Postcards from...

A“I took a year out fairly early on in a 30-year career in the NSW public service to study a Diploma of Education at UNE in 1989. I enjoyed my time in Armidale, living in Drummond College; it was a little like a holiday from work, but the content was at times challenging. I used to do a fair bit of research up at the library and college life was busy, together with prac placements at Uralla and Walcha central schools, and Port Macquarie High School. I was thinking about teaching when I graduated, but returned to the public service. Now I teach adults history and literature at a Sydney community college. It took a while, but I have put the Diploma to use and now apply some of the teaching methods I learned to engage students. I returned to my love of research and writing to produce my first book – Southern Signals, about communications in Australia, which was published in September last year. I sought to document communication challenges and innovations since the late 18th and early 19th century, from the arrival of the First Fleet, mail services and the development of the Overland Telegraph to Australia’s role in supporting the Apollo 13 rescue mission and the coming of the internet. There is a link between doing the Dip. Ed, producing the book and the teaching I do now: it’s all about the enjoyment of sharing knowledge.”

I was born in Newcastle and my parents moved in the New England when I was very young, so I grew up in Armidale and Uralla. Since completing my Bachelors, I went to live in Japan for many years teaching English and towards the end I worked as a freelance translator for various small firms in Japan. Learning chemistry in Japanese was certainly a challenge I might say. Since returning home to Australia in 2012, I commenced employment with UNE and at this time I realized I wanted to further my study, so I started my MBA in T3, 2012. As my goal is to work both in Australia and around the world, I knew that the MBA program was internationally recognized so that is the reason why I chose it. Using business resources and networks to improve the lives of those in my community is one of my main passions. From my MBA I have developed a strong interest in organisational leadership development. As organisations are much more multicultural and multigenerational than ever before, the need for the C Suite to work with and mentor those future leaders in the organisations is paramount. My MBA also taught me that organisational behaviour and emotional intelligence are critical for developing relationships for positive business growth. I thoroughly enjoyed the following units: Marketing Management with the late Fredy Valenzuela who was an incredible mentor and friend. Organisational Behaviour with Dr Peter McClenaghan who was. also, my Enactus guide and an outstanding mentor. Strategic Management Project with Professor John Rice, and Economics for Management with Dr L. Emilio Morales.

I was accepted into UNE in 1994, at the age of 22, to undertake a Bachelor of Arts degree. I left Brisbane to further my education, which I felt needed improvement, and was drawn to Armidale with its four-seasoned climate and what I felt was an English-style setting. Living in Armidale was my first time away from Brisbane and a new experience for me. I also had to learn how to write assignments and, furthermore, undertake examinations as a mature-aged student. My first year of study was a struggle and I was not able to pass. Through determination, I reapplied for admission in 1996 and progressed, with much hard work, to finally graduate in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in politics and sociology. I am proud of myself and thankful to UNE for providing the opportunity to study at university. In 1998, I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome within the Autism Spectrum, which helped me to understand the struggles I had experienced as an undergraduate student. I am now interested in theology, which I do in my own time, as well as learning about and managing my autism with psychology. I am a volunteer telephone counsellor and enjoy nature, growing orchids and raising more awareness of autism in adults. I would recommend UNE to people wanting a closeness to academic staff as well as a setting away from the busy, fast-paced lifestyle. Thank you once again and all the best UNE for your 70th-year anniversary.

Born and educated in Townsville, Lyndon Megarrity completed his PhD at the University of New England (2002). His thesis was on colonial businessman and politician Robert Philp and his supervisors were Dr John Atchison and Dr Frank Bongiorno (now at ANU). Megarrity’s time as a UNE postgraduate student gave him a lifelong love of researching regional history and bringing it to a wider audience. While studying in Armidale on a scholarship, he lived at the University Flats and enjoyed getting to know international students and their cultures. He has fond memories of the university and the town of Armidale. He is the author of several books and articles, many of which focus on the history of Queensland, Northern Australia and international student policy. In 2010-11 he was an Australian Prime Ministers Centre Fellow during which time he produced research on Commonwealth local government and regional policies. Megarrity was the inaugural history lecturer at the Springfield Campus at the University of Southern Queensland (2012-13) and has since taught history and political science at James Cook University in Townsville, where he is currently an adjunct lecturer. His book Northern Dreams: The Politics of Northern Development in Australia won the 2019 Chief Minister’s Northern Territory History Book Award. With Carolyn Holbrook and David Lowe, he recently co-edited Lessons from History: Leading Historians Tackle Australia’s Greatest Challenges (2022). In 2022, an extensively revised version of his PhD thesis was published as Robert Philp and the Politics of Development. In 2024, his biographical portrait of Whitlam era Minister Dr Rex Patterson will by published by Connor Court Publishing. His advice to the next generation of scholars is to write for a broad audience: share and celebrate the knowledge!

“I started a Bachelor of Arts degree at UNE by distance education in 1972, while primary teaching. Then took a break to travel overseas and have children. Returning to study, I completed the degree in 1987. I doubt you can take that long now! A few years later, I began studies in Psychology, but it wasn’t the right fit. Informal study followed, including six months in 1995 at the study and retreat centre Pendle Hill, in Pennsylvania, USA. I then began a Master of Divinity in 1996 at the Earlham School of Religion, the graduate school of Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana, USA. I completed that in 2000, at age 50. I went on to do hospital and aged care Pastoral Care and worked as a Spiritual Director until my retirement at the age of 60. All my studies enlarged my world and, hopefully, had positive effects on those around me. I credit UNE with a sound basis for my studies and, indeed, my life. If you want to do something, give it a go and never stop learning.”

“My own story of distance education through UNE is similar to that of Richard Clowe [shared in the winter alumni newsletter]. I arrived in Australia in 1964 as a single, 21-year-old 'Ten pound Pom'. Over time I was able to find work as a semi-skilled electrical overhead linesman in Windsor, near the Western Suburbs of Sydney. Similar to Richard, I sustained a workplace injury that meant that I had to reassess my future. Fortunately, I had good advice from friends who advised me to study for a Bachelor of Arts by distance education with the University of New England. I finally graduated in 1998. During my period of study, the doors had already opened for me in my career, moving on from a linesman to an Occupational Health and Safety trainer. The next step was to the position of Safety Manager, still in the electricity distribution industry. The same year I graduated I moved to a position with the University of Western Sydney at Parramatta as an OH&S officer, mainly with the School of Science. It was quite a radical change of industry. My next move was to become an Associate Lecturer with the School of Business in the university, teaching and coordinating the OH&S unit. During this time, I gained a Master’s degree by research and published my thesis in 2010. Now in retirement, I have been on the boards of an aged care home, a health fund and the local hospital. At 81 years of age, there are still mountains to climb, mainly thanks to distance education at the University of New England. Thank you very much for the opportunity.”

“I first became familiar with UNE in 1957 while working as a sheep and wool extension officer for the Victorian Department of Agriculture, and visited with a group of colleagues from around Australia. We looked at grazing trials at UNE and at the CSIRO just down the road. Later, I worked as an advisor for a group of 40 farmers in the NSW Central Tablelands and took group members to look at the same work. When I moved to Marcus Oldham Agricultural College in Victoria in 1968, I thought it would be handy to get an education qualification, so I enrolled in UNE’s Diploma of Educational Administration. Later, after working as the principal of an agricultural school in Fiji for three years, I took a job at Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia. With just a bridging year of study, I upgraded the UNE diploma to a Masters degree in 1977. I was able to directly apply what I had learned when in Fiji and later at Roseworthy. There I became a senior lecturer and taught a range of subjects in agricultural business and general business. I enjoyed the challenge of teaching – the sharing of knowledge – but also encouraging students to use their capacity to think. I became the Dean of Agriculture at Roseworthy and then, when it merged with the University of Adelaide in 1991, the first Associate Dean in Undergraduate Studies in the new faculty. I completed an Ag Eco diploma in 1981. I took study leave in 1993 and spent six weeks working in the rural adjustment group within the Ag Economics Faculty at UNE. The university catered well for people who weren’t from a metropolitan area and I was interested in the work done there. I knew and liked the place. I turned 90 in October and there wouldn’t be too many older UNE alumni, I guess. I maintain a casual interest in farming and, over the years, I’ve enjoyed croquet and now bowls, walking, lay-preaching, woodwork, music and reading.”

I was the person who always wondered if university was for me. As a Mum of three kids who didn't do an undergraduate degree, I logged on to university course listings almost every year, only to tell myself that I didn't have time or I wasn't cut out for university study. However, the curiosity prevailed. Enter COVID and the removal of the time-juggling barrier of kids' sporting adventures, so I took the plunge. I enrolled in a Graduate Certificate of Business, telling myself I would do one unit and test the waters. I was nervous, full of self-doubt and struggling with parent guilt. Fortunately, my unit coordinator was big on building student's self-belief. Not only did I love it, but I kicked off with an HD, and there began my love (sometimes less love) relationship with post-graduate study. As a parent in the out-of-home workforce, balancing learning and family life was hard. There were many times when the guilt of 'missing out' on family activities loomed large. However, I kept telling myself that my kids would benefit from seeing that education is important and can happen at any time in life. I completed my MBA in 2024 and attended the graduation ceremony. While graduations reflect on people moving out into the world post-study, I reflected differently. I looked around and saw the diverse mix of life experiences. Each graduate had a different pathway to UNE. Some were on the same path they began in their early teens; others had taken many twists and turns to get where they were. Yet we all took away something special for each of us. As I soaked up the moment, I was proud to say I had completed my MBA. My results exceeded the expectations of the student I was in my first unit. Most importantly, I had shown my kids that you can chase your dream from a small regional town at any age if you have the proper support and a dose of self-belief.

“Music has always played a large part in my life. From an early age, I was encouraged to engage with music and began playing school flute and having lessons with the respected educationalist Victor Mc Mahon at The Conservatorium of Music Sydney. I also played classical guitar, trombone, and drums in both the senior school band and a rock band. Following a long career in advertising and media, it was time for me to return to music. By then I had completed Grade Eight classical guitar at the Trinity College London and the path was either to undertake an Associate of Music or Licentiate in Music on classical guitar. However, another option presented itself – to undertake a Bachelor of Music degree. I was aware of UNE as a leading university for online learning and it was a simple decision to enrol in the Bachelor of Music degree in October 2019. What better way to be immersed in music studies and work anywhere, anytime? Year one, in 2020, coincided with the COVID pandemic and the lockdowns provided the time to undertake diligent study and progress my musical knowledge. The curriculum was broad in its scope, and it was clear that the learnings would open up post degree career possibilities that were previously unimaginable. The study of new subjects and collaborations with other undergraduates only strengthened my view that there is more to music than learning theory and scales. The combination of a stimulating online learning environment, supportive academic tutors, and connections with other B Mus undergraduates at the Parramatta campus and UNE Armidale Music Summer School Workshop meant that the UNE experience was never a lonely one. I have made lasting connections, providing a network of like- minded musicians. Since graduating in December 2024 I have focussed on music education, music copyright and licensing, and tutoring. My goal is to leverage these three in Australia and to develop an exportable intellectual property in music education through bespoke educational materials. The learnings I gained at UNE have helped shape my new career. Music is a global language and one that can be practiced for a lifetime. UNE has been the catalyst in shaping my musical life.”

“I remember travelling 1,200 kilometres along melting roads from Melbourne to UNE’s Armidale campus at the height of summer in early 1978. Young and eager, I was excited about experiencing college life far from home. It was a big adventure. At Drummond College I found a diverse group of people – rural, urban, music-loving, beer-loving, gay and straight – and it was a real-life education. Mangrove Boogie Kings, Donga Do with Captain Matchbox, Rod Gillet, Tim Scott and many other memorable people still come readily to mind. I also remember an ‘Uncommon Room’ opened by Dr John Lovett and subsequent chicken and champagne breakfasts. There was also the UNE B&S Society graduation day breakfast that proceeded on Elm Avenue until the police arrived and invited us to stay in their ‘hotel’, and the final, highly successful, B&S Society’s Victorian Dinner at Footlights with a borrowed Queen Victoria. The Ag Econ year group often celebrated in the Union Bar, but when Drummond was closed, we held more of a wake than a reunion. Drummond College was a successful, self-governed college with a college council headed by David Cleghorn in its final year, and many well-known characters previously. Returning in 2008, I found parched earth conditions similar to those of 30 years earlier, but the Bistro was closed. Still, I have fond memories of lots of UNE people and places and music. Having been on the DCC, I still have the residents’ list for those who may be interested in having a reunion. Feel free to contact me. I hope you are all well and happy.” alanvanrenen@gmail.com