Wendy joins fundraising rally for cystic fibrosis

August 31, 2007

Wendy Swain, a student at the University of New England, is about to have the time of her life while supporting cystic fibrosis research. She has been chosen as a driver in The Great Escape car rally, which raises money for Cystic Fibrosis Australia.

Wendy (pictured here) will be a member of a five-person team driving a 1964 EH Holden which, along with about 50 other cars of similar vintage, will leave Tamworth on Tuesday 4 September, push north to the Whitsundays, and then return to Ballina.

Wendy's team is representing the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre, where she has worked – at weekends and during university holidays – for the past three years. "We know that cystic fibrosis affects several families in the Tamworth region," she said, "and by going in the rally we hope to show our support for these families by raising funds – and by raising awareness of the disease." A large golden guitar mounted on top of the Tourism Tamworth car will contain speakers advertising Tamworth and its Country Music Festival by broadcasting country music.

The cars will travel more than 4,000 km during the 10-day rally. "It will be the experience of a lifetime," Wendy said. "It's a chance to see Australia in a unique way while helping to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis National Data Registry and research into (and treatment of) the disease."

She explained that there was still no cure for cystic fibrosis – the most common life-threatening recessive genetic disorder affecting Australian children. "While many children with the disease die before reaching adulthood," she said, "there are about 3,000 people living with cystic fibrosis in Australia today."

Wendy, who comes from a farm near Lake Keepit, is a resident of UNE's Duval College. Supported by a UNE Country Scholarship, she is in her third year of a combined Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Commerce degree program. "At first I didn't think I'd be able to go on the rally," she said, "as it coincides with the last two weeks of term. But my lecturers and college heads were all very supportive of my taking up this opportunity, and have given me tips on how to catch up with my studies. The podcast technology that UNE has taken up will help a lot in this respect."

At Duval College, Wendy is an Academic Mentor for Business (and, recently, for Arts too). "My college experience has been extremely positive," she said. "I find it allows for a balanced lifestyle of study, sport, and social and cultural involvement. I'm excited about being an ambassador for the College and UNE – as well as for Tamworth – in the 2007 Cystic Fibrosis Great Escape, and raising money for such a great cause."

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 01:30 PM

Classical fantasies and ancient sexual realities

August 30, 2007

Two leading Australian historians of sexuality are visiting the University of New England tomorrow (Friday 31 August) to present their recent research findings on sexuality in the ancient world and its echoes down the ages.

Robert Aldrich, who is Professor of European History at the University of Sydney and the author or editor of several books on the history of homosexuality, will explore some of the ways in which the idea of "Greek love" has inspired homosexual fantasies over the last couple of centuries in a paper titled "Classical fantasies and the modern homosexual".

"Many homosexuals journeyed to the Mediterranean to visit the ruins of antiquity and to search for sexual partners among the peasants and artisans, and they recorded their loves and lusts in literature and art," Professor Aldrich said. "They evoked the nobility of 'Greek love' in order to make sense of homosexual desire, and to defend it in the face of social scorn."

Dr Alastair Blanshard, who also lectures at the University of Sydney, will complement Professor Aldrich's paper by presenting the latest findings about the practice and significance of gay sex in the ancient world. Dr Blanshard is the author of Hercules: An Heroic Life. His paper will be titled "What's new about Greek homosexuality?"

Tomorrow's seminar will be in the Paul Barrett Lecture Theatre in the Psychology Building at 1 pm. For more information contact Dr Gail Hawkes on (02) 6773 2277 or e-mail: ghawkes@une.edu.au.

Dr Blanshard and Professor Aldrich are in Armidale at the invitation of the University of New England Sexualities Research Group (UNESEX). UNESEX was launched in 2003 as a cross-disciplinary research grouping focused on the cultural aspects of sexuality. The group has organised many public events over the past five years and has run an annual academic seminar series at UNE since 2005. More recently, it has initiated a highly successful film night program.

The visit of Professor Aldrich and Dr Blanshard is also being sponsored by the UNE Ally Network. Launched in 2005, the Ally Network is a program that works to raise awareness about the issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex staff and students.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 10:50 AM

Indonesian Night celebrates the life of a nation

August 29, 2007

Indonesian Independence Day may have just come and gone, but at the University of New England the celebrations are continuing.

In Indonesia, August 17 is a day of national pride in celebration of the nation's independence from Dutch rule.

To mark the occasion, an Indonesian Night of Celebration will be held in UNE’s Arts Lecture Theatre 2 on Friday 31 August from 5 pm to 8 pm.

The event will be a night of Indonesian foods, including Mie Goreng and Gado-Gado, as well as Indonesian folk music, films, and cultural shows. The cost is $5 and all members of the UNE and broader Armidale communities are invited to attend. The theme for this year’s celebration is "One Nation, One World, One Homeland".

For further information on the Indonesian Night of Celebration, contact Dr Zi Adnan in UNE's School of Arts on 6773 3516 or email ziadnan@une.edu.au.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 02:51 PM

'Magicians' and 'Red': outstanding films at UNE

August 28, 2007

Travellers and Magicians
The outstanding Bhutanese film Travellers and Magicians will be screened at the University of New England on Saturday night (September the 1st) as part of an Armidale fund-raising drive to raise money to build a school residence in a remote part of Bhutan.

The screening of this recently-released, award-winning film will be at 7.30 pm in UNE's Arts Theatre.

Khyentse Norbu, the renowned Bhutanese director of Travellers and Magicians, burst into prominence when his first major feature film, The Cup, achieved international acclaim in 1999.

Travellers and Magicians weaves parallel fable-like tales about two men who seek to escape their mundane lives. It is a mixture of rustic road movie and mystical fable, set in a breathtaking landscape. Young government official Dondup (Tshewang Dendup) dreams of escaping to America while stuck in a beautiful but isolated village. When the first chance arrives, he immediately heads for town and an awaiting visa, but things don't go quite as planned. Missing the bus, he hitchhikes with an elderly apple seller, a sage young monk, and an old man travelling with his beautiful daughter Sonam (Sonam Lhemo). Along the way, the monk tells Dondup a story about another young man who sought a land far away: a tale of lust, jealousy and murder that holds up a mirror to the restless Dondup and his blossoming attraction to Sonam.

David Gee, co-Chair of the Bhutan School Residence Appeal Committee and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at UNE, said that proceeds from the screening would be used to build a school residence for female teachers in a remote part of Bhutan. "Having female teachers in remote communities will encourage girls to become educated," Mr Gee explained. "Research shows that if mothers are educated it is more likely they will have a positive impact on the education of their children. In Bhutan, women teachers are more likely to go to remote villages if housing is provided. This project, therefore, addresses targets to achieve universal primary education and promote gender equality and empower women."

Tickets, which include admission to the film, and wine, juice and cheese before the screening, cost $12.50 (adults) and $10 (students). They may be obtained from David and Helen Gee (on 02 67711960 or e-mail david@gee.net.au or helen@gee.net.au ), from Ross Burnet of Burnet’s Books in Uralla (on 02 67784682 or e-mail burnet@burnetsbooks.com.au), or on the night.

Three Colours: Red
UNE's French Cine-club concludes its presentation of Krzysztof Kieslowski's acclaimed Three Colours trilogy with the screening of Red tomorrow night (Wednesday 29 August) – a day earlier than the previously-advertised date of Thursday 30 August.

Red, subtitled in English, will be shown in the Marnie Yeates Room in UNE's Mary White College at 7.30 pm, following a brief introduction at 7.25. The screening is free and open to the public. Woven around the themes of solitude and the difficulties of human communication, the film tells the story of a retired judge (Jean-Louis Trintignant), whose favorite pastime is spying on his neighbours, and of his relationship with a woman named Valentine (Irène Jacob).

For more information please contact Dr Jane Southwood on 6773 2741 (e-mail: jsouthw5@une.edu.au) or Dr Helena Duffy on 6773 2415 (helena.duffy@une.edu.au).

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 03:03 PM

Top marks for 'the UNE experience'

August 28, 2007

Graduates of the University of New England have once again given UNE top rating – "five stars" – for their overall educational experience. The ratings are included in The Good Universities Guide 2008, published on the 15th August by Hobsons Australia Pty Ltd.

UNE has received top rating for "overall satisfaction" or its equivalent in the Guide for eight of the nine years from 2000 to 2008 – an achievement in this regard unmatched by any other university. These ratings are based on comprehensive surveys of graduates conducted independently by Graduate Careers Australia.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNE, Professor Alan Pettigrew, said today that this continuing endorsement by graduates of their "UNE experience" was a tribute to the work and dedication of the entire staff of the University. "We're proud of our graduates," he said, "and we're glad that they feel their UNE experience has enriched their lives."

Contributing to graduates' overall satisfaction is their rating of teaching quality, and UNE maintains its five-star rating for this criterion of excellence in the 2008 Guide. "UNE's reputation for teaching quality is well established," Professor Pettigrew said, "and includes innovative techniques in distance and online teaching as well as the creation of stimulating learning environments in the classroom."

Professor Pettigrew noted that the award last week of Carrick Institute Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning to all eight of the UNE individuals and groups nominated for this national award was further confirmation of the quality of teaching and learning at the University.

The Guide's analysis of graduate ratings for individual fields of study reveals that UNE's five-star rating for "overall satisfaction" and "teaching quality" applies to a wide range of fields – from the sciences, social sciences and humanities in general to the more specific fields of teacher training, environmental studies, and psychology.

UNE also achieved five-star ratings in the Guide for "access by equity groups" and "Indigenous participation". Professor Pettigrew said these ratings indicated that the University was working successfully towards its strategic goal of full engagement with its regional – as well as with its national and international – communities.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 12:19 PM

New Era for Sheep Research Launched at UNE

August 24, 2007

The University of New England was the chosen venue this week for former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson to launch the next funding agreement for the new Sheep Industry Innovation Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

Under the agreement, the new CRC will receive $35.5 million in cash from the Australian Government over seven years, with an additional $20.7 million in cash contributions from 20 leading research and industry organisations, including UNE. A further $54.7 million will be provided by participants through in-kind contribution of staff and resources.

“[The Sheep CRC] is important for the whole of regional Australia; it’s important for our export performance and frankly, it’s an important contribution towards feeding and clothing people globally,” Mr Anderson said.

Chairman of the CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation Dr John Keniry said settlement of the funding agreements meant the new CRC would continue the development and implementation of research undertaken by the highly successful Australian Sheep Industry CRC.

“The new CRC will harness the best researchers to work closely with industry with the aim of dramatically increasing the productivity and profitability of Australia’s sheep industry and address the challenge of achieving rapid uptake of new technology in an industry normally cautious about embracing change,” Dr Keniry said. “It’s all about better sheep, better meat and better wool.”

Dr Keniry said the new body would focus on transforming the sheep industry as a whole and specifically target slow adoption rates for new technology as a barrier to productivity and quality.

“It is important to note that we are a sheep CRC,” he said. “We are not a wool CRC or a meat CRC. We are deliberately focused on the whole animal and aiming to optimise its performance.

“In the past, Australia’s sheep industry has often let itself down through slow adoption rates for new technology. Arguably, the gap between the science available to the industry and its application is as large now as it has ever been in our 200-year history. The new CRC is looking to change that dynamic through the application of the latest genetic technology to develop better sheep, better meat and better wool.”

The Sheep CRC has four research programs: transforming sheep and their management; next generation wool quality; next generation meat quality; and the Information Nucleus. The research programs are supported by two programs designed to deliver results to industry: education and training; and commercialisation and adoption.

Pictured are Professor Alan Pettigrew, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University of New England and former Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson.

Media Contact: For further information contact John Lamont from the Sheep CRC on 0408 737 450 or Alex Dunn from UNE on 6773 2779.

Posted by lcreedy at 05:29 PM

Uncompromising Stance Against Plagiarism

August 22, 2007

The University of New England has uncovered a significant degree of plagiarism concerning one unit in two postgraduate (Masters) courses delivered with a commercial partner to full-fee paying international students.

After suspicions regarding plagiarism by an individual student were raised and reported to UNE senior management in November 2006, a range of actions were swiftly undertaken by the University. Following confirmation that the initial allegation was indeed a case of plagiarism, a working party was formed. This working party commissioned a sample audit to determine if there were further cases of plagiarism within the unit. The results of this audit caused sufficient concern to warrant a full audit covering all students who completed the unit in question from 2004 – 2006.

These processes have revealed that, of the 210 theses involved in the unit under review, a significant proportion are alleged to be plagiarised. Having set out the allegations, these cases must now be the subject of fair process before the consideration of any penalties can be put to the University Council.

In addition, the University has commissioned an external factual investigation. It has received advice from an externally-chaired panel on quality assurance issues with the teaching of the units concerned, and has now set up a further majority external panel to consider the process and penalties for cases of proven plagiarism, as well as other quality assurance issues.

The University takes any allegation of plagiarism very seriously, and, where appropriate, may seek the rescission of awards by the University Council.

“The issue of plagiarism is a difficult one for all universities,” Professor Alan Pettigrew, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of UNE said. “The University will not shy away from the application of penalties, if necessary, to protect its academic integrity.”

Senior management has kept the University Council informed of the issue throughout, and has informed the students concerned and the Department of Education Science and Training.

In this instance quality assurance is the responsibility of both partners. The University accepts that, as the unit is part of a UNE award, UNE holds the ultimate responsibility for quality assurance. This is confirmed in the commercial agreement with the partner. Following the initial allegations both institutions have been instructed to increase their vigilance in regard to all forms of plagiarism.

The University wishes to be as transparent as possible on this matter, however, issues of privacy, natural justice and other legal concerns mean that the University is not in a position to name the partner, nor the students involved.

Plagiarism is a serious problem for all universities. The University's policies and procedures have been thoroughly reviewed and revised. The revised University Plagiarism Policy was approved by the University Council on 13 August 2007.

Media Contact: Professor Alan Pettigrew, Vice-Chancellor and CEO, University of New England. Contact Alex Dunn, Marketing and Public Affairs, 6773 2779, adunn@une.edu.au

Posted by lcreedy at 10:24 AM

UNE Distance Education Pioneer Passes

August 21, 2007

One of the University of New England’s founding members and former Senior Lecturer of Botany, Robert Boyd, passed away earlier this month.

Born at Scotby, a semi-rural village in Cumberland , England, Robert was the eldest of five children of Charles, a gardener, and Gertrude, both of whom instilled the strong values of caring for others and personal integrity that stayed with him for life.

Robert shone at Grammar School in Carlisle, taking his Oxford School Certificate in 1939. His scientific interests were developing: he joined the dye-room staff of Ferguson’s fabric mill where he became fascinated by chemistry, especially the process of combining and fixing dyes.

Post-World War II he took degrees from the third oldest English University, Durham, and the oldest, Oxford. He graduated from Durham University holding a Bachelor of Science with Honours, specialising in plant physiology, then went to Oxford for postgraduate studies.

Meanwhile in a library, Robert met Joan Heeley-Creed, a fellow Cumbrian and student. They walked the fells of the Lake District and an abiding love arose that sustained them as life-partners for 53 years. Joan and Robert married in February 1954 then embarked on a new life in Australia.

Robert applied for a lectureship at the New England University College in Armidale. By May 1954, when he and Joan arrived, the College had become the University of New England (UNE). He joined Dr Gwenda Davis in the fledgling Botany Department. They were foundation members of the strong group of scholars, technical staff and students who coalesced around Professor N.C.W. Beadle, who arrived in 1955.

The University planned to start teaching by distance education in the Faculty of Arts in 1957. Few scientists believed this mode of teaching would be successful in science, but Robert was optimistic. He played a major role in designing course structures and preparing written material, up until his retirement in 1983.

His knowledge of botanical literature and his selection of interesting and challenging material suited to mature-age students were critical for this venture. The external teaching was an instant success and the class quotas for the Plant Biology units (limited by the size of laboratories for the residential schools) were filled for many years to come. So successful was distance education in biology that it was extended to other sciences, to the full range of science degrees now offered by this University, and was a model copied elsewhere.

In the 1960s Robert researched tree mortality in New England and recognised the complexity of its causes, including pasture management. This proved invaluable as “eucalypt dieback” became a landscape-wide problem in the 1970s: he helped landholders along with scientists to think of possible solutions.

Robert is survived by his wife Joan and their two children, Stephen and Kate.

Posted by lcreedy at 04:17 PM

Tony Windsor to deliver Earle Page College Politics Lecture

August 17, 2007

Member for New England, Tony Windsor, MP, will present this year's Annual Earle Page College Politics Lecture at the University of New England on Wednesday, August 22. The title of Mr Windsor's lecture will be: "Country Independence – The Way Forward".

Members of the public, college members and official guests are invited to attend the public lecture at 8.30 pm in the college dining hall. This will follow a formal dinner for college members and invited guests at which Mr Windsor will be the guest of honour.

Mr David Ward, Master of Earle Page College, said: "The Annual Politics Lecture is a significant town-and-gown event for UNE, Armidale and the region."

"The students of the college were interested in considering the role of independents in our parliamentary system, and thus it was clear that our local federal member was a good choice to deliver this, the 24th lecture. The series aims to provide Earle Page residents, guests and members of the public with a diverse range of political opinions on significant public issues."

Each year, Earle Page College invites a prominent political figure, usually from the Federal Parliament, to speak at its Annual Politics Lecture, held in conjunction with the Discipline of Political and International Studies within UNE's School of Humanities.

Previous speakers include Dr Carmen Lawrence, Peter Garrett, the Hon Philip Ruddock and the Hon Alexander Downer. Last year’s speaker was opposition health spokeswoman Julia Gillard.

“The Earle Page Politics Lectures are intended to stimulate thought and discussion,” Mr Ward said. “The lecture should also provide a forum for thoughtful questions to Mr Windsor.”

Sir Earle Christmas Grafton Page, after whom the college and lecture series are named, was chairman of the advisory council for the University of New England College from 1938 until 1954, and the university’s Chancellor from 1954 to 1960. He was also Prime Minister for a brief period in 1939.

For more information about the lecture phone David Ward on (02) 6773 5300.

Press contact: Leon Braun (UNE Public Relations) on (02) 6773 3771. A photograph is available to accompany this story.

Posted by Leon Braun at 04:00 PM

Creative insight into the carer's role

August 14, 2007

Janene Carey is preparing to use her own and others' experiences of looking after a loved one with a terminal illness to write a book that will be a supportive resource for family carers.

"I got involved in home-based palliative care when my mother was bedridden with breast cancer," Ms Carey said. Now a postgraduate student in creative writing at the University of New England, she wants to capture on paper "the joys, drudgery, special moments, and emotional highs and lows" involved in caring for someone with an incurable, life-threatening disease.

"Like most people in this kind of situation, I was completely unprepared for the overwhelming physical, emotional and psychological challenges of taking on the carer's role," she said. She thinks that the book resulting from her PhD research will help others facing the same challenges.

"Although there is an increasing trend in our society for care giving to take place at home," she said, "caring for a dying person is still a subject that is little discussed and almost taboo." As well as forming a resource for caregivers, she explained, her book – to be titled A Hospital Bed at Home – would increase community understanding and empathy about family carers, and be useful for health professionals and policy makers too.

Ms Carey (pictured here) will ask participants in her research project to record their thoughts and feelings about their daily life as a carer, and to talk to her about what they have written. "To cover the spectrum of care experiences," she said, "I would like to recruit a broad range of participants from around New England and Newcastle: men and women, younger and older carers, and people living in towns and in rural and remote areas. I am looking for people over 18 years of age who are the primary caregiver of a person living at home who is registered for palliative care services." Potential participants can contact her on (02) 6775 1913 (e-mail: janene@une.edu.au; post: 5 Highlands Road, Armidale 2350).

"The information that people give me, plus reflections on my own experiences as a carer, will form the basis for the true stories in A Hospital Bed at Home," she said. "It will be a work of 'creative nonfiction', using devices like scene-setting, characterisation, dialogue, and figurative language to bring the research findings to life."

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 10:28 AM

UNE maintains 100 per cent Carrick success rate

August 13, 2007

For the second year running, the Carrick Institute has granted Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning to all those nominated from the University of New England.

Earlier this year the University sent the Institute eight nominations, all of which were successful. The Institute's Executive Director, Professor Richard Johnstone, presented the Citations during a ceremony at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney last Tuesday evening (7 August).

Carrick Institute Citations, now in their second year, are awarded to people who have made a significant contribution to student learning in a particular area over a sustained period.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNE, Professor Alan Pettigrew, congratulated all those involved for their "wonderful effort in once again achieving 100 per cent success for UNE in its Carrick nominations". "Such success in these national awards confirms UNE's long-standing reputation for teaching and learning excellence," Professor Pettigrew said. He thanked Dr Henk Eijkman and his team from UNE's Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) for coordinating the nominations and working with the nominees in their preparation.

This year's citations are listed below.

Associate Professor Matthew Dillon, Associate Professor Lynda Garland
"For sustained excellence in scholarly activities and curriculum development which has enhanced the teaching and learning of first-year Ancient History both at UNE and internationally."

Professor Adrian Kiernander, Ms Sue Fell, Mr Andrew McCue, Dr Anne Pender
"For sustained commitment and innovation over 15 years in devising and providing realworld learning experiences for off-campus students in the practical study of theatre."

Dr Peter Lye, Dr Trevor Brown, Dr Chris Fellows, Associate Professor Kiyo Fujimori, Professor Stephen Glover
"Overcoming the tyranny of distance in tertiary chemical education through innovative distance learning curricula and resources."

Dr Jennifer McDonnell
"For sustained, innovative English curricula and resources covering Renaissance to contemporary literatures that inspire students to see texts, language and the world from multiple perspectives."

Mrs Frances Munro, Mrs Yves Byers, Mrs Margaret Keane, Mr Cameron Colless
"Going the extra mile: for sustained teamwork that brings geographically remote and disadvantaged students into our UNE learning community through personalised attention in access centres."

Mr Guido Posthausen, Ms Diane Mumbler, Mr Michael Brogan
"For a high impact Indigenous tertiary preparation program that assists students to engage confidently in tertiary studies by integrating their individual academic and sociocultural needs."

Dr Barbara Rugendyke
"For inspiring students to envisage and pursue greater global equity through stimulating cross-cultural understanding, global awareness and critical thinking about social justice issues."

Dr John Scott
"For passionate and accessible teaching which stimulates, encourages and sustains students through the construction of interactive and pluralistic learning environments."

The Australian Government's Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education was established in 2004 to provide a national focus for the enhancement of learning and teaching in Australia. It receives $26 million annually from the Australian Government for its awards program, fellowship scheme, and grants programs.

As well as the Carrick Citations, which have brought $180,000 to UNE in 2006 and 2007 combined, the University has been particularly successful in gaining – in a highly competitive environment – Carrick Institute support for a number of individual projects. Including the Citations, UNE's funding from the Institute over the past 18 months amounts to $1.38 million.

TLC's Dr Belinda Tynan, who helps staff members with their nominations, said she encouraged people thinking of nominating themselves or their group for a 2008 Carrick Citation to contact her or her TLC colleagues whenever they can. "It's never too soon to start," she said.

Professor Pettigrew and UNE's Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Planning and Renewal), Professor Stephen Colbran, have invited Citation recipients, their families and friends, and members of the University community to a celebratory function in the Booloominbah Collection on Friday 31 August (4.30 – 6 pm). People able to attend should contact Tracey Townsend in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor (x 5233 or ttownsen@une.edu.au) before 5 pm on Friday 24 August.

THE PHOTOGRAPH displayed here shows (from left) Mrs Yves Byers (Manager of the UNE Manning Valley Centre in Taree), Mrs Frances Munro (UNE Access Centre Operations Manager), and Mrs Margaret Keane (Manager of the UNE Tamworth Centre) - three members of a four-person team that was awarded one of UNE's eight Carrick Institute Citations for 2007. (Cameron Colless from the UNE Tamworth Centre is the fourth member of the team.)

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 05:47 PM

UNE expertise helps bring Vincent to life

August 13, 2007

A team including many students, staff members and graduates of the University of New England is bringing the nineteenth-century artist Vincent van Gogh to life in a drama about his early years as an art dealer in London.

Winner of the Olivier award in England, and with successful runs in New York, London and Sydney, Vincent in Brixton opens at the Packsaddle Studio of the New England Regional Art Museum, Armidale, on Thursday 23 August. The season runs from 23 August to 9 September with a total of 12 performances.

UNE students are involved as actors, lighting technicians and publicists. The director is Adjunct Senior Lecturer Barbara Albury, who is well known for her work on previous University-related productions such as Away for the 2003 UNE Outdoor Shakespeare Festival and Woyzeck for the 2005 German Festival. "Working with students is always refreshing and inspiring," Ms Albury said. "They have lots of ideas and are not afraid to voice them. I like that. You get lots of dynamism and inventive work that way."

Two members of UNE's Information Technology staff, Terry Cooke and Jim Harrop, are also involved in the production. Terry Cooke is the show’s official photographer and Jim Harrop is the producer. Mr Harrop, a Theatre Studies graduate, is enthusiastic about the challenge of bringing the story of van Gogh to the stage. "Van Gogh was only 20 in 1873 when he was living in London," he said. "He was enthusiastic, impressionable – and in love: first with his landlady’s daughter and, when she was not available, possibly her mother. This depressive widow was, however, passionate about helping talent and she may have inspired van Gogh to consider the possibility of becoming an artist." He sees the story as the emotional, sexual and creative awakening of a young man whose paintings became internationally famous only after his death.

Professional actress and UNE PhD graduate Julie Collins plays the complex role of Vincent’s landlady, whose ideas about morality went far beyond conventional Victorian beliefs. Her co-lead is education student Ben Sutton, who plays the young Vincent on his first adventure abroad.

The set design is by artist Paul Bakker, who is of Dutch origin and is a member of the same artist’s guild to which Van Gogh once belonged in Holland. "I have seen his signature on the records of the HKK club," he said. "I feel as if I sort of know the man. I have an affinity with him – his struggle, his pain."

There is a free preview for Vincent in Brixton on Wednesday 22 August at 8 pm. The opening night is Thursday 23 August and thereafter performances are on Friday and Saturday nights with Sunday matinees at 2 pm and a mid-week performance on Tuesday 28 August at 11.30 am. The matinee performance on Thursday 6 September is booked out. Ticket prices are $16 (standard), $13 (concession) and $8 (school students). Bookings are through Dymocks Bookstore in the Mall (phone 6771 4588).

THE PHOTOGRAPH displayed here shows UNE Theatre Studies student Alanna Proud in her role in Vincent in Brixton.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 10:15 AM

New support for mental health postgraduates

August 10, 2007

Four clinical psychology students at the University of New England have been awarded scholarships under a new scheme that addresses the current shortage of qualified mental health professionals – a shortage that is particularly felt in regional areas.

The four students – Shirley Liffman, Julian Rote, Jodie Shipp and Anna Todd – are enrolled in the first year of UNE's postgraduate clinical psychology program. They have been awarded the $20,000 scholarships through the Mental Health Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme.

These scholarships, available for the first time in 2007, are funded by the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing and administered by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia. The scheme aims to encourage and support people interested in undertaking postgraduate study in either clinical psychology or mental health nursing by helping them to meet accommodation, living and travel costs.

Associate Professor Nigel Marsh, the Course Coordinator of UNE's postgraduate clinical psychology training program, said that the scholarships, while recognising the outstanding quality of the recipients, would provide an incentive to those considering postgraduate clinical psychology training in the future.

"UNE’s success last year in obtaining Commonwealth support places for the clinical psychology program removed the need for students to pay full fees," Dr Marsh said, "but some suitable applicants are still discouraged from applying for training places because of the living costs associated with undertaking two further years of training after completing their four-year Honours degree program in Psychology. The availability of the Mental Health Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme will encourage such people to commit themselves to the two years of postgraduate study required to qualify as a clinical psychologist."

"Although we encourage students to get some 'big hospital' experience (usually in Newcastle or Sydney) as part of their training," he added, "the UNE clinical psychology program has a strong emphasis on students completing some of their practical training in regional areas. This is consistent with the focus of the UNE Strategic Plan on contributing to regional development, as such training experiences are considered to increase the probability that students will keep working in regional areas once they graduate. The fact that a number of recent UNE clinical psychology graduates have remained in the region supports this view."

THE PHOTOGRAPH of two of the UNE scholarship recipients displayed here expands to show (from left) Shirley Liffman, Anna Todd and Julian Rote, UNE Psychology lecturer Debra Dunstan and Associate Professor Nigel Marsh, and Jodie Shipp.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 10:23 AM

Study into the role of B vitamins in lowering health risks

August 09, 2007

Researchers at the University of New England are calling for volunteers for a new study, the results of which have the potential to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and possibly slow the progression of dementia.

Around 30 men aged between 35 and 60 will be needed for the study, which will measure the effect of B-type vitamins (including folate) on homocysteine levels. Evidence is building that homocysteine levels may be an indicator of stroke or heart-disease risk comparable to cholesterol, which is one of the current indicators of such health risks.

While women planning a pregnancy have been encouraged to supplement their diet as a precaution against conditions such as spina bifida, few people are aware that around 50 countries, including the USA, Canada and South Africa, add folate to their foods, and that there are suggestions that folate might be added to bread in Australia. So UNE researchers Professor Ken Watson and Dr Kate Kauter are looking into what Professor Watson describes as "a very hot topic at the moment".

"It seems to be the case that a significant percentage of Australia's population, particularly the elderly, have insufficient folate in their diet," Professor Watson said. "If the folate intake is low, homocysteine goes up. Homocysteine is a biomarker for cardiovascular disease and stroke, and there is evidence that it may also be an indicative biomarker for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease."

Professor Watson agrees that we should probably be trying to get more folate into our diets, which can be achieved by eating foods such as liver, nuts, beans, wholegrain breads, fruit and vegetables.

Those who volunteer for the study, which will run from September to December this year, will need to be healthy non-smokers, able to commit themselves to a 16-week trial, agreeable to taking vitamin B supplements while giving up any other dietary supplements, and able to provide four blood samples (taken by trained personnel) during the course of the trial. (Women are not part of the trial as menstrual cycles can substantially affect measurable results.) While contributing to a study that could help the health of thousands of people world-wide, a more direct benefit for volunteers lies in their option to have their GP notified of their results, and so provide a picture of their own health.

Those interested in joining the trial should contact Professor Ken Watson on 6773 3125 (kwatson@une.edu.au) or Dr Kate Kauter on 6773 3326 (kkauter3@une.edu.au).

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 03:35 PM

Drinking by Degrees

August 08, 2007

It started out as a fun night on the town, but before the evening was over one person would have her drink spiked, another would wind up in hospital and a third would be charged by the police. Tomorrow's headlines? No, just the fictional subject of a forum on alcohol use – and abuse – to be staged at the University of New England next week.

The forum, titled "Drinking by Degrees", will be modelled on the Hypotheticals program hosted by Geoffrey Robertson on ABC TV in the late 1980s. It will bring together a panel of 15 experts – among them doctors, psychologists and police – to discuss the health, legal and safety issues surrounding alcohol use by young people, especially university students.

"We're going to be looking at things like students' understanding of standard drinks and the significance of alcohol to their social activities both within and outside the colleges," said Annette Stevenson, a counsellor in UNE's Student Assist office and the organiser of the forum.

"We'll be asking students what they see as the pros and cons of alcohol use at university and finding out what steps they have put in place to minimise the risks. We'll also be looking at some of the serious consequences of the excessive use of alcohol and other drugs.

"Ultimately we're trying to get students to look at ways of reducing the risks or taking a harm minimisation approach to their drinking."

Students often had no idea what constituted a standard drink or of the dangers of mixing alcohol with other drugs, Ms Stevenson said. By taking a more considered approach to their drinking they could achieve a better balance between their social life and their studies, she said.

The night promises to be both informative and fun, with prizes, giveaways and hands-on experiences such as "Fatal Vision" goggles, which give the wearer a taste of what it's like to perform simple tasks while under the influence of alcohol. Lecturer Peter McClenaghan will compère the forum, drawing on the oratorical skills that last month earned him the title of Mentor of the Year at the Students In Free Enterprise National Conference.

Drinking by Degrees will be held at Lazenby Hall at the University of New England on Monday, August 13. The forum will start at 7 pm; educational displays, mocktails, and giveaways will be in the foyer from 6 pm. The cost will be a gold coin donation at the door, with all proceeds going to TUNE FM, the university's community radio station. TUNE FM will broadcast live coverage of the forum, and students from the Armidale Film and Television School will film the event.

For more information contact Annette Stevenson on (02) 6773 2897 or Leon Braun (UNE Public Relations) on (02) 6773 3771. A photo is available to accompany this story.

Posted by Leon Braun at 05:19 PM

Earle Page College has a hit with 'Birdie'

August 08, 2007

This year's production by the Earle Page College Musical Society is its biggest ever.

More than 100 College members are involved in the cast, band and crew of Bye Bye Birdie, the Society's 36th musical.

Earle Page is the only residential college at the University of New England to present an annual musical and, according to the College's Master, David Ward, the productions are "a much-loved dimension of College life".

The performances of Bye Bye Birdie will be in UNE's Arts Theatre at 7 pm on Thursday 9 August, 12.30 pm on Friday 10 August, and 7 pm on Saturday 11 August. Tickets ($15 for adults and $10 for students and concessions) are available through the College office (6773 5300) or at the door.

The original Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie opened in April 1960 and ran for 607 performances. With music by Charles Strouse and Lyrics by Lee Adams, it is set in 1958 and concerns a rock and roll star called Conrad Birdie.

Earle Page College Musical Society's Bye Bye Birdie is produced by Felix Graser and directed by Chris Curcuruto – both College members. The stars include Tom Collett, Evatt Styles, Tegan Summerill, Megan Shorter, Gabriela Bueno De Farias Couto, and Andrew O'Connell.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 09:05 AM

'Let's Hang It!' grows in size and importance

August 07, 2007

"Let's Hang It!", the annual exhibition of art works by school students from regional NSW, has graduated this year to the large, central gallery space in the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM).

This is NERAM's fourth "Let's Hang It!" exhibition, which features a selection of works submitted for the University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize. The Curator of NERAM, Andrea Gledhill, said at the opening of the exhibition last Friday evening that its move to the larger space showed that it was "becoming more and more important". "We're honoured to have it at the gallery," she said.

UNE's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Pettigrew, voiced the thoughts of all those in the crowd of parents, teachers and art-lovers at the opening when he spoke of the "absolute talent" of the young artists whose works are displayed, and the "absolute quality" of those works.

A panel of experts from UNE (Frances Alter, Ann Pettigrew, Associate Professor Tom Maxwell, Dr Terrence Hays, Dr Margaret Brooks, Glenda Kupczyk-Romanczuk, Sue Johns, Michelle Arens and Rebecca O'Hara) chose the 75 works on display from 587 entries submitted by students at 34 schools throughout northern NSW. There were almost 300 more entries than last year.

The local artist Fay Porter, who selected the eight prize winners from the 75 finalists, commented on the high standard of the work and the diversity of subject matter and media (ranging from coloured pencil and charcoal through watercolour, pastels and acrylics to lino print and photography). "It's a great pleasure to have the opportunity to look at this lovely work," she said. The eight prize-winning works will become part of UNE's permanent art collection.

Mrs Ann Pettigrew presented a Certificate of Distinction to each of the finalists, and cheques (ranging from $50 to $300) to each of the prize winners. The prize winners were: Aquila Rae Hardman from Mullaway Public School (1st prize, Infants), Angus Gasbarri from Ben Venue Public School (2nd prize, Infants), Bryce Keating from Niangala Public School (1st prize, Primary), Isabella Laurie from New England Girls' School (2nd prize, Primary), Soo Hyo Kim from PLC Armidale (1st prize, Junior Secondary), Tahlia Heath from Nimbin Central (2nd prize, Junior Secondary), Annabel Bugden from Armidale High (1st prize, Senior Secondary), Oliver Chaseling from Armidale High (2nd prize, Senior Secondary). The "People's Choice Award", based on the votes of the crowd, went to Madison Alldridge, a Year 2 student from PLC Armidale.

The art supply company S & S Creativity Unlimited sponsored the competition by providing all the 2nd place prize money. A representative of the company also presented the prize winners with a package of art supplies during the award presentation.

Professor Victor Minichiello, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of UNE's Faculty of the Professions, emphasised the importance of recognising and fostering the outstanding artistic talents of school students in regional NSW. In conclusion, he echoed the words of Professor Pettigrew in commending the dedication of UNE's lecturer in art education, Frances Alter, who led the organising team.

"Let's Hang It!" will continue in NERAM's Richard Lalor Harris Gallery until Friday 24 August.

THE PHOTOGRAPH displayed here shows Soo Hyo Kim from PLC Armidale, 1st prize winner in the Junior Secondary Division, with her painting - "Self Portrait".

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 10:50 AM

Enterprising students prove their worth

August 06, 2007

The University of New England's Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Team has returned from a national competition in Melbourne with a number of awards. These include an award for "best academic mentor" that will see UNE lecturer Peter McClenaghan (pictured here) travel to New York for the organisation's World Competition.

SIFE is a global organisation heavily supported by some of the world's leading corporations. It encourages students from all areas of study to engage in community-oriented projects in order to share the knowledge they have gained at university and learn more about "real-life" free enterprise. The 15 UNE students competed against teams from 24 other universities at the SIFE Australia National Competition in Melbourne.

The UNE team presented a financial literacy seminar to senior executives from HSBC Australia, which won them ongoing funding for a project assisting Sport UNE and student clubs and societies with marketing, promotions and financial literacy. Christian Martin, a member of the team, was recognised for his hard work and dedication by being one of 16 students selected to attend a "Top to the Future" seminar with a number of Australia's leading corporate executives.

The UNE team also won the award for "best team sustainability strategy" – attributable, Mr McClenaghan said, to the popularity of SIFE at UNE ever since the University joined the organisation in 2003. "They were a great team," he said. "I was blown away by the quality of the projects, and was really honoured and proud to be a member of the team. My award was really a reflection on the quality of the team members."

This is the second time that Mr McClenaghan has been judged SIFE Australia's "most outstanding mentor". This year’s award earned him the Woolworths Leadership Trophy and QANTAS Travel Award, which provides funding for him to travel to New York in October for the SIFE World Competition where he will represent SIFE Australia and UNE.

"The thing about SIFE is that it pushes students out of their comfort zone and into territory they wouldn't normally experience until well after they left university," Mr McClenaghan said. "It also gives high-powered corporate executives a chance to cherry-pick some of the most promising employees available."

He said that SIFE UNE's success owed a lot to the support of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Pettigrew, and the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of the Professions, Professor Victor Minichiello.

SIFE UNE is open to students from any discipline. It costs nothing to be a member and interested students can join at any time.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 11:35 AM

Gathering in memory of Brian Plummer

August 03, 2007

Friends and former colleagues of Brian Plummer will gather at the University of New England's Wright Centre tomorrow (Saturday 4 August) to celebrate his life. Mr Plummer, who lectured in Geography at UNE for 12 years from 1960, died in London late last month.

His UNE contemporaries remember him as an enthusiastic member of the University community, whose primary concern was for the welfare of students. (The photograph of Mr Plummer displayed here was taken during his time at UNE.) He was a Resident Fellow of Wright College, and is affectionately remembered by the College's alumni (who knew him as "Bags" – from his given-name initials "B.A.G.") for his inexhaustible willingness to help others. He served on the College's governing body for several years.

Des Bowlay, President of the Wright College Association, said he had been receiving tributes to Mr Plummer from former Wright College residents who remembered his kindness to them.

Recruited to UNE by Gilbert Butland (Professor of Geography from 1959 to 1972), Brian Plummer played a significant role in the UNE Exploration Society, founded in 1960. His expeditions with the Society included the 1962 Central Australian Expedition, on which he served as "geographer, first-aid officer, and radio operator".

On his return to England he worked at London Guildhall University and Brunel University where, after retirement, he taught and supervised research students. One of his passions was music, and he sang in a church choir for many years.

Mr Plummer flew to Australia last year for the 50th anniversary reunion of Wright College. Tomorrow's memorial gathering at the Wright Centre (the former Wright College dining hall) will be from 11 am till 12 noon. It will be followed by a light lunch.

For more information on the memorial gathering, contact Des Bowlay on (02) 6732 1243 or 0427 102 867.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 01:55 PM

Rachael Maza to give public lecture at UNE

August 02, 2007

The Indigenous actor and television presenter Rachael Maza Long (pictured here) will give this year's lecture in the University of New England's Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture series.

Well known to Australian audiences as a presenter of the ABC and SBS television programs Message Stick and ICAM, Rachael has also appeared as an actor in Sea Change, Stingers, Marshall Law, and many other television series. Her lecture, titled "How Lucky Am I", will be in UNE's Oorala Aboriginal Centre at 7.30 pm on Thursday 9 August.

Rachael graduated from the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 1992 and has worked ever since as a professional actor in theatre, film, television and radio. Her film credits include roles in Cosi and Lillian's Story, and for her performance in the Indigenous film Radiance she was nominated as "best new actor" by the Sydney Critics' Circle. She won a Green Room Award as "best female supporting actor" in 2001 for her role in Holy Day with the State Theatre Company of South Australia.

The Maza family originates from the Torres Strait island of Mer and the Yidinji of Queensland, and Rachael's father, Bob Maza, was a renowned actor, writer and director, and a respected Elder within the Indigenous community.

Rachael's involvement in the production of many new Indigenous Australian works such as the plays Stolen and Yandy has led to her growing renown as a theatre dramaturge and director, and in 2003 she was presented with the Uncle Bob Maza Memorial Award for "outstanding contribution to Victorian Indigenous theatre". "The majority of my work has been in the telling of Indigenous stories," she said, "and it is my passion that these stories get told by Indigenous people."

UNE established the Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture series to honour Frank Archibald, a revered member of the Armidale community. He was renowned for his knowledge of – and interest in – all Aboriginal issues, particularly the education of his people. The most recent presenters of the annual lecture, organised by the Oorala Aboriginal Centre, have been Aden Ridgeway, Deborah Cheetham and Noel Tovey.

The lecture is free, and everyone is welcome to stay for supper in the Oorala Centre afterwards. To help with catering, please notify the organisers of your intention to attend by sending an e-mail to: rsvp.archibald@une.edu.au or by phoning Lydia Waters on (02) 6773 2833.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 10:11 AM

French Cine-club resumes with 'Three Colours'

August 01, 2007

The French Cine-club, founded and run by Dr Jane Southwood and Dr Helena Duffy (lecturers in French at the University of New England) in association with Alliance Française, will resume at UNE tomorrow.

The films scheduled for August comprise the trilogy known as Trois couleurs: Bleu, Blanc, Rouge (Three Colours: Blue, White, Red - the colours of the French flag), directed by the Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski and dating from 1993-94.

Free and open to the public, the screenings will be at 7.30 pm in the Marnie Yeates room at Mary White College on the 2nd of August (Blue), the 16th of August (White), and the 30th of August (Red). "These films are immensely powerful," Dr Southwood said. "Though it is more than a decade since they first appeared on the screen, their captivating qualities linger in the memory. For example, the haunting music that flows through Blue, and the tones of blue used throughout, are unforgettable."

Blue follows the story of Julie (Juliette Binoche), who loses her husband and daughter in a car accident and whose equanimity is slowly restored by the power of music and the love of Olivier (Benoît Régent). White, which has as its subject the difficulties faced by people in a foreign country and the problematic nature of love, is the story of Karol (Zbigniew Zamachowksi), who returns to Poland at the end of a marriage break-up to a French woman, Dominique (Julie Delpy). Red, woven around the themes of solitude and the difficulties of human communication, is the story of a retired judge (Jean-Louis Trintignant), whose favorite pastime is spying on his neighbours, and of his relationship with a woman named Valentine (Irène Jacob).

Each film is subtitled in English, and will be preceded by a short introduction at 7. 25 pm. For more information please contact Jane Southwood on 6773 2741 (e-mail: jsouthw5@une.edu.au) or Helena Duffy on 6773 2415 (helena.duffy@une.edu.au).

"We are grateful to Mary White College for making the venue available, and to Gavin Duley for his technical assistance," Dr Southwood said.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at 11:39 AM