CONNECTIONS

W i n t e r i s s u e 11

www.vu.edu.au
cricos Provider No. 00124K
 CONTENTS
24. FIT FINISH 26. THE BIG CHEESE 28. CAMPUS
TO SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL
Many schoolchildren interested VU academic Nagendra Shah’s VU prides itself on having one
in a sports career are jumping world-class research on improving of the most culturally diverse
at the chance to enrol in a VU the health benefits of dairy student bodies in the country,
sports development diploma as an products has elevated VU in the if not the world.
alternative to VCE or VCAL. eyes of the global dairy industry.

4. VC WELCOME 5. IN BRIEF 8. PATHways 11. DOGS WARM TO 30. OoH LA LA 31. man of peace 32. STUDENTS ‘IN REZ’ 34. T IMES OF TRAUMA
TO SUCCESS TOP END AND CRISIS
The VC writes about the launch Two new honorary degrees, VU’s Pathways program offers Bulldogs players have been To help hospitality students reach VU honours a man whose When a student chooses to live The fires of Black Saturday are
of VU’s new Achievement $705,260 in ARC Linkage Grants students pathways between VU using VU’s heat chamber to the pinnacle of the gastronomic unwavering commitment to human away from home, finding a place now past, but they remain very
Scholarships and that VU is to and the new Victoria University courses, and between VU and acclimatise their bodies before arts, VU has teamed up with rights helped free his country that is comfortable, convenient, much alive for many and have
become the first high-quality Medals for Excellence are just other education providers. heading north to tropical culinary juggernaut, Le Cordon from oppression and lead it to safe and affordable can be tough. important lessons to teach us
hospitality teaching centre in three of this issue’s In Briefs. Darwin for their AFL games. Bleu International. independence and freedom. for the future.
Melbourne’s west.

12. C RISES ON 14. HISTORY OF 15. ROTUNDA 16. A MILLION REASONS 36. LiWC 37. FOREIGN EXPERIENCE 38. SOWING SKILLS 39. N
 ew Books
THE ROAD A RACE CONVERSATIONS A 21-year-old student from
A VU-trained paramedic takes us Alumnus and sports journalist Gary For more than 10 years, literacy Fifty schools in Melbourne’s From 2010, students enrolled Botswana, now studying in A parcel of land the size of Problem gambling, skills in
through his studies at VU and then Watt spent six years researching teacher Bruno Lettieri has been west will each be offered two in almost every VU course will Malaysia, flew to Melbourne in a house block is allowing social work, sport sociology
onto the road after he is recruited the 130-year history of a footrace inviting speakers from the VU Achievements scholarships participate in Learning in the mid July as the lucky winner of a disadvantaged students to expand and the history of the Stawell
by Ambulance Victoria. that has become one of Australia’s Australian literati to evening talk to encourage VCE students to Workplace and Community (LiWC) VU sponsored tour. their options for further education Gift are among the topics of six
most iconic sporting events. fests with students and the public. undertake further study. as part of their assessment. and employment. new books by VU authors.

18. SAP INSIGHT 19. PERFECTLY 20. BRINGING 22. LIVING IN PUBLISHER CONTACT US PHOTOS COVER PHOTO
FRANK THEM HOME LANDSCAPES PHONE +61 3 9919 4956 Sharon Walker Students in VU’s Sport
Marketing and Communications Dept. Tim Burgess Development program.
EMAIL [email protected]
International business Justice Frank Vincent retires as A 66-year-old Master of Arts VU art teacher David Ralph has Victoria University Paul Phillipson See story on page 24.
www.vu.edu.au
management software developer VU’s third Chancellor after eight student and Vietnam War veteran exhibited extensively in Australia PO Box 14428 Ann Marie Angebrandt
SAP donates $1.5 million in years of distinguished service has been researching a feature and overseas; his work explores Melbourne VIC 8001, Australia This publication is printed
software to Victoria University overseeing substantial change of the Vietnam War that has the interplay between the © Victoria University on recycled paper.
each year; what’s in it for them? across the University. preoccupied him for many years. natural environment and the CRICOS Provider No. 00124K
synthetic one.
Background image: ©istockphotos.com/Delefraye Nicolas

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 WELCOME BRIEF
Welcome to the Winter 2009 issue of Connections.

As part of the University’s commitment to providing opportunities for the

NEW MEDALS HONOURABLE MENTION
diverse talent and potential of the young people of the western region of At this year’s onshore June graduations, eight students were awarded with the Two prominent members of the local community and the President of the
Melbourne, I had the great honour in May to announce the launch of our new new Victoria University Medals for Excellence. Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (see story on page 31) were recently
Achievement Scholarships. Starting in 2010, these scholarships will encourage awarded a Doctor of the University honoris causa by VU.
University Medals are awarded to students who have achieved academic
120 secondary students to undertake further study, and will support them
excellence and leadership over the duration of their course. They are awarded in Victorian Magistrate John Doherty received his award principally for his work
for the duration of their tertiary studies. This issue includes a story on these
nine categories: undergraduate in each faculty (6); undergraduate honours (1); with young offenders. For six years he was the magistrate in charge of the
scholarships, which are an Australian-first.
postgraduate by coursework (1); and higher degree by research (1). western suburbs, based at Sunshine.
We are also delighted that we are about to become the first high-quality To be considered for a higher education medal, a student must have attained a Doherty has been responsible for many new initiatives designed to assist
hospitality teaching centre in Melbourne’s west, thanks to a $2.7 million federal high distinction average with no fails over the duration of the course. young offenders to start afresh. Acknowledging the transformative potential of
grant under the Better TAFE Facilities initiative. This good news story describes education, Doherty has been particularly keen to encourage young offenders to
how the funding will be used at our Footscray Nicholson Campus to build new Medals will be awarded biannually at the two onshore Graduation ceremonies
return to education.
state-of-the-art training and demonstration kitchens, and renovate our training to students who are eligible to graduate and have completed their studies in
restaurant. The upgrades will help us build on our industry partnerships with the semester previous to the relevant graduation ceremony. The Hon. Ralph Willis was awarded a doctorate for his service as a federal
world-class organisations such as the Sofitel Hotel Group and Le Cordon Bleu. politician and for his stalwart support of Melbourne’s west. Willis held the seat
Recipients of the 2009 University Medal were: Dr Robert Bozinovski, Gavin
of Gellibrand for 26 years, which covers Melbourne’s inner western suburbs.
Bruce Thistlethwaite, Hasret Niazi, Caroline Anne Lewington, Fiona Christine
As a multi-sector university offering higher, vocational and further education
Nicolson, Robert Gentile, Sarah Kate Westerman and Fiona Louise Morton. Since retiring from politics in 1998 Willis has continued to serve the community.
opportunities, another feature explores VU’s Learning Pathways, which assists
No award was given by VU College. He is currently Chair of Western Health and LeadWest, both important partners
students to move through different courses, as well as between our vocational
of Victoria University.
and higher education sectors. At the mid-year onshore and offshore graduations, VU conferred 8163 awards
(4738 VE/FE, and 3425 in higher education).
You will also read about our very popular Rotunda Conversations with Australian
Writers series, presented several times a year by our Professional Writing
and Editing (TAFE) program. The event is becoming well known beyond the
University for its impressive literary speakers. Helen Garner, John Clarke and
Michael Leunig are recent speakers who shared their wit and wisdom with
students, staff and the community.
ARC GRANTS The Hon. Ralph Willis was awarded a Doctor of the University honoris causa in June.
VU has been awarded three Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grants He is flanked by Michael Feehan and Linda Mellors from Western Health.
After a lifetime of work in the dairy industry, Professor Nagendra Shah,
totalling $705,260.
a lecturer and researcher in the School of Biomedical and Health Sciences at our
Werribee Campus, was recently presented with the California Dairy Research ‘Rural adjustment or structural transformation? Discovering the destinations
Foundation’s prestigious William C. Haines Dairy Science Award. In these pages of exiting farm families’, has funding of $470,000 over six years, and will be
you can read about his research, which has led to groundbreaking developments administered in partnership with the Department of Treasury and Finance. The
in the industry, such as the creation of low-fat mozzarella cheese and the use of findings will recommend policies that facilitate growth and promote sustainable
probiotic bacteria in yoghurt. rural businesses.

These are just some of the University’s recent activities and developments ‘The effect of dietary fish peptides on biomarkers of human health – the
that you can read in this issue. They demonstrate that, despite an increasingly influence of processing conditions and the environment’, has funding of
competitive environment, we continue to be active both within and outside our $156,840 over four years, and will be administered in partnership with the
community, and are confidently meeting the diverse needs of our students. Geelong Food Co-products Cluster. The project will link declining fisheries and
human health.
Professor Elizabeth Harman
‘Innovative zero energy membrane technologies to reduce water consumption
Vice-Chancellor and President
in the dairy’, has funding of $78,420 over four years, and will be administered
August 2009
in partnership with Dairy Innovation Australia. Dairy products contribute $3.27
billion to Australia’s export revenue. Reducing the need for water will ensure the
industry remains competitive.

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 BRIEF BRIEF
HEALTH PEDALERS STUDENT PLATFORM
A team of VU cyclists took turns to pedal more than 500 kilometres in 24 hours A new magazine launched by VU is giving a voice to disengaged young people
in early April to raise money for Western Health.
The 14-member team of staff, alumni and students, dubbed the VU Diamonds,
FUNDING FOR EXCELLENCE who lack positive educational experiences.
Platform is an initiative of the School of Youth, VCE and Community Education.
faced blustery headwinds and rain to complete the Murray to Moyne Cycle Victoria University received $1.8 million in the 2009 round of the Federal Launched at Footscray Nicholson Campus in May, its collection of poetry,
Relay between Echuca and Port Fairy. Government’s Learning and Teaching Performance Fund. quotes, memoirs and anecdotes aims to help young people overcome their
The Fund rewards excellence in teaching and learning under four disciplines for immediate difficulties, while building their capacity to become successful.
VU engineering lecturer Euan Nichol was VU’s organising force.
undergraduate higher education students – Humanities, Arts and Education; “This is an unashamedly raw, black-and-white magazine that wants to be
“We drove from Melbourne at 4.30am on Saturday morning, and then started
Science, Computing, Engineering, Architecture and Agriculture; Business Law picked up, put down, scruffed up, and above all, read,” says TAFE writing
riding from Echuca,” Nichol said. “We rode in teams of three or four, day and
and Economics; and Health. teacher Bruno Lettieri.
night for 24 hours, against all kinds of conditions.”
“VU has been recognised for its teaching and learning excellence across all four The magazine also includes writing from teachers, welfare workers and
Now in its 22nd year, this year’s relay drew 1650 riders in 120 teams from
disciplines,” said Vice Chancellor, Professor Elizabeth Harman. “This is a first for published writers sharing their own experiences.
Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. Last year, the event raised
us, a great achievement for everyone across the University and something we can
more than $1.5 million for health-related charities. Platform will be published four times a year. Contributions of up to 1500 words
all be very proud of.”
that focus on supporting and encouraging young people are welcome from the
A team from VU’s bike user group is now training for an attempt on the world
VU was also recognised for its improvement across the four disciplines. “This wider community.
24-hour record for a three-wheeled recumbent bike.
clearly demonstrates that not only do we strive to be excellent, but more
Submissions to: [email protected]
importantly that we do not rest on our laurels but continually strive to improve,
ensuring that we provide the very best teachers and learning experience for our
students,” Professor Harman said.
Euan Nichol (front), and members of VU’s cycling team prior to heading off to
Echuca for the 500km Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay.
MONEY FOR CENTRE
The Federal Government has granted $11.2 million for a purpose-built Trade Liam Adams, named Male Athlete of the Year at the Australian University

NATIONAL CHAMP
Training Centre at VU’s Melton Campus. Sports Awards in May.

BLUE RIBBON HOSPITALITY The Western Edge Cluster Trade Training Centre will offer technical trade
subjects at Certificate III level to secondary school students. The Western Edge VU student and cross-country champion Liam Adams, 23, was named Male
VU is to become the first high-quality hospitality teaching centre in Melbourne’s west Cluster is a consortium of eight schools in the Melton municipality. Athlete of the Year at the 2008 Australian University Sport Awards in May.
after receiving a $2.7 million federal grant towords a $5.0 million upgrade of its
training facilities. “The funding will provide much needed financial investment in Melbourne’s Australian University Sport represents more than one million students at 42
west,” said Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education Programs) Professor John member universities, and is the country’s peak governing body of university sport.
The funding will be used at Footscray Nicholson Campus to renovate a training McCallum. “It will help provide the skills that are not only being demanded by
restaurant; build three new state-of-the-art training kitchens and two theatre- students, but skills that are needed in a rapidly growing area.” “I didn’t think I had any chance of winning because I was up against athletes
style demonstration kitchens; and upgrade change rooms, cool-rooms and who had been to the Olympics,” says Adams, who is in his second year of a
service lifts. The works will be completed by June 2010. The new facility will offer seven courses in electrotechnology, carpentry, fitting, Bachelor of Exercise Science (Human Movement) degree.
hairdressing and engineering. VU will teach three of the courses.
“These new facilities will complement our industry partnerships, and ensure In April, Adams won a silver medal representing Australia at the World
that we can develop the highest standard of cookery and front-of-house Professor McCallum said the development is an excellent example of the type of University cross-country championships in France. Last year, Adams earned
education,” says VU TAFE Director Dr Anne Jones. educational use that the University is seeking for Melton Campus. gold in the 5000m, and silver in 10,000m events at the Australian University
Games.
VU is already acknowledged as a leading provider of high-level hospitality
training, and has recently established collaborations with several world-class Liam was named VU’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2008 and awarded a Full
organisations, including the Sofitel Hotel and Cordon Bleu. Blue, the peak recognition for VU athletes.
The University plans to increase its Vocational, Education and Training cookery
enrolments by at least 300 students per year as a result of the upgrades.

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 TO SUCCESS PATHWAYS

Ask any five year old what they want to be when they grow up. Whatever their in the west and beyond,” she says. “The aim of the VU Pathways program is to
answer, it will nevertheless ring with certainty: “I want to be a nurse”, “I want create approved pathways that include every course offered by the University.”
to be an astronaut”, “I want to be a policewoman”.
Previously, students had been able to apply for a credit transfer based on
Regrettably, such self-assuredness often erodes with age. Many leave secondary Recognised Prior Learning (RPL), which aimed to take into account their
education unsure about their next step. previous study. While this system was effective it could not guarantee the
number of credit exemptions each student would receive. With Pathways,
“I came out of high school without a clue what I wanted to do,” says George students know in advance exactly how many credits they will get if their
Markakis. “My ENTER score was disappointing. I felt I didn’t have much choice enrolment is successful.
but to apply for a TAFE course. I chose marketing because in Year 12 one of my
favourite subjects was marketing.” Information about Pathway credits is accessible online via the Learning
Pathways database. The database shows the credits for which students are
After completing a Diploma in Marketing at Victoria University, Markakis eligible following successful completion of approved courses, and students can
progressed to the Advanced Diploma in Marketing, at the same time completing search by course name and by education provider.
a Certificate III in Business Sales. At the completion of his TAFE studies,
although he felt he had the practical skills to hold down a job, he chose to Currently, the database lists fifty-three VU courses plus many courses offered by
articulate into a bachelor’s degree so he could gain the theoretical knowledge external providers.
that would improve his future career options.
Development of the Pathways program is overseen by Senior Deputy Vice-
After graduating with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) in 2008, he was Chancellor Education Programs, Professor John McCallum.
accepted into the graduate leadership program at Telstra, Australia’s largest
telecommunications company.

“From a TAFE student, to university graduate, to a marketing campaign

Alumnus George Markakis used VU’s Pathways program to launch his career
specialist all in four years – who says dreams can’t come true?” says Markakis.
as a marketing campaign specialist at Telstra.
His success was the end result of VU’s innovative Pathways program, which
provides formal pathways between TAFE and higher education courses.
Moreover, Markakis received credits for units of study he had already
completed.

By completing an approved pathway from TAFE into higher education – from

diploma to advanced diploma to bachelor’s degree – Markakis not only
rediscovered his passion for marketing but set himself up as a very attractive
candidate in the employment market.

VU’s Pathways program is based on course progression pathways between

the University’s vocational education sector (TAFE, VET, overseas vocational
training) and higher education sector. Similar arrangements have been made
between VU and fifty-three other Australian education service providers, plus a
further ten overseas educational institutions.

The impetus for Pathways is to recognise students’ previous achievements and

enable them to reach their full potential through the progression of their studies.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Harman says the Pathways program is an

integral part of the University’s strategy to enable more students to progress
from TAFE into higher education.

“Pathways will help to ensure that the University is better positioned to retain
its students and offer the greatest breadth of courses demanded by people here

©istockphotos.com/Vernon Wiley

8 9
 This MOU aims to offer new pathways for students into postgraduate
education at both universities. Initially the focus is on nursing education and
research; exercise science, rehabilitation and physiotherapy; health workforce;
teacher education; and educational transitions between secondary school and
vocational and higher education.

Graduates from both universities can apply for scholarships for postgraduate
programs offered at either university. The scholarships are worth $5000 each
with each University offering five in 2009 and 2010; rising to 10 in 2011.
Over three years the universities will each be providing $100,000 of
scholarship assistance.

Strengthening the links between TAFE and higher education as a means of

improving access to higher education, particularly for young Australians, is a key
Commonwealth Government strategy for increasing the number of skilled workers.
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has stated that the Government’s target is for
20 per cent of Australians aged 25-34 to be degree-educated by 2025.

As VU develops its Pathways program, the challenge is to effectively

communicate the existence of pathways and their benefits to prospective and
current students. Photo courtesy of The Age

warm to top end

The University has developed course maps illustrating where each course fits
within a designated pathway. The maps were published for the first time in VU’s
2010 undergraduate and postgraduate course guides.

“The idea is to provide students with a quick snapshot of how they can progress COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
between courses and upskill themselves,” says VU courses and Pathways
project officer Jeff Jones.
Dr Rob Aughey turns up the heat as the After selling the technique to Bulldog head coach Rodney Eade, Dr Aughey was
The aim of the VU Pathways program is to create approved pathways that told: “Design us something we can implement.”
“The maps show every course grouped according to cluster and they have Western Bulldogs gear up for victory in Darwin.
include every course offered at the University. ©istockphotos.com/sodafish been designed so that students can follow, where applicable, pathways from
The heat chamber accommodates up to five players on exercise bikes. “Players
Certificate I all the way to a PhD,” he says. Each year Western Bulldogs footy players are plucked from the depths
are required to ingest a pill that allows us to detect their core temperature as
of Melbourne winter and dropped into Darwin’s TIO Stadium for a game
Following enhancements to the University’s website, it is expected that the they work out,” says Dr Aughey. “We also record data on their work rate.”
guaranteed to assault their bodies.
course maps will be published online by the end of the year, making it even
“If VU offers a course for which there is no internal pathway then we will set By analysing this information, Dr Aughey can predict how players will perform
easier for students to visualise their educational aspirations. “One minute the guys are training down here in the freezing cold, and the next
one up with a partner provider,” says Professor McCallum. “Approved Pathways under the conditions expected in Darwin. These predictions inform the coaches’
they’re playing a match in 27 degrees with 70 per cent humidity,” says Dr Rob
have already been established between the University and 63 education In the meantime, the University is working hard to finalise credit arrangements decisions about when to rest – or rotate – individual players during the game.
Aughey, a senior lecturer in Victoria University’s School of Sport and
providers. between courses so that more can be added to its expanding number of Exercise Science. In June, when the Bulldogs played Port Adelaide in Darwin, the team made a
approved Pathways.
“The signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with Kangan Batman TAFE record number of rotations – over 120 – and won the match by 93 points.
Conjointly appointed to the Western Bulldogs and Victoria University (VU),
and the University of Melbourne is a reflection of our commitment to seeking “Extensive consultation needs to take place between course co-ordinators Dr Aughey’s responsibilities include preparing the players for the Top End. Dr Aughey believes the Bulldog’s on-field success validates the work of VU
out new pathway opportunities that will benefit our students and the wider before pathways can be approved,” says Professor McCallum.
researchers involved in the community partnership between the two icons of
community.” Occasional AFL games are played in Darwin as a showcase and are subsidised
“The process of finalising credit arrangements can be quite sensitive in that we Melbourne’s west.
by the Northern Territory Government. While they bring in significant revenue
The agreement between VU and Kangan Batman, signed in May this year, need to ensure the standards of courses are not compromised, while exercising for AFL clubs they are also part of the official league fixture, so winning is “The work we do is quality, evidence-based research,” he says. “Every two
provides for close co-operation in Indigenous education, early childhood a duty of care to articulating students to ensure they receive the same level of important. months a committee of VU researchers meets with a delegation of club coaches
education, automotive studies, engineering, business studies, community education as those who enrol and complete a course from the beginning.
and executives. It’s an opportunity to discuss new initiatives and present the
services, health and sport. To fully acclimatise, players would normally need to spend two weeks in Darwin
“The challenge is to make sure we get it right and that takes time. As one of evidence supporting the work we do.”
before the match. With the football season underway with weekly AFL match
“In practice it means that Kangan Batman TAFE graduates in these subject only four dual-sector institutions in the country, Victoria University has already commitments, such preparation is not possible. The partnership is underpinned by millions of dollars of investment in
areas may apply for articulation into VU degree programs,” says Professor demonstrated that it is well placed to lead in this area.
collaborative projects, which will include a new heat training facility that can
McCallum. “We believe this will greatly assist students from the disadvantaged One of the first changes Dr Aughey introduced to Bulldog players’ preparation
“The future of Pathways at this University is extremely promising and I have accommodate up to 12 players.
north-west of Melbourne to gain university qualifications.” following his appointment in 2006 was to incorporate heat training in the
no doubt there will be many thousands of students who ultimately follow weeks leading up to the Darwin match. Dr Aughey says while the work can be challenging the results are compelling.
The MOU between Victoria University and the University of Melbourne was pathways to achieve their full academic potential – a potential that, without
signed in May 2008. At the time, Professor Harman said: “Partnerships are a this initiative, they might have believed to be beyond them.” “I’d seen the positive impact heat training had on elite athletes at the “And yes, it is fun when you win.”
key to the future. None of us can do it alone. This agreement is about drawing Australian Institute of Sport, where I worked while completing my PhD at VU,”
on the complementary strengths of our two institutions to offer new pathways Craig Scutt he says. “I suggested to the Bulldogs that players could benefit from similar PHOTO: Bulldog players take a break in VU’s heat chamber at Footscray Park Campus
training using VU facilities, including a heat chamber at Footscray after a workout in preparation for their game in Darwin.
to education and the creation of new knowledge working especially with local
schools and health providers.” Park Campus.”
CRAIG SCUTT

10 11
 VU Paramedic graduate Roshan Raja prepares for a busy day’s
Paramedic students demonstrate their skills at VU’s 2009 Open Day.
work with Ambulance Victoria.

PARAMEDIC SCIENCE

ON THE Road
Paramedics are a special breed. Among the first to arrive at a serious accident profession. He says VU has invested a lot of money in the course. ”The facilities After graduating in 2007, Roshan embarked on the gruelling and highly “This is especially the case with patients who don’t speak English, but who still
or a health crisis they epitomise the emergency services credo of keeping calm we have at St Albans Campus are state of the art,” he says. competitive process of securing a position with AV. The application process make the effort to hold your hand and give you a nod,” he says.
under pressure. These highly trained men and women launch themselves into With the three-year course delivered at a fast pace, Roshan found the degree to includes background and character checks along with rigorous psychometric Roshan is looking forward to a long career out on the road but says that in the
situations most of us choose to avoid. be good preparation for work as a real-life paramedic. testing. Applicants then attend a Behavioural Descriptive Interview (BDI) with future he would like to develop his skills as an educator.
“I wanted to be a paramedic since I was about 17,” says Roshan Raja. After a panel of HR and operational paramedics. This is followed by a medical and
Roshan’s favourite parts of the course were the clinical/practical sessions where “Down the track there are several career options available in clinical
graduating two years ago from Victoria University with a Bachelors degree in fitness test.
students learned to perform key skills. These sessions were often attended by advancement, education or management,” he says. “While they all have their
Health Science (Paramedic), he was snapped up by Ambulance Victoria (AV) to operational paramedics who were able to offer pointers and tips on how to Having passed all the tests, Roshan joined AV in January 2008 and was placed benefits I find education to be the most appealing.”
start his dream career. perform effectively. at Epping in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Like all new paramedics, Roshan
Future VU paramedic students may one day benefit from Roshan having heeded
“As a child I found the lights and sirens and the apparent glamour exciting,” was placed with a clinical instructor who acts as mentor and educator.
“Their ability to share their experiences and knowledge was invaluable, the call of the sirens.
he says. “Later, when I witnessed the positive impact paramedics have on a especially when advising us on how to be flexible and adapt our practical skills,” He recalls his first day on the job. “We did an equipment and car check and
chaotic situation, I thought it would make for a rewarding job.” says Roshan. “I also enjoyed clinical placements with Ambulance Victoria where spoke about a couple of things, including scene safety. Then I went and met CRAIG SCUTT
When researching where to study, Roshan says he was impressed by the clinical we had the opportunity to ride along in an ambulance, giving us first-hand the team manager. As I was sitting there chatting with him the radio sounded
and practical focus of VU’s paramedic degree. “The University’s relaxed and experience of what it is like to be a paramedic.” and I was dispatched on my first job. I had a churning feeling in the pit of my
friendly atmosphere also appealed to me,” he says. stomach as we sped through the suburbs. As the day progressed the nerves
Stiff competition for employment means that some graduates have to travel
settled. All in all, it was a great day that left me wanting more.”
The collegiate culture of the course belies the fiercely competitive reality of interstate to secure their first position. “Even for students who have excelled,
there being only 200 places offered each year to more than 1500 applicants. getting a job in Victoria straight out of university can still be pretty tough,” Seventeen months into the job, Roshan says the lows are few and far between
says Hartley. while the biggest high is when someone you least expect makes the effort to
Senior lecturer and course co-ordinator, Peter Hartley says VU is one of only
thank you.
four places in Victoria where students can qualify to enter the paramedic

12 13
of a race ALUMNI

rotunda conversations
Characters like Noel Hussey who collected used lemonade bottles and bet the
refunds on himself to win the 1964 Stawell Gift – and he did. Or the story of
Gift Final 1902 Goldie Heath who was attacked by gangsters before the 1933 race in an attempt
to take him out of the running. Goldie ran so fast in the preliminary heats that he
upset the bookmakers’ odds. PROFESSIONAL WRITING AND EDITING

“It’s been fun to talk to past winners and find out about their superstitions,” says
What do nineteenth century Australian goldminers and the ancient Greeks have in It’s a cold winter evening at VU’s Footscray Park Campus, but inside the Toniq He invites speakers whose writing inspires him, and who will understand the
Watt. “One bloke used to always put his left shoe on before his right. It’s only
common? They both invented a popular footrace. Bar overlooking the Maribyrnong River, the atmosphere is cosy and warm. evening is as much about honouring the audience – many of whom are writers
sad that so many of the old-timers have died, taking their history
themselves – as it is about sharing their own stories.
The Stawell Gift may not quite have the profile of the Olympic Games, but when with them.” There is hot pumpkin soup and bread in the corner, the intimate sound of
bored Victorian goldminers started betting on running races in the township of clinking wine glasses, and a genuine sense of camaraderie among the 100 or “The Rotunda is a bit like a writer’s festival, but much more personal and
Watt’s entry into sports journalism was serendipitous. He originally studied
Stawell in the 1850s, they spawned a footrace that would go on to become one so staff, students and community members who have come. intimate,” says Lettieri. “It was originally started to inspire students, but then
wood and metal work at VU in the 1970s when it was known as the Footscray
of Australia’s most iconic sporting events, attracting professional athletes from their parents and friends started to come along.”
Institute of Technology. Tonight, they’re here to see award-winning satirist John Clarke. The high-profile
around the world.
film and television personality will offer witty insights and answer questions Several speakers have become regulars, and many first-timers vow to return
With the Footscray Nicholson Campus just around the corner from Flemington
The Stawell Gift is an annual 120-metre sprint that has been held 128 times about his career, his sense of humour and Australian politics. after they are officially conferred with the status of ‘Rotundian’.
Racecourse, Watt was able to satisfy his passion for horseracing, eventually
since the inaugural starting gun was fired in 1878.
landing a job on a monthly horseracing magazine, where he reported on the trial “I still find it amazing that the things I so love doing – writing and performing “Everyone leaves feeling very energised,” says Lettieri. “For both the speaker
VU alumnus and sports journalist, Gary Watt, spent six years researching the outcomes at racetracks throughout Victoria. – can be made to generate a living,” he begins. and the audience, we are trading in goodwill. People these days want some
history of the Stawell Gift for a book published by Legacy Books in October kind of meaningful interruption to the way they live their lives.”
This experience developed into a sports reporting career. He worked off and on The group is equally attentive to the student musicians who play beforehand,
2008.
for over 20 years for Truth, a society paper renowned as having the country’s and the earnest student poets who recite their works later. In a romantic and adventurous change of pace, Rotunda was recently taken
Stawell Gift Almanac: History of the Stawell Gift is the first book to best horseracing guide. It was during this time that Watt acquired the nickname off-campus and on to a double-decker bus that stopped at rocky beaches,
comprehensively cover noteworthy facts from the first 127 years of Australia’s ‘Long Shot Watt,’ on account of his uncanny ability to pick unlikely winners. The evenings are officially known as Rotunda in the West: Conversations with historic piers and under the Westgate Bridge for twilight poetry readings by the
oldest professional footrace. The Almanac is a collection of Gift statistics, stories, Australian Writers, created by VU’s Professional Writing and Editing (TAFE) course. sea.
He left Truth in 2000 to work on his Stawell Gift book, which Watt says he had
and legends both past and present. Since starting at the Rotunda Community Writing Centre at VU’s Sunbury
left simmering on the backburner for years. For more information about VU’s Professional Writing and Editing programs or
“After attending my first Gift as a teenager in 1978, I was fascinated by the Campus nearly a decade ago, an impressive list of speakers from the Australian the Rotunda series, visit http://creativeindustries.vu.edu.au/prowriting.htm or
Past Gift winners have praised the book as a long anticipated record of Australia’s literati have agreed to take part, including Helen Garner, Martin Flanagan,
event and wanted to learn more about its history, its origins, its past winners,” phone program manager Susanna Bryceson on 03 9919 2904.
most famous and prestigious footrace. Ramona Koval, Raimond Gaita, Tim Costello, Barry Dickens, Dorothy Porter and
says Watt. “But I was surprised to find no real source existed that fully
Michael Leunig. PHOTO: Satirist John Clarke, one of the many celebrity speakers at
documented its complete history.” YANNICK THORAVAL Rotunda in the West: Conversations with Australian Writers.
Watt’s book is full of larger-than-life characters whose stories are often stranger The featured speakers are wooed by Bruno Lettieri, a VU literacy teacher of
more than 20 years with a passion for the transformative power of writing ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT
than fiction.
and language.

14 15
 VU Chancellor The Hon. Mr Justice Frank Vincent speaks at the launch VICTORIA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
of the Achievements Scholarship program.
The Victoria University Foundation supports VU in its mission to transform lives through the power of education.

The Foundation supports and assists VU’s governing body to develop and maintain the standards, services and
facilities of the University.

REASONS
It assists VU to develop strategic alliances, and has assisted VU to secure support for key projects such as the
Australian Community Centre for Diabetes, the Access and Success education initiatives and for scholarships
such as the East Timor Scholarships Program.

The Foundation also supports a number of VU projects, including the new Sport and Learning Precinct at the
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Footscray Park Campus.

Foundation Directors provide strategic advice on the development of the Foundation and guidance on
fundraising initiatives, priorities and policies. They also advise on the management and investment of funds.
It was a cold day but the warmth generated by the audience was palpable “The Victoria University Foundation will support the Achievement Scholarships,
Directors also play an important role in acting as ambassadors for the Foundation and VU. This helps to enhance
when Victoria University launched its new Achievement Scholarships in April. and to this end is seeking to raise $1.2 million a year,” Professor Harman said.
the community’s support and understanding of VU.
The event took place at Raw Studio, an old warehouse that has been turned She added that the Western Bulldogs have agreed to commit $1 from each
The Foundation is a charitable fund and exempt from tax on its income, and is a tax deductible gift recipient.
into a gallery. It epitomises the sea change now occurring in many of the member every year – around $28,000 in 2009 – to help fund VU’s scholarship
industrialised areas of Melbourne’s west. program. “This will fund the very first scholarship in perpetuity, and we are very For information, contact Ros Casey on +61 3 9919 1160 or email [email protected]
grateful for this demonstration of their commitment to education in the west.”
The launch was emceed by celebrity stand-up comedian, Rachel Berger, who
regaled the audience with stories of her own life in Melbourne’s west as a child Dr Susan Alberti, who heads the Susan Alberti Charitable Foundation and is
from an immigrant background. a member of the VU Foundation Board, had already committed to giving five
scholarships from her foundation. She surprised the audience by announcing
Vice-Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Harman said the Achievements Scholarship that she would fund an additional five scholarships.
program was a unique initiative and an Australian first, and will encourage high
achieving VCE students in Melbourne’s west to undertake further study. Others also gave generously to the program. Personal contributions were made
from members of VU’s Council, Bulldogs CEO Dr Campbell Rose and Chancellor
“The program reflects VU’s commitment to supporting the many highly capable Justice Frank Vincent.
young people living in the west,” she said.
The scholarships will initially focus on schools in the municipalities of Brimbank,
From 2010, fifty schools throughout Melbourne’s west will each be offered Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham.
two scholarships annually. One scholarship valued at $5000 per annum for up
to four years (maximum of $20,000) will go to the Year 12 student with the The new Achievement Scholarships are in addition to the 500 Equity
highest ENTER score who successfully applies to enrol in a Higher Education scholarships that VU already offers.
course at VU.
ANDY GASH
A second scholarship valued at $2000 per annum for up to two years
(maximum of $4000) will go to the Year 12 student with the highest ENTER
score who successfully applies to enrol in a Vocational Education (TAFE) course
Vice-Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Harman (left) with
at VU.
Dr Susan Alberti, head of the Susan Alberti Charitable Foundation.

16 17
 ©istockphotos.com/enot-poloskun

INSIGHT
International business management software developer SAP donates $1.5
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

“VU offers more subjects that incorporate SAP than any university in The Hon. Justice Frank Vincent AO QC retired as Victoria University’s Chancellor in
FRANK
At a farewell ceremony that was a genuine celebration of his contribution to VU,
million in software to Victoria University each year, gives the University access Australasia,” says Hawking. “That’s why we attract so many students from August, on the same day he retired from the Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal. Vice-Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Harman said Justice Vincent had played a
to company research, provides free training for VU staff and offers VU students overseas. Other universities in Australia teach no more than two units that use He was appointed as the third Chancellor of Victoria University in January 2001. substantial and crucial role in the development of VU. She said he had exhibited
incentives to become consultants at SAP. SAP. VU teaches seventeen.” a level of commitment that was exemplary, and that he leaves VU as a highly
During his almost nine-year Chancellorship, Justice Vincent oversaw considerable
respected individual.
What do they expect in return? Hawking says it’s not about teaching students how to use the SAP software; change in the governance and strategic direction of the University as it moved
it’s about teaching them business concepts and using SAP solutions to reinforce to differentiate itself to create a unique and internationally relevant learning and “VU values are deep in the bone marrow of Frank Vincent,” Professor Harman
VU has held an agreement with SAP since 1998 that enables the University
these concepts. research university. said. “His values are VU values – not learned at VU, but brought with him to the
to develop courses and conduct research based around SAP’s suite of business
University nine years ago.
software. This intelligence is given back to the developer. “SAP courses are a drawcard for people who already work in a particular He steered VU through the often difficult waters of University funding to ensure
industry, appreciate the demand for SAP skills and want to expand their VU had a sustainable and growing future, and championed the notion of ‘one “People resonate at a very deep level to values that are not glib or spin or
SAP software helps businesses co-ordinate their processes – such as human
knowledge set.” university’ linking higher education and vocational with further education. He also superficial, but are simply about giving people a chance at life; about education
resources, accounting, marketing, supply chain management, and supplier and
played a significant role in positioning the University in international markets, and egalitarianism; about the underdog having a go and making it. About simple
customer management – with increased insight, efficiency and flexibility. He says an accountant might want to understand SAP better, explore how the
particularly in furthering relations with China. justice, even when justice is never simple.
product can add value to their organisation, learn how to integrate its various
More than 50,000 businesses in more than 120 countries now use SAP
systems and how to use it to anticipate future trends in their industry. Justice Vincent brought his commitment to social justice to VU, and strengthened “At Victoria University, we thank you for helping us to make the University what is
applications to maximise their performance, as do students in VU’s accounting,
the University’s relationship with the communities of Melbourne’s western region. it today and what it has so much promise of becoming.”
human resources and information systems programs. VU business graduate Vijay Ragavan says industry experience is usually entirely
His unswerving belief in the power of education to overcome disadvantage
different from what a student studies in colleges and universities. “However, Born in 1937, the son of a Port Melbourne waterfront worker, Justice Vincent
“It’s like Microsoft Office for running a business,” says Paul Hawking, senior resulted in a dramatic increase in tertiary education opportunities and access for
my course at Victoria University was one hundred per cent industry-oriented,” graduated in law from the University of Melbourne in 1959. He became a member
lecturer in Information Systems in VU’s Faculty of Business and Law. “You’d be those living in the region.
he says. Ragavan now works as a SAP human resources consultant with Oxygen of the Victorian Bar in 1961, and in 1980 was appointed Queen’s Counsel.
hard-pressed to identify five big companies in Australia that don’t use SAP;
Business Solutions. Similarly, he helped VU forge a strong relationship with East Timor, including
I’d say 90 per cent of the Federal Government’s departments run on SAP.” In 1985 he became a Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria. He served as a trial
assisting the emerging nation to create a self-sustaining vocational education
VU has partnerships with international institutions to offer Enterprise Resource judge and was Chairman of the Adult Parole Board of Victoria from 1987 until his
Along with researchers worldwide, Hawking teamed up with the software system.
Planning Systems education at offshore locations. These include Beijing’s appointment as a judge to the Court of Appeal in June 2001.
developer to design a global curriculum for teaching business intelligence, a
Jiaotong University and computer training provider KnowledgeWindow Asia. In a message from Premier John Brumby congratulating him on his retirement,
discipline concerned with mining data to explain the intricacies of business In 2008, he received the Order of Australia for his services to law and social
Brumby said that over the period of Justice Vincent’s Chancellorship, VU had made
operations and to anticipate future business trends. YANNICK THORAVAL justice.
a vital contribution to the State of Victoria.
The curriculum, Enterprise Resource Planning Systems, is based around the SAP Deputy Chancellor, Commissioner Dianne Foggo, will be Acting Chancellor until a
“I particularly commend Justice Vincent for his commitment to tertiary education
software. It is now written and used by universities worldwide, including in the new Chancellor is appointed in early 2010.
in the western region,” Premier Brumby wrote. “The diverse communities who live
US and Germany. PHOTO: The Hon. Justice Frank Vincent AO QC and Mrs Dawn Vincent at the
in Melbourne’s west will continue to benefit from his hard work for many
years to come.” Chancellor’s farewell ceremony.

STAFF WRITERS

18 19
 “I knew a little about two Aussies who were missing, and I had a vague idea The group helped locate the remains of two of the missing men in April 2007, a
that some other chaps were also unaccounted for, but I really didn’t have much third in November 2007, and a fourth in August 2008. Their remains have since
of a start other than that,” he says. been brought home for burial.

He approached government officials, Defence Force staff, and RSL executives, In April 2009, searchers found the wreckage of the bomber flown by the last
but none of them shared Bourke’s sense of obligation to find the remains and bring two still missing, but no remains were found. Further investigations are planned
them home. for later this year.

“I was told: ‘Terribly sorry, we don’t want to help you because we don’t want to As a way to document his extensive work, Bourke decided this year to
upset the families.’ End of story.” extend his role in the project from that of participant to academic observer by
embarking on a Master of Arts.
Bourke was even put on a belligerent litigants’ register and told to desist from
his “foolhardy activities”. But he refused to stop. Under the supervision of Professor Robert Pascoe and Adrian Threlfall of VU’s
School of Social Sciences and Psychology – who teach a first-year unit on

Bringing them home

He contacted the families of the missing six, then decided to establish Australians at War – Bourke is busy piecing together a collective case study
Operation Aussies Home in 2002 to conduct the “full accounting” of his fallen that will explore the social, cultural and political factors that delayed the
comrades. searches for the missing six. He also wants to illuminate the culture of death
“I could see that many of the families were still hurting,” he says. “One of the and grieving prevalent at the time of the Vietnam War.
RESEARCH widows hadn’t even unpacked her husband’s trunk that was sent back to her in “Up until the 1970s, there was this attitude of ‘stiff-upper-lip’ and denying
1965 because she was still waiting for him to come home.” death. After that, it was recognised that people need time to grieve and think
Bourke traces his resolute determination to his own personal experiences, and about death when they lose a loved one.”
Jim Bourke’s two tours-of-duty in Vietnam in the 1960s not recovered and repatriated. He decided to take on the inertia of governments
the death of his father when he was only 13.
and red tape, both at home and abroad, and bring their bodies home. Bourke hopes that by doing some objective scholarly research about how
left him with more than just powerful memories. government and armed forces policies were developed, he can contribute to the
“At that time children weren’t taken to funerals, and for a long time I always
“I just put myself in the position of their families, who didn’t ever know what wider debate regarding the recovery of the remains of missing servicemen, and
They also earned him a gallantry medal after the war, a Pride of Australia imagined my father was going to come back into my life. I was never really given an
happened or if it was possible to recover the remains,” he says. avoid a recurrence of events similar to those that surrounded these six cases.
medal for mateship in 2007, the RSL ANZAC of the Year award in 2008, and opportunity to acknowledge his death.”
a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2009. Now a retired grandfather-of-two, the Boronia resident started his quest in the late
In a quest that has consumed Bourke’s life over the past few years, he and his Bourke was awarded his AM in official recognition of his work with Operation
1990s, quite by chance. Aussies Home.
On top of that, the 66-year-old expects to complete a Master of Arts by volunteer team of navigators, surveyors, forensic experts, and linguists have
Research at VU next year, investigating a feature of the war that has After leaving the army, he discovered that an American soldier he had known used witness accounts, military maps, and ground-penetrating radar to conduct PHOTO: Jim Bourke: “One of the widows hadn’t even unpacked her husband’s trunk
preoccupied him for more than seven years. during the war had died in Vietnam, and his body had never been recovered. He several searches in Vietnam. that was sent back to her in 1965 because she was still waiting for him to come home.”
decided to help investigate that case, and a few years into the process, he learned
Bourke couldn’t understand why the bodies of six Australian soldiers declared Government interest was finally rekindled in 2006, primarily as a result of ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT
of Australia’s own unaccounted-for soldiers.
missing-in-action and left on Vietnam’s battlefields some 40 years ago were lobbying from Bourke’s organisation, and from some of the six families.

20 21
in landscapes ART

Hot August Night by David Ralph.

David Ralph: “Why do people have this strange relationship with the
landscape as something external rather than something you live in?”

A Chinese proverb says that teachers open the door, but that students must Asked what he believes makes a good artistic education, Ralph identifies a
enter by themselves. That saying is also shorthand for artist David Ralph’s blend of theory and practice as the most constructive education for burgeoning
approach to teaching. Ralph works as a sessional drawing and painting teacher artists.
in Victoria University’s School of Creative Industries.
“There has been a tendency for things to go high-tech,” he says. “Multimedia,
Ralph has exhibited extensively in Australia and overseas and recently exhibited for example, has shrouded the more manual process of making art; the hands-on
a selection of his work at the Level 17 Art Space at VU’s City Flinders Campus. aspect has been a bit neglected, which is partly understandable. There’s some
He says his students were very interested in the techniques he used to create good technology around, but it shouldn’t obscure the importance of learning the
his paintings. basics.”

“They asked many questions about the process: Why did I make certain choices Ralph’s other advice to aspiring artists is that producing art is hard work.
of colours? How did I apply the paints and so on. It was a good learning
“An artist can’t afford to be shy, he says. “You have to market yourself. Enter
experience for them,” he says.
every event and competition you can. And get a thick skin.”
His work typically explores the relationship between indoor and outdoor
Ralph has twice been a contestant in the Archibald Prize, Australia’s premiere
settings, the interplay between the natural environment and the synthetic one.
competition for portraiture, with his paintings of Academy Award-winning
In one of his works, a mall escalator adorned with a satellite dish ascends the cartoonist Adam Elliot and iconic Aussie cricketer Shane Warne.
limbs of an ancient tree. “I asked myself, ‘Why do people have this strange
He has held solo and group exhibitions in Melbourne, Sydney, London, Paris and
relationship with the landscape as something external rather than something
New York in recent years. He is represented by Arc One Galleries in Melbourne.
you live in?’” he says.
VU offers a Diploma of Arts (Visual Art) and a Diploma of Visual Art both full
Ralph’s landscapes are not heavy-handed warnings about the perils of society’s
time and part time. The Diploma of Visual Art includes specialisation streams
runaway faith in the benefit of technology, nor are they naïve, sentimental
and electives. Both courses prepare students for a career in the Visual Arts,
longings for some lost pastoral ideal.
particularly painting, by offering practical and theoretical subjects with the
Instead, his landscapes ask viewers to contemplate their own relationship intention of training students to graduate as self-sufficient artists.
with technology and the environment. How does a technology prescribe one’s
The courses are offered at the City Flinders Campus. For information phone
experience of nature?
03 9919 1583 or email [email protected]

YANNICK THORAVAL

22 23
 finish to school SPORT

Ashleigh Mills is an accomplished 16 year old. The Hoppers Crossing resident About 40 per cent of the program includes the same theory-based studies
does well academically, plays district cricket for Victoria and aspires to a career as a regular school, but often with a sports focus and in a sports setting. For
as a physiotherapist. example, Ashleigh and her classmates study in the clubrooms at the Merv
Hughes Oval near VU’s Footscray Park Campus. Instead of the regular curricula,
When the opportunity came up to complete her secondary school studies
they look at cricket statistics for maths assignments, and study films and books
outside a classroom and in a program focused on sport, she jumped at it.
about sport for language analysis.
Ashleigh is now in her second year of a three-year Sport Development program,
The other 60 per cent of the program is applied learning, conducted in
a fully accredited alternative to VCE or VCAL for Years 10, 11 and 12 students
partnership with peak sporting associations. Students may find themselves
who are passionate about a career in sports.
running AFL clinics on the MCG, co-ordinating a state swimming carnival,
“I decided this program offered me more options for a sports career, and that’s managing soccer programs for primary school children with Melbourne Victory
definitely what I’m aiming for,” says Ashleigh. or teaching yachting skills to people with a disability at Albert Park Lake. They
may be working with event management staff from Cricket Victoria on the
The program is run by Sports Education and Development Australia (SEDA) in Boxing Day Test, assisting Tennis Victoria with tennis coaching programs in
partnership with VU, which supplies some teachers and facilities, as well as schools, or promoting netball carnivals with Netball Victoria.
administrative support.
Jo van Son, head of VU’s School of Sport and Science, says the program offers
About 500 students around Victoria are now enrolled in the program, with a different way of engaging students in education.
streams based around an individual sport – football, cricket, tennis, netball,
surfing, soccer or aquatic sports. The curriculum prepares students aged 16 to “Students wear a uniform and use a supplied laptop – the same as in many
19 for careers in sports administration, sports marketing, facility management, secondary schools – but they receive invaluable practical training and work
coaching or sports media. experience during their studies,” she says.

On completion of the full-time course, graduates receive their VCAL or VCE. They The program was launched in 2008, and the first group of students will
also receive VU’s Diploma of Sport Development, with additional qualifications graduate with their diplomas next year.
in first-aid, coaching, event management, marketing and refereeing.
Students are selected by application and interview. Acceptance is not dependant
They also have direct pathways to VU’s higher education courses, including on sporting ability.
sport physiology, exercise rehabilitation or recreation management.
For more information or to apply, visit www.sedagroup.com.au or phone SEDA on
Students in VU’s Diploma of Sport Development, a fully accredited Chris Reidy, a SEDA director, said the program fulfils a real need in secondary 03 9819 9669, or phone VU’s School of Sport and Science on 03 9919 5580.
alternative to VCE or VCAL for Years 10, 11 and 12. school education.
ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT
“The growth of the program reflects the need to focus on young people’s
interests, and to provide curriculum outside the four walls of the classroom,”
he says.

24 25
 BIG CHEESE FOOD SCIENCE

It has taken him three decades, but VU’s Professor “In yoghurt we find five or six different bacteria all of teaching load and setting up undergraduate and
Nagendra Shah has finally matured as the big cheese which have different growth patterns,” says Shah. postgraduate courses in the School of Biomedical and
of international dairy research. “My initial research looked at new methods to study Health Sciences.
these bacteria so we could build up a clear picture of
At the University’s food science laboratory at Werribee, how bacteria populations were behaving over time.” “It’s very different now,” he says. “I am currently
Shah has developed from scratch a cluster of world- supervising a small team of postgraduate researchers.
class research expertise that has elevated Victoria This allowed his team to learn the conditions that I am very proud to say that while we only have a
University in the eyes of the global dairy industry. different types of bacteria need to survive, which led small group we have plenty to get excited about. We
to the development of strategies to keep good bacteria certainly rank among the top food science laboratories
“I began looking at probiotics 30 years ago and alive throughout the shelf life of a tub of yoghurt. in Australia and possibly the world.”
everything grew from there,” says Shah. Probiotics
are the ‘good’ bacteria that occur naturally in dairy “This was crucial for the industry as it needed these In the past 10 years he has supervised around 25 PhD
products such as yoghurt. bacteria to survive long enough for their health and masters students, and a similar number of
benefits to pass on to consumers,” he says. honours candidates.
Earlier this year, following a nomination by his
academic peers in Canada, Shah was chosen by a Shah’s work on probiotic bacteria led to pioneering “One of the most important things for a researcher
committee of international academic and industry studies into bioactive isoflavones, which are types is securing publications. This is how they build their
experts to receive the prestigious California Dairy of flavonoids (or antioxidants) that Shah says can reputation, and it is especially important for PhD
Research Foundation’s (CDRF) William C. Haines help fight hormonal imbalances in post-menopause candidates to be writing papers while earning their
Dairy Science Award. women and improve calcium absorption. He found degree. We try to get the students to complete an
certain strains of bacteria could improve the bioactivity average of six to 10 papers by the time
The annual award is presented to a leading dairy of isoflavones, enabling them to be more readily they graduate.”
researcher working anywhere in the world. The absorbed into the bloodstream.
Foundation flew Shah to San Francisco where he Shah’s own output exceeds 170 papers in refereed
attended an international dairy symposium to deliver a Improving the health benefits of dairy products is journals and more than 200 conference papers,
paper on his latest research – and collect his award. a hallmark of Shah’s research, which also includes abstracts and book chapters. Over his 30-year career,
looking at ways of reducing the salt content of cheese his work has spanned three continents, four countries
The award has now brought Shah and his small without it losing its taste and smell. He is also studying and five universities.
research team at VU’s School of Biomedical and Health the bioactive peptides (combinations of amino acids)
Sciences to the attention of potential funding partners found in cheese to determine what health benefits Apart from the use of probiotic bacteria in foods, his
around the world. they might offer. research has focused on areas such as the functional
properties of milk, fermented dairy products and the
“We are currently in negotiations with three major His research team has already had positive results development of low-fat Mozzarella. The outcomes
manufacturers in the USA and Denmark,” he says. in the use of bioactive peptides to reduce high blood of his research are being used by manufacturers,
Yoghurt lovers might be familiar with L. acidophilus, pressure in rats, indicating that it may be possible to researchers and analytic laboratories around the world.
B. bifidus and L. casei, which are different strains of use dairy products to help control blood pressure
in humans. For information about the California Dairy Research
bacteria that help prevent the growth of unfriendly Foundation and the research it supports,
bacteria in the digestive tract. The addition of these When Shah started at VU in 1991 he was only able to visit www.cdrf.org
bacteria in probiotic or ‘live culture’ yoghurts is a do his research in his spare time between a heavy
direct result of Shah’s research. CRAIG SCUTT

Professor Nagendra Shah, winner of a prestigious international dairy award.

His research has attracted the attention of the global dairy industry.

26 27
INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

A stroll around a Victoria University campus must be In March 2009 an innovative project was organised Social inclusion – interacting freely and closely with
like a walk through the United Nations building in to address concerns about the safety of international local students – is also a key to creating a satisfying
New York. students in the community. Around 70 VU experience for overseas students. VU’s Associate
international students and 10 police officers took Director of Language and Learning, Dr Amanda
You might see a girl from China discussing an part in a cricket match to build trust, understanding Pearce, is taking part in a study to improve that
assignment with a young man from Korea, or a group and relationships. engagement and is interviewing overseas students
of young men and women from Germany, India and and academic staff as part of her research.
Malaysia using English as their common language to Vic Robb of Victoria Police’s multicultural unit says
“It is important to promote social inclusion in ways
make weekend plans. cricket is an international language and one of the
that connect closely to students’ study,” says
best ways to engage with students. “It’s important
With nearly 4000 students from more than 100 Pearce. Successful study-related initiatives already
that we make ourselves available to build trust and
countries now studying at VU – around 40 per exist at VU in the student rover program, in which
understanding on the critical issue of student safety,”
cent of all students are from non-English-speaking advanced students offer support to new students in
he says.
backgrounds – VU prides itself on having one of the the Learning Commons’ areas situated on several
most culturally diverse student bodies in the country, In June 2009, VUI vice-president Andrew Holloway campuses. There are also student peer-mentoring
if not the world. and members of the student support team groups for particular subjects. Overseas and local
accompanied police and fire officials to India to brief students are both mentors and mentees in these
Providing those students with the right skills and future students about what they could expect after programs.
knowledge to help them feel comfortable, welcome, arriving in Melbourne. Students were advised on
and safe during their studies is a key focus of Victoria Arukumur Selvamani, president of VU’s International
what support was available, offered tips on safer
University International (VUI). The international Students Association, came from India to study finance
living and crime prevention, and told of their right to
student support team is widely recognised for and international trade at VU three years ago.
feel safe, and when and how to contact emergency
providing innovative projects, events and training to services. “It was hard because I didn’t know anyone and didn’t
meet this agenda.
really know what to expect of Australia,”
“We’re looking at a variety of ways of preparing
In 2008, the team created a groundbreaking says Selvamani.
our future students so they have the best possible
DVD that includes a wealth of information to help experience when they get here,” says Holloway. But after living in VU’s Student Village and getting
overseas students prepare for their stay in Melbourne
advice and support in his studies and social life,
before they fly to Australia. The DVD was developed Other strategies for helping international students
Arukumur now has many Aussie friends and feels
with advice from current students and organisations with successful settlement have come from the
that Australia is home.
such as Victoria Police and the Australian students themselves. When VUI staff discovered
Customs Service. that a high proportion of international students Comprehensive information to help VU’s International
they surveyed had no formal swimming training, Students stay connected can be found at
VU’s international student support manager, the student support team established a summer www.vu.edu.au/international-students/life-at-vu
Samantha Thompson, says the successful arrival and learn-to-swim program at Footscray Park Campus’
settlement of international students is crucial to their Aquatic Centre. The site follows the lifecycle of an international
overall academic performance. student from before they arrive in Australia through to
“It’s a right of passage for young people in Australia when they complete their studies.
“The first year is a particularly critical time in to go to the beach, and it made sense for us to teach
building the correct foundation for a satisfying swimming and offer water safety tips in a safe and ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT
student experience,” says Thompson. positive environment so our students could be a part
of that,” says Thompson. Victoria University provides international students with the right skills and
knowledge to help them feel welcome and safe during their studies.

28 29
 His Excellency Dr Jose Ramos-Horta with The Hon. John Brumby,
Premier of Victoria, at the world premiere of ‘Balibo’ in Melbourne.
©istockphotos.com/Darkcloud

HONORARY DEGREE

Vice-Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Harman. “Given Le Cordon Bleu’s worldwide

MAN OF
LA LA
reputation, the potential employment market for graduates is not only Australia
The President of The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Dr José “The University has a strong interest in Timor-Leste and the Asia-Pacific region,
wide, but global.”
Ramos-Horta, was awarded an honorary degree by Victoria University in July. where VU supports international and local projects in community development
Recognised by culinary professionals the world over, Le Cordon Bleu is an and the development of both vocational and higher education,” Professor
Dr Ramos-Horta was admitted to the degree of Doctor of the University honoris
international network of prestigious culinary arts and hospitality training Harman said. “This is especially the case in Timor-Leste with VU having
causa in recognition of his outstanding commitment to the defence of human
institutes. It continues to respect and maintain the traditions that have been the completed a significant number of projects in vocational and higher education
rights and for his contribution to establishing the independence of Timor-Leste.
cornerstone of French gastronomy for more than 500 years, while meeting the that continue to make a real difference in the ability of the nation to build its
challenges of adapting to modern demands. At the ceremony, VU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Harman said skills and capacities.”
HOSPITALITY that Dr Ramos-Horta had not only survived imperialism, colonialism and
Le Cordon Bleu will put the weight of its brand behind the program as well Through the University’s East Timor Scholarship Fund, VU hopes to continue
post-colonialism, he had helped lead his people through these challenges to
as contribute expertise, and provide input on curriculum and opportunities for to support the development of Timor-Leste’s intellectual infrastructure. The
experience independence and freedom from oppression.
student recruitment. Scholarship focuses on maximising educational opportunities for Timor-Leste
The runaway popularity of TV cooking shows such as ‘Master Chef’ and ‘Hell’s “He has done this with dignity, with humility, and with forgiveness,” Professor students, particularly those that will make an immediate and significant
Kitchen’ have helped make cooking an increasingly prestigious career choice. Barry OMahony, an associate professor in VU’s School of Hospitality, Tourism Harman said. “For twenty-four years, Dr Ramos-Horta dedicated his life to contribution to the development of their newly independent nation.
and Marketing, says VU is working with Le Cordon Bleu to develop a cutting- denouncing the Indonesian occupation and annexation of his homeland of
To help students reach the pinnacle of the gastronomic arts, Victoria University To draw attention to the University’s efforts to raise money for the Fund, VU
edge curriculum that draws on the strengths of both institutions. Timor-Leste.”
has teamed up with culinary juggernaut, Le Cordon Bleu International. The two sponsored the opening night of the 2009 Melbourne International Film Festival
organisations have signed an agreement that will see new, internationally- “Graduates will also have business management qualifications,” says OMahony. Dr Ramos-Horta put the struggle of the East Timorese people before the where ‘Balibo’, a film about five Australian journalists who were executed
recognised culinary courses offered in Melbourne. “Too often, when chefs open their own restaurant they fail because of a lack of international community so that their plea for independence could not be following the Indonesian invasion of East Timor in 1975, had its world premiere.
business expertise. This course will address that.” ignored. He lobbied the UN Security Council, the Fourth Committee of the Dr Ramos-Horta was special guest at the event.
The design of VU’s Associate Degree in Culinary Management will be innovative UN General Assembly, the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation, the UN
and unlike anything else in Australia in its seamless provision of TAFE and Dr Ramos-Horta became foreign minister of East Timor following independence
New, $5 million facilities are being built at VU’s Footscray Nicholson Campus to Commission on Human Rights, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the
higher education learning. in 2002, having previously been a spokesman in exile for the East Timorese
accommodate the new culinary program, which will be offered from the middle European Parliament.
resistance during the years of Indonesian occupation between 1975 and 1999.
of 2010.
Students will learn underlying theory and front line practical skills from In 1996 he received the Nobel Peace Prize, an honour he shared with fellow In May 2007 he was elected president, garnering nearly 70 per cent of the
respected experts in the field. The program will cater to skills required in PHOTO: Victoria University has teamed up with Le Cordon Bleu International to countryman, Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo for his “sustained efforts to vote. The following year he was seriously injured following an assassination
the more prestigious end of the market, the elite hotel chains, five-star offer internationally-recognised culinary courses in Melbourne. hinder the oppression of a small people”. attempt by rebels outside his home in Dili.
establishments and fine dining restaurants.
YANNICK THORAVAL In 2001 he was appointed Distinguished Visiting Professor at VU, an honorary Contributions to Victoria University’s East Timor Scholarship Fund can be made by
“The VU–Le Cordon Bleu qualifications will become highly valued badges in the position conferred on those who have achieved national or international contacting the VU Foundation on 03 9919 1014.
Melbourne culinary marketplace, and the graduates will be welcomed,” says VU eminence in their field.
STAFF WRITERS

30 31
 ‘IN REZ’
STUDENT LIFE

When a university student chooses to live away from Teams of student leaders or ‘rez life co-ordinators’ are appointed to show Victoria Place filled quickly when it opened, with a large contingent of
home, it is usually their first step towards independence newcomers the ropes, providing advice about university life and organising social international students from around the world, including Canada, France,
away from their family. It is an adventure, even if it and sporting events that help them get involved. Germany, India, New Zealand, Sweden and Italy.
sometimes causes a little anxiety.
Naomi Keesen, 19, a second-year Bachelor of Business student from Dubbo, New While VU’s Student Village has its history of welcoming newcomers, and Victoria
Finding a place that is comfortable, convenient, safe and South Wales, is an academic adviser on the support team, helping students with Place has a funky, inner-city vibe, the University’s third residence, Sunbury Hall,
affordable – and then hoping to make friends and have their studies and referring them to the best resources. sits high upon a hill overlooking the Melbourne skyline at VU’s Sunbury Campus.
fun there – can be tough.
“This is an opportunity to help residents achieve the right balance between study, Dating from the 1860s when it was the site of the old Sunbury Asylum, the
That’s why Victoria University is committed to offering work and fun,” she says. Campus today includes several heritage-listed buildings. Its 120-bed residential
its students a range of accommodation that meets all building was originally the nurses’ quarters. The building was extensively
those criteria, and most importantly, becomes a true The Village is divided and colour-coded into six individual colleges named after refurbished in 2005, and now houses students who mainly study at the Sunbury
home away from home. features of Australia’s history. There are sports fields for weekly competitions and St Albans Campuses.
of volleyball, soccer, netball or touch footy; common rooms for social events
Student Village in Maribyrnong perhaps most closely fits such as trivia and film nights; and BBQ areas for each college that residents can Christopher Plunkett, manager of VU’s student operations, says the University is
the typical image associated with student life ‘in rez’. personalise with their own landscaping and design. currently exploring future accommodation options for its students.
With a unique history that included being a migrant
hostel, Student Village may seem a little austere at Charlotte Porter, 19, is from Geelong, only an hour down the freeway. But the “We know that accommodation is an integral part of the student experience,”
first glance. second-year Creative Arts Industries student decided to live in the Village as a says. “We aim to create a living and learning environment to foster academic
way to “come out of her shell”. achievement.”
But student residents say nothing is further from
the truth. Set amid nine acres of parkland, but only “I now have so many friends from all over the world that I hardly have any time For more information about Victoria University’s accommodation facilities, visit:
a few minutes walk to one of Melbourne’s biggest to myself,” she says. “I like to show people who are just like me that they can www.vu.edu.au/residences or phone the University’s Residences Admissions
shopping centres, the Village today is home to some have fun and acquire social skills very quickly.” Officer on 03 9304 6307.
400 students from more than 50 countries, as well
as from regional Victoria and interstate. It welcomes A few kilometres away in Footscray is Victoria Place, the most recent addition PHOTO: Victoria Place, opposite Footscray Park Campus, contains
tertiary students studying at any institution, although VU to VU’s student residences. Opened in early 2009, the $6 million three-story 41 fully-furnished, self-contained student apartments.
students get preference. building contains 41 stylish apartments, each fully-furnished and self-contained.
ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT
Less than five-minutes walk from the University’s Footscray Park Campus, its
Thousands of university students over the years have residents have easy access to campus facilities, including the Aquatic and Fitness
enjoyed its strong sense of community and connection, Centre, main library and cafeterias.
and they usually refer to it as one of the best parts of
their student experience.

32 33
 major bushfires that survive in living memory have influenced and affected our
sense of who we are, and of our capacities and our limitations.
It could promote discussion and debate about how such events will be
remembered, and it could record and preserve for the future, the many different
voices and forms of cultural capital.
Narrative and storytelling are basic to virtually every culture in all places
and periods. They are the building blocks for sustaining and transmitting
cultural memory and knowledge, and they preserve and sometimes revise an
understanding of the past, helping us to better negotiate the future.
The three major Victorian bushfires of 1939, 1983 and 2009 took place in three
different historical and cultural moments of Australian life. An analysis of what
has changed and what has endured across these events could tell us a great deal
about how we are travelling as a dynamic society, and how we might harness such
knowledge for the future.
If an important feature of cultural resilience is the capacity to look back as well
as ahead – and across cultures as well as within them – in thinking about how
to meet the future, then such a centre could become a vital means of promoting
enhanced cultural resilience for future generations.
The importance of allowing people to tell their stories, to serve as witnesses
to their own and other’s experiences through story and testimony, is well
documented in research on cultural trauma and healing. We are also starting to
understand how important it is that those stories not only be told, but are heard
and preserved, rather than treated as incidental or as an expression of trauma that
can be hurried away once we have all ‘got back to normal’.
Add to this the real opportunity to mobilise the wide array of culturally diverse
communities in Victoria to gather information, resources and data on cross-cultural
responses to and understandings of bushfires and fire emergencies. This would
better inform policy and preparedness for future crises and disasters, and we
can begin to see how powerful such an inclusive response to a pressing set of
environmental and social challenges might be.
If we fail to heed the knowledge, social capital and cultural reference points that
people from many different backgrounds can bring to all aspects of how we deal
with crisis, trauma and emergency, we lose the opportunity to know ourselves
Associate Professor Michele Grossman says by linking diverse communities, a bushfire museum fully. The question we need to ask ourselves is whether we can afford to forgo
could become a vital means of promoting enhanced cultural resilience of future generations. or ignore such knowledge and the protective factors it can offer for a model of
Image courtesy Angela Wylie/fairfaxphotos
sustainable cross-cultural resilience.
Cultural resilience is only as strong as its ability to be transmitted and reinforced
There is a subtle and important relationship between shared crisis, trauma across languages, cultures and generations. This resilience depends on our ability
and cultural resilience, says VU academic Michele Grossman. to remember, and on how well we share our emotions and our memories, so that
future generations can benefit from our experience.
The destructive fires of Black Saturday are now past, but they remain very much
alive and present for those who continue to experience and deal with the traumas
they initiated for individuals, families, communities and services on the ground. Associate Professor Michele
They also have important lessons to teach us for the future. Grossman is Associate Dean

TRAUMA AND CRISIS

(Research and Research Training)
One proposal addressing this is the idea for a Victorian bushfire museum and in VU’s Faculty of Arts, Education
research centre. As Gary Tippet wrote recently in The Sunday Age (12 April 2009): and Human Development, and
‘If Victoria is to have a memorial to the 173 people who died on Black Saturday Associate Professor in the School
– and the hundreds killed in other bushfires – we need to let the experience of of Communication and the Arts.
OPINION past fires guide us to an understanding for the future in concrete terms. Why not a She is also a Senior Research
bushfire museum and centre for bushfire research?’ Associate with VU’s Institute for
Community, Ethnicity and Policy
A museum and research centre could make a contribution to cultural resilience
Alternatives (ICEPA).
– through linking diverse communities across the state, the nation and
internationally, in a greater understanding and appreciation of how a series of

34 35
 Kesego Elizabeth Poomore; the lucky raffle winner of a Victoria
University-sponsored tour.

LEARNING IN THE WORKPLACE AND COMMUNITY INTERNATIONAL

experience
“We want educators to be dynamic in how they approach LiWC,” says Hurley.
“The University has exceptional links with industry, and LiWC is a chance to
build on these ties.
“With LiWC, employers and community organisations can engage students with
projects that their permanent staff don’t have the capacity to take on, while
From 2010, it will be mandatory for nearly every course undertaken at Victoria students benefit from a wealth of real-world experience.” Kesego Elizabeth Poomore is proof that the world The ties between VU and Sunway are close and multicultural education and experiences – Kesego is
University to offer 25 per cent assessment in Learning in the Workplace and is indeed a small place. The 21 year old from go back more than a decade. In a true example the new face of the international student experience.
First-year Bachelor of Science student Donna Watson says a four-week
Community (LiWC). Botswana, who is currently studying in Malaysia, of transnational education, Bachelor of Business
placement with the Department of Primary Industries in Werribee gave her the As part of its commitment to enhance the
flew to Melbourne in mid July as the lucky raffle students may transfer between either university at
LiWC can take many forms. It could be a job placement, working in a simulated chance to put classroom theory into practice. international student experience, VU is now
winner of a Victoria University-sponsored tour. any time because the programs are identical in both
environment, such as one of VU’s Health Sciences Teaching Clinics, or collaborating with eight other universities across
“I worked on a research program looking at the right time to pick tomatoes for countries.
volunteering overseas. For Kesego – whose name means ‘blessed’ North America, Europe and Asia to give students
optimum nutritional benefit,” says Watson. “My research was acknowledged in
in English – the three-day trip, courtesy of VU “My course offers a unique module of professional unique opportunities to undertake a foreign work
However the LiWC component is made up, VU’s commitment to future students is a conference poster, which was just incredible.”
International, is testament that her name is working development which opened my eyes about what placement during their studies.
that LiWC assessment will make up 25 per cent of a student’s final grade.
For Amanda Valastro, a second-year paramedic student, LiWC gave her its miracles. employees expect, and how to compete in a world
The International Workplace Student Exchange
LiWC is an integral part of Making VU, the University’s action plan for achieving increased confidence and the ability to see life from a new perspective, which when global competition is very high,” says Kesego.
During a hectic few days in Melbourne in July, (Co-op) Pilot Program, an initiative of the World
a distinctive and sustainable future. It aims to deepen students’ practical she developed from volunteer work at a hospital in Uganda.
Kesego went sightseeing, took her first tram ride, Kesego was sponsored by her government to study Association of Co-operative Education, is expected to
knowledge of the workplace and community, and further develop their
“I gained a range of experiences on various wards and in the operating tasted Australian cuisine, had a cup of tea with abroad, and is the first in her family to leave her begin later this year.
employability and generic skills.
theatre,” says Valastro. “I also worked in a maternity clinic with expectant and Vice-Chancellor Elizabeth Harman, and watched a small hometown of Serowe in central Botswana to
Professor Harman met Kesego during her visit to
Christiana Grdovic, currently studying the Diploma of Specialised Make Up at new mothers and their babies. Western Bulldogs game with VU and AFL executives. go to university.
Melbourne, which coincidentally took place only days
City King Campus, says LiWC makes students realise how things really are.
“The whole process was very character building and gave me training I never “From a young age I wanted to explore the world As a way of giving back to her people, she hopes after the vice-chancellor’s own overseas trip.
“How we are taught in the classroom isn’t always what takes place out in the
imagined I would get. Obtaining clinical practice experience overseas was and go for opportunities when presented with them,” to return one day to Botswana with a business plan
workplace,” she says. “During my time in China, Mexico and North
invaluable because paramedics can work anywhere in the world.” says Kesego, now in her second year of a Bachelor that will provide employment for young people in her
America, a constant conversation topic was how
So far, Grdovic has done around half of the 80 hours of industry placement she of Business twinning program with VU at Sunway community.
For more information and student testimonials about the benefits of LiWC visit global institutions can best give students a truly
needs to do to complete her course. She says the opportunity to get industry University College, specialising in Marketing and
www.vu.edu.au/future-students/reasons-to-study-at-vu/student-work Her international experience, education and networks international experience,” says Professor Harman.
placement credits for her portfolio was one of the Diploma’s major attractions. International Trade.
PHOTO: Paramedic student Amanda Valastro did a LiWC placement as a will undoubtedly be put to good use as part of that. “Kesego is a wonderful example of the possibilities
Gina Hurley, LiWC Project Officer, says the new initiative is not only a great volunteer at a hospital in Uganda. Although based in Kuala Lumpur, she says she can feel for VU students to experience life elsewhere, no
With multilingual skills that include Mandarin, English
opportunity for students, but also for educators and employers. the Aussie spirit in her studies, through the Australian matter where in the world they are enrolled.”
CRAIG SCUTT and several African languages – as well as her
teachers, resources and curriculum.
ANN MARIE ANGEBRANDT
36 37
 SKILLS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
BOOKS
Understanding Problem Gambling
By Jennifer Borrell
Legal & Justice Studies Workbook
By Scott Beattie
Published by VDM Verlag (Germany) Published by Federation Press
Many things grow in a garden that were never sown there The program also consolidates their literacy, numeracy, personal development
– Thomas Fuller, 1732. and social skills in a workplace setting. This book proposes an integrative framework This practical, skills-based book is packed
to assist in understanding social phenomena with information, strategies and tips on
Who could have known that a vacant, degraded piece of land next to a railway School of General Education Programs and Services teacher Majella Grainger in general and problematic gambling in legal and justice studies. It explains how to
line could change so many lives? says that apart from the program’s tangible benefits, the Community Garden particular. Drawing on a range of theorists research law and justice and how to examine
helps promote student self confidence, many of whom come from from physics, biology and social theory, them within their wider contexts. Readers
In late 2006, Victoria University allocated a parcel of land the size of a house
disadvantaged backgrounds. and following a critique of positivist trends will learn a wide range of research skills as
block to a unique adult education program that provides training for horticulture
students enrolled in VU’s Certificate in General Education for Adults. “It’s not a program where you’re here for twelve weeks and then you leave,” that have been dominant in the gambling well as skills in essay and report writing.
says Grainger. “Some students have been here for several years. For some research literature, a holistic, process-based
Known as the VU Community Garden, it is used by disadvantaged students
it’s a long process to be able to achieve the level of ability to meet workplace approach is presented.
to consolidate general work skills and expand their options for further
requirements on the outside. These students are on a journey.”
education and employment. Their training is centred on developing and
maintaining a commercially viable vegetable garden, and selling the produce The simulated work environment of the garden re-enforces real workplace Practice Skills in Social Work & Welfare Sports in Society: Issues & Controversies
to the local community. practices such as wearing a uniform, signing a time sheet, and following By Jane Maidment and Ronnie Egan (VU) in Australia & New Zealand
occupational health and safety regulations. Published by Allen & Unwin By Jay Coakley, Chris Hallinan,
Seasonal produce ranges from lettuce, silver beet, radishes and rhubarb to
A critical examination providing insight into Steve Jackson, Peter Mewett
spinach, parsley tomatoes and coriander. Several times a year, the students run a market stall. They take the harvested
topic areas such as engagement, assessment, Published by McGraw Hill Education
produce, weigh it, calculate the sale price, tally and record the crop details, and
Students plan, construct and maintain garden beds, maintain soil nutrients, intervention and evaluation. It stresses the Sports in Society is the definitive text for
sell it. Income generated by the market sales are returned to the garden to
grow and harvest produce, and prepare the harvest for market. They also learn skills needed for working with individual studies in sport sociology. Taking a global,
contribute to the site’s operating costs.
about environmentally-sustainable gardening practices such as being water- clients, families and community groups. It issues-oriented approach to the study of the
wise, crop rotation, garden-waste recycling and worm farming. Grainger’s vision for the garden is for it to become an educational precinct open also explores the dilemmas faced in daily role of sport in society, this text encourages
to the public to showcase the sustainable production of fruits, vegetables and practice, including involuntary clients, the discussion of current sports-related
Students develop valuable job skills such as planning, communication,
bush food. adapting to different social contexts and controversies and helps the reader develop
teamwork, design, problem-solving and information technology.
Over the next two years an indigenous food garden will be developed crisis situations. critical thinking skills.
adjacent to the existing site. It will connect various VU student groups
with Indigenous Australians and showcase the production of Australian Stawell Gift Almanac: Swimming
native food plants, such as yam daisy, large kangaroo apple and native History of the Stawell Gift By Enza Gandolfo
raspberry, in an educational setting. By Gary Watt Published by Vanark Press ($29.95)
Published by Legacy Books Set in Melbourne’s western suburbs,
In 2008 the VU Community Garden team received a VC’s citation for
innovative programs that enhance learning. This is the first book to comprehensively Swimming is the lyrical story of one
cover the first 127 years of Australia’s oldest woman’s journey. It is about female
YANNICK THORAVAL and most famous professional footrace. It friendship, artistic creativity and unexpected
includes a collection of Gift statistics, stories, childlessness. It explores the fragility of
and legends both past and present. Past Gift personal relationships and will resonate
winners have praised the book as a long with anyone whose life hasn’t turned out as
anticipated record of a sporting icon. planned. Launched by Helen Garner at the
2009 Melbourne Writers Festival.

VU FACTS
HISTORY CAMPUSES AND SITES FACULTIES GENERAL ENQUIRIES ALUMNI RELATIONS
Founded in 1916 as Footscray City Flinders Arts, Education and Human PHONE +61 3 9919 4000 PHONE +61 3 9919 1017
Technical School and established City King Development EMAIL [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
as Victoria University in 1990 City Queen (site) www.vu.edu.au/alumni
Business and Law ENQUIRIES
Footscray Nicholson
STUDENT POPULATION Victoria University International POSTAL ADDRESS
Footscray Park Health, Engineering and Science
Current student population: Victoria University
Newport PHONE +61 3 9919 1164
47,034 enrolled students Technical and Trades Innovation PO Box 14428
Melton
International students: EMAIL [email protected] Melbourne VIC 8001
St Albans Workforce Development
VU’s Community Garden in Footscray is used by disadvantaged students 10,505 enrolled students
Sunbury www.vu.edu.au
to consolidate general work skills and expand their education options. Postgraduate students: and VU College
Sunshine
3919 enrolled students
Werribee
38 39
 ART

ARTIST/STUDENT: Minh Phan

COURSE: Diploma of Visual Art (2nd year)
TITLE: Covered
DATE: 2009
MEDIA: Mixed media on paper

www.vu.edu.au
CRICOS Provider No. 00124K