As a place of such rich history, it is important that we hold on to those memories.”

To get involved, contact the team at UoN50@newcastle.edu.au

“Back then everyone knew everyone, both staff and students,” Professor Page said. “Today, obviously, that would be impossible. Looking back, the focus was very much on academic pursuits whereas today we also have to operate with a business focus”.

Throughout his long association with the University, Professor Page has held many positions including: Head, Department of Civil, Surveying and Environmental Engineering; Dean, Faculty of Engineering; Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment; and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). While now technically retired, Professor Page is still an active researcher and is a regular face on campus.

Emeritus Professor Adrian Page with alumnus Alison Chapman with an example of a commemorative paver.

25 | ALUMNI

FACULTY PROFILES

MARK CHIM

MERCY MADZIVANYIKA

Bachelor of Commerce 1989 Faculty of Business and Law

Bachelor of Medicine 2009 Faculty of Health

Like many a student, a focus on his social life saw Mark Chim take four years to complete a three year course with, by his own admission, “mediocre results”. However, life after graduation has been far from mediocre. Mark is now the Managing Director of a Hong Kong company with an annual turnover in excess of US$35 million.

As a seven-year-old girl growing up in Zimbabwe the dream of becoming a doctor seemed an impossible aspiration for Mercy Madzivanyika. But now that little girl’s dreams are a reality.

“In my first year I was boarding in Edwards Hall and it was here that I met friends who are still part of my life. I spent most of my time socialising and immersing myself in the lifestyle of hall living, which eventually took a toll on my academic studies. I put this down to immaturity, as I was only 17 when I entered University. But the guidance of these kind and caring souls enabled me to finish my course,” Mark says.

In the 20 years since graduating Mark has obtained a Graduate Diploma in Marketing Communication, a Master of Business, and a Master of Accounting and completed the CPA Australia program.

His results have been at distinction or high distinction level. He has also received a number of academic awards, moving from the ‘mediocre’ early days to outcomes of excellence.

Inspiration by those who supported him has been key to Mark’s career path. He says, “My course mates and tutors were not sure where I would end up. Relative to the current situation, they would agree that I have come far and I have been truly inspired by many of them. I attribute my success to the encouragement, support and inspiration I have received from ex-classmates, tutors and university mates. I still continue to keep in touch with many of them and note that they are also very successful in their careers - successful entrepreneurs, partners in major global accounting firms, CEOs of mining and commodity companies, and senior professionals in their field of work.”

Recalling his university days as a positive and indeed formative experience, combined with his continued endeavours to build his career and family life, Mark embraced the University’s motto ‘I look ahead’ from his student days.

“I hold it in my mind and my heart, it drives everything I do.”

“Calling myself ‘Dr Madzivanyika’ from an early age, I’m not sure I fully understood the journey ahead. Though in some instances the road was difficult and felt never-ending, the result has been nothing short of amazing. The feeling one gets when they make a difference in someone’s life, even in the smallest of ways, makes it all worth it,” Mercy says.

Good support for international students who must leave home and family cannot be over-emphasised. “I have to applaud the International Division when it comes to orientation and the student mentors (‘red shirts’). I had the privilege of being a ‘red shirt’ in my third year. It really was a good opportunity to give back and make new students feel welcome.”

Her entree into the study of medicine was daunting. “Walking into the interview as a candidate of the Bachelor of Medicine program, I was wondering if I had answered in a satisfactory manner to make it in. I did, and suddenly I was in a world of anatomy and pathophysiology. My fondest memory is of my first attempt at patient history taking. What seems to be second nature now initially was a scary task.”

Mercy graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine with distinction and also received the Andrew Lojszczyk Prize, which is awarded to the student who demonstrates the highest overall ability and capacity in clinical performance in surgery.

Since graduating, Mercy has worked in five different hospitals, each time in varying divisions of medicine, taking away more skill and knowledge from each term and allowed Mercy to discover a specific area of interest. “Along the way I have sparked an interest in obstetrics and gynaecology and have had the opportunity of working both in a large centre (John Hunter) as well as a smaller centre (Manning Base). There are amazing initiatives out there revolving around women’s health. I recently attended an ALSO (Advanced Life Support Obstetrics) course and was fascinated to hear about the group’s work in under privileged communities where they train local inhabitants in order to give a better mother-baby outcome during and after pregnancy.” Mercy has now secured a Senior Resident position in obstetrics and gynaecology at the John Hunter Hospital, commencing in 2012.

A little girl who dreamed of being a doctor is now working with women and babies. It seems like a perfect fit.

ALUMNI | 26

FACULTY PROFILES From PE teacher to State Member for Cessnock via an eclectic array of pursuits, Clayton Barr is a unique graduate. His willingness to diversify will stand him in good stead in his new political role.

CLAYTON BARR Bachelor of Education 1994 Faculty of Education and Arts

After graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education and Health, Clayton was offered a position at Mount View High School in Cessnock. He says, “It was unbelievable. I imagined after university I would find myself teaching in some far flung town or community – but the Department of Education sent me home.”

After nine years in this role Clayton wanted a new challenge. “I did some bar work, drove tourist buses and then found myself as the Manager of CanTeen – the charity organisation supporting young people living

Neel Sapre credits his time at the University with instilling in him the ‘never give up’ attitude that has been an essential element of his success.

NEEL SAPRE Bachelor of Information Technology 2009 Faculty of Science and IT

After his IT studies with the PSB Academy at the UoN Singapore campus, Neel visited Qingdao, China, as a part of the Beijing 2008 student volunteer program. This visit made such an impression that he then studied Mandarin at Beijing University and decided to stay in China to search for work.

“When I went for my job interview, one of the founders of my company - an Australian - was impressed with my resume and the diversity of my projects and courses while at college.

The University of Newcastle brand name certainly helped me, especially considering I had no previous work experience.”

Jonathon Hainsworth is an achiever. He first won the 2010 University Graduate Master Builders Association (MBA) of NSW award for the Newcastle and Hunter Region, and then followed it as a joint winner of the 2010 University Graduate MBA award competing with graduates from across NSW. With a first class honours result, the Dean’s Medal and these two awards, this young graduate is flying high in an industry he loves.

JONATHON HAINSWORTH Bachelor of Construction Management (Hons) 2010 2010 Dean’s Medal recipient Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

He was awarded a scholarship with the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors which saw him work as a quantity surveyor for an international company while studying full time. He believes it was the opportunity to work in the industry studying that has contributed to his success.

Jonathon is a proud ambassador of the University’s Bachelor of Construction

with cancer. In what will undoubtedly be one of the best jobs I will have, my diverse workload with CanTeen included working with young people, in hospitals, with the business community, the media, and in fundraising and marketing. But roles such as this have an emotional toll and after seven years, I was off to find another career.”

The next step for Clayton was an 18 month stint at Port Stephens Council, looking after Community and Recreation facilities. “This showed for me how much impact a good local government can have, when it works with its community. In my experience working in the room where decisions are made is best done with a view to how it actually works at the frontline. This view will never be lost on me.”

Now working for online game company, CMUNE, Neel’s position as Game Community Manager and Lead QA requires diverse skills to help manage an online community of millions of gamers. “My job not only requires technical skills but also social and marketing skills.”

While recalling career challenges like language, diet and visas to name a few, Neel says, “While working on projects and assignments, I strived to attain objectives which I thought were far beyond me. What was even more surprising is that I was able to overcome the difficulties and meet the objectives. This instilled a strong, confident mindset which has translated into real life and become an important characteristic of my personality.” It’s ‘game on’ for Neel!

Management program, as he believes it presents all facets of the industry and allows you to hit the ground running. He is now an external review panel member of the University’s Construction Management program and promotes the program in a range of ways.

Jonathon is now a Contract Administrator with local award winning company Kingston Building (Australia) Pty Ltd – a role where he manages projects, including dealing with contracts, quality, budgeting, programming, and environmental health and safety.

Jonathon is also a committee member of Consult Australia’s ‘FutureNet Newcastle’ network which develops the skills and contacts of young professionals.

27 | ALUMNI

STUDENT OF YESTERDAY HELPS RESEARCHERS OF TODAY Alumnus and long time supporter of the University of Newcastle, Dr Ken Moss AM along with his wife Glenn, have demonstrated their passion for education and their support for promoting research by establishing a new scholarship.

The scholarship is for postgraduate students undertaking research higher degrees in mechanical engineering or mechatronics.

It has been set up with a $50,000 donation by the Mosses to the University of Newcastle Foundation.

Dr Moss has a long association with the University, graduating with a mechanical engineering degree in 1968, followed by a PhD in 1974. He is also a member of the University Council and is on the advisory board to the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment.

Dr Moss said he and his wife decided to establish the scholarship after hearing about top students being drawn away from the Hunter by industry or other universities.

“Over the past few years, the number of students undertaking research higher degrees in mechanical engineering at the University of Newcastle has declined principally due to high demand from industry for our top graduates as well as being offered financially attractive scholarships by other universities.

“Glenn and I are also very passionate about education. We believe it is the most life transforming thing you can do in your life.

“We are also both very committed to the University of Newcastle after we have had such a long and close association with the institution,” Dr Moss said.

University of Newcastle Foundation CEO, Louise O’Connell, said the University was very grateful to Ken and Glenn for their support of research.

“People often think of health when they think of research, but there is so much more research across a wide range of areas happening at the University.”

Dr Ken Moss with University of Newcastle Foundation CEO Louise O’Connell.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of Engineering and Built Environment Professor John Carter said the donation was a wonderful contribution from one of the University’s most illustrious alumni.

“It is very gratifying to see such generous support for our future leaders from one of our highly successful graduates.”

Dr Moss has held numerous CEO and board positions with major national and international companies including Howard Smith and NAB. He retired as the Chairman of Boral in 2010 after a decade with the company.

HAVE YOU MADE A WILL? Leave a legacy that makes a difference

“In making a bequest to the University I can make a direct difference to the lives of students and assist them to fulfil their dreams – dreams that might not have come true without the financial support of a scholarship.” – Geoff Leonard For more information on making a bequest contact the University of Newcastle Foundation on (02) 4921 7453 or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation

It’s your choice. It’s your legacy.

Geoff Leonard and scholarship recipient Kieran Dixon

UoN 2010/1249 I CRICOS Provider 00109J

Each of us finds different ways to make our mark on the world.

By making a bequest in your Will to the University of Newcastle you can help fund life changing research, student scholarships and many other University projects.

BOAT CLUB 50TH REUNION

ON SONG HELP TAKE NEWCASTLE TO THE WORLD The University of Newcastle Chamber Choir is renowned across the globe. The 40-member choir is rated number one in Australia and eighth world-wide, wowing the international stage by winning gold in two categories at the World Choir Games in China in 2010.

Now, the Choir needs your help. Sponsorship and donations will assist them to make it to the 2012 World Choir Games, to be held in Cincinnati. They also hope to strike a chord with audiences in Washington, Boston, New York City and Bermuda.

To help the Choir realise its goals, sponsorship packages are available from the University of Newcastle Foundation or you can ‘adopt a choir member’. For more information please visit www.newcastle.edu.au/chamberchoir

The Newcastle University Boat Club (NUBC) has celebrated its 50th anniversary. Close to 100 NUBC alumni gathered at Longworth House in Newcastle on 27 August, with members from every decade of the club’s history represented.

Many of those who attended had not been in touch with their old crew-mates since their university days, so it was a very special opportunity to reunite old friends. Earlier in the day, members attended a boat naming ceremony held at the NUBC rowing shed at Berry Park, some even jumping into a boat with some of the club’s current crews for a row.

Front (l to r): Peter Bond, Neil Ritchie, Margarete Ritchie and John Macleod. Back (l to r): David Scott, Diana Dagg, Margaret Roper, Vern Dunning, Hayden Dagg and Jennifer Scott.

To see more photos from the event visit http://nubc.info/albums

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN THE HUNTER CHAPTER to be launched early 2012

External Relations

WE WELCOME YOUR VIEWS The University’s Alumni Relations team welcomes your views on this magazine, and invites you to submit articles and/or profiles for consideration for publication in future editions.

Alumni Relations Email us at alumni@newcastle.edu.au or call +61 2 4921 6380 Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UONAlumni

Find us on LinkedIn: University of Newcastle Alumni, Australia

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/UoNAlumni

Pictures of events and chapter details are available on www.newcastle.edu.au/alumni

GET CONNECTED, STAY CONNECTED

Business and Research Development T +61 4921 6064 Angela.Gray@newcastle.edu.au Community Partnerships T +61 2 4921 8612 partnerships@newcastle.edu.au www.newcastle.edu.au/business Office for the Advancement of Engaged Learning T +61 2 4921 5589 Kylie.Twyford@newcastle.edu.au University of Newcastle Foundation T +61 2 4921 7453 UONFoundation@newcastle.edu.au www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation

www.newcastle.edu.au/gradlink

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CONTACT US

To be involved please email alumni-president@newcastle.edu.au