T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F N O T R E D A M E A U S T R A L I A

VOLUME 14 N0 3 ISSN 1448-076X DECEMBER 2003

Medicine clears major hurdle

THE University of Notre Dame Australia million for Notre Dame as part of the Dr Tannock said Notre Dame would make
has jumped another big hurdle in its higher education Capital Development the full submission to the AMC early next
path to establish its Graduate School of Pool (CDP). year, and AMC executives were due to
Medicine. visit the Fremantle campus in March.
Dr Tannock said he was delighted with
Notre Dame Vice Chancellor Dr Peter the funding announcement. “The final hurdle will involve a visit to
Tannock said the Australian Medical Notre Dame by the full assessment team
“This means that we can continue with
Council had announced its approval in from the AMC in July next year when they
our plans to establish our Graduate
principle which meant the school was on will spend a week looking at all aspects of
School of Medicine in Fremantle by
schedule to open in 2005. our Graduate School of Medicine,” Dr
renovating a building in Henry Street,”
“This approval is a vital step even though he said. Tannock said.
we still have a few more to take,” he said. “Approval at that stage confirms our
The Henry Street building has been
“It’s a credit to all concerned that we have leased to the University by the City of intake of students in 2005 for graduation
reached such a significant milestone.” Fremantle. and placement in the State’s hospitals as
interns in 2009.”
The school recently received a funding Refurbishment of the building is
boost with Federal Education Minister Dr scheduled to start next year as the Notre Dame plans to open with an initial
Brendan Nelson’s announcement of $2 medical school’s main teaching facility. intake of 80 students.

Hollywood comes
to Fremantle
THE University of Notre Dame Australia
students have been helping to bring a
little bit of Hollywood to Fremantle’s
historic West End.
A group of third year communications
students have been working on a short
film, Alex Underground, which has been
▲ Scriptwriter and director of photography Lauren Burwood with director Rosie Bright and other students at work
shot in the port city. on Alex Underground.

Notre Dame Australia’s College of Arts classic, Alice In Wonderland, adapted into fantasy world of garish characters in an
Senior Lecturer, Dr Kerris Myers, said a modern day fable about drug use,” Dr underground nightclub.”
the film, written and produced by Myers said.
Dr Myers said the film crew of fifteen
students, was due to screen in Fremantle
“It follows the journey of Alex, a students enlisted the help of Fremantle
this month.
dispassionate member of the chemical businesses to provide venues and help
“It’s a stylish take on the childhood generation, as he encounters a sinister cover production costs.

INSIDE this issue Broome course kicks off

A new Broome course has
attracted 15 enthusiastic
■ Vice Chancellor’s report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 ■ Farewell to nursing graduates . . . . . . . .7
Kimberley students from
■ AUQA recognises Notre Dame strengths . .3 ■ Bali survivor inspires youth . . . . . . . . . .8 towns including Derby,
Kununurra, Halls Creek,
■ Fr Brennan welcomed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 ■ Seventh College to open . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Fitzroy Crossing plus several
■ College of Law appointments . . . . . . . . . .4 ■ Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 remote communities.
■ Memorandum praised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 ■ New access guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 See story page 6
 VICE CHANCELLOR’S report

Government policies to benefit Notre Dame

DURING 2003 several things occurred of our initiatives in major areas of eight per cent on all recurrent higher
which are important for the future of the national priority. education funding in recognition of the
University. special costs associated with the operation
Student support, from our perspective,
of that Campus.
Firstly, the State Government agreed to will take two forms. Firstly, a loan scheme
increase our low interest loan support for both undergraduate and postgraduate The Commonwealth’s reforms provide a
from $1m to $1.5m per annum for the Australian students, which in effect will very secure base for planning for our
next five years. enable them to borrow the full cost of future. I am hopeful that it will provide us
their tuition fees from the Common- with the opportunity to compete strongly
This increase was designed to assist us in
wealth with low interest repayments to with other universities in the Australian
managing our capital program in order to
be made on an income contingent basis market place, and will give us confidence
provide for enrolment growth on our
(when their incomes reach $35,000 or more). to plan for new developments in the future.
Fremantle Campus. The low interest loan
scheme is extremely valuable for us. This will remove much of the financial Of course, it will create a fiercely competi-
blockages that we have faced over the tively environment, even more so than is
Secondly, the Commonwealth Government
years to the admission of top priority currently the case, and so our ability to
announced the allocation of $2m to the
students. benefit from the reforms will depend
University to assist it with the develop-
upon our quality, our capacity to market
ment of its School of Medicine facilities. The second element of student support is
ourselves, and our cleverness in respect of
Again, this will be invaluable for us in a comprehensive scholarship scheme
the programs that we offer and the comm-
relation to assisting with the refurb- helping with both tuition fees and living
unity support that we receive for them.
ishment and equipping of the School of allowances for which our students will be
Medicine building that we have acquired fully eligible. It will be an exciting and challenging
on a lease basis from the City of Fremantle time! It seems clear that, at the very least,
The legislation also provides for a major
in Henry Street. we will need a substantial additional
expansion of HECS places, with a special
investment in classroom spaces, academic
Thirdly, and most importantly, the allocation for national priority areas in offices, and library and support facilities.
University will benefit greatly from the
teaching, nursing, medicine, and Indigenous
Commonwealth’s Higher Education As we grow towards our target of 5000
students.
Support Act passed by the Common- equivalent full-time students, it also
wealth Parliament on 5 December 2003. We expect Notre Dame to be a substantial seems clear that that target is likely to be
beneficiary of this, although much will realised sooner than the 2010 date that
Under the Commonwealth’s higher edu-
depend on the negotiation process with was first set in our Strategic Plan.
cation reforms, major changes will take
the Commonwealth over the coming
place in the financing and regulation of
months. Another major benefit to the
higher education in Australia.
University from the Government’s reforms
For Notre Dame, in simple terms, there will be the regional ‘loading’ that we will
will be substantial benefits in respect receive for the Broome Campus. Under
of support for students, and the financing this provision we will receive an additional Dr Peter Tannock / Vice Chancellor

Christmas Eve Mass

The University of Notre Dame Australia will celebrate the eve of Christmas on Wednesday

24 December with carols from 6.00-6.30pm and Christmas Mass starting 6.30pm in the
The University of Notre Dame Australia’s
Malloy Courtyard, Mouat Street Fremantle. We extend a warm welcome to everyone.
academic and administrative staff wish

In Principio everyone in the Notre Dame community a

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EDITOR: Sandy Oliver • DESIGNED BY: Sara Mathieson & Mandy Laurent
happy & peaceful
CONTACT: 19 Mouat Street (PO Box 1225) Fremantle WA 6959 • Tel: (08) 9433 0698
Fax: (08) 9433 0695 • email: [email protected] • www.nd.edu.au
Christmas
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2
AUQA recognises Notre Dame’s strengths
THE University of Notre Dame Australia “We’re also pleased with the commen- possible standard that are ‘industry
Vice Chancellor Peter Tannock has dations about Notre Dame’s social justice ready’,” he said.
welcomed the Australian Universities arm, the Edmund Rice Centre, which has a AUQA is an independent, not-for-profit
Quality Agency audit report released last strong history in community service body that promotes, aids and reports on
month. projects with many students from the quality assurance in the Australian higher
Fremantle Campus involved as volunteers. education sector.
“As the first private Australian university
to be the subject of a mandatory “Acknowledgment of our good work in The AUQA audit team visited Notre
government audit, I would like to say that the Kimberley region with our campus in Dame’s Fremantle and Broome campuses
we’re delighted with the outcome of the Broome was also pleasing. The decision in May. They spoke with a range of
report,” Dr Tannock said. taken in 1993 to establish a campus there groups including staff, students, graduates,
with the aim of meeting the needs of local government representatives and
“It doesn’t contain any surprises and, in
local people and promoting reconciliation members of the local community.
fact, shows that the audit team had
has been shown to have great merit.
special regard to the character of Notre “I would like to congratulate Notre Dame
Dame and its stage of development. “The Broome campus has already staff on their professional manner during
achieved much, such as the recent this process,” Dr Tannock said.
“One of the pleasing aspects of AUQA’s
graduation of the first nurses to under-
audit report has been its commendations Dr Tannock said the recommendations
take our Broome nursing course. “
in areas which we believe give us a made by AUQA were mostly consistent with
distinctive place in the Australian higher Dr Tannock said he was delighted with Notre Dame’s development plans, and would
education sector. the recognition the audit had made of be treated seriously as part of the Uni-
Notre Dame’s strong emphasis on training versity’s working brief over coming years.
“For example, we’re proud of the
students for their chosen professions.
acknowledgement of our excellent “We see the response to the AUQA audit
teaching and pastoral care and of the “We pride ourselves on the fact that we as part of our public accountability for
exceptionally high level of student liaise with the professions and their what we do, and we’re pleased to have
satisfaction with the quality of our representative bodies to ensure we are had such a positive response and an
courses. producing students of the highest implicit stamp of approval,” he said.

Fr Brennan receives warm welcome

THE University of Notre Dame Australia am delighted to have the opportunity
has strengthened its focus on social to engage with some of the liveliest
justice with the appointment of Aust- young minds in the country, seeking a
ralian lawyer, social justice campaigner better way of justice for all, especially
and Jesuit priest Father Frank Brennan SJ in light of the robust tradition of
AO as a visiting professor. Catholic social teaching,” he said.
He joins Notre Dame's College of Law on “I am pleased to have the opportunity
a part-time basis from January 2004 and to participate in the life of a growing
will lecture in human rights and ethics. university where we can engage in free
Professor Mary McComish, Notre Dame’s discussion, generating new ideas about
incoming Dean of the College of Law, said law, morality and social policy."
Father Brennan's appointment would His other appointments are Associate
emphasise the University's commitment to ▲ Fr Frank Brennan signs copies of his new book Director of Uniya, the Jesuit Social
Tampering with Asylum after a lecture attended by
producing lawyers with a social more than 100 people at Notre Dame last month. Justice Centre in Sydney, adjunct fellow
conscience. at the Research School of Asian and
work in East Timor." Pacific Studies at the Australian
“We’re encouraging students to see their
participation in the law as contributing to Father Brennan was on campus last National University and Chair of the
the community," she said. month to launch his new book Tampering Visiting Committee in the Faculty of
with Asylum which offers a blueprint for Law at Griffith University.
“And Frank Brennan, probably one of the
countries wanting to humanely protect Father Brennan, who is based in Sydney,
most well-known Catholic lawyers in
asylum seekers. has just returned to Australia after a
Australia, is a role model who uses his
legal skills in service to the community He said he was delighted to be taking up two month overseas study trip to
with his involvement in issues such as a position at Notre Dame. England, Canada, United States,
Aboriginal land rights, refugees and his Switzerland and Italy exploring refugee
“As a priest and human rights activist, I

3
 NEWS in brief College of Law makes top
■ Appointments
teaching appointments
THE University of Notre Dame Australia’s THE University of Notre Dame Australia provide students with a law education
has announced a restructure of its College beyond purely domestic law.
new College of Arts (see story page 9) will
of Law with two new appointments and “We live in a global economy and this
be headed by Australian and Irish history
the creation of a new school. new school will train lawyers who will be
specialist, Associate Professor Simon
Adams. The University’s current College of Law prepared for this environment,” he said.
Assistant Dean, Associate Professor Mary Associate Professor McComish’s appoint-
Dr Adams was educated at the University McComish, has been appointed Dean, ment as Dean of the College of Law
of New South Wales, and while under- while Professor Gabriël Moens, Garrick acknowledged her outstanding work and
taking his PhD research in 1995, was Professor of Law at the University of her association with the University’s
attached to the University of the Witwater- Queensland, will become Assistant Dean College of Law since its inception and her
srand in South Africa, where he worked and Head of Notre Dame’s new School of six years as Assistant Dean. Prior to
with former political prisoners in Soweto. International and Postgraduate Legal working at Notre Dame, she was a
Education. Lecturer in Commercial Law at the
Dr Adams is currently head of the School of
Arts and Letters at Notre Dame. Notre Dame’s Vice Chancellor Dr Peter University of Western Australia for eight
Tannock said the two new appointments years, a solicitor for the Youth Legal
In other appointments, the University’s Service and a referee of the Small Claims
heralded an exciting future for the
Professor Tony Ryan has been appointed Tribunal. She is currently a Commissioner
University’s College of Law.
Dean of Research and Quality Manage- of the WA Gaming Commission and a
“From 2004 our Law College will be
ment, and Professor Jennifer Nicol as member of the Burswood Park Board.
divided into two with the School of Law
Provost. Professor Moens is currently a Visiting
and the new School of International and
Professor Ryan joined Notre Dame in 1991 Postgraduate Legal Education,” he said. Professor of Law at Loyola University New
as Foundation Dean of the College of “The new school, headed by Professor Orleans School of Law and has an
Education, having accumulated more than Moens, will aim to attract local and international reputation in such fields as
international students to the University to constitutional law, legal philosophy, inter-
15 years of experience in university
study international trade and business national trade law and arbitration law.
teaching and senior management.
law and comparative law. It will run the Dr Tannock paid tribute to the University’s
He was appointed as Notre Dame’s Director
University’s Juris Doctor program and will former Dean of Law, Professor Greg
of Quality Management in 2003, after
develop and operate new international Craven.
periods as Dean of Education and, in 2002, and postgraduate law programs, including
“We were fortunate to have Greg as our
Dean of the University’s Broome Campus. a Masters of Laws and international Foundation Dean of Law and our Law
He has also worked in senior management exchange programs.” School enjoyed considerable success
at Curtin University of Technology.
Dr Tannock said the new school would under his leadership,” he said.
Professor Nicol has had experience in
school management as Head of Depart-
ment of Science, has been a Deputy
Maria wins our top prize
Principal and the Principal of a K-12 school. judged by the College Deans to be the most
outstanding in the 2003 graduating class.
In addition to this work in schools,
Professor Nicol held a leadership position Notre Dame’s foundation Dean of Law,
in the Catholic Education Office of WA for Professor Greg Craven, congratulated
several years. Miss Trichilo on her award and academic
achievements at the University over the
past four years.
“Maria has been an outstanding student
having won the Mallesons Stephens Jacques
▲ Maria Trichilo
prize for the best third year student for the
LAW graduate Maria Trichilo has won the 2002 academic year, the James Mazza prize
University of Notre Dame Australia’s top in evidence and also the Butterworths
academic award for 2003. prize in administrative law,” he said.
The 22-year-old graduated with a “Now, she’s capped off her tertiary
Bachelor of Laws and was awarded the education by graduating with first class
▲ Prof Jennifer Nicol - Dean, College of Education and Provost University’s prestigious John Ralph prize.
honours and winning the University’s
and Prof Tony Ryan - Dean, Research and Quality
Management. The annual prize is awarded to the student most prestigious prize.”

4
 Friends of Notre Dame
thanked at function
MORE than 100 friends of The University
Notre Dame Australia, staff and community
members attended a cocktail party in late
October to thank them for their support.
The function in Foley Hall on 29 October
celebrated Notre Dame’s growth, successes
and future aspirations.
It was hosted by the Chancellor, Terry
O’Connor QC, and the Vice Chancellor, Dr
Peter Tannock.
▲ Cocktail party guests Debra Prendiville, John Court and Helen Court with Notre Dame Chancellor Terry O’Connor.

Memorandum of Understanding praised by University and City

SENIOR staff at the City of Fremantle and excellent basis for cooperation and closer working relationship can bring
The University of Notre Dame Australia consultation between Notre Dame and great benefits for the community of
have nothing but praise for their Memo- the City. Fremantle,” he said.
randum of Understanding as the ground-
“Both sides have found it a very useful City of Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri
breaking agreement celebrates its first
framework to work through issues and said the formal agreement had helped to
birthday.
plans,” Dr Tannock said. expand the already good working
The memorandum, signed last November relationship between the University and
“Senior officers of both organisations
by Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri and the City.
now meet regularly and have made a lot
Notre Dame’s Vice Chancellor Dr Peter
of progress on matters such as planning “The Memorandum of Understanding has
Tannock, formalises a mutual commit-
of capital works, Notre Dame’s financial been a positive step for the City of
ment between the City and the University
Fremantle, the West End of Fremantle
to work in close partnership for a decade. contribution to the City, and changes to
and our community, and will only
parking arrangements.”
The agreement covers issues such as Notre continue to be of benefit in the future,”
Dame expansion plans, a commitment to Dr Tannock said recently the City, Notre he said.
mutual consultation, an annual contri- Dame and the State Government had
“By working together, it promotes
bution of $50,000 cash and approximately worked together to host the Inter-
harmonious development and relation-
$50,000 in kind from Notre Dame, and a national Sustainability Conference which
ships which continue to make Fremantle
commitment to joint venture projects. was a major success. an ideal place where people can live,
Dr Tannock said the memorandum was an “This was an excellent example of how a work or study. ”

Chelsea Project means business

THE Chelsea Project, a business develop- Fremantle Property Bank, has enabled to start in April 2004. Other planned
ment program for Fremantle’s West End, prospective business operators to locate improvements include heritage inter-
has demonstrated how major stake- potential sites for their new enterprise. pretations of the old tramway that used
holders of the City of Fremantle, Another key aim of the Chelsea Project is to run through the area, and increased
Fremantle Chamber of Commerce and the promotion of the West End to alfresco dining areas.
University of Notre Dame Australia can Fremantle’s shoppers and visitors. The The Chelsea Project, due to finish in
work in partnership to deliver real unique heritage precinct receives
benefits to the local community. March 2004, is a regional assistance
thousands of visitors each year due to
program funded through the Australian
The initiative supported by Notre Dame key historical sites such as Western
Government, the City of Fremantle and
has brought several new businesses into Australia’s oldest building, the Round
House. The area’s cultural feel has Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, and in-
the West End – from retail to professional
services – which complement the many attracted a large number of art galleries kind support from the University.
businesses already operating. and associated businesses over the years. For more information contact program
The development of an online database A streetscape program to improve coordinator Scott Mills on 9433 0637 or
for commercial accommodation, the pedestrian access and vehicle flow is due email [email protected].

55
 BROOME news
Community recreation
Twilight carols course starts in Broome
attract big THE University of Notre Dame Australia’s Sister Pauline said the new community

crowd latest Vocational Education and Training

(VET) course kicked off recently at the
recreation course added to the other
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander VET
A large group gathered for a Twilight Broome campus with students travelling courses offered by Notre Dame Broome.
Carols celebration held recently on the hundreds of kilometres to attend. She said the Diploma of Education and
grounds of the University of Notre Dame The course, Certificate II in Community Certificate and Diploma in Business
Broome Campus. Recreation, has attracted 15 enthusiastic courses were well established and had
Kimberley students from towns including been running for a number of years.
Staff, students, their families and many
supporters of Notre Dame Broome Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Notre Dame course coordinator John
attended the event. Crossing plus several remote communities. Pracy has been developing the course for
the past few months.
The local Yawuru people were acknow- Notre Dame Broome Campus Dean, Sister
Pauline O’Connor, said the course used Mr Pracy recently moved to Broome from
ledged as the traditional Aboriginal
sport and physical activity to help Sydney to take up the course coordinator
people from the areas in and around
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position.
Broome to start off proceedings before
an official welcome to the university by students think about health and related He said the units covered in the course
the Executive Director and Dean of the issues. included working in the sport and
Notre Dame Broome Campus, Sr Pauline recreation industry, occupational health
“The course capitalises on the student’s
O’Connor. and safety, administration, commun-
enthusiasm and natural abilities in
ication, information technology and
Sr Pauline reflected on the year’s different sports to help understand the
client/ customer service.
proceedings and talked of her five part physical activity can play in their
lives,” she said. Notre Dame’s Broome Campus is one of
months at the campus.
only a few higher education institutes in
She thanked John Bucknall for his work “Students can take the skills and know- Australia that offers both Vocational
as Acting Dean of the Campus for the ledge learnt during the course back into Education and Training courses like those
first half of the year and the hard work their communities to provide effective offered at TAFE and undergraduate and
of the staff throughout the year. sport and recreation programs and postgraduate degree courses offered at
services that improve the physical, social traditional universities.
The program for the night included
and emotional health of the community.
traditional Christmas Carols with a It’s a ‘campus of reconciliation’ and
number of readings about the Advent “The course focuses on Aboriginal and fosters this principle by encouraging
and Christmas periods of the Christian Torres Strait Islander youth, but has att- Indigenous and non-Indigenous students
Calender. racted students from different age groups.” to learn and study alongside each other.

Guests were asked to bring along a

gift which was passed on to the St
Vincent De Paul Centre for their annual
Christmas appeal.

Children were a big part of the proceed-

ings and were given Christmas tree
decorations to colour-in which they
could then hang on the Christmas tree
or take home.

Many children had been rehearsing

performances for their school end of
year concerts and on the night of the
Twilight Carols a few children were keen
to give an impromptu performance.

The performance included dancing and

singing and proved very popular with
the audience. ▲ Community Recreation students gather at Broome for the start of their course.

6
 Nursing students set
to enter workforce
THE University of Notre Dame Australia’s
Broome Campus Dean, Sister Pauline
O’Connor, said all seven nursing students
farewelled in October (see story left) had
received job offers.
“We’re proud of the achievements of our
nursing students,” Sr O’Connor said.
“This is the second group of students to
▲ Head of Nursing at Notre Dame Broome Mary Whitty with the Campus’ second group of nursing students.
complete our three-year Bachelor of
Nursing degree at Broome and we’re

Notre Dame Broome farewells pleased to see that they have all
successfully gained employment.

second group of nursing students “It’s also gratifying to see so many of them
go on to work in rural and remote areas.”
THE University of Notre Dame Australia and the teaching staff, especially with Ms
Notre Dame Broome Campus Head of
Broome Campus held an intimate send- Whitty.
Nursing, Mary Whitty, said the students
off for its second group of nursing Many students said they had made had all been offered jobs – two in Broome,
students on their last day on campus in lifelong friends, and it was the support one in Alice Springs and four in Perth.
October. and encouragement from each other that
She said the students heading to Perth
Students and staff of Notre Dame Broome had kept them motivated. Lots of
were in no doubt they would return to
gathered to farewell the seven nursing laughter was remembered, as well as the work in rural Australia at different times of
students and wish them well as they went stresses of study and assignments. their lives.
off to complete their last practicum in The ceremony included a reading from “Their success in the job market is
various health institutions around the the Gospel of St. John. A blessing on testament to the quality of training we are
Kimberley and Northern Territory. the students was made with oil, sym- offering as part of the course, plus the
This practicum completed the 36 weeks bolising strength on their journey as hard work and commitment they have
of practicum work undertaken as part compassionate and competent health shown over the past three years,” Ms
of the three-year nursing program at professionals. Whitty said.
Notre Dame.
The farewell ceremony was a time to rem-
ember the many and varied experiences
the students and staff had shared in the
past three years.
The students were invited to share some
of their stories.
All spoke of the great friendships that
had been formed between the students
▲ Students and staff of Notre Dame Broome gather to farewell the seven nursing students.

Medical school staff assess needs in the Kimberley

SENIOR staff from The University of Notre health physician, visited Derby, Fitzroy iation of the ways in which life is lived in
Dame Australia’s School of Medicine visited Crossing and Broome in late October. rural and remote areas and of the cultural
the Kimberley in October to get feedback and linguistic diversity of Kimberley
Professor McConnell said the mission of
on the medical needs and issues of rural people,” Professor McConnell said.
Notre Dame’s School of Medicine was to
and remote areas.
graduate medical practitioners who were “Interested individuals and organisations
Notre Dame aims to open the State’s second knowledgeable, skillful, dutiful and attended community meetings and gave
medical school at its Fremantle Campus ethical, through a university education us information about the establishment
in 2005. imbued with the Catholic values of of the school and their opinions about
compassion, respect and service. how we can work together towards
Deputy Head of School Professor Jennifer
McConnell and Associate Professor Donna “To achieve this mission, student doctors addressing the medical workforce issues
Mak, a former Kimberley GP and public need a sound understanding and apprec- of rural and remote areas.”
7
Edmund Rice Centre wins Cullen Award
THE Edmund Rice Centre at The University Norris coordinates fundraising and
of Notre Dame Australia has been project development, and students are
honoured with an Austcare WA Paul encouraged to participate in the project.
Cullen Humanitarian Award.
Notre Dame’s Vice Chancellor Dr Peter
The award recognised the ERC’s work in Tannock congratulated the ERC on
establishing the study course East Timor: receiving the Cullen Award.
Rebirth and Rebuilding.
“It is a very positive recognition of the
Following the influx of East Timorese outstanding contribution made by the
refugees to WA in 1999, students started ERC to East Timor, its people and its
providing aid materials to East Timor. This
future,” Dr Tannock said.
led to students travelling to East Timor on
one-month volunteer placements with Austcare is a non-government, non-
schools and medical facilities in rural sectarian international humanitarian aid
▲ ERC staff at work in East Timor
communities. agency dedicated to helping refugees
The Bakhita Centre is a youth training and displaced people re-build their lives.
The program has since been expanded
and education facility with an associated The awards are named after Major-
into a community development program,
medical facility. General Paul Cullen, the motivating force
with the establishment of the Bakhita
Centre in East Timor. Notre Dame associate lecturer Damien behind Austcare’s foundation in 1967.

Bali bombing survivor inspires students

BALI bombing survivor Phil Britten
inspired local high school students at
Notre Dame’s annual Leadership Day.

In a talk titled, From Survival to Serving

Others, Mr Britten spoke about his
experiences in Bali, and his efforts to raise
money for an ambulance for the island.

Sian White, winner of the 2002 WA

Young Person of the Year (Community
Service) award, also spoke to the students
about community development work and
student leadership.

The students worked in groups on an

activity designed to raise awareness of
the impact of terrorism worldwide.

Notre Dame Prospective Students Adviser

Susanna Wills-Johnson said the day aimed
to build students’ skills in community
development, negotiation, teamwork
and communication.
▲ John Curtin College of the Arts students Lili Murg (left) and Sally Walsh with Phil Britten during morning tea at Notre
“The day gave students the chance to Dame’s special leadership day.
network with others in similar roles, and
expand their knowledge of current
affairs,” Ms Wills-Johnson said.

Students came from the following

IMPORTANT dates
schools: Aquinas, Iona Presentation
6 February Staff Day
College, Kolbe Catholic College, John
9-13 February Orientation Week
Curtin College of the Arts, Trinity College,
Wesley College, Newman College, Mercy 16 February Semester One starts
College and Seton College.

8
Arts to become Notre Dame’s NEWS in brief
seventh college ■ Top researcher to head
School of Medicine
FROM the start of next year The University
of Notre Dame Australia will open its THE University of Notre Dame Australia has
seventh college – the College of Arts. appointed anatomist and neuroscience
researcher Professor Adrian Bower as the
Associate Professor Simon Adams, recently head of its new School of Medicine.
appointed Dean of the College, said the
He takes up the full-time position in January
move was a great step forward for arts at
2004.
Notre Dame.
English-born Professor Bower, a medical
“This reflects the extent to which arts has
graduate from the University of Liverpool, is
grown at Notre Dame,” Professor Adams
currently Head of Anatomy at James Cook
said.
University, Queensland and was a principal
“Australia-wide arts course are under designer of the University of Queensland’s
attack or in decline, with similar colleges graduate entry medical school program.
being shut down, but Notre Dame seems He has extensive experience in medical
▲ Simon Adams
to be going against that trend. education and is well-known for his neuro-
“You’d think it would be a difficult task to said. “The arts and social sciences are at science research on repairing the injured brain.
establish more arts courses at a private the heart of what we offer as a Catholic
Professor Bower has been working for Notre
university, but over the past four years university.
Dame for the past six months as a consultant.
numbers of students enrolling in Notre “Part of our role is to further recon-
He was excited about his new appointment
Dame’s arts courses has grown significantly. ciliation with Aboriginal people and work
and looked forward to the challenges it
“Our enrolments have more than tripled,” for social justice, and the arts are central
would bring.
he said. to understanding the world in order to
change it.” “One of the reasons that I accepted the offer
The biggest growth has been in Politics of head of Notre Dame’s School of Medicine
and History, although new major programs The new college will offer subjects was because it was one of the most exciting
in Theatre Studies, Sociology and Aboriginal including Politics and History, English and innovative I have ever seen,” Professor
Studies have also performed well. In 2004 Literature, Theatre Studies, Aboriginal Bower said.
the College of Arts will also be establishing Studies, Sociology, Italian, Greek,
“Notre Dame has developed an imaginative
a new Legal Studies program. Communications and Legal Studies.
clinical teaching program and I look forward
In the past two years Notre Dame has also The college will move into the building to building on that good work.”
started two new language courses, Greek formerly occupied by the College of
In another School of Medicine appointment,
and Italian. Education on the corner of Croke and
Dr Rachel Sherrard, a neuroscience researcher,
Mouat Sts. A new Communications
Professor Adams said both these courses will head the research area.
laboratory will be built in Croke Street
had been set up in collaboration with the She is currently an anatomy lecturer at James
next to the Theatre Studies Workshop.
local Greek and Italian communities. Cook University.
Professor Adams said establishment of
Professor Adams said it was stimulating Professor Bower and Dr Sherrard have been a
the College of Arts and the allocation of
and refreshing to be a part of this growth. research team for more than 15 years.
new buildings was an indication of the
“Arts courses play a unique and distinctive University’s support and commitment to They hope to progress their research on repair-
role at Notre Dame,” Professor Adams the arts. ing the injured brain when they move to WA.

How YOU can help us deliver!

The demand for places at The University of Notre Dame Australia makes us the fastest growing
University in the country. At the same time, the University is operating from one of the smallest
capital bases of all tertiary institutions.
Notre Dame provides a different and very special learning experience for our students, many of
whom will have a significant influence on future generations.
Our biggest challenge over the next few years is to fund the demand for new lecture rooms,
laboratories, equipment and to support our teaching body to cope with this expected growth.
Ring the Development Office on (09) 9433 0690 to find out how you can help or email us at
[email protected] for information on donations, bequests and “gifts in kind”.

9
 NEWS in brief ALUMNI news
■ John Inverarity appointed
FORMER Australian Test cricketer John
Inverarity has been appointed visiting
professor at The University of Notre Dame ▲ Toby Hicks, Alumni President
US students value Notre Dame
Australia. IF ever I needed confirmation that our “The experience of assimilating to a
Professor Inverarity has joined the University has had an impact around the different culture by learning new words
University’s College of Education where he world, I got it during my recent travels to and phrases, and having to do math
will lecture in the postgraduate program. the United States. every time you purchased something, is
“It was the most important semester of not an experience that can be under-
Professor Inverarity, a former headmaster
at Hale School, will combine his Notre my undergraduate career” was a sent- estimated,” Mr Flynn said.
Dame teaching appointment with his iment I heard repeated on many occasions This support and enthusiasm from
role as Coaching Director at England’s from the 50 or so former study abroad around the world is crucial to the Alumni
Warwickshire County Cricket Club. students I managed to catch up with Association. The stories and the passion
He said he would be coaching in England while in the US. with which these people so far away
between March and September, and Former students like Jane Pater, an speak about our University is a reminder
returning to Notre Dame’s Fremantle environmental consultant and former to all of us that our network of friends
Campus from October to February. Fulbright Scholar in the Philippines, said stretches far and wide, and that our work
“I’m looking forward to resuming my it was a pivotal experience in her life. has an impact extending far beyond our
teaching career, this time at a university,” own shores.
“It opened my eyes to a completely
Professor Inverarity said. On behalf of the Alumni Association
different way of looking at the world,
“It’s a situation very reminiscent of my and reminded me that the learning I did Committee I would like to thank
early teaching and cricket career when I in the classroom needed to be applied in everyone who has supported us this year,
combined the two.” a practical setting,” Ms Pater said. and wish you all a Happy and Holy
Professor Inverarity, who played test Christmas.
Jennifer Getman, a former classmate of
cricket for Australia and captained Ms Pater’s now studying to be a In these times of trouble, remember that
Western Australia and South Australia in a just over 2000 years ago, in a time of
pediatrician’s assistant, agreed.
career spanning some 23 seasons, has held similar trouble, a child was born in a
teaching positions in Australia at “The opportunity to sit on a star-lit
simple stable, cradled by his mother, with
Applecross Senior High School, Guildford stretch of beach sharing stories about an
only sheep and cattle looking on.
Grammar School, Scotch College and ancient culture is an experience that so
Adelaide’s Pembroke School and in few people get to share, so you can’t May the birth of Jesus remind us that
England at King’s College, Wimbledon and help but feel privileged to have had that even in turmoil, there lies great hope.
Tonbridge School. opportunity,” Ms Getman said. May we remember that in the eyes of a
child, all things seem possible, and may
Notre Dame’s College of Education Dean The experience was just as helpful to
this Christmas season be one of peace
Jennifer Nicol said Professor Inverarity Michael Flynn, a final year student
and hope for you and all your family.
would bring a wealth of experience and currently being interviewed by various
leadership to the University. firms for employment. Toby Hicks - Alumni Association President

■ Farewell
THE University of Notre Dame Australia’s
Head of the School Religious Education,
Wayne Tinsey, will leave Perth early next
year.
Associate Professor Tinsey will move to the
eastern states to take up the position of
Director of Catholic Education in the
Maitland/Newcastle Diocese.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years
at Notre Dame, and am grateful for the
friendship and welcome,” Associate Professor
Tinsey said. “It has been a privilege to work
at this most special of places.”
Associate Professor Tinsey was also Acting
▲ Former study abroad students Jennifer Getman and Jane Pater.
Director of the Edmund Rice Centre.
10
 ALUMNI news
Electronic Newsletter
set to inform
growing membership
THE Alumni Association recently launched
an e-newsletter.
The e-newsletter will be published
quarterly, sent electronically to all alumni
the association has a current email
address for.
Business Representative Daniel Chesson
said the e-newsletter would be an
efficient way to maintain on-going
communication with the ever-growing
and far reaching network of graduates. ▲ Graduates enjoying the Alumni drinks evening

“The e-newsletter will not only inform

graduates of Alumni initiatives, but will
also include University news, graduate
Alumni welcomes 2003 class
profiles and important notices for THE Alumni Association recently welcomed association among new members was an
upcoming events and programs,” he said. the graduating class of 2003 at a special integral part of maintaining a life-long link
drinks evening. between the University and its graduates.
If you want to receive the next edition of
the e-newsletter, visit the association’s It was the first time an event had been “The evening provided a wonderful
website (www.nd.edu.au/alumni) and organised to officially welcome and opportunity for graduands to celebrate
register your current email address. congratulate new alumni. their success, and find out more about
About 130 students from the 2003 what the association can offer them,” Ms
FURTHER INFORMATION graduating class attended the evening, Rayment said. “It also gets our graduates
Please contact the Notre Dame Alumni
deemed a success by all involved. thinking about the association and how
Association by email at [email protected]
or at PO Box 1225, Fremantle, WA 6959 Alumni Relations Officer Melissa Rayment they can continue their connection with
said creating an early awareness of the Notre Dame after they graduate.”

notre dame merchandise

THE
C
BOO O-OP
HAS KSHOP
MOV
ED

The Co-op Bookshop has moved

to new premises on the corner of
Marine Terrace and Henry Street
and is now operating full time 9 am
to 5 pm Monday to Friday.
All Notre Dame merchandise is now
sold through the Bookshop, which
stocks text and general books, as
well as stationery. Any particular
book can be ordered through the
Bookshop.

For all enquiries and mail orders, please contact the Development Office on (08) 9433 0690 or email [email protected].

www.nd.edu.au/shop
11
 Host program
expands students’
experience
The Student Host Program launched at the
University of Notre Dame Australia in August
has already benefited many students. Here is a
first person account from student Victoria King.

The Student Host Program has been an

amazing experience.
Not only have I learnt more about myself,
but I have an amazing group of friends
from the United States.

▲ Vice Chancellor Dr Peter Tannock with incoming Student Association President Courtney Draper and Vice President I was fortunate enough to host students
Tim Kennedy, and outgoing President Owen Woolcock and Vice President Brooke Harding. from Portland University Oregon, the
College of Saint Benedict and St John’s

Celebrating student University in Minnesota.

I got to know a whole group of students

leadership from Notre Dame Indiana staying at Port

Lodge. I can now count these 30 or so
students as some of my best friends.
OUTGOING student leaders were The University’s Vice Chancellor Dr
What’s important is allowing these
acknowledged for their outstanding Peter Tannock was delighted with the
students to experience the “real” Aust-
contribution and incoming leaders were leadership demonstrated by outgoing
ralian lifestyle. I don’t mean parties and
welcomed at an inaugural ceremony in President Owen Woolcock and Vice
hanging out in Fremantle all the time, but
early December, attended by family, President Brooke Harding and thanked
having them over for dinner, showing
friends, lecturers and University leaders. them for their service. He was proud of
them around our beautiful city and just
The University of Notre Dame Australia’s the calibre of leadership achieved this
being a friend to someone a long way
Director of Student Services Tracey Bahen year and welcomed the incoming
from home and the familiar.
said the ceremony was an opportunity Student Association Executive lead by
President Courtney Draper and Vice It’s an opportunity too good to miss. I had
to celebrate the important role student
President Tim Kennedy. an amazing semester, my favourite out of
leadership played in the life of the
the three years that I have been a student
University. The University’s Coordinator of Student
at Notre Dame.
“These fine young people offer a voice Services Amelia Whitelaw emphasised
the important role of family and friends I joined the program because I wanted to
to students and it’s important that we
and outlined each committee member’s meet new people and expand my horizons.
recognise and respond to that input,”
individual achievements. All my friends had hosted a student
Ms Bahen said.
before and loved it. I thought “well, I can
do that too.”

Guide aims to improve access The hardest part is saying good-bye,

though when you think about it, it’s not
The University of Notre Dame “The guide also represents a subtle shift good-bye forever – it’s good-bye until I
Australia’s location as a town university in our marketing. Our response to new see you again.
has achieved high profile recognition in students, staff and visitors when they ask I am now planning a trip to the United
the new City of Fremantle Access and about access is to celebrate our location States after I graduate in 2004. I have
Facilities Guide. as a town university because of all the places to stay all over America, and they
transport choices available.” have a place to stay here. I’m still in
Notre Dame’s Director of Student
Services Tracey Bahen said she had Ms Bahen said the free guide would contact with all my amazing friends via e-
worked closely with the City of be available early next year and mail every couple of days, and we to keep
Fremantle and the Department of distributed throughout the University each other posted on what’s happening
Planning and Infrastructure to develop and Fremantle. in our respective cities.
the new guide. This is the best opportunity, and I
It shows all walk, bike and public
“It represents an excellent resource transport routes that lead into Fremantle recommend it to everyone who wants to
map for new students and staff plus all plus facilities including toilets, showers, make a new friend for life. It has made my
visitors to the port city. bike racks and lockers University life one that I will never forget.

12