Issue 8- Thursday 1 May
ACU National Update is produced fortnightly for staff, students and friends of Australian Catholic University (ACU National). To submit a news article or event, please email editor@acu.edu.au or call 07 3623 7491
- Sydney Graduation Ceremonies
- Scholar graduates with a Doctor of Philosophy
- WYD08 excitement builds
- Canberra Campus helps raise awareness to ‘Close the Gap’
- Public lecture at Institute of Legal Studies
- Indigenous social work experiences shared
- ANZAC Day commemorative ceremony
- A catalyst for growth
- Homeless Awareness Week
- Free resources on Indigenous issues
- Photography exhibition to feature at Strathfield
- Apology
- Upcoming Events
Sydney Graduation Ceremonies
Family, friends and general and academic staff from the North Sydney (MacKillop) and Strathfield (Mount Saint Mary) Campuses witnessed almost a thousand graduates cross the stage to receive their degrees during the 2008 Sydney graduation ceremonies on 21 and 22 April at the State Theatre.
Three honorary doctorates were awarded across the Education, Arts and Sciences and Health Sciences faculties respectively. Leading figures in Catholic education, performing arts and Catholic health were all awarded the University’s highest honour by Chancellor Brother Julian McDonald CFC AO.
Dr Kelvin Canavan was honoured recognition of his outstanding contributions to Catholic education in Australia and internationally. Dr Canavan has held the position of Executive Director of Schools in the Arcdiocese of Sydney for more than two decades, and has been instrumental in the development of new schools and colleges in growth areas around the city.
In the Arts and Sciences ceremony, Dr li Cunxin was honoured for his contribution to the arts and ballet. Dr Cunxin overcame a childhood of extreme poverty under Chairman Mao’s regime in China, before going on to become one of the world’s leading ballet dancers.
Dr Francis Sullivan was honoured in the Health Sciences ceremony in recognition of his advocacy for and contribution to the health and aged-care sectors both in Australia and internationally. Dr Sullivan is currently the CEO of Catholic Health Australia, and has made a major contribution to health care, public policy and the Catholic voice on health care.
Honorary Doctorate recipient li Cunxin with his wife, Mary
Honorary Doctorate recipient Kelvin Canavan with University Medallist Joranda Jones
Honorary Doctorate recipient Francis Sullivan delivers the occasional address
Catalyst/Clemente students Ian Herd and Anissa Chatt complete their Certificates in liberal studies
Scholar graduates with a Doctor of Philosophy
Another leading health figure with a reason to celebrate at this year’s Sydney Graduation ceremonies was Wyong Hospital Director of Emergency Dr Garry Nieuwkamp, who graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Dr Nieuwkamp’s PhD thesis, “The Theory of Informed Consent in Medicine: Problems and Prospects for Improvement,” examines ways in which recent movements in healthcare can help in reducing uncertainty in the practice of informed consent.
Dr Nieuwkamp examines the introduction of evidence-based medicine into clinical decision making, and the institutionalisation of clinical governance and application of quality improvement philosophy, which he describes as “profound revolutions in healthcare over the last decade”.
Dr Nieuwkamp also holds a Master of Arts (Applied Ethics) from ACU National and is a member of the Clinical Excellence Commission Clinical Council, established to provide expert opinion, direction and advice to the Board of the NSW Clinical Excellence Commission.
WYD08 excitement builds
World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) activities are continuing across the University, as excitement builds ahead of the event in July.
The Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary) hosted a WYD08 information event on Wednesday 30 April, at which students and staff were able to meet pilgrim leaders and hear the official WYD08 song. More than 300 students attended the event and visited stalls hosted by The Sisters of Joseph, The little Company of Mary, The Vincentian Family, Caritas, Edmund Rice and the Emmanuel Community.
The Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) will also hold a WYD08 event in Central Hall on Friday 2 May from 12.30pm, allowing staff and students will hear live music and speakers, as well as a drama performance.
Visit www.acu.edu.au/wyd for more information on activities at each campus, how to volunteer and more.
Vanessa Forcella, Dean of Students Anne Cummins and Andrew Profilio at the Strathfield WYD08 event. Photo by Nicky Alsemgeest
Canberra Campus helps raise awareness to ‘Close the Gap’
More than 60 staff and students at the Canberra Campus (Signadou) gathered to raise awareness of Indigenous health equality on Tuesday 22 April.
Participants congregated in the Indigenous student centre to sign a pledge to ‘Close the Gap’, while enjoying a selection of black and white food and listening to talented local didgeridoo player Mr John Judd.
“There is a 17-year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians, so it was wonderful to see so many students and staff supporting the initiative to change this situation,” Indigenous Academic Support Officer Kath Wallace said.
The ‘Close the Gap’ event was organised collaboratively by staff from the Indigenous Centre, Mission Engagement, the School of Social Work, and library. The official opening and celebration of the Indigenous Centre's naming by the Ngunnawal Elders council will be held later this year.
Public lecture at Institute of Legal Studies
ACU National Institute of Legal Studies Director Professor Spencer Zifcak will present his inaugural public lecture at the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) on 29 May at 6.30pm in room 2.81.
Dr Zifcak will also deliver his lecture, Framing a Global Rule of Law, in Brisbane on 12 June and Sydney on 21 August.
Please email ils@acu.eud.au to RSVP or for more information.
Indigenous social work experiences shared
Chair of the Northern Territory Emergency Response Taskforce Dr Sue Gordon AM visited the Canberra Campus (Signadou) to lead a seminar on Social Work across Indigenous Affairs, on Tuesday 22 April.
Dr Gordon spoke about the Northern Territory Intervention and future possibilities. Dr Gordon, also a participant in the 2020 Summit, shared her experiences of the event in which she was a member of the ‘Future of Indigenous Australia’ workshop.
She spoke positively about some of the measures being implemented as part of the Emergency response, in particular, the effectiveness of school nutrition programs, and the income management of Centrelink payments.
With regards to her experience as a magistrate in the Perth Children’s Court, Dr Gordon discussed the frustration for social workers of huge case loads which were resulting in children being “neglected by the very people who are trying to help them”.
She added that social workers should not be in fear of creating another Stolen Generation, commenting that “the misinterpretation of aboriginal child placement principles has resulted in some Aboriginal children left in horrible situations from which a non-Aboriginal child would have been quickly removed”.
The seminar was one of a series of Rose Garden Community Seminar’s hosted by the Canberra Campus’ School of Social Work, and was attended by students, staff and members of the Australian Association of Social Work.
Associate Professor Morag McArthur, Betty Connelly, guest speaker Dr Sue Gordon, Kate Bunker and Dr Joanna Zubrzycki at a recent Rose Garden SeminarANZAC Day commemorative ceremony
The Canberra Campus (Signadou) marked Anzac Day on Thursday 24 April with the Mission Engagement team holding a service to commemorate and honour the lives of Australians lost to war.
Participants observed a minute of silence followed by a reading given by student association president Rohan Kain.
The ceremony was well attended by students and staff, with education student Jonathan Hall playing the Last Post and concluding the ceremony with the Reveille.
Education student Jonathon Hall plays the Last Post at the Anzac Day commemorative ceremony at the Canberra Campus (Signadou)A catalyst for growth
The Catalyst/Clemente program continues to grow and develop across the University.
The Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) recently hosted the launch of the program in Victoria, in conjunction with Mission Australia.
The Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) showcased a drama performance, Clans, from the Catalyst group led by Dr Tracey Sanders on Wednesday 23 April. Members of the group are working towards completing a Certificate in liberal Studies.
Dr Tracey Sanders with the Catalyst group following their performance of ‘Clans’
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Professor Gabrielle McMullen (second from right) at the launch of the Melbourne Catalyst/Clemente project
Homeless Awareness Week
2008 Homeless Awareness Week is being recognised at ACU National with the Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) hosting several events through the week.
A forum on homelessness was held by the student association on 29 April, with representatives from non-for-profit organisations Rosies, the Refugee Claimant Support Centre and Qshelter sharing their experiences supporting people who are homeless.
A staff versus students soccer match was also held on 30 April, in an effort to raise awareness of homelessness, as well as funds for the Rosies Street Van.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Quality and Engagement) Professor John O’Gorman was on hand to present a winners’ shield to the student team, which took victory with a 1-0 win.
Mission Engagement Officer Eric Robinson, graduate Theresa Murphy, Gary Penfold of Qshelter, Father Pat Dwyer of Rosies, Gabby Heuft of the Refugee Claimant Support Centre, Founder of Homeless Awareness Week Alexandra Jack, and Mission Engagement Officer Andrew Beiers
(back row, from left) Mission Engagement facilitator Andrew Beiers, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Quality and Engagement) Professor John O’Gorman with the staff and student teams
Free resources on Indigenous issues
Teaching resources about issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, developed by the Australian Human Rights and Qual Opportunity Commission (HREOC), can now be downloaded or ordered free of charge.
They include a CD Rom of learning activities and DVD documentary on Bringing them home, an education module for use in the classroom, about the removal of Indigenous children from their families; a collection of stories, poetry and artwork by Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people, Us Taken-Away Kids; and a Track the History timeline showing events, laws and policies.
Visit www.humanrights.gov.au for more information.
Photography exhibition to feature at Strathfield
The Strathfield (Mount Saint Mary) Campus Gallery will welcome the World Press Photo exhibition to its Gallery with an opening of the display on Thursday 8 May from 5pm.
The exhibition, regarded as the most prestigious annual international contest in press photography, showcases the very best of photojournalism from around the world.
Brought to Strathfield by the World Press Foundation global sponsor, Canon, the display features a montage of stunningly beautiful yet often haunting images.
The free exhibition will be on display in the Gallery@Strathfield until Saturday 24 May. Enter via Gate 3, 25A Barker Road, Strathfield, NSW.
World Press Photo of the Year 2007, Tim Hetherington, UK, for Vanity FairApology
Apologies to International Education Director Valerie Hoogstad for a mistake in the caption of the photo of the flag ceremony at North Sydney in the last edition of the ACU National Update. The photo caption mistakenly referred to Valerie as Judy Wright, who is the original researcher of the project. Valerie was present at the ceremony, which was much appreciated by students, both international and local.
Upcoming Events
- Wednesday 7 May – Edmund Rice Day (Strathfield)
- Thursday 15 May - Friday 16 May - Hansel and Gretel Production (McAuley at Banyo)
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.
