Site Navigation
Issue 7 - 17 April 2009
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 07 3623 7491.
Graduations continue at ACU
'myVoice' staff survey winner announced
ACU Canberra welcomes new staff appointments
Opportunities in China arise from new joint agreement
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science nominations
National Symposium on Religious Education
International education consultant chairs workshop
ACU staff and students enter Relay for Life!
Strathfield students receive Youth Leadership Awards
CECS Director visits Japan and South Korea
AVC thanks orientation committee at St Patrick’s campus
Brisbane Campus hosts Passion of Christ
Hope and History: Implementing the Lonergan Legacy
Theological seminar via video conference
Book Launch at Strathfield Campus
Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice
Cultural Diversity Concert at Strathfield Campus
Upcoming Events
Graduations continue at ACU
Graduations continued at ACU over the past few weeks with the Canberra ceremony held on 27 March, Sydney ceremonies held between 29-31 March and the Brisbane ceremony on 15 April.
The Brisbane ceremony also saw the largest number of Indigenous and Torres Strait Island students' graduating ever at the one event.
Graduation Ceremonies are still to come for Ballarat and Melbourne Campuses in May. 
Sr. (Mary) Denise Coghlan (second from left) and the late Dr Eric Shaw’s daughter, Mrs Mary Calder with ACU Chancellor Fr. Julian McDonald CFC AO and Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven.
‘myVoice’ staff survey winner announced
North Sydney Campus staff member, Mr Vasko Kirovski was recently named the lucky winner of a $500 holiday voucher for his participation in the ‘myVoice’ staff survey.
Mr Kirovski is very excited about his win and says he plans on spending the voucher on a holiday in the sun at the Gold Coast.
“I think myVoice is a very helpful project and it’s great to know that I have a say in my workplace,” said Mr Kirovski.
Approximately 63% of eligible ACU staff participated in the survey, which Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven said was “enough to ensure the results are reliable, meaningful and useful to [the University]”.
The results of the survey will be communicated to staff in June 2009. 
my Voice competition winner Vasko Kirovski
ACU Canberra welcomes new appointments
Australian Catholic University Canberra Campus (Signadou) has recently announced the appointment of Dr Patrick McArdle as the new Campus Dean and Professor Scott Prasser as the Foundation Executive Director and Professor of the Public Policy Institute.
Dr McArdle is a highly engaged member of ACU and the wider community. He has been a member of the ACT Chapter since 2002 and is a former Head of School and Assistant Head of School.
Dr McArdle has a PhD in practical theology and postgraduate qualifications in moral theology and education. His research and publications also encompass applied ethics, theological anthropology and education.
“I am really excited to receive this position and look forward to making a difference at Australian Catholic University in the coming years,” Dr McArdle said.
Professor Prasser joined ACU in July after serving in a number of senior lecturer roles in governance and management at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
He has extensive academic and applied research experience in wide ranging areas of public policy and has served in senior policy roles in federal and state governments.
New Dean of Canberra Campus Dr Patrick McArdle
Foundation Executive Director and Professor of the Public Policy Institute Professor Scott Prasser
Opportunities in China arise from new joint agreement
A new agreement between Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Capital Medical University (CMU), Beijing, will foster research programs between the two institutions and give students the opportunity to develop their knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine.
A delegation from the Chinese University visited the North Sydney Campus recently, where the five-year agreement was signed by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven, and Vice-President of CMU, Professor Xiaomin Wang. Among the delegates was Chairman of CMU Administrative Affairs Committee Professor Ming Li.
The agreement outlines a plan to establish a collaborative Master of Rehabilitation program which is recognised by the relevant government educational bodies in both Australia and China.
It also details the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) study tour, which will allow ACU students access to a TCM Acupuncture/Massage elective in Beijing to broaden their academic experience.
In addition, the agreement will provide opportunities for staff and student exchange and promote academic and cultural relations between the two institutions.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven and Vice-President of CMU, Professor Xiaomin Wang (both at the front), sign the five-year agreement.
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science nominations
The Australian Government is currently seeking nominations for The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, 2009.
This national competition recognises and awards scientists and science educators across five categories, with prize money totaling $500,000.
The closing date for nominations is 8 May 2009 at 5pm AEST.
Please visit http://www.innovation.gov.au/scienceprizes for further information.
National Symposium on Religious Education
The School of Religious Education at the North Sydney Campus is hosting the Sixth National Symposium on Religious Education from Monday 29 July to Wednesday 1 July 2009.
Held every second year, this year’s theme is “Perspectives on Religious Education: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”
The key note speaker is Professor Amy-Jill Levine from Vanderbilt University Divinity School and Graduate Department in Religion in the USA. Professor Levine is world renowned in the field of Christian-Jewish studies.
Please contact Professor Peta Goldburg RSM at peta.goldburg@acu.edu.au for more information.
International education consultant chairs workshop
Founder and co-president of the Centre for Relational Learning in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Dr George Otero, recently chaired an ‘Outward Facing Schools’ workshop, co-hosted by Australian Catholic University and the Catholic Education Office in Melbourne.
Dr Otero has worked for many years with schools and communities to develop innovative educational programs.
The workshop focused on schools being part of community engagement and development, working with their communities to build social capital and better outcomes for students, their families and surrounding community.
“This workshop gives people who are very busy and productive in their own organisation time to recollect with colleagues and find ways of working together better,” Dr George Otero said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to innovate in education.”
Mary Tobin (left) and John Stafford of the Catholic Education Office with Chair Dr George Otero and Helen Butler of Australian Catholic University.
ACU staff and students enter Relay for Life!
Staff and students from the University’s Canberra Campus (Signadou) recently braved the weather and entered the annual Relay for Life!
This year, the event involved 150 teams from different schools, organisations and community groups taking turns running or walking to keep a baton moving non-stop for 24 hours.
The Signadou Student Association organised the ACU team and fundraising for the event. The proceeds will go to Cancer Council research. 
Signadou students with Campus mascot Signaroo at Relay for Life!
The Biggest Losers' Shannon Ponton with ACU Student Kristy Reid.
Strathfield students receive Youth Leadership Awards
At a recent Strathfield Rotary meeting, ACU education graduates Maria Boulatsakos and Vanessa Forcella were presented with Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
This followed their one-week leadership and interpersonal skills camp at Springwood in January.
The graduates also addressed the meeting, describing the challenges and rewards they faced at the camp and explained how their involvement has led to personal changes and new friendships.
Vanessa and Maria receiving their awards from Rotary President Grahame True.
CECS Director visits Japan and South Korea
Centre for Early Christian Studies Director Professor Pauline Allen FAHA, of the Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo), recently delivered five public lectures in Japan and South Korea.
Travelling to Okayama State University (Japan), Hoseo University, Presbyterian College, and Baesuk University in Seoul (South Korea), Professor Allen spoke about the Centre’s ARC Discovery Project on poverty and welfare.
The ACU Early Christian Studies Centre’s model for studying poverty has been adopted by Japanese and Korean scholars researching similar topics.
AVC thanks orientation committee at Melbourne Campus
Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) Associate Vice-Chancellor Chris Sheargold recently held a lunch to thank the student volunteers and members of the orientation committee who helped make Orientation 2009 a great success.
Mr Sheargold commented on the great teamwork and dedication of those involved, handing out individual certificates to students.
The lunch also highlighted Associate Professor Cecelia Winkelman’s contribution to Orientation over the past four years as she stepped down from the role as Chair of the campus committee.
“What I have enjoyed the most is working with other staff and students toward the goal of providing a good experience for commencing students,” Professor Winkelman said. “There has been satisfaction, even delight, in working with others who share this vision.”
Associate Vice-Chancellor Chris Sheargold presenting Associate Professor Cecelia Winkelman with a gift to thank her for her many contributions.
Brisbane Campus hosts Passion of Christ
In the spirit of Easter, Australian Catholic University Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) recently hosted a music and visual representation of the Passion of Christ, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross Bushfire and Flood Appeal.
This modern take on the traditional Easter message featured a spectacular array of vocalists, including Australian Opera star Lindsay Gaffney and Australian Idol finalist Klancie Keough.
Held in the Brisbane Campus Holy Spirit Chapel, the program included a unique mix of visuals, voice-overs, lights and music for the audience of staff, students and friends of the University.
Holy Spirit Seminary Rector Monsignor Anthony Randazzo and the Most Reverend Bishop Joseph Oudeman OFM Cap DD with Lindsay Gaffney, Klancie Keough and the ACU cast and crew of Passion of Christ.
Hope and History: Implementing the Lonergan Legacy
The Catholic Theological College in East Melbourne will host a workshop about Canadian Jesuit, philosopher, theologian and economist, Bernard Lonergan, from 24 to 26 April 2009.
Lonergan offers new approaches to the foundations of several discipline areas including business, education, health, ethics, philosophy, economics, psychology, history, law .
The workshop will enable participants to replicate and validate Lonergan's inquiry through experiential activities and panel discussions.
For more information, please email John.Little@acu.edu.au or phone him on (03) 9953 3270.
Theological seminar via video conference
The ACU School of Theology is hosting a seminar presented by Professor Tony Kelly called “The Body of Christ! Amen? A post paschal reflection on the incarnation”.
The seminar will take place tomorrow (Friday April 17), at 12.30pm to 2.30pm in the video conference room of each campus.
For further information please email Margaret.blakeney@acu.edu.au or phone her on (02) 9953 3136.
Book Launch at Strathfield Campus
UNSW Press and ACU are joining together to celebrate the release of Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary) Associate Professor Peter Bastian’s book Andrew Fisher: An Underestimated Man.
The book, to be launched on Wednesday 29 April 2009, describes the life and times of Australia’s fifth Prime Minister and one of the nation’s greatest reformers, Andrew Fisher.
Commencing at 6pm, the launch will take place at the Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary) Art Gallery and will be officially launched by the Hon Laurie Ferguson MP, Member for Reid.
To RSVP please email peter.bastian@acu.edu.au or telephone him on (02) 9701 4177.
The cover of Professor Peter Bastian’s book.
Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice
The Christian Brothers and Edmund Rice Network will join ACU Strathfield Campus to celebrate the Feast Day of Blessed Edmund Rice on Wednesday 6 May.
Mass will be celebrated in the Barron Memorial Chapel at noon, followed by a luncheon and community activities in the main quadrangle.
All staff and students are welcome to attend. 
Cultural Diversity Concert at Strathfield Campus
The Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary) is offering students and staff the opportunity to showcase their culture through song, dance, music and poetry at the Cultural Diversity Concert on Wednesday 29 April.
Held at the Murray Hall from 7pm to 9pm, everyone is invited to participate or come along and be a part of the audience.
For tickets or to add your performance to the program, please visit the Strathfield Student Association office.
Upcoming Events
Theological seminar via video conference: 17 April
Golding Centre Colloquia 2009: 18 April
2009 Australian Innovation Festival: 26 April
Brisbane Advisory Day: 1 May
Melbourne Advisory Day: 5 May
Canberra Advisory Day: 8 May
North Sydney/Strathfield Advisory Day: 19 June
Ballarat Graduation Ceremony: 2 May
Melbourne Graduation Ceremonies: 2-5 May
North Sydney Social Justice Youth Forum: 27 May
Brisbane Social Justice Youth Forum: 29 May
National Symposium on Religious Education: 29 June
Details on this and other upcoming events can be found on the events page of the website. Promote your event by listing it on the myACU events section and by emailing details to editor@acu.edu.au.
