Issue 15 - Wednesday 1 August

The ACU Update is produced fortnightly for staff, students and friends of Australian Catholic University (ACU). To submit a news article or event, please email editor@acu.edu.au or call 02 9739 2514.

• Nursing students make a difference in Vanuatu
• Federal Health Minister and Queensland Senator visit ACU
• Queensland Deputy Premier visits the Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo)
• New Chair of Nursing Research
• Assistance for migrant students
• Mid Year Orientation events
• Dragon boat win for ACU team
• Sharing art
• Ballarat scholarship to benefit people with disabilities
• Screening of classic film on interfaith dialogue
• Brigidine Bicentary Seminar on social justice
• Field of women – live event
• ACU looks to the MOON
• Support for mature age students
• Interfaith Relations Graduate prepares for World Youth Day
• Research team shed light on children’s experiences of homelessness
• Cervical cancer vaccine available
• Walk for Mary's feast day
• Dr Michael Yapko – Presentations on Depression
• Team Building for the Australian University Games
• The World University Summer Games
• Upcoming Events

Nursing students make a difference in Vanuatu

19 students from the North Sydney Campus (MacKillop) were among a group of ACU students who undertook clinical and field experience in Vanuatu during their mid year vacation.

The students were able to put their knowledge and skills into practice at Vila Central Hospital, Emura Village and Paunagisu Health Centre. "Clinical and field experiences provide opportunities for students to apply and validate new knowledge," said lecturer in charge Jacqui Guy who accompanied students on the two week excursion with fellow lecturer Jane Allnutt and alumni and volunteer Trish Boss.

The Faculty of Health Sciences has a number of strong and highly regarded partnerships across the health sector reflecting a range of shared interests. In 2006 the Memorandum of Understanding with Paunagisu Health Centre was signed for an additional five years.

Federal Health Minister and Queensland Senator visit ACU

The Hon. Tony Abbott MP and Senator The Hon. Ron Boswell gained insight into the University’s unique Mission when visiting the Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) last Wednesday.

"We shared with the Minister and Senator our established reputation for quality and innovative teaching and specialist tertiary education and explored with them some of the characteristics of the range of disciplines that we offer" said Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Sheehan AO.

The Hon. Tony Abbott MP speaks with ACU nursing students

The Hon. Tony Abbott MP with Dr Jennifer Kelly, ACU Head of School of Nursing (QLD)

Queensland Deputy Premier visits the Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo)

Queensland's Deputy Premier The Hon. Anna Bligh MP visited the Brisbane Campus last week to present the key note address at the Agenda North Forum, hosted by ACU.

The forum is an opportunity for business leaders and community members to meet and discuss the future of the North Brisbane region. As the State Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure, Ms Bligh was able to share with the Forum the State Government's plans for the area, and to answer questions from attendees.

The Brisbane Campus has taken a leading role in the Agenda North Forum since moving to the Northside in 2003.

Koen Rooijmans CEO of the Brisbane Airport Corporation,The Honourable Anna Bligh MP and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Quality and Outreach) Professor John O’Gorman

New Chair of Nursing Research

Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Sheehan AO has announced the appointment of Dr Linda Worrall-Carter as Chair of Nursing Research within the Faculty of Health Sciences, who will begin at ACU in September this year.

The position is co-located within the School of Nursing and Midwifery (Victoria) and St Vincent’s Health Melbourne.

Dr Worrall-Carter joins the University from Deakin University where she was Associate Professor of Nursing and Director of the Eastern Health/Deakin University Nursing Research Unit.

Dr Linda Worrall-Carter

Assistance for migrant students

ACU honorary doctorate recipient Margaret Gurry AM created the Friday Night School at St John the Evangelist Parish in East Melbourne in 1996.

The school caters for about 200 children from migrant families, aged 3 to 18, who are being assisted by similar numbers of volunteers from schools across Melbourne

Ms Gurry, a qualified nurse, trained at Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital in the 1960s. In a long and varied career, she has used her skills in nursing, midwifery and intensive care to treat those suffering from malaria and other tropical diseases in Papua New Guinea, and is also well-known for her active community engagement activities.

Tax deductible donations are encouraged can be posted to the Friday Night School, at 38 Grey Street, East Melbourne 3002.

Mid Year Orientation events

Local and international mid-year entry students at the Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo), pictured with campus mascot McAuley Mongrel, were among hundreds to take part in recent Mid Year Orientation events across most of the University’s campuses.

Dragon boat win for ACU team

Staff and students from the Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo), sponsored by the School of Exercise Science (Victoria), made a splash in the Corporate Dragon Boat Regatta in Brisbane on Sunday 1 July.

The “McAuley Mongrels” raced in three heats before winning first place in their final. The team thanked School of Exercise Science (VIC) Head Dr Wayne Maschette and other University staff and supporters.

“We also thank all the paddlers who competed and everyone who soaked up the atmosphere,” said National School of Psychology Administrative Officer and team manager Kim Moyle, pictured (front right).

Sharing art

An exhibition of works by prominent Australian artists donated over the years to the Hornsby Arts Council Inc will open at the ACU Gallery at the Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary) at 6pm on Tuesday 31 July.

The exhibition, Gift of the artist, will then be on displaying at the Gallery, from 11am to 4pm Monday to Saturday until Saturday 25 August.

Ballarat scholarship to benefit people with disabilities

Ballarat Campus (Aquinas) nursing, education and human services students wanting to work with people with communication disabilities are invited to apply for a $2,500 scholarship offered by the Grampians Complex Communication Needs Service.

The one-year scholarship will involve students working for several hours a week with clients. Applications will close on Wednesday 15 August.

For more information please email speech pathologist Jacqui Lim at jlim@pincarc.org.au or telephone her on (03) 5329 1316.

Screening of classic film on interfaith dialogue

A moving and colourful west African documentary, The Imam and the Pastor, on interfaith dialogue and united peace efforts in Nigeria by a Pentecostal minister and Muslim leader, will be screened at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7 August at the Catholic Institute of Sydney at 99 Albert Rd, Strathfield.

The founder of the al-Ghazzali Centre for Islamic Sciences and Human Development Imam Afroz Ali and Southern Cross College Theology Lecturer and Dean Rev Dr Shane Clifton will attend, and there will be refreshments and an open forum.

Entry is by donation. For more information, telephone the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations on (02) 9352 8011.

Brigidine Bicentary Seminar on social justice

A seminar on social justice will be held from 7.15pm to 9.15pm in the Leone Ryan Auditorium at the North Sydney Campus (MacKillop) on Tuesday 28 August.

Aquinas Adacamy Principal and co-founder of Spirituality in the Pub Father Michael Whelan SM PhD will speak on The Beauty of God is within you: Being what we are.

Composer, singer, teacher and story teller Monica Brown MA Hons (Spirituality) will speak on Embodying the God we proclaim: the challenge of being an authentic people of God.

A light supper will be served at 6.30pm. RSVP by Tuesday 21 August to francesd@zip.com.au or by telephoning (02) 9908 3608.

Field of women – live event

More participants are needed for a gathering of 13,000 people at Telstra Stadium in Sydney on Saturday 11 August to draw attention to the number of Australians diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and help raise funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Bus and train transport from other states is half price for the event. Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) empowers, informs, represents and links together people whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.

School of Nursing (NSW) Clinical Administrative Officer Jacqui Booth, 34, a breast cancer survivor, has urged staff and students to consider attending. “A lot of people think it’s only a young person’s disease, but breast cancer effects so many of us in one way or another, this is a really worthwhile cause. I was diagnosed with it just two weeks after I joined the staff, when I was 33. The University has been fantastic.”

Registration is $50 and includes a pink poncho, admission to the Sydney Swans v St Kilda AFL match and public transport. For more information, to register, or to make donations without attending, visit www.fieldofwomen.org.au

ACU looks to the MOON

ACU and Graceville State School have joined forces with several US universities as part of the MOON Project (More Observations Of Nature), which aims to encourage an interest in science among young students.   

The project, initiated in 2001, has brought together peers from throughout Australia as well as Qatar, Zimbabwe, the UK and US.

Texas Tech. University Professor Walter Smith attended the launch of the project at ACU’s Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) recently as students from Graceville State School shared the enthusiasm for science they have gained as a result of the program.

Dr Janelle Young (back, left) and Dr Judith Mulholland from ACU, with Sandy Davey of Graceville Primary School, Professor Walter Smith and Graceville State Primary School students

Support for mature age students

Mature age students at the North Sydney Campus (Mackillop) will come together three times this semester to share their experiences in a welcoming and positive environment.

Participants say their support group “gives us friendship, encouragement and the sharing of problems, and we find solutions”. The group meetings are supported by Counselling Services and Academic Skills staff at North Sydney. Similar meetings are held in first semester at the Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) and are coordinated by Mission Engagement staff with assistance from the Counsellors on campus.

“Often mature age students are juggling complex lives with study and for this reason support can be an essential ingredient in their success at university,” said Counselling Service Manager Carolyn Toonen. “Apart from these meetings, counsellors support large numbers of mature age students by one to one counselling on all campuses.

All mature age students are welcome at the North Sydney meetings between 12pm and 1pm in Room 248 level 2 of the Carroll Building, Student Services, on Tuesday 7 August, Tuesday 4 September and Tuesday 2 October. For more information, please contact North Sydney Campus counsellor Judy Wright at judy.wright@acu.edu.au.

Interfaith Relations Graduate prepares for World Youth Day

As World Youth Day approaches, Graduate Certificate in Interfaith Relations graduate Jessica Denehy has joined the Victorian Diocese of Sale WYD08 events coordinating team. Celebrations, fundraising activities, pilgrim retreats and youth events are planned.

Jessica has been a member of the Young Catholic Women’s Interfaith Fellowship, a project of the Australian Catholic Church’s Office for the Participation of Women. Fellowship sponsors include the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference and ACU, which offers the certificate at the Canberra Campus (Signadou). Jessica was featured in a recent issue of Catholic Life.

Research team shed light on children’s experiences of homelessness

A report providing a unique perspective on children’s experiences of homelessness prepared by an Institute of Child Protection Studies research team from the university was launched on Thursday 19 July by Mary Porter MLA at the Canberra Museum and Gallery.

Finding their way home: Children’s Experiences of Homelessness presents the experiences and thoughts of 25 children and young people.

Commissioned by the ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services with funding through the Australian Government’s Supported Accommodation and Assistance (SAAP) Program, the study sought to develop an understanding of children’s experiences of homelessness and how this might lead to improved service provision.

To view the full report visit http://www.acu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/51359/FINALFindingtheirWayHome (PDF, 3.4mb)

Cervical cancer vaccine available

If you are a young woman aged 18 to 26 years you can now access free cervical cancer vaccine from GPs and other immunisation providers.

From July 2007, you can visit your local GP or community immunisation provider to receive free vaccinations as part of the National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Program. The vaccine is available for a period of two years, from July 2007 to June 2008. Note that while the vaccine is free, you may still have to pay for the consultation.

Walk for Mary's feast day

Staff, students and friends of ACU have been invited to join the University of Melbourne Catholic chaplaincy on a memorial walk to celebrate Mary Mackillop's feast day on Wednesday 8 August. Mary Mackillop, Australia's only formally recognised saint, was born in 1842 in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, adjacent to the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick's).

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Professor Gabrielle McMullen invites ACU staff and students join the procession at the Mary of the Cross Chapel at 7 Brunswick Street, but all participants are welcome at any stage.

Walkers will depart Concrete Lawns in front of Union House at 2pm, meet for prayer at the Mary of the Cross Chapel at 7 Brunswick Street at 2.20pm, witness the Blessing of a street icon at All Saints Parish on the corner of Brunswick and King William streets at 2.35pm, attend Mass at 2.45pm, and enjoy afternoon tea at 3.30pm.

Dr Michael Yapko – Presentations on Depression

Eminent international psychologist Dr Michael Yapko, noted for his work on depression, will be hosted by the University’s National School of Psychology during August and September.

The initiative is in response to the high incidence of depression within Australian communities. The School has a strong reputation for active community engagement.

Dr Yapko will give a series of free public lectures and subsidised professional development workshops addressing a number of issues surrounding depression. In addition, Dr Yapko and the School will interact with specific community groups, providing specially developed seminars, discussions and workshops.  Staff and students are invited to take part.

For further information please go to www.acu.edu.au/yapko

Team Building for the Australian University Games

ACU looks set to continue strong sporting performances at the Australian University Games when the event is held on the Gold Coast from 23 to 28 September.

ACU will draw on talent from each campus to fill teams in men’s and women’s Australian Rules football, mixed netball, mixed touch football, men’s soccer, mixed volleyball, lawn bowls, ultimate frisbee and basketball.

Students interested in becoming involved should contact the following campus representatives.

For more information, please visit http://www.unisport.com.au/extra.asp?id=366&OrgID=1

Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) Netball team with McAuley Mongrel

The World University Summer Games

Three ACU athletes will represent Australia at the World University Summer Games in Bangkok, Thailand from 8 to 18 August. The World University Summer Games are held every two years by the International University Sports Federation, which attracts over 8,000 of the world’s best athletes, including the 185-strong Australian squad.

First-year exercise science student Grant Nel, a member of the 2007 Australian Development Squad, will hope to finish among the diving medalists after an impressive performance at the FINA World Championships in March earlier this year.

Exercise Science student Sarah Katsoulis from the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s), currently ranked in the top five breaststrokers in the country, is expected to do well.

ACU’s other member of the World University Summer Games Australian swimming team, exercise science student Chelsea Carpenter will also fight for the medals in the breaststroke and lead the team in the 400m Individual Medley.

Upcoming Events

• Tueday 31 July – Saturday 25 August – Gift of the artist -Art Exhibition (Strathfield)
• Wednesday 8th Aug - Depression: the modern epidemic - Dr Michael Yapko public lecture (Brisbane)
• Wednesday 8th August - memorial walk to celebrate Mary Mackillop's feast day (Melbourne)
  
• Friday 10 August – Saturday 11 August - Treating depression in individuals - Dr Michael Yapko professional development workshop (Brisbane)
• Monday 13 August - How to deal with depression while studying - Dr Michael Yapko student seminar (Brisbane)
• Tuesday 14 August - Increasing happiness: what positive psychology has taught us - Dr Michael Yapko public lecture (Brisbane)
• Friday 17 August  -  Saturday 18 August - Introduction to clinical hypnosis in strategic therapy and behavioural medicine -Dr Michael Yapko professional development workshop (Brisbane)
• Sunday 19 August – Open Day (Melbourne)
• 20 August - 21 August - Introduction to Clinical Hypnosis in Strategic Therapy and Behavioral Medicine - Dr Michael Yapko professional development workshop  (Melbourne)
• Wednesday 22 August - Psychological underpinnings of depression - Dr Michael Yapko public lecture (Melbourne)
• Wednesday 22 August – Open Night (North Sydney)
• 24 August  -  25 August - Mindfulness, hypnosis, and enhancing the effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Dr Michael Yapko professional development workshop (Brisbane)
• Saturday 25 August – Open Day (Canberra)
• Sunday 26 August – Open Day (Ballarat)
• 27th August -  Dealing with depression in the workplace - Dr Michael Yapko seminar (Brisbane)
• Tuesday 28 August – Social justice seminar (North Sydney)
• Saturday 15 September - Open Day (Strathfield)
• Saturday 20 October – Sunday 21 October - Dealing with diversity conference

Details on these and other upcoming events can be found at www.acu.edu.au/events

Promote your event by listing it on the myACU events section and by emailing details to editor@acu.edu.au.