grounded in the business - University of Western Sydney

GradLifeCONTENTSGrounded in the business 4Taking on talkback 6Margaret’s passion counts 7A life imprint 8Expressing hidden feelings through art 10Fighting for justice 11Gradlife donor interview: Lisa Giacomelli 12Ten years on from the Tampa – refugees denied human rights 14UWS NEWS 16• Teacher of the year makes chemistry cool 16• Telehealth research: the thrill is at UWS 16• Through the ranks 17• UWS appoints new Dean of Medicine 17Winning the numbers game 18New forensics facility a reality 19GRADLIFE 20UWS Alumni GradLife benefits 20Donation a boost for students 21Bringing the GIANTS to Greater Western Sydney 22CHAPTER NEWS 24• Reaching out 24• Cooperative Connections 25ALUMNI ONLINE 25Alumni social networking online 25RECENT EVENTS 26• 2011 Hong Kong Award Ceremony 26• Shell-shocked: Australia after Armistice Exhibition 27• September Graduation Ceremonies 27UPCOMING EVENTS 28Stay connected 28GradLife, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith NSW 2751 Australiawww.uws.edu.au/alumni Email: alumni@uws.edu.au Tel: 02 9678 7670Design: iMedia and Design Services, UWS Office of Partnership & Public Affairs. SCS2976Journalist: Freya PurnellAlumni Relations: Robert Wendon, Rosemary TurnerAlumni Enquiries: Rosemary Turner Tel: 02 9678 7668Editorial Enquiries: Wayne Hickson Tel: 02 9678 7511© Copyright 2011No responsibility is accepted by the University, publisher or printerfor the accuracy of the information contained in the magazine.

It is exciting to see members of the extended family of University of Western SydneyAlumni making a significant impact on their world. Each issue of GradLife containsnews of graduates from a broad range of academic disciplines who have excelled intheir chosen fields.In this issue business graduate Aaron McKie, who was recently appointed to theposition of Chief Executive Officer for the Hungry Jack’s chain of restaurants, revealshow UWS prepared him for his new role.UWS Law graduate Deng Thiak Adut is one of only a handful of New South Walessolicitors who was born in the Sudan. Deng shares his remarkable story and tellshow he is using his connections to help the Sudanese community.Our oldest known UWS alumnus, 96 year old agriculture graduate Max Woods,made the trip from his home in Glen Innes to the Hawkesbury campus to re-livefond memories from his days at the Hawkesbury Agricultural College.UWS Alumni sports fans will enjoy a sneak preview of the new Greater WesternSydney AFL team as it prepares to make its mark in the 2012 national AFLcompetition.I encourage you to register your interest for membership of the UWS GradLifeBenefits program, through the UWS Alumni site, and enjoy the range of benefitsoffered free of charge to members.I hope you will enjoy reading about our graduate’s achievements and continue tostay connected to your university.Professor Janice Reid AMVice-ChancellorUniversity of Western SydneyProfessor Janice Reid AMVice-ChancellorUniversity of Western Sydney

Grounded inthe businessHUNGRY JACK’S NEWLY APPOINTED AUSTRALIAN CEO IS UWS GRADUATEAARON MCKIE. HERE HE SHARES THE SECRET OF HIS REMARKABLE RISETHROUGH THE RANKS TO BURGER KING.Aaron McKie’s career at fast food retailerHungry Jack’s received a boost whenhe studied a Master of Commerce(Human Resource Management andIndustrial Relations) at UWS. Whenhe began this part-time degree,the busy father of three was a stateoperations manager for Hungry Jack’s,where he had worked for 16 years.Following his graduation in 2010, hewas appointed CEO earlier this year.Having been in his former role forfour years, Aaron was encouraged toreturn to study to open more doors inhis career by the Hungry Jack’s HRmanager, who was also a lecturer atUWS. By this time, he knew the HungryJack’s business ‘inside and out’ andwas able to devote some time to study.Aaron completed a Bachelor ofBusiness in property economics back in1996 (while working at Hungry Jack’s)following a four-year stint in the armyafter high school. He says returning toacademia after a long period away wasquite a culture shock for the 35-yearoldmature age student – ‘but onethat I relished and thoroughly enjoyedmore than I ever thought I would’.The support of his employer inprioritising his study in the contextof his busy life was also important.Aaron’s mentor encouraged himto put all distractions to the side ifhe had sat down to study – evenif a restaurant was on fire.‘[He said] everything else could bedelegated and someone else couldmanage short-term issues. So I reallytook from him, as a mentor late in hiscareer, that this was really importantand that from a company [point of]view, this was something that wasreally valuable. And because it tookpriority, that was how I approached it.’Having a Masters in HRM/IR (asopposed to an MBA) is probablyunique for someone in his position,says Aaron, and something thatis appealing to employers.‘For me, the program hasn’t beenjust about developing the numbers inHungry Jack’s, it’s about developingstaff leadership capabilities, and havinga qualification with a major in humanresources is definitely guiding the stepsthat I’m taking in the business.’With his new qualification andposition, Aaron says he now has thecapacity to move the business forwardinto growth opportunities that he hadidentified in the past, such as makingHungry Jack’s more convenient,delivering a better menu, and broadeningthe company’s customer base.Returning to university also gaveAaron the chance to interact withcolleagues from a diverse culturalbackground, and to be exposed todifferent industries and markets.‘Having the opportunity to associatewith international students brought out alot of different perspectives and points ofview that I didn’t have, so it really helpedme become a lot more commercial.’The conversations during breaks werealso a great source of information totake back into the workforce, he says.‘I’ve still got notes from the downtimeconversations. I’ve used some of thestudent’s ideas, especially with certainprograms within the business.’It was during this period thatAaron began formulating the HungryJack’s ‘school of excellence’ program(which launched in mid-October).At this stage the program enablessenior management and senior levelmanagers to do a two-year diplomacourse and through a consultingcompany, get some face to face, ‘reallife’commercial based learning.‘It’s a program that I spent a lot of timethinking about when I was at uni, so I’mreally happy to see that come to fruition.’Aaron says his studies at universityalso reinforced for him that he was onthe right path. Seeing that his approach– which had previously been instinctive– was in line with current businessstrategies and ‘new age’ managementmethods also provided confirmationthat he was on the right track.‘I always knew I had the capacityand the skill but it was good to align itthrough the academic work I was doing.It was quite reassuring on a weekly basisto know that what I was doing was right.’Aaron says having lecturers withreal-world experiences that wereeasy to relate to on a businessand personal level was important.Inspiration also came from studyinga culmination of diverse subjects thatinterlinked across the two years.‘Putting all that together andusing that information as a wholewas the key benefit for me.’What has been particularly helpfulfrom his studies at UWS are practicesaround Human Resource Managementsuch as engaging the workforce,understanding wellbeing programs,understanding the psyche of people– what they respond to and what theydon’t – and how to manage a largegeographical area with local issues.In his everyday working life, Aaronsays one of the big things for himis having a sign in his office thatasks, ‘What am I doing today tomake my manager’s job easier’.‘I guess coming through theranks makes me quite unique withinHungry Jack’s and my owner says4 GradLife November 2011

Taking on talkbackHeralded as a forerunner of a new generation in talkbackradio, radio and TV host Paul Murray (UWS Bachelor of Arts –Humanities) has taken on a new challenge this year – hostingthe drive program on Sydney radio station 2UE.The UWS graduate joined 2UE inFebruary 2011 as part of an allnewline-up designed to changethe station’s approach to talkradio as part of its relaunch.Charged with delivering ‘a fast-pacedbreakdown of current affairs each day’,it is a more serious turn from his last roleas co-host of the drive shift on Triple M.Paul previously worked in thenewsrooms of 2GB, 2SM andNova 96.9.Rounding out his schedule assurely one of the busiest men inAustralia media, Paul also presentsa nightly prime-time talk show onSky News, Paul Murray Live.Growing up in Sydney’s north-west,Paul completed a Bachelor of Arts(Humanities) part-time at UWS. Buthe wasn’t always keen on going touniversity, having not enjoyed school.‘My girlfriend, and her wonderfullyinspiring mum, convinced me to goto a UWS Open Day. By the end ofthe afternoon, I was in love with thecampus and intrigued by the course,’he says. ‘My years at UWS, the peopleI learnt from and the students I learntwith brought, without doubt, theturning point of my life. The coursebroadened every possible horizon andinformed my way of thinking aboutvirtually everything to this day.’But his passion for the media startedmuch earlier. Paul says in the same waysome kids just knew they wanted toplay cricket for Australia, he knew healways wanted to work in radio. Evenas a child, he listened to talkback on hisclock radio at home, and he is a selfconfessed‘radio tragic and news junkie’.When he began working innewsrooms, this led to an amazingarray of experiences on the job.‘By 25, I’d been to court, a federalbudget lock-up, seen people shoton the street, talked to rock stars atthe Arias, and done plenty of oneon-oneswith the Prime Minister.’One of his best moments as a reporterwas during the 2001 Sydney bushfires.‘Then-Prime Minister John Howardrecognised I was a local boy duringthe Marsfield fires and spoke to mebefore the rest of the pack,’ he says.His journalistic work on this event,as well as the federal election and thecollapse of Ansett, was acknowledgedwith the Brian White Award for radioreporter of the year in 2002.By contrast, crime reporting wasalways his least favourite task, ‘becauseof the obvious unpleasantness,and court stories, because of theconsequences of getting it wrong’.Paul’s days now are a whirlwindof digging into the news of the dayto plan his shows and then a hecticafternoon and evening of presenting.Paul also loves using Twitter as atool to keep up with what’s going on inthe world of news and current affairs,and tweets as part of his own show.Already a seasoned media veteranin his early 30s, Paul believes that tosucceed in this competitive arena, thereare some critical attributes you need.‘For me it is an ability to see andassess what’s in front of you, butbe more interested in the margins. Ialso think you need to be very awareof the way you deal with others.This is a craft, not an ego trip.’And for those wanting to forge acareer as journalists or broadcasters,be willing to work for free, he says.‘You’d be surprised how often bossesdon’t look further than the room for asolution. Do whatever you can to getinto that room. And when you get there,take time to talk to people who’vebeen there longer than you. I’d also berealistic about what you can achievein the first couple of years. They don’thire newsreaders fresh out of uni.’6 GradLife November 2011

Margaret’spassion countsUWS graduate Dr Margaret Drever has combined her passionsfor the pursuit of learning and community involvement in a stellarcareer in the accounting profession. Her current role, as Presidentof the NSW Division of CPA Australia, marks the culmination of heracademic and professional journey.After spending seven years as astay-at-home mum to three children,Margaret worked at Boral for 13years as an accountant. ‘My rolewas to look after the Port KemblaSlag Plant, reconcile the wages, paythe salaried staff, and maintain theasset register, which was about $127million. Technology changed so muchduring this time. Manual accountingfor taxation moved from A3 sheets tocomputerisation,’ Margaret says.While at Boral, she studied aBachelor of Commerce in Accountingat UWS, graduating in 1994, and thenbecame a TAFE accounting teacher.‘Studying this degree opened doorsfor me to follow my goals,’ she says.Seeking further education, Margaretcompleted a Master of Economicswith specialisations in Accounting andEntrepreneurship at the Universityof New England, and then beganwhat would be an 11-year stint withSouthern Cross University, first asan Associate Lecturer in 1996.During her time at Southern Cross,Margaret had the opportunity toconduct workshops overseas inHong Kong and Shanghai – andsome challenges she experiencedled to an unexpected opportunity.‘International students struggledin understanding the concepts inaccounting theory. I started to puttogether mind maps in order for themto get the flow of the materials. I had aconversation with Wiley Publishers abouthow to address accounting theory in adifferent way,’ she says. ‘They believedin me and we went ahead and produceda workbook in 2004, then a textbookin 2007 that included mind maps.’Setting an even higher goal for herself,Margaret then undertook a Doctor ofPhilosophy, completing it in 2006 witha thesis entitled ‘Determinants of SmallBusiness Liquidity in Australia’, and laterbecame the Director of Accounting andBusiness Programs at Charles SturtUniversity Study Centre, and an AdjunctAssociate Professor with Charles SturtUniversity – a role she still holds today.Margaret has a passion for smallbusiness research, and supervisesa PhD student investigating therelationship between banks and smallbusiness. Over the years, she has alsobeen involved with Small EnterpriseAssociation of Australia and New Zealand(SEAANZ) and International Council ofSmall Business (ICSB) conferences.Margaret’s association with CPAAustralia began in 1994 when she was amember. She later became the CampusLiaison Officer for SCU’s Coffs Harbourcampus, and was the Branch Chair forNorthern Rivers for two years. In 2004,she was elected to the NSW DivisionalCouncil of CPA Australia, and was madea Fellow of the association in 2006.‘Through my work with CPA AustraliaI was a liaison officer for the SmallBusiness Committee. Today, I am partof the NSW Division of CPA AustraliaSME Taskforce,’ Margaret says.While she left full-time employmentin 2009 to spend quality time withher frail mother and work part-time,Margaret maintained her links withthe industry bodies. In 2010 she waselected as a Deputy President of theNSW Division of CPA Australia, andwas then voted as President in 2011.‘It has been a privilege to be part ofNSW Divisional Council of CPA Australiaover the last seven years,’ she says.Among the highlights of her time asPresident this year with CPA Australia,Margaret says, were meeting Max Walkerat its Newcastle Convention and talkingto him about cricket, shaking the handof Neil Armstrong – the first man to walkon the moon – at a celebration of 125years for CPA Australia, being involvedwith the Board of Studies to developthe HSC Financial Services Curriculum,being involved in the launch of theTAFE Associate Degree, and seeing hermentee complete the CPA program.‘I found that teaching and mentoringgo hand in hand to foster students’wellbeing. I remember all too wellwhat it was like as an undergraduatestudent in a sea of other undergraduatestudents and only being a number.Having mentors on campus providesan opportunity for students to enjoynetworking from day one,’ she says.In terms of what the future holdsfor Margaret, she says she is lookingforward to providing service to thecommunity, enjoying what life has to offer,and being available for whatever elsecomes her way – whether that is writingmore books, working at a universityagain or taking on board positions.Margaret’s advice to others? ‘Becreative – use the skills you haveavailable. Have integrity, as your ethicswill show you the way. Show leadershipand treat people the way you want tobe treated. Mentor others – along myjourney I have had mentors or peoplethat motivated me. Listen to others,as there are always two sides to astory. And be organised, you will besurprised what you can achieve!’»»For more information on Accountingcourses at UWS visit:www.uws.edu.au/accounting/soaGradLife November 2011 7

Expressinghidden feelingsthrough artA challenging but ultimately rewarding therapeutic relationship with a young hospital patient duringher final internship prompted art therapist, social worker and UWS graduate Sonia Stace to shareher experiences and insights with other therapists.Her journal article, ‘Confusion andcontainment: Art therapy with anadolescent hospitalised with paediatricneuropsychiatric Systemic LupusErythematosus’ was publishedin the International Journal of ArtTherapy in June this year.Sonia studied the Master of ArtTherapy at UWS, adding to otherprofessional qualifications includinga Bachelor of Social Work (FirstClass Honours) and a Diplomaof Statutory Child Protection.The journal article came about whenshe was working with several childrenand young people at a children’s hospitalduring her final internship. Strugglingwith uncertainty regarding the valueof her therapeutic relationship withone particular young person, ‘Wendy’,Sonia found the lack of informationabout art therapy and Wendy’s medicalcondition, paediatric neuropsychiatricSystemic Lupus Erythematosusmade this even more difficult.‘Wendy displayed limited non-verbaland verbal communication, and herpresentation differed from week toweek and often fluctuated during eachsession, so it was necessary for me tohelp Wendy engage with art therapy,’Sonia says. ‘Art therapy assisted toprovide a safe space where engagementand containment were enabled,Wendy’s difficult feelings were managed,themes emerged, and a meaningfultherapeutic relationship developed.’Having achieved a good outcomethrough her work with Wendy, Soniawanted to share this experience withothers, in the hope that it would assistin their therapeutic work, and havingher article published in an internationaljournal not only ensured it would reacha broad audience of art therapists, butalso boosted her professional credibility.Now working in private practice,Sonia offers a range of servicesbased on the art therapy and socialwork professions, including therapy/counselling for individuals, siblings,families and groups, and professionalsupervision for other art therapistsand social workers. She also locumsas an art therapist at a private mentalhealth hospital and works part-time asa social worker in child protection.Art therapy is now being usedthroughout a wide array of healthservices, including mental and medicalhealth, aged care, disability servicesand child protection. It’s not aboutcreating impressive artworks, and peopledon’t have to be artistic to benefit.‘I use art therapy to, for instance,improve people’s insight, processany past trauma and resolve innerconflicts. I generally invite people toexplore their feelings using the artmaterials, or to make an artwork abouthow they are feeling or an issue theywould like to address,’ Sonia says.‘I think part of the reason art therapyis effective is because the person cansee their artwork while its meaningsemerge (or ‘feel’ their artwork, if theperson is visually impaired). This canbe very powerful as the person canactually ‘look at’ the meanings in theirartwork. The meanings that emergecan help the person gain insight andprocess their feeling and experiences.‘I have also found that people whohave found it difficult to verbalise theirfeelings have shown their art therapyartworks, which hold such powerfulimages, to other health professionals(and significant people) to help themexplain how they are feeling.’Sonia now plans to author orco-author a book involving casestudies of some of the children,young people and adults she andher colleagues have worked with.‘I find working as an art therapistto be very rewarding. It is particularlyrewarding assisting people to expressfeelings that may have been “hidden”in their subconscious, or that they mayhave had difficulty verbalising. I feelhonoured to witness the insight theperson gains in relation to their self, andhow the art assists them to process theirexperiences, thoughts and feelings.’»»For more information on studying theMaster of Art Therapy at UWS visitwww.uws.edu.au/postgraduate10 GradLife November 2011

SCHOLARSHIPSNAPSHOTDean ZinghiniDean is a second year UWSMedical Student and scholarshiprecipient. Dean is 100%committed to his community,echoed by his desire to one daypractise in his local area.‘When I finish, the most beneficialimpact I will have on a communityis to work in a regional setting asa doctor. Even though it presentsmore challenges it will be morerewarding.’Ashleigh MarkowskiAshleigh is a third year Designstudent at UWS and scholarshiprecipient. She is also anambassador in her community.Ashleigh uses her free timeto mentor secondary schoolstudents thinking of applying touniversity.‘Helping out and volunteeringin my local community is reallyimportant – I want to inspireothers just like my scholarshipinspires me.’Lisa GiacomelliGradLife November 2011 13

Opinion piece:ten years on from theTampa – refugees deniedfundamental rightsUWS Law School Professor Michael Head reviews the controversial Malaysia Solution.Inflated claims have been made bysome lawyers about the August 31High Court ruling on the refugee‘Malaysian Solution’ – such as that thecourt has become a ‘people’s court’and a de facto court of human rights.In reality, the court’s decision wasan extremely narrow one. It leavesin place the system of ‘onshore’detention within Australia – a systemthat denies fundamental legal anddemocratic rights to asylum seekers,such as to seek political protectionwithout being penalised, and notto be detained without trial.It should be recalled that in 2001,the High Court permitted the forcedremoval of the Tampa refugees toNauru, and in 2004 the court ruledthat the government could keeprefugees detained within onshoreAustralian detention centres indefinitely,even in violation of international law,including the International Covenanton Civil and Political Rights.The latest High Court decisionwas based on an interpretationof specific sections of theMigration Act and the Immigration(Guardianship of Children) Act.In particular, section 198A(3) of theMigration Act was interpreted to reflectobligations under the internationalRefugee Convention. These obligationsare minimal: not to deport someone whois officially classified as a refugee to facepolitical persecution and not to punishpeople making protection applications.As several judges made clear,the ruling does not prohibit otherversions of so-called offshoreprocessing, as long as they satisfythese very limited requirements.The High Court decision leavesintact mandatory detention, that is, theimprisonment of all asylum seekersarriving in boats – a punitive regimethat, in effect, violates the RefugeeConvention by seeking to deterrefugees from exercising their rightto seek asylum. Australia is the onlycountry to maintain such compulsorydetention, which was first introducedby a Labor government in the 1990s.Much of the commentary surroundingthe court’s ruling was guided by theconception that detention is acceptableas long as the Australian governmentremains in control of the process. Thisstandpoint ignores the fact that thetreatment of asylum seekers in Australianfacilities is punitive and degrading, andhas caused immense personal suffering.Across Australia’s detentionnetwork, incidents of self harm, mostoften through attempted suicide ormass hunger strikes, have escalated.According to statistics obtained bythe Ombudsman from the ImmigrationDepartment, there were 1132 instancesof actual or threatened self-harm in12 months – an average of three perday. In just one week during July,there were 50 such incidents.In line with the reaction of successivegovernments to any challenge byincarcerated refugees to the denial oftheir fundamental rights, the federalgovernment has responded withrepression, including the use of teargas and rubber bullets. Desperateprotests by inmates, attempting to drawpublic attention to their plight, havebeen met with the arbitrary removalof demonstrators to high-securityprisons and threats by governmentministers to retaliate by strippingrefugees of their right to seek asylum.The experience of the past twodecades suggests that the conditionsinside the detention centres will onlyworsen as asylum seekers wait longerand longer for decisions on their visaapplications. The High Court late lastyear held that detainees on ChristmasIsland could not be denied accessto the courts. Given the numbers ofdetainees and the lengthy nature ofthe official and judicial processes,however, many are likely to remainimprisoned, waiting months, if notyears, for appeal outcomes.The government’s move to circumventthe latest ruling reveals a contempt forbasic legal norms. Its draft legislationeffectively repudiated the requirementsof the Refugee Convention, placed allpower in the personal hands of theimmigration minister to declare anycountry an ‘offshore processing country’in the ‘national interest’ and precludedany overriding vote by parliament.More fundamentally, the entirepolitical establishment, including theGreens, advocate some form of ‘borderprotection’ regime, which ultimatelymeans using military force, in oneway or another, either to physically‘turn back the boats’ or to otherwiseblock refugees. Intrinsically, it deniesthe right to flee persecution andseek asylum, which means nothingif countries shut their borders.Political and media commentatorsgenerally attribute this policy towidespread public hostility torefugees. An interesting opinionpoll conducted by Fairfax Media,however, found just 25 percentsupport for ‘offshore processing’.To the extent that anti-refugeesentiment exists among certain layersof the population, it is largely the resultof political and media campaignsaimed at fomenting xenophobic fearsabout the country being ‘under siege’or facing ‘invasion’ by hordes of aliensresponsible for driving ‘Australians’14 GradLife November 2011

‘... the court’sdecision wasan extremelynarrow one.It leaves inplace a systemthat deniesfundamentallegal anddemocraticrights toasylumseekers’Professor Michael Headout of jobs, lowering their wages andcutting their living standards. Suchrhetoric has always been used intimes of economic crisis to deflectdomestic discontent away from thereal culprits – the political and rulingelite and the profit system itself.Not only the right to asylum but amore basic democratic principle isat stake in this issue: that all peopleshould have the elementary rightto live and work with full citizenshiprights in any country of their choosing.Without that fundamental rightthey can be denuded of virtuallyany other civil and political right.GradLife November 2011 15

$50,000 donationa boost for studentsFormer Blacktown HospitalCEO Derek Howes and hiswife Shirley have donated$50,000 to the UWS Schoolof Medicine to support theawarding of an annual prizeto students. The donationcoincides with the openingof the University’s newBlacktown Mt Druitt ClinicalSchool and Research Centre.Mr Howes spent 20 years as the CEO ofBlacktown Hospital, from 1966 to 1986.He oversaw the development of thehospital from a 162-bed facility to a keyDistrict hospital, with 365 beds, cateringfor the needs of a growing community.A strong advocate for continuingeducation, Mr Howes was alsoresponsible for the implementationof a staff specialist program atBlacktown Hospital which resulted inthe appointment of Professor PeterZelas, now Clinical Dean at the UWSSchool of Medicine Clinical Schoollocated at Blacktown Hospital.The UWS School of MedicineBlacktown Mt Druitt Clinical School andResearch Centre will provide practicaltraining for UWS medical students and,over time, enhance health servicesavailable in the local community.In Mr Howes’ experience, it isthis close and ongoing interactionbetween doctors and studentsthat leads to higher standards andbetter outcomes for patients.‘It became clear to me thatwhen an atmosphere of continuingeducation exists it brings with it anassociated increase in efficiencyand standards as teachers striveto stay ahead of students.’Mr Howes has personal experienceof the value of education and thelife-changing impact it can have.‘I grew up in East London in prettypoor circumstances but my parentswere determined for me to breakthe class mould. With the help of ascholarship, and my parents virtuallydepriving themselves of everything butnecessities, I was given an excellenteducation and put on a pathway where Ifelt I belonged: hospital administration.’Mr and Mrs Howes are incrediblypassionate about both health careand education and are particularlycommitted to supporting the visionthe University of Western Sydney hasfor increasing the aspirations of localstudents and improving access to andstandards of health care in the region.To be awarded for the first timein 2011, the prestigious Derek andShirley Howes Prize for Medicine willrecognise and inspire future medicalpractitioners studying at UWS andinstil in them the importance ofcontinuing education – a key themeof the new facility at Blacktown.To find out more about supportingthe UWS School of Medicineplease contact UWS Developmentat giving@uws.edu.au.GradLife November 2011 21

The GWS Giants will open the 2012 season with a stand-alonematch against the Sydney Swans at the ANZ Stadium Sydneyon Saturday, 24 March – five days before the second game ofthe season between Richmond and Carlton at the MCG.secured a role in community marketingand fan development with the AFL.Her work covers two levels –increasing participation in AFL amongkids and senior players at the state level,and working on national AFL events.‘For example, the AFL draft iscoming to Sydney for the first timethis year, which is exciting, and weare basically running the event here inSydney with the help of the nationalAFL office in Melbourne,’ Tina says.‘I also work with the Sydney Swansand GWS GIANTS on their supportermarketing campaigns as well asgame day events, where we leverageopportunities through our (AFL)database to engage supporters.’Being part of the developmentis both very exciting andchallenging, according to Tina.‘NSW, especially Sydney, is spoiltfor choice in terms of different codesand different activities in general, sowe’re trying to tap into that marketto get them to enjoy our code. It’sjust giving the kids and adults inNSW another option and anotheravenue to watch sport,’ she says.From a corporate perspective, itcan also be difficult educating a non-AFL market about the benefits ofpartnering with the GIANTS brand, butaccording to Laura, ‘we are makinggreat in-roads with this and havesome fantastic partners on board’.‘Like any new business, we arerelatively under-resourced, howeverthere is a great culture of “all hands ondeck” amongst our staff,’ Laura says.Despite the challenges, Tina relishes‘being involved in something youenjoy and have a passion for’ as wellas working with a great team, andboth she and Laura look forward todeveloping their careers with the AFL.‘To see how the GIANTS has evolvedin five years and to be a part of thatwould be fantastic,’ Tina says.Laura hopes to eventually ‘becomea strong female leader in the sportsindustry’, but in the meantime,she is looking forward to a veryspecial day: ‘When our players runonto the field for the first time in2012 – history in the making!’FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INTERNSHIPS, JOBS AND WORKEXPERIENCE, CONTACT THE UWS CAREERS & COOPERATIVEEDUCATION UNIT. EMAIL: CAREERS@UWS.EDU.AUGradLife November 2011 23

Chapter NewsReaching outA public relations internshiphelped UWS graduate NaimaOmar secure an exciting fulltimejob as the CommunityParticipation Coordinator fornew AFL team, the GreaterWestern Sydney GIANTS.Naima began her career at UWS Careers& Cooperative Education (CCE) as theCommunications and Events Assistant.Through this role, she found out aboutthe internship, which she says helpedher professional progression immensely.‘It has given me different skills thatI now utilise in my current role suchas time management, organisation,interpersonal skills and a general workethic that has helped not only in thisrole but which I will continue to usethroughout my career,’ Naima says.Her busy role with the GWS GIANTSis focused on several key areas.‘The first is building and strengtheningcommunity relationships – for example,we have a really important and dynamicrelationship with UWS, where we provideUWS students with various opportunitiesto be part of the GIANTS team throughinternships and volunteer opportunities.We love coming to UWS events suchas Open Day to meet with students andto be actively involved in the GreaterWestern Sydney community,’ she says.Naima also looks after CauseRequests from the community, suchas sending out merchandise andpromotional materials, and organisingmeetings with community organisations.‘Requests usually come in from notfor profit organisations, local sportingclubs and educational institutionswhere they seek donations such asGIANTS memorabilia to support theirinitiatives. My job is to review eachrequest and determine the type andlevel of potential GIANTS support.’’‘Another really exciting part of myjob is managing the GIANTS playerappearances. Endless requests comethrough from organisations who ask forGIANTS players to attend an event orGWS star Israel Folau lends a helping handto take part in activities for a specificcause. It is my job to determine whichones are worthwhile, to pitch theappearance request to the GIANTSFootball Department and determinescheduling for the appearance. I amalso required to draw up the Player Briefand at times attend the event itself tomake sure everything runs smoothly.’‘My favourite aspect of the job is thatthe role is very diverse and interactive– I get to liaise with different peopleand different community groups. Iam right in the action!’ she says. ‘It’sa great time to be involved with theGIANTS – it’s fantastic to be part ofthis growing team and the GreaterWestern Sydney community.’Having had such a positive experienceherself, Naima encourages otherstudents to stay in touch with theCooperative Alumni Network (CAN).‘The Cooperative Alumni Network isa fantastic benefit for all UWS studentswho did an internship through theCCE. My advice to CAN members isto stay in touch with UWS and CCE.It is a great network to be a part ofand I love going to CAN functions.You get to listen to amazing guestspeakers from various industries,meet current and former UWS CCEstudents who are starting or well withintheir career. It is a great networkingopportunity, where you exchangeexperiences, ideas, tips and networks.’’‘Also, when you are in a positionto potentially give back, in the wayof providing internship opportunitiesto UWS students, do it. Support thesystem that has supported you!’24 GradLife November 2011

Cooperative ConnectionsalumnionlineUWS ALUMNIFACEBOOK FAN PAGEOur Facebook Fan page continuesto grow with over 1,600 fans!We hope to continue to grow thepage, so spread the word!Happy group at the Coop Awards Night – Left to Right: Michael Cox, EmmalineTuza, Freny Tayebjee, Stacey Moseley, Michelle Duval and Daniel Krimmer.Find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/UWSAlumniUniversity of Western Sydney(UWS) Careers & CooperativeEducation (CCE) providesservices to assist studentsto manage their careers andconnect employers with UWStalent.Through services such as UWSCareer Hub and placement programs,students are provided with a headstart in finding degree-relevant,paid industry experience. Studentsin return create valuable contactsand often find ongoing work.The CCE has also formed theCooperative Alumni Network (CAN)to support and stay in touch withhigh flying past students who havecompleted a placement program.They also assist members to developboth personally and professionally.CAN provides events that offer greatfood, activities and entertainmentthat are of interest to members,as well as offering the chance tonetwork among industry partners.To get involved:»»Like UWS Alumni – CooperativeAlumni Network (CAN) on Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/UWS-Alumni-Cooperative-Alumni-Network-CAN/293692997310676 tofind out what’s happening within thenetwork and share your opinions ontopics of interest.»»Register for the CAN Newsletter –distributed bi-annually. It containsexclusive details on upcoming events.»»Attending CAN functions – giveseveryone a chance to catch up andmingle!FOLLOW UWS ALUMNION TWITTERMore than 700 followers!We encourage all Twitter users tofollow us. Tweet us @UWSAlumni,and help us spread the news evenfurther by re-tweeting (RT) ourposts to your followers.Follow UWS Alumni on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/UWSAlumniEvery UWS graduate is invited to join the Coop Alumni Network.Membership is free. Join online at www.uws.edu.au/CAN.GradLife November 2011 25

upcomingevents 20112012 COOPERATIVEALUMNI NETWORK (CAN)FUNCTIONSBe sure to keep an eye out in the newyear for more information on CAN’s 2012Functions.Not yet a member of CAN? Join online atwww.uws.edu.au/CAN for all of the latestnews and invitations.As we come to the close of another year,the majority of UWS Alumni Events havebeen held. As the majority of events for2012 are still in the planning stages, pleasekeep an eye out for all dates and eventinformation in the new year. For furtherinformation on any of the upcoming UWSevents scheduled, please visit our websiteat www.uws.edu.au/AlumniEvents.AUTUMN GRADUATIONCEREMONIESAPRIL 2012For further information closer to the eventplease visit www.uws.edu.au/NewAlumni.For further information on any of theupcoming scheduled UWS events,please visit our website at www.uws.edu.au/AlumniEventsstay connectedUPDATE YOUR DETAILS, JOIN CHAPTERS AND STAY CONNECTED ONLINE ATWWW.UWS.EDU.AU/KEEPINTOUCHThe University of Western Sydney (UWS) holds our alumni in high esteem, takingpride in each graduate as they progress beyond their studies and into theirchosen career. Assisting more than 130,000 graduates, the objective of the UWSAlumni Unit is to ensure all of our alumni ‘keep in touch’ with their University.Immediately following your graduation or completion of studies at the University of WesternSydney, you become a valued member of the UWS alumni community. We encourageall of our graduates to update their details online and remain connected with UWS.GRADLIFE MEMBERSHIPWe also invite you to join the GradLife Membership Program to gain access to benefitsexclusive to UWS alumni. To find out more, visit www.uws.edu.au/GradLife28 GradLife November 2011