Download In Touch Spring 2011 here (pdf 2mb) - Alumni - Murdoch ...

Spring 2011alumni magazineA sporting lifeConnecting through sport1

2inside 4The latest news from alumni 8around the world.We introduce you to thenew Vice Chancellor.Intouch is Murdoch University’salumni magazine for all those whohave graduated from the University.Editor: Hayley MayneWriters: Athanae LucevJo ManningHayley MayneVal McFarlaneLeanne PitcherPepita SmythKaren ThompsonJasmin WalkerJo-Ann WhalleyPhotography: Kaimaha KeremetaLiv StockleyEditorial emailh.mayne@murdoch.edu.auThe views expressed in Intouch are notnecessarily those of Murdoch University.Intouch is produced by MurdochUniversity’s Corporate Communicationsand Public Relations Office on behalfof the Alumni Relations Office.© 2011 Murdoch UniversityCRICOS Provider Code 00125JPrinted on environmentally friendly paperAlumni – what’s in a name?As you may know the traditional names forgraduates can be quite confusing:Alumna – one female graduateAlumnus – one male graduateAlumni – a group of graduates, male or male/femaleAlumnae – a group of female graduates.We believe that these terms no longer meet the needsof a modern institution and society and it is time tosimplify the way we refer to our graduates.As such we have decided to adopt theMacquarie Dictionary approved Australianterms in all our publications and communications:Alumnus – one graduateAlumni – a group of graduatesWe hope you will approve of this change and quickly becomeused to these non-gendered and simplified terms. As always,we welcome your feedback at alumni@murdoch.edu.auConnectingLeadership directions10New state-of-the-art facilitiesThe School of Chiropractic and Sports Sciencehave a brand new performance lab.11New sports fields for MurdochA deal made with the Western Australian CricketAssociation will see an upgrade to the sportsIs your appetite working against you?14A Murdoch researcher is investigating thelink between exercise and hunger.Alumni AwardsThe winners of the inauguralalumni awards are revealed.12field and change rooms.17The importance of sportA six-year study has shown that sport has apositive influence on sense of self and wellbeing.InprintWe preview some of the books producedby our talented alumni and staff.20In memorial18We reflect on the life of Murdoch’s first Vice2224Chancellor, Professor Stephen Griew.Alumni tell their storiesA snapshot of what your fellowalumni are doing now.Alumni contactsHere you’ll find the closest alumnichapter to your home.KeepIntouch!Help us keep in touch with you by making sure yourdetails are up to date. If you have changed your name,employer or contact details let us know by visitingwww.murdoch.edu.au/Alumni/.Perhaps you're still in touch with friends from your Murdoch dayswho've lost touch with us? If so you can visit the same address, scrolldown and enter your friends' details too.

Sports presenter Basil Zempilashas a job he loves.Living the dreamOne of Murdoch’s best-knowngraduates, sports broadcasterBasil Zempilas, said he has been luckyenough to feel like he has neverworked a day in his life.“It doesn’t feel like a job. It never hasand nearly 20 years on it still doesn’t,”he said.Mr Zempilas, who finished a Bachelor of Artswith majors in Communication Studies andEnglish and Comparative Literature beforegoing on to study a Graduate Diploma ofJournalism the following year, said Murdochwas a good fit.“I liked the practical opportunitiesthe Murdoch courses provided andlooking back those opportunities provedinvaluable,” he said.He said getting work experience was themost important step in starting a careerin the media.“The more involved you get, the quickeryou’ll find your first job,” he said. “Thefirst job is always the hardest, but onceyou find one, the rest of your career willtake care of itself.”And although technology may havechanged, the building blocks of theprofession remain.“I started on tape and typewriter, nowit’s digital and on computer,” he said.“But building and maintaining contacts,accurate and fair reporting, relevantcontent or subject matter – that parthasn’t and won’t change.”Deafness no barrierMurdoch graduates and studentsfrequently cite the EquityDepartment as their main reason forchOOsing to study there, and so itwas for Alexandra Shaw.Ms Shaw, who is deaf, graduated in 2009with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor ofMass Communication. She now works asa consultant, interpreting, writing andmanaging events, as well as working as aresearch assistant at Murdoch.The practical law degree was the othermajor factor in Ms Shaw’s decision tostudy at Murdoch.“I believe that Murdoch gave me not onlya sound theoretical background, but alsoensured that I had many opportunities toput that theory into practice,” Ms Shawsaid. “Working at SCALES (the communitylegal centre at Murdoch) and in thenewsroom on campus were valuableexperiences that provided me with ataste of a ‘real life’ workplace.”The 2008 top student in Social Welfareand Law also works extensively in theSustainable agriculture is anarea of passion for Alana Shedley.Promising CareerThe friendly, inclusive nature ofMurdoch staff and students helpedBacheLOr of Science (EnvironmentalScience) graduate Alana Shedleymake the transition frOM a smallcountry town to the city.“I liked the practical and local focusof environmental studies at Murdoch,whereas I found other universities to havea more theoretical approach,” she said.Since her graduation in 2009, Ms Shedleyhas completed Honours in Soil Science atdeaf community in WA, having worked asa Deaf Relay Interpreter, as Youth Officerat the WA Deaf Society, as EmploymentProject Officer at the AustralianFederation of Deaf Societies and as atutor of deaf students.Ms Shaw is now studying for herPostgraduate Diploma in Educationat Murdoch. “I chose to return to domy postgraduate diploma at Murdochbecause I love the University, and knowthat it will equip me well for a career inteaching,” she said.Alexandra Shaw’s motivationand drive is infectious.UWA (receiving first class honours) andthis year began work as a SustainableAgriculture Project Officer with the SouthWest Catchments Council.“I work with farmers and landcareofficers to deliver on-ground projects,trials and extension activities that areaimed at improving land managementpractices in the broadacre agriculturalregion,” she said. “Currently this isfocused around the integration ofperennial pastures, salt-land pastures andcommercial tree crops into traditionalagriculture.”This year, Ms Shedley earned the topaward at the State’s Young Professionalsin Agriculture Forum.“Sustainable agriculture is my passion,so I am very grateful to have receivedan award which supports my careerdirection, but the most joy for me hascome from the interest the award hasgenerated in my research.”Ms Shedley said she may look intostudying for a PhD in the future, but iscurrently learning a ‘huge amount’ andhaving a great time.4

The continuinggrowth of sportat MurdochThe last five years have seen a resurgencein sport at Murdoch.There is once again a full student sports calendareach year.Social sports leagues run on campus eachweeknight, including mixed netball, social tennis,basketball, indoor soccer and squash competitions.These are very popular with students, for exerciseand as a social get-together.Interfaculty sport was reinstated in 2007 withweekly fixtures played across the two semesters.Competition for the Annual Trophy has reignitedold rivalries and generated some new ones with thecreation of new faculties. In the last two years theVet School and School of Minerals and Energy haveheld bragging rights.Murdoch continues to battle the other WAuniversities in the Tertiary Sports WA (TSWA)competition. Over 350 students a year take part andMurdoch has been consistently performing well.But our biggest achievements over the last fiveyears have been at the National Australian UniversityGames (Unigames). Over the last few years we haveleapfrogged into the top 10 of Australian sportinguniversities.Out of the 42 Australian Universities our finalplacings in the last five years have been:2006 – 35th2007 – 29th2008 – 23rd2009 – 14th2010 – 8thWe’ve risen from a final placing of 35th out of the42 universities in 2006 to 8th in 2010 – an amazingimprovement.In the last two years we have added new outdoortennis courts and a new multi-use sports field atthe front of the South Street Campus. A new SportsScience Hub is nearing completion, along withnewly renovated sports fields and new clubrooms.A major contributing factor for this growth andsuccess has been the support of the University,Australian University Sport and our alumni members.If you have a great sports story from your time atMurdoch or would like to contribute in any way tothe growing legacy of sport here please contactAdrian Fisher at Murdoch Sports on+61 8 9360 2318 or gym@guild.murdoch.edu.au.CRICOS Provider Code 00125JMurdoch’s new multi-use courts.Alumni cangain knowledgefor less.Murdoch University Bookshop extends aspecial offer to all Murdoch graduates.We are pleased to offer a 12 per centdiscount on a range of items includingtextbooks, general books, stationery,multimedia, giftware and merchandise.To take advantage of this offer,please present this advertisement toclaim your discount.Bookshop opening times8.30am – 4.30pmMonday to FridayPlease consult our websitefor further information:http://our.murdoch.edu.au/bookshopDISCOVERERS WELCOME9

Sportsbuildingstands outfrom thecrowdA performance lab cOMpletewith running track and life-sizebiOMechanical imaging is one of thestandout features of Murdoch’sstate-of-the-art new building for theSchOOL of Chiropractic andSports Science.Completed in August and already in useby students, the facility was built andequipped with a $4 million CommonwealthGovernment Teaching and LearningDevelopment grant.School Dean, Associate Professor BrianNook, is very proud of the new building,which will certainly ensure the nextgeneration of graduates are highly-trainedand gain valuable hands-on experienceusing the latest equipment.Professor Nook said the School hadgrown rapidly since it first launched itsundergraduate degree in chiropractic in2002.“In 2007 we added our three-year sportsscience degree and a four-year degree inexercise physiology,” he said.“The popularity of these new courses wasplacing increasing pressure on our currentfacilities and it quickly became apparentthat we needed to expand.“We already had an extensive outpatientclinic for the chiropractic students anda rehabilitation suite, but we needed toArtist’s impression of the new Chiropractic and Sports Science labs.expand the exercise rehabilitation facilitiesand teaching and research spaces for allstudents.”The new building covers about 900sqmand is located near the gymnasium on thenorthern side of the South Street campus.The new labs create a centrally‐located‘sports centre’ around the multi-purposecourts, gymnasium and squash courts,complemented by the new nearby playingfields and international grade cricketpitches.Professor Nook said the new facilityincluded change rooms for both men andwomen and a multipurpose teaching spacethat holds about 35 people.There’s an exercise physiology laboratorywith equipment for testing metabolicrates, lung capacity, heart rates and bloodand tissue samples, as well as a speciallydesignedthermal chamber that can raisethe temperature to above 50 degreesCelsius.“This will enable us to look at the effects ofelevated body temperature on exercise andphysical activity,” explained Professor Nook.“We’re already undertaking research inconjunction with BHP to consider how tokeep workers in WA’s north free of heatstress and other illnesses. This work can alsobe applied to athletes such as cricketerswho play in extreme temperatures.”Other features of the building include astrength, conditioning and rehabilitationlab with a complete suite of exerciseequipment, free weights and weightmachines.Then there’s the performance lab, withthe 50m running track straight throughthe middle, along with a 14m by 4mscreen that enables life-size biomechanicalimaging and a state-of-the-art projectionand audio system.Professor Nook said there were two sensorsunder this track that measured force andresistance.“This enables us to see where the mostpressure is placed, which helps usdetermine ways to prevent injuries andimprove performance,” he said.“This is really the focus of our entire school– prevention and performance at all levelsof activity to enable people to perform attheir optimum in sport and their everydaylives.”Professor Nook said Murdoch already hada strong partnership with the WA CricketAssociation, which gives students acrossall faculties the opportunity to undertakevaluable clinical placements in areaslike sports science, media and businessmanagement.“The opening of this new building presentsfurther opportunities for the University toexplore research partnerships with sportingor industry groups, giving our students asignificant head start in the field,” he said.10

Left to right: WACA CEO Graeme Wood, Professor Gary Martin andWACA Cricket Operations Manager Andrew Scotford inspect one of the new cricket pitches.Murdoch and WACA benefit from partnershipMurdoch University has signed adeal with the Western AustralianCricket Association (waca) to providealternate practice facilities for itsrepresentative teams.The agreement will see the twoorganisations work together to provideupgraded sporting facilities for use by theWACA and the University community.Under the deal, Murdoch will upgrade thesports field and change rooms and theWACA will provide 18 grassed turf practicewickets, three synthetic hard wickets andeight grassed turf centre wickets. The WACAwill also provide a full-time curator and otherstaff, all maintenance equipment and allconsumables to maintain the sporting fieldsas a first class playing surface.Cricket will bethe major sport at Murdoch University, withthe WACA to have priority access to the newfacility for use by representative teams fromthe Retravision Warriors and Western Furyto Imparja Cup and State under-age squads.WACA Chief Executive Officer GraemeWood said a number of parties wereconsidered to before the WACA Boardelected to enter into an agreement withMurdoch University.“We are thrilled to be entering intopartnership with Murdoch University forthe development of such an excellentfacility for use by our elite and underagerepresentative teams,” he said.“Long-term it is anticipated that thefacility will be suitable to host secondtier domestic or WACA District matches.”WACA Cricket Operations ManagerAndrew Scotford said having access toan outstanding training and playingarena was a fantastic opportunity forthe WACA and its representative teams.“There is the chance for players andstaff to work with a leading institutionsuch as Murdoch and tap into theservices they can provide, such assports science and chiropractic,media, physical education, leadershipand other professional developmentopportunities which will play a greatpart in ensuring our high performanceprogram can compete with whatother states currently offer,” he said.Murdoch University’s Senior Deputy ViceChancellor, Professor Gary Martin, saidhe was delighted with the partnership.“The partnership with the WACA willassist us with our endeavours to providehigh quality facilities for our studentsand we look forward to establishing maleand female cricket clubs with Universityand community members,” he said.“There are many other opportunitiesthat will stem from this partnership,including enhanced teaching spacesfor our sport and exercise scienceand physical education courses,collaborative research opportunitiesand international collaborations withcricketing countries in the region.We will be looking at hosting andco-branding key sporting events atMurdoch and there will be opportunitiesto involve Murdoch staff and studentsin the promotion of cricket events.“The overall effect for the Murdochcommunity will be that sport will featuremore prominently in the experienceof many of our staff and students.”Professor Martin said that since thepartnership had been announced therehad been further interest generated inthe broader community with respectto use of the sporting facilities.11

Turning up the heat on researchWhat effect does heat have onperformance and how best can wetreat heat stress among athletes?These are the questions that Dr JeremiahPeiffer is hoping to answer by turningup the heat on his research into thermalregulation and athletic performance.Dr Peiffer – a lecturer in exercisephysiology – is using the state-of-the-artthermal chamber in the new School ofChiropractic and Sports Science buildingto analyse the effect of environmentaltemperature on performance amongdifferent athletes.The chamber is the only one in WesternAustralia that can artificially raise theenvironmental temperature as high as 60degrees Celsius.“By exercising an athlete in the chamberwe can determine the effect ofenvironmental heat on things like corebody temperature, perceived fatiguelevels, performance variables andaccuracy and skill,” explained Dr Peiffer.“In Western Australia, in particular, youcan get environmental temperatureswell into the 40s in summer. For athletesplaying outside in these conditions,it can mean the on-field or on-courttemperature is closer to 50 degrees.“My aim is to work out how this heataffects the athletes then determine themost effective way to cool them down.”Dr Peiffer has spent the past few yearsinvestigating current cooling techniquesto determine whether they have anydetrimental effect on performance.“The current ‘gold standard’ protocolis to plunge the athlete in cold water(about 14 degrees Celsius) for about fiveminutes, which is very effective at rapidlylowering core body temperature,” hesaid.Results from past studies have shown thatthis type of intervention can enhancerecovery from exercise in the heat andlead to better performance later on.“Other techniques being used includecontrast showers – alternating betweenhot and cold – and drinking ice slurries toliterally cool from the inside.”As he begins his new project withfunding from the McCusker CharitableFoundation, he will be working closelywith the WA Cricket Association throughits formal partnership with Murdoch.This will give him access to some ofthe state’s top cricketers who will beparticipating in his research.Opening presents newopportunities for researcherThe opening of new facilities forthe SchOOL of Chiropractic andSports Science has opened upnew opportunities for Murdochresearcher Sean Muller.Dr Muller, a lecturer in motor control andlearning, will be using the performancelaboratory to further his research intovisual anticipation – how an athletereads the body language of an opponentto predict what will happen next –among athletes of differing skill levels.He’s particularly excited about thestate-of-the-art projection system,which will enhance the way he can usevideo simulation in his investigations.“The aim of my research is to identifywhat differentiates the expert athletefrom the emerging athlete,” he said.“If we know what differentiates theplayers we can use that evidence totrain those who aspire to be experts.”Since 2002, Dr Muller has beenfunded by Cricket Australia’s Centre ofExcellence to examine how worldclassbatsmen read visual cues toanticipate bowlers’ deliveries.Players from the Australian Test Team,AIS program and State First Class teamshave participated in this research.By using a combination of video andfield-based assessment tools, he hasdetermined that elite players are able toread the ball before it is even released.His next step is to use his findings todevelop training programs to improvethis skill in emerging athletes.To help him with this, Dr Mullerplans to use video simulation andspecial glasses that block out vision inconjunction with floor sensor platesthat measure force and the threedimensionalmotion capture system.“There’s already some preliminaryevidence that indicates the skillto anticipate may be enhanced,”Dr Muller explained.“My task now is to determine thebest way to do this, and the newfacilities will make this much easier.”Dr Muller holds a degree in exerciseand sport science and a PhD inmotor control and learning fromthe University of Queensland.The research funded by Cricket Australiawill be further developed with fundingfrom Murdoch University’s IntegratedHealth Research Institute and theMcCusker Charitable Foundation.Dr Muller also works with KarateVictoria, Taekwondo and theCarlton Football Club to examineanticipation skills in these sports.13

2011 DistinguishedAlumni AwardsMore than 70 distinguished guestsgathered at South Street Campusin July to celebrate the winners ofthe inaugural Murdoch UniversityDistinguished Alumni Awards.The event was hosted by the AlumniRelations Capital Office and Professor GaryMartin. Special guests included the HonDr Elizabeth Constable MLA, Minister forEducation and Professor Richard Higgott,Murdoch University’s new Vice Chancellor.The 2011 Murdoch University DistinguishedAlumni Award category winners were:Faculty of Arts, Educationand Creative MediaJohn ExeterFaculty of Law, Businessand Information TechnologyAnna GeorgeFaculty of Science and EngineeringDr Glen PowerFaculty of Health SciencesDr Yap Kok WeiFinalists were:Adam BandtAtul GargFrank HorganMike MouritzAlvin Lai Oon NgPritam SinghRachel Anne Nosworthy WestcottGriffin Longley compered the evening.Anna George, Dr Yap Kok Wei, Brad Rimmer,Professor Gary Martin, Dr Glen Power, John Exeter.14

Manager of Alumni Relations, VanessaFernandez-Kennedy, said the finalistswere chosen from a field of more than100 incredible candidates and thatthe four winners represented the corevalues of Murdoch University.“Each winner has provided outstandingservice to the community and is a leaderin their chosen field of endeavour,” MsFernandez-Kennedy said.“The evening was a wonderfulcelebration of our outstanding alumniand the delight of all guests was clear.“We were particularly thrilled that ourfinalists and winners were pleased tobe honoured by the University andthat they enjoyed the opportunity tomeet the supervisors and academicswho taught and nurtured them duringtheir time at Murdoch, as well ascelebrate with their loved ones.”Murdoch graduate Griffin Longleycompered the evening while Murdochalumnus, magician and illusionist ChewEng Chye entertained the guests.Each of the recipients of theinaugural Murdoch UniversityDistinguished Alumni Awards receiveda framed photograph and personallyautographed book by internationallyrenowned, Perth based photographer,Brad Rimmer. See page 16 of Intouchfor more details on the artist andartwork.Nominations for the 2012 MurdochUniversity Distinguished AlumniAwards will open on March 5, 2012.Details and the online nominationform will be available closer to thedate at www.murdoch.edu.au/Distinguished-Alumni-Awards.Emeritus Professor Kateryna Longley,Anna George and Dr Janice Dudley.Professor Goen Ho andEmeritus Professor Pritam Singh.Richard Longley, Judith Robinson and Janine Robertsare entertained by Chew Eng Chye.Professor Diane Stone.Professor Gary Martin, John Exeterand the Hon Dr Elizabeth Constable MLA.Winners and finalists of the Distinguished Alumni Awards.Professor Richard Higgott and Professor Ian Potter.For more information on the Awards please contact alumni@murdoch.edu.au15

Brad Rimmer, photographed by Andrew Lelong.BRAD RIMMER IN FOCUSEACH of this year’s distinguishedRECIPIENTS of the inauguralMURDOCH UNIVERSITY DISTINGUISHEDALUMNI AWARDS received a framedPHOTOGRAPH by internationallyRENOWNED, PERTH-BASEDPHOTOGRAPHER BRAD Rimmer.The photograph depicts an expansiveblue sky above a golden wheat field inthe township of Wyalkatchem, situatedin Western Australia’s central wheatbeltdistrict.This image forms part of Mr Rimmer’scritically‐acclaimed photographic portfoliotitled SILENCE: The Western AustralianWheatbelt.SILENCE captures Mr Rimmer’s reflectionson this locality, which is also his adolescenthome. These deeply personal landscapeand portrait photographs present evocativerecollections of growing up in rural Australia,capturing the quietness of the landscapeand the contemplation of the unspokenword in a changing rural environment.Photographing SILENCE was a challengefor Mr Rimmer, particularly in trying tofind subjects for his portraits. This involvedhours of patiently wandering around thesmall, quiet towns hoping to come acrosssomeone, often without success.Thanks to the encouragement of hispeers, who insisted that SILENCE should bepublished, Mr Rimmer applied for and wasawarded a Visual Art and Craft Mid-CareerFellowship from the Western AustralianGovernment’s Department of Cultureand the Arts to fund the publication. Thebook was launched to coincide with anexhibition featuring the complete anthologyof photographs from SILENCE which wasshowcased as part of FOTOFREO – The Cityof Fremantle Festival of Photography in2010.Both the exhibition and the publicationreceived national and internationalaccolades with the Art Gallery of WesternAustralia acquiring the entire SILENCE foliofor the state’s permanent collection by theend of 2010.More recently, photographs from the foliocaught the eye of Perth‐based band EskimoJoe and these images now feature on thecover and throughout the album sleeve ofthe band’s fifth studio album, Ghosts of thePast, which was released in August 2011.Mark StewartMurdoch UniversityArt Curator16

inprintbooks producedby our talentedAlumni and Staff.Challenging theporn industryAbigail Bray is using the power ofthe written word to open our eyesto the destructive nature of thepornography industry.She has co-edited Big Porn Inc: Exposingthe harms of the global pornographyindustry with Melinda Tankard Reist,which is due for release this month(September 2011).Unmasking the lies behind the selling ofporn as ‘just a bit of fun’, Big Porn Increveals the shocking truths of an industrythat trades in violence, crime anddegradation.“Porn is a human rights issue,” says MsBray. “The regulation of the industryis not about censorship or anti-sex‘wowserism’. Rather it is about putting inplace ethical boundaries and challengingthis global capitalist industry andthe marketing of misogyny, racism,homophobia and other fascist sexualideologies.”Ms Bray graduated from Murdoch in 1997with a PhD in English Literature and hasalready made her mark on the literaryscene with a book on French feministwriter Helene Cixious in 2004, Body talk:a power guide for girls in 2005 withElizabeth Reid Boyd and articles in thearea of sexuality and health issues forwomen.Ms Bray was one of 100 womenhonoured with a place in WesternAustralia’s inaugural Hall of Fame,launched in 2011 to celebrate theCentenary of International Women’s Day.Books explore historyof sexualityEmeritus Professor Bill Loader hasbeen rather preoccupied with sexover the past few years. Not in theway you might think, however!This former Professor of New Testamentin Murdoch’s Theology program andUniting Church Minister has actuallyspent the last half a decade delving into“Attitudes towards sexuality in Judaismand Christianity in the Hellenistic Greco-Roman era”.The five-year, full-time AustralianResearch Council Professorial Fellowshiphas led him to pen a series of booksanalyzing the issue of sexuality in earlyJewish and Christian literature from thethird Century (BC) through to the end ofthe first Century (AD).Volumes two and three in this serieshave recently been launched (TheDead Sea Scrolls on Sexuality and ThePseudepigrapha on Sexuality) whilethe fourth (Philo, Josephus, and theTestaments on Sexuality) has just beenpublished. The fifth and final volume,The New Testament on Sexuality, isexpected to hit the shelves in 2012.Professor Loader says the five-book seriesis written for an academic readership andexplores the history of sexuality in one ofthe most formative periods in our history.“Modern debates about sex, including inreligious communities, have often lackedadequate information, especially aboutwhat shaped attitudes towards sex in theancient world,” he says.“This series aims to address that need.”18

Opening up the worldof Down syndromeAward-winning noveltakes us back in timeSally serves upsome soulHistory graduate and AssociateProfessor Jan Gothard has drawnheavily on her own experiencesto pen her first bOOk, GREATERExPECTATIONS – LivING with DOWNSyndrome in the 21ST Century.The book explores the varied attitudesand approaches that make up the richexperience of living with Down syndromein a changing society.Based on more than 60 personalinterviews and supported by scholarlyresearch, it was launched by FremantlePress to mark the 25th anniversary ofthe Down Syndrome Association ofWestern Australia and International DownSyndrome Day.Professor Gothard, whose daughterMaddie has Down syndrome, said herown story provided the foundations forthe book but the interviews highlightedhow different the experience can be foreach family.“Until Maddie was born, disability wasan invisible area to me,” she said. “Ourfamily’s experience opened my mindto disability and made me aware ofwhat some of the issues are for otherindividuals and families.“For all of the people I interviewed themain focus was doing the best thing fortheir child.“People with disability are fighting fortheir right to be included, but the rest ofsociety has got to be prepared to opendoors,” Professor Gothard said.Graduate Kim Scott delves intoAustralia’s early and oftenconfronting history in his latest,award-winning literary offering.That Deadman Dance – which wonKim the prestigious 2011 Miles FranklinLiterary Award – is a historical tale set inthe early 19th century in Albany, WA.Through the story of young Nyungarman Bobby, who falls in love with thedaughter of a wealthy white family, itexplores the relationships and tensionsbetween early European settlers and theAboriginals.As the Europeans impose ever-stricterrules and regulations, friction increasesand Bobby is forced to take sides.Critics describe the book as historical andmagical, as it drifts between the settlerworld and the Aboriginal world.“We see and feel the hardship, tragediesand aspirations of the settlement, and atthe same time we are transported intothe mystical and spiritual life worlds ofWabalanginy and his people,” they said.This is Kim’s second Miles Franklin award.In 2000 he was the first Indigenousauthor to win the prize for his novelBenang, tying for first place with fellowwriter Thea Astley.Kim graduated from Murdoch with aBachelor of Arts in 1979 and a GraduateDiploma of Education in 1984.Hailing from the south-east coast ofWestern Australia, he is also the author ofTrue Country.Literature and cOMMunicationgraduate SaLLy Collings hascOMbined her skiLLs as a wordsmithwith her newfound passion forparenting to build a thriving careerFollowing the success of Sophie‘s Journey,Positive and The World According to Kids,Sally has just released her fourth bookcalled Parenting with Soul.Her latest offering is a wonderful guidefor parents who feel that purpose andmeaning have been lost under a pile ofnappies, crayons and odd socks.“Parenting with Soul shows how to makespirituality part of your family‘s everydaylife,” said Sally.“It‘s about seeing the sacred in ourhomes and turning the things we doeach day into opportunities to practisemindfulness, gratitude, love, generosity,and other virtues.“It means living a life that is rich, deep,authentic, heartfelt – complete with allof the flaws and imperfections that makeus who we are.”Sally’s first foray into university studieswas an undergraduate degree injournalism and radio production at theUniversity of Technology in Sydney. Shethen embarked on a Masters in Literatureand Communication at Murdoch, whichshe completed in 1987.“Perhaps, because of that grounding,I’m passionate about words flowing in anatural way,” she said.19

MurdochGraduates:Election toSenateGet invOLved in deveLOping yourUniversity. Your experience isimportant to us!Nominations are called for oneConvocation representative on Senate,the University’s governing body,for a three year term commencingJanuary 1, 2012. Membership of Senateinvolves attending six Senate meetingsa year, an annual retreat and possiblymembership of a Senate committee.Filmmaker Jeff Asselin busy in the field.All graduates of the University (exceptthose who are Murdoch University staffmembers or students) are eligible tonominate.Movie ambitionof MurdochfilmmakerMurdoch multimedia graduate JeffAsselin is growing his reputationas a fiLMMaker both on and offcampus.As manager of Murdoch University’smedia production unit, Jeff producesseveral films every year, mostly for theKulbardi Aboriginal Centre. He is currentlyworking on a documentary with Murdochacademic Glenn Stasiuk which willexplore the dark penal history of RottnestIsland.Away from campus, Jeff is equally busywith his own film projects and wasrecently awarded $10,000 by the stategovernment to develop the script ofFather’s Day, a Full Monty-style comedyfeature film with Perth screenwriter MegShields.The story focuses on a miner whobecomes embroiled in his estranged son’scustody battles and must fight to overturnredundancies when a giant multinationalthreatens the shutdown of the local town.Jeff and Meg are now preparing to enterthe script into ScreenWest’s West CoastVisions funding program, which awards$750,000 to one project each year.“It takes a long time for independentfilmmakers in this state to builda reputation which merits stategovernment funding, so we’re reallypleased to have secured the $10,000,”said Jeff, who has been working atMurdoch since graduating in 2003.“The recognition from Screen West alsoputs us in with a very good chance ofgetting the $750,000 and we’ll be doingeverything we can to put ourselves in adecent position to get this funding.”For Jeff this includes directing a 14minute comedy short called Strike abouta 10 pin bowling mechanic with epilepsywho falls in love.“Many of the films I’ve directed havebeen quite dark and social-realist but Idon’t want to be typecast as that sort offilmmaker only,” he said.“This short is to show the decision makersthat I am up for the job.”Jeff is also hoping that his award‐winningfilm The Billabong, which was recentlypremiered at the St Kilda Film Festival, willalso help his cause.If you are interested but unsure of whatmembership of Senate entails, pleasecontact the University Secretary,Ms Trudi McGlade, for more informationeither via email to T.McGlade@murdoch.edu.au or phone (08) 93607318.If you want to nominate, or to registerto vote in the election, you must doso by 4.00pm on Friday, October 7,2011.Please send your nomination and/orvote registration to:Mail: Alumni Relations OfficeFax: (618) 9310 6668eMail: J.Alder@murdoch.edu.auBallot papers will be issued on or aboutFriday, October 14, 2011 to thosewho have registered to vote, withvoting closing by 4.00pm on Friday,November 11, 2011.For further details, please contact JanExeter, Alumni Officer on (618) 93606144 or J.Exeter@murdoch.edu.au.21

Alumni telltheir storiesLarisa Vanstien(bsc Biological Sciences, 1990)I started out in research and clinical/diagnostic work in the medical area, andworked in London for a couple of years.On returning to Perth, I somehow foundmyself working for State Governmentorganisations in science education andscience communications…and lovedit, so have remained in these areas(and the public service) ever since. I amcurrently Communications Managerat the Department of Fisheries, wheremy science background comes in veryuseful – and where I meet and work witha number of Murdoch staff and otherMurdoch graduates as well.En Khong(bcom Professional Accounting and ElectronicCommerce, 2003/Honours, 2004)I started as a graduate accountant in2004 with a local firm (Stirling Partners),specialising in all aspects of accounting,taxation, superannuation and businessservices. Since then, I have beenpromoted through the ranks within thefirm and obtained my qualification as aChartered Accountant. I am currentlya Manager with Stirling Partners andmy day-to-day work sees me consultingclients on accounting, tax and businesssolutions as well as supervising a teamof five accountants. I love my work asit’s fresh and exciting with each clientpresenting a unique set of challenges. Iam also a Focus Session Leader and ExamMarker for the Institute of CharteredAccountants’ CA Program. One of myinterests is photography which sees medoing the odd wedding/family portraitover weekends and entering photocompetitions. Two of my photographsare featured in the UWA Friends of theGroups 2011 Calendar in which I was thefirst runner up. My wife Kin (CombinedBSc Vet Biology and BVMS 2007) isalso from Murdoch and is currently aveterinarian specialising in emergencymedicine at Balcatta Veterinary Hospital.As this magazine went to press we wereexpecting the arrival of our first baby girlin August.Melvin Hoe(ba Mass Communication, 2006)I have been writing for Men’s Healthmagazine in Singapore for close to fiveyears. The magazine is anchored inhealth, nutrition, fitness, weight lossand sex, so that’s been my beat for awhile. My work has involved a constantgeneration of story ideas relevant to themagazine’s branding, research, profileinterviews (and in particular, asking theright questions that would translate toa good story), branding, online writing,and of course matching my work to strictdeadlines.Jerolina Rankin(bsc Environmental Science, 2005)After Uni I went to TAFE to study anAdvanced Diploma in Engineering (Civiland Structural) in 2006. CurrentlyI am working with Main Roads WAas an Engineering Associate and ambased in Carnarvon. My current roleinvolves project delivery around theGascoyne Region and also assisting inthe environmental aspects associatedwith road projects. I enjoy my role whereI can use both of my qualifications. Theproject locations can take you to somebeautiful parts of our country like CoralBay, Exmouth and Shark Bay and they areonly a short distance away. My husbandSteve is also a Murdoch Graduate (BSc inHealth and Environment) and is currentlyworking for Main Roads WA in Carnarvonas well. His role mainly involves OSH andBusiness Support. It’s great working atthe same place together.Amber Rose(bsc Biomedical Science and Molecular Biology/bforensic Biology & Toxicology, 2008)After Uni I mostly travelled and didn’tuse my degree at all! I am now livingin Oxford and studying for an MSc inApplied Human Nutrition at OxfordBrookes University, where I am alsoworking full-time in the Business Schoolas an administrator in the InternationalCentre for Coaching and LeadershipDevelopment. Once my MSc iscompleted I am hoping to move intointernational nutrition and public healthpolicies.Erin Foong Sook Ping(bcom Marketing and Marketing Management,2007)I worked in an oil and gas firm for abouta year and moved on to FMCG lines. I wasin the perishable sector for a year‐andhalfand then ventured into personalcare as a Brand Executive. I am currentlyworking in a brand consulting firm asSenior Brand Executive; brushing up mycommunication skills as well as gettingexposure on brand research and strategicskills.Karen Sutton(bsc Biology and Molecular Biology, 2003)I worked for the Institute of Immunologyand Infectious Diseases for eight years.I was initially based at Royal PerthHospital and with a large amount offunding from the federal governmentthey now have a new building atMurdoch Uni. I have been working forSilver Chain as a Quality Co-ordinatorfor the past three months after theexperience gained in being involved inaccreditation at IIID and was recentlyaccepted into Curtin’s MBA program.Summer Goodwin(ba Mass Communication/Public Relations andJournalism, 2005)I moved to Darwin after graduatingto break into journalism. I worked forthe NT News for two‐and‐a‐half yearsand then in PR for Tourism NT. I alsodid freelance work for magazines andthe NT Government. This led to beingheadhunted for a marketing role, writingonline content for Charles DarwinUniversity. I relocated to Melbourne inJanuary this year after securing a positionat Swinburne University of Technology asa PR Executive.22

Raghav Lal(Mba, 2011 - Dubai)I am currently working in the capacityof Strategy and Business DevelopmentManager for the Murdoch campusin Dubai and was involved with thesuccessful launch of the campus in2008. We started with 18 studentsand currently have over 450 studentsenrolled at the University with70 students graduating from theMBA program to join the Murdochalumni, along with our first batch ofundergraduate students graduating inMay 2011.Campbell Jefferys(ba History, 1998)I am now working as a writer in Germany.That means novels, journalism, ad copyand even teaching creative writingat the University of Hamburg. I havea couple of books out, won someawards (all very small potatoes), andwas writer in residence at the PeterCowan Writers’ Centre in 2008. Duringthe last decade, I got to live and workin lots of different places, and evenhad a stint writing books for RoughGuides. One of the people who gaveme a push to become a writer wasProfessor Robert Reece. I owe him athank you the next time I’m in Perth.Irena Chandrawana(bsc Environmental Science, 2004/Hons, 2006)I completed my honours project basedin organic chemistry under supervisionof Mr Doug Clark. I am currently workingas a Research Scientist for a large miningcompany. My work oscillates aroundimprovements to Bayer process andimpurity removal. A small part of my timeis also dedicated to the monitoring andmanagement of air emissions.Rajkumar Rajendra(bcom Accounting/Economics, 1992)I worked in telecommunications and ITwith companies like SingTel, NWT and HPbefore I took a year off to travel and ‘findmyself’. I then decided to give somethingback and am now with an environmentalnot‐for‐profit organisation that looks atmaking paper a sustainable resource.We get companies to offset their paperusage by contributing to plant trees. Weplant them as a crop and the proceeds ofthe harvest go into planting more treeswhich effectively doubles our numberevery 12 years. Exponentially 10 trees acompany plants today would give them10,000 trees in 120 years and a greatpositive legacy for their grandkids toenjoy. I’m also getting the Sydney alumnitogether so anyone based in Sydneyshould connect with me and I’ll let youknow about our next get-together!Contact Rajendra on +62 8 08 7544 orrajr@10thousandtrees.comJack HM Wong(bcom/LLB, 1994)I am currently based in Singapore (aftermigrating from Hong Kong back in 1994)as a tax consultant for one of the world'slargest law firms. At the same time, I ama trainer for a local company in Singaporein the area of wealth building andcreation. I also completed both MBA andLLM in two Singapore universities in 2001and 2004 respectively.Andrea See(bcom Marketing, 1999)I’ve worked as a journalist in Singapore,run my own magazine in China, andworked in marketing for a literarypublisher in Scotland. I’m currentlybased in England, working freelanceand running an online community for apopular young adult author.Stuart Latter(ba Politics and International Studies, 1999/Hons, 2001).After a couple of attempts at a PhD,and a great deal of tutoring in PIS units,I was employed as a Policy Officer inthe office of the Minister for CorrectiveServices in the Carpenter Government in2008. After the election I held positionsin the Department for Communitiesand WorkCover WA. In 2009 I moved toCanberra to take up a position with theDepartment of Education, Employmentand Workplace Relations. I am stillwith the Department and am now anAssistant Director in the Skills Group,with responsibility for the day-to-daymanagement of a vocational educationand training infrastructure program.Bruce Chow(Bsc Chiropractic, 2009)Since graduating I have establisheda multi-disciplinary wellness clinic inKalamunda – the Kalamunda WellnessCentre. I currently have six practitionerswith another due to start soon.Nanette Jones(Grad Cert HRM & Safety, 2005)After graduating I worked as anEnvironmental Health and Safety Managerfor a large pharmaceutical manufacturingplant and, while there, I completed aMaster of Leadership Management. Overthe last three years I have established anOSH Specialist Advisory business here inPerth and now have a really great teamworking with me. I love the diversity ofworking with many different businesses.Damian Ward(bcom, 1992)Since graduating I have lived outsideAustralia in various places includingSingapore, the Philippines, the UnitedStates and Spain. During those years I haveworked with and for global trading, steel,and engineering companies, developingmarkets and product lines for advancedsteel tubulars used in the energy industryto explore, develop, and transporthydrocarbons, steam, CO2, water, andother media. Whilst in Houston in 2007,I founded a small consulting and tradingcompany. We are focused on developinginternational trade and technology alliancesin the energy tubular sector. Since 2007I have been lucky enough to combinethese professional pursuits with a life inBarcelona, Spain. Barcelona is my wife’shometown. We have shared the last 12years of adventure with our three beautifulchildren. Last but not least, I am a memberof Football Club Barcelona!Alice Yeow(ba Psychology, 2005)After graduating from Murdoch I wentto Curtin to pursue an interest in culturalstudies and fine art. I am now doing myPhD at Curtin. My thesis is about the‘art’ of cosmetic surgery in the age ofglobalisation. While still studying, I planto do a bit of freelance writing/editing,and to continue teaching in Perth. Afterthat, who knows? I will be giving mysecond international presentation atOxford University in July.We'd love to know what you've been doing since graduation. Send us your story: alumni@murdoch.edu.au23

Alumni ContactsIf you’re a graduate of Murdoch University in any degree, diploma or certificatethen you are one of our wonderful alumni! Chances are that wherever life hastaken you you’ll find fellow Murdochians somewhere nearby. Our groups andchapters would love to hear from you. If none of the groups below is close or suitsyour interests you might like to consider starting one yourself – and we are hereto help. Alumni Relations can assist with contacting alumni in your area or from anold sporting group or even from the School or degree you studied in.For more information see our website atwww.murdoch.edu.au/Alumni/Perth based alumni contACts,groups & chaptersSchool of Biological Sciencesand BiotechnologyAssociate Professor Carolyn JonesTelephone: +61 8 9360 2159Email: C.Jones@murdoch.edu.auWeb: www.bsb.murdoch.edu.auMurdoch Business SchoolSteve KlompTelephone: +61 8 9360 7610Mobile: +61 417 184 789Email: S.Klomp@murdoch.edu.auWeb: www.mbs.murdoch.edu.auSchool of Chemicaland Mathematical SciencesProfessor Walter BloomTelephone: +61 8 9360 2143Email: W.Bloom@murdoch.edu.auWeb: www.cms.murdoch.edu.auSchool of Engineering and EnergyProfessor Parisa Arabzadeh BahriTelephone: +61 8 9360 7227Email: P.Bahri@murdoch.edu.auWeb: www.see.murdoch.edu.auSchool of LawFlavia ZimmermannTelephone: +61 8 9360 2709Email: flavia.zimmermann@murdoch.edu.auWeb: www.law.murdoch.edu.auSchool of Nursing and MidwiferyAssociate Professor Heather GluyasTelephone: +61 8 9582 5503Email: H.Gluyas@murdoch.edu.auWeb: www.nursing.murdoch.edu.auSchool of PsychologyAssociate Professor Pia BroderickTelephone: +61 8 9360 2860Email: P.Broderick@murdoch.edu.auWeb: www.psychology.murdoch.edu.auInternational alumni chapters,intEREst groups and contACtsBotswanaDaniel C MalumbelaTelephone: +267 7 120 2683Email: dmalumbela@debswana.bwFranceSerge LambertTelephone: +33 (0) 4 92 17 51 67Mobile: +33 (0) 6 03 35 64 17Email: slambert@teamcotedazur.frIndonesiaNita JodanaTelephone: +62 21 23519 522Email: nita.jodana@daimler.comJapanSayuri OkufujiEmail: idaimae@comet.ocn.ne.jpMalaysiaAdrian OngEmail: adrianongleo@unifi.mySingaporeDarrell EeTelephone: +65 9639 0365Email: eedarrell@yahoo.com.sgSpencer TengTelephone: +65 8113 1313Email: steng8@yahoo.com.sgSchool of Chiropracticand Sports ScienceDr Deb NookTelephone: +61 8 9360 6870Email Address: d.nook@murdoch.edu.auWeb: www.chiropractic.murdoch.edu.auSchool of Environmental ScienceProfessor Richard BellTelephone: +61 8 9360 2370Email: R.Bell@murdoch.edu.auWeb: www.environment.murdoch.edu.auMatt PorterTelephone: +61 8 9429 7420or 0438 918 829Email: Matt.Porter@MinterEllison.comSchool of Veterinary ScienceJan ExeterTelephone: +61 8 9360 6144Email: J.Exeter@murdoch.edu.auWeb: http://vetbiomed.murdoch.edu.au/alumniAustRAlian contACtsMelbourneLinda WhittakerEmail: jonlindammy@iprimus.com.auSydneyDr Janet ChewEmail: janet.chew@acu.edu.auRajendra RajkumarTelephone: +6 2 8080 7544Email: rajr@10thousandtrees.comThailandSomsak SoonthornnawaphatTelephone: +66 2662 4029 Ext 122Mobile: +66 1 754 4548Email: Somsak@iucnt.orgNew York, USAAndy DaulatzaiEmail: daulatz@myway.comVietnamDavid MullerTelephone: +84 9 0258 9687Email: davidgmuller@gmail.comFor further enquires please contact:Alumni Relations OfficeMurdoch UniversityTelephone: +61 8 9360 6668Email: alumni@murdoch.edu.auWeb: www.murdoch.edu.au/Alumni24MDJno6797/09/11/CCPR