AUTUMN 2000Volume 3 Number 8

QUT’s fabulous Chancellor

Billions will be watching

Striking gold on the Internet

Alumni Review

The ElectronicAge

http://www.qut.edu.auA university for the real world

This edition of QUT Links features several stories about QUTalumni who have found ways to business success throughthe Internet and other forms of electronic communication.

Electronic commerce has become an academic subject in itsown right as well as an increasingly important reality in the business world.

Indeed, this year QUT will offer electronic commerce as a major within theBachelor of Information Technology program. The Faculty of Business also offersunits in the area.

Perhaps more significantly, however, the “e-revolution” has wrought radicalchange in the way in which we do our business as a university in teaching,research and services to students and staff.

When I first came to the old QIT in the early 1980s, I didn’t even have a computeron my desk.

Today, like virtually all academic and administrative staff, I use a computer foran extraordinary range of functions, to send e-mail, to read the library catalogue,to get my pay advice, even to vote in elections for staff representatives.

For many of our students, electronic communication is almost second nature.

QUT prides itself on having one of the country’s most advanced and student-friendly university Web sites, which is the portal to a vast array of electronicservices and information, including individualised timetables and booklists andthe ability to nominate tutorial times.

Increasingly, the university is moving towards using the electronic medium todeliver the actual content of courses through e-mail lists and electronic discussionrooms as well as on-line course materials.

The “virtual university” will never replace the interpersonal interactions thatare such an important part of university life. But electronic communicationcreates enormous possibilities for universities to enrich the experience of bothstudents and staff.

Professor Dennis GibsonVice-Chancellor

QUT Links is published by the QUT Corporate Communication Department, inco-operation with the QUT Alumni Relations Unit.

Design and production by QUT Publications Unit.

Edited by Colleen Ryan Clur.

Photography: Tony Phillips, Suzanne Prestwidge.

Cover picture: Sherran Evans, University of Technology, Sydney.

Editorial material is gathered from a range of sources and does not necessarily reflect the opinions and policiesof the QUT Foundation or QUT.

A range of quality corporate products (pictured above) is offered to QUT Alumni.A description of each with its price, well below retail, is provided on the order form.

Please photocopy this order form before completing it.Allow three weeks for delivery of goods. Orders may be faxed or posted.Please make cheques payable to Whatsinaname. Payment must be receivedbefore goods will be despatched.

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Deluxe polo shirt with embroideredlogo (Australian-made) $38.50

Size

Key ring in brushed silver metal withQUT logo

Silver anodised coasters with QUT logo (boxed set of six)

Avanti stainless steel insulated mug with laserengraved QUT logo

Parker Sonnet ball point pen – blue lacquer with gold trim(includes refill) (gift boxed) – engraved QUT logo

Parker Sonnet fountain pen – blue lacquer with gold trim(includes refill) (gift boxed) – engraved QUT logo

Total cost

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$ 9.50

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Return form to: Whatsinaname, 72 Pembroke Road, Coorparoo Qld Australia 4151Phone (07) 3847 2466 Fax (07) 3847 2470

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$55.00

QUT Links, like the university’salumni, is growing and exploringnew connections that will bevaluable to many of our readers.

Many of you will have importantnews, ideas and questions toshare with your peers, so to helpus meet that information need,the editorial team invites you tolet us know what you would liketo see covered in future editions.

It could be a news or featurearticle, a profile or some othertype of report that would be ofinterest to a broad cross-sectionof graduates.

All you have to do is drop aline to:

The Editor

Corporate Communication Department

Queensland University of Technology

GPO Box 2434

Brisbane Q 4001

e-mail: c.ryanclur@qut.edu.au

OR call (07) 3864 1150.

Coming up...

11Dr Hirst shines on as QUT Chancellor

22In brief...

44Olympic challenge for broadcasting expert

55Bianca’s art unites two worlds

66Entrepreneurs strike gold on-line

77E-Revolution challenges met head-on

88Graduates recall their golden era

1010Witra aims high in Indonesia

Construction giants receive top awards

1111Cutting-edge genetic research forges ahead

1212Electric bike offers clean transport alternative

1313Managing change in the workplace bringskey players together

1414Statistical research will help hospitals makebetter decisions

1515Unusual route to film-writing success

1616Maricha marries music and management

1717President’s column ... expanding our links

Search on for outstanding QUT graduates

1818Alumni news ... at home

Renown artist Verlie Just mourned

1919Alumni news ... international

QUT’s on-line community is expanding

2020Alumni calendar of events for 2000

2121Keep in touch. . .

Cover:Steve Mitchell

CO

NT

EN

TS

Avanti stainless steel cappuccino cup and saucer set withlaser engraved QUT logo $29.00

Dr Hirst shines on as QUT Chancellor

Popular Chancellor Dr Cherrell Hirstepitomises the style of the QueenslandUniversity of Technology – hard-working and forward-looking.

Dr Hirst was recently reappointed toher position for a second five-year term,and her eagerness to continuerepresenting QUT in this honorarycapacity is typical of her generosity.

Apart from her frequent anddemanding appearances as ceremonialhead of QUT, she is a medical doctorand director of the Wesley Hospital’sBreast Clinic in Brisbane.

It would probably come as a surpriseto many to learn that her QUT jobcomes with no salary. As she puts itherself, “chancellors of Australianuniversities are volunteers”.

Addressing a QUT graduationceremony shortly after herreappointment, Dr Hirst describedherself as one among many volunteerswho served the university.

“I am certain that the community hasno idea just how many volunteers from

the community work within theuniversities of this country,” she toldgraduates.

“Within QUT alone I have countedmore than 100. Every one of thesepeople give of their time and energyfreely – they receive no reimbursementwhatsoever – and through theircontribution they make our universitiesricher places.”

Dr Hirst spoke to QUT Links abouther sense of excitement at beingreappointed Chancellor.

“I never cease to be impressed withpeople right across this institution, nomatter what work they’re doing or whatlevel they’re working at, because there issuch a strong commitment to learningand to QUT itself,” she said.

The respect she accords hercolleagues is mirrored by the respect shehas won from them.

QUT Vice-Chancellor ProfessorDennis Gibson has developed a closeworking relationship with theChancellor and he is thrilled she isstaying on to head QUT in its seconddecade as a university.

“Cherrell’s reappointment has beengreeted with enthusiasm and pleasureacross QUT,” he said.

“She has been most approachableand generous to us with her time andhas worked hard for the university.”

First approached in mid-1990 by theState’s Minister for Education to join thefledgling university council, Dr Hirstsaid she hadn’t previously contemplatedserving in such a role.

“But I’ve always been totallycommitted to learning, not justacademic learning, but lifelong learning,”she explained.

She added an education degree to hermedical qualifications shortly before shewas offered the QUT Council position.

“I didn’t hesitate for a second whenthe Minister called, but it was a bit of asteep learning curve because I didn’treally know much about QUT or thehigher education sector,” she said.

QUT Chancellor Dr Cherrell Hirst

Dr Hirst, who was elected Chancellorin 1995, said she was optimistic aboutQUT’s future.

“We’ve come through the first 10years very well. We’ve learnt a lottogether and, justifiably, we’re no longerdefensive about our position,” sheexplained.

“Over the next decade we canconcentrate on proving we’ve got whatit takes for key stakeholders inside andoutside of the university.”

She said careful strategic and financialmanagement had placed QUT in astrong, competitive position.

Dr Hirst has three key aims for theuniversity over the next five years.

“We need to continue working onincreasing the visibility of QUT outsideof the university – what we do, theissues and challenges we face, ourengagement with the broadercommunity and our overall contributionto society,” Dr Hirst said.

“Internally, we’ll be working harderto increase the sense of belongingamong staff and students, as well asincreasing their commitment to theuniversity’s overall mission and itsprogress.

“And, at the broadest level, I believethe higher education sector needs tochange the attitude of governments touniversity funding via the community.This will ensure the standard ofAustralian universities does not fallfurther due to lack of funding.

“Universities are not just anotherpublic institution to be starved ofresources – they represent the nation’screative future.”

“She has been most

approachable and generous to

us with her time and has

worked hard for the

university.”

1b y Tr i n a M c L e l l a n a n d C o l l e e n R y a n C l u r

Q U T L I N K S

In brief...

GARDENS POINT CULTURAL PRECINCT TAKES SHAPEAn exciting arts development for Brisbane is unfolding onQUT’s Gardens Point campus.

Dr Sue-Anne Wallace, the new director of the QUTCultural Precinct initiative, said the precinct would incorporateThe Gardens Theatre and the soon-to-be-opened QUT ArtMuseum.

She said a $1.5million injection from the State Government,as well as sponsorship from other organisations, had boostedthe initiative.

“The Precinct and Art Museum will be officially launchedlater this year, and we will have commercial ventures comingon stream too. The Gardens Theatre is already proving apopular and versatile venue,” Dr Wallace said.

2

EXTRA MOOT COURT OPENSA new moot court has beenopened at Gardens Pointcampus to cater for theexpanding programsconducted by the Faculty ofLaw and the Bar PracticeCourt.The moot court was openedlate last year by the Presidentof the Queensland IndustrialCourt, David Hall.

Dr Sue-Anne Wallace

Melanie Simpson

PARTNERSHIP FORGEDA state-of-the-art laboratorydesigned to detect pesticidetraces in food andenvironmental contaminantsin soil and water waslaunched late last year byQUT and chemical giantRhône-Poulenc.

Operated by Rhône-Poulenc Rural Australia Pty

Ltd and located withinQUT’s School of PhysicalSciences, A-QUanTLaboratories will conductworld-class research onagricultural chemicals.

Rhône-Poulenc’sinvestment is worth $1millionto QUT over the next fiveyears.

IT PROGRAM EXPANDSStudents from all over theworld are now able to study aWeb-based master’s degreefrom QUT without leavinghome.

The Master of InformationTechnology (Professional) hasbeen offered internationallyat QUT since Semester One,2000 to meet internationaldemand.

QUT LAUNCHES ONE-STOP STUDENT CENTRESQUT has launched one-stop student centres, making it easierand faster for new students to navigate the university’sadministrative system

Students will be able to lodge student administration forms,check and change their enrolments and pay student fees all atone location on each campus after the phasing in of StudentCentres on all three campuses.

The state-of-the-art Gardens Point centre was officiallyopened on February 18 by one of the Dean’s Scholars fromthe Faculty of Science, Melanie Simpson.

3

Q U T L I N K S

HONORARY DOCTORATES AWARDEDQUT has presented honorary doctorates to a number ofindustry and community leaders over the past few months.

Late last year awards went to Queensland business leaderFrank Haly AO for his contribution to the business world andto QUT, and to acclaimed writer and palaeo-environmentalistDr Mary White for her contributions to science.

Early this year honorary doctorates were presented toQueensland’s inaugural Insurance Commissioner GrahamHughes, to the World Bank’s head of mental health andnervous system disorders, Dr Harvey Whiteford, to GrameenBank founder Professor Muhammad Yunus, and to Australia’shighest-ranking indigenous police officer Inspector ColinDillon. Dr Whiteford and Mr Dillon are both QUT graduates.

BRIAN JOHNS AT QUTFormer ABC managingdirector Brian Johns hasjoined QUT’s School ofMedia and Journalism.

QUT head of Media andJournalism Professor StuartCunningham said Mr Johnswould be appointed as anadjunct professor.

He said Mr Johns’appointment would addstrength to the School andwould confirm for studentsthat they were studying at aleading institution.

Mr Johns said hisappointment would providehim with a solid base forcontinuing his work,particularly in the area ofdigital broadcasting.

SUMMER PROGRAM BOOMSMore than 2,200 studentstook the option of fast-tracking their studies viaQUT’s rapidly expandingsummer program during1999/2000.

The summer program –run from November toFebruary – is a slightlyshortened “semester” of 12weeks that is provingincreasingly popular withlocal and internationalstudents.

This past summer QUToffered a record 188 unitsacross its eight faculties.

CARSELDINE GROWINGDemand from local businessesfor expert writers andspeakers has prompted QUTto offer the popular Bachelorof Business (communicationmajor) at the university’sCarseldine campus fromthis year.

Dr Harvey Whiteford

NURSING STUDY TO ‘GO BUSH’QUT’s School of Nursingwill conduct a year-longstudy to determine if sendingnursing students to the bushfor clinical practiceencourages them to laterwork in rural Queensland.

A $16,000 QUT grant willfund part of the travel costs ofsending final-year nursingstudents to work in ruralhealth centres.

IT’S A MOUTHFULQUT has launched Australia’sfirst Bachelor of Engineeringdegree which specialises inInfomechatronics.

The new, four-year degreeis a joint initiative of theFaculty of Built Environmentand Engineering and theFaculty of InformationTechnology and will beoffered at the GardensPoint campus.

JUDITH MCLEAN APPOINTEDTO QTC HELMThe Queensland ArtsMinister, Matt Foley, hasappointed QUT Academy ofthe Arts lecturer JudithMcLean as the new chair ofthe Queensland TheatreCompany.

Ms McLean is the co-ordinator of QUT’s Bachelorof Arts/Bachelor ofEducation course.

Currently the chair of ArtsQueensland’s CulturalAdvisory Council and aformer deputy chair of theTheatre Fund of the AustraliaCouncil, Ms McLean has alsobeen a TN! Theatre Companyboard member.

She is also part of aGovernment-appointedsteering committee which isreviewing programs ofassistance to arts bodies acrossthe State.

“This is an important timefor QTC as it moves into thenew century and faces thechallenges of artistic vibrancyand financial stability,” MsMcLean said.

Judith McLean

Olympic challenge for broadcasting expert

4

From what he terms “humblebeginnings” in the Brisbane suburb ofDeagon, Steve Mitchell will be part ofthe team broadcasting the Sydney 2000Olympic Games to an estimated2.5billion people.

A former Queensland Institute ofTechnology (QIT) electricalengineering graduate, Steve is thedirector of technical operations for theSydney Olympic BroadcastingOrganisation (SOBO), host broadcasterfor the games, responsible for 1,800 staff.

Steve heads a team of industryprofessionals charged with theacquisition and operation of broadcastequipment and personnel to cover the30 sports venues and about 40 sports anddisciplines for the games.

Steve is not new to Olympic Gamescoverage. In 1989 he was part of theSeven Network planning group for the1992 Barcelona Olympics and he wasone of two technical operationsmanagers for Seven for the 1996Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

The technical proficiency whichlanded Steve these pivotal roles firstdeveloped during his student days.

Steve gained entry to QIT in 1974.“QIT provided a solid base of

knowledge and research discipline thatgave me the confidence and ability totackle whatever I wanted to try,” he said.

His first job was with an electricaland electronics distributor.

He later landed a job with the SevenNetwork in Brisbane. After receiving agrounding in television technicaloperations, he progressed to amanagerial planning and logistic role inoutside broadcasts.

About three years ago, with changesin Seven Network company policy,Steve decided to accept a redundancypackage and look for new challenges.

Providence was on his side. Not longafter leaving Seven, SOBO wasestablished in Sydney to beginpreparations for the Olympics coverage.

b y N o e l G e n t n e r

I wouldn’t have an understanding of thetask ahead,” Steve said.

But, much like the athletes who havetrained so hard for Olympic glory, Steveand his team are ready and prepared todeliver the goods.

“Timing is everything,” Steve said. “I applied, and was accepted, for the

role of director of technical operations.”He is aware of the challenge ahead.“If I didn’t say this worries me, and

causes me some very anxious moments,

Steve Mitchell

Q U T L I N K S

5

As a young Aboriginal artist, BiancaBeetson has accepted what many arestill coming to terms with – what itmeans to be “from two worlds”.

A QUT visual arts honours graduate,Bianca is a contemporary artist andregional indigenous project officer withAccess Arts.

She said she grew up in a Brisbane“white society” environment, and hadlittle connection with her ownindigenous heritage and culture.

This, she said had caused her anidentity crisis for many years.

“I didn’t think I belonged in whitesociety because I was too brown, and Ididn’t feel fully comfortable there. Butthen I never could fully connect withindigenous culture because I was toowhite,” Bianca said.

“I have finally achieved a balancebetween the two, and I’m accepted byboth for whatever reasons, and thisenables me to draw on them both.

“I now have the knowledge, theenergy and the information to exist inboth worlds, which is an advantage.”

The two worlds are particularlyapparent in her art, with the inspirationfor some pieces based on particularplaces and scenes in Brisbane.

“I call Brisbane ‘my dreaming’,because it’s where I grew up, and withthe use of various techniques and hot,pink, vibrant colours and materials, Ioften give my work an indigenousidentity,” Bianca said.

“Sometimes I mix ochre with anacrylic paint, or use stencils. I combinemodern materials in an indigenouscontext.”

She said only some peopleunderstood Aboriginal art.

“It’s a long educational process –even people working in the industrymost of their lives still don’t really fullyunderstand it.

“Part of the role I’m trying to play inmy work is trying to put indigenousconcepts into Western terms,” she said.

Bianca says she has fond memories ofher time at QUT. She graduated with aBA (visual arts) degree in 1995 andcompleted her honours in 1998.

“If it had not been for my takingthose three years to go to university andtake the initial degree, I know I wouldnever have done anything with my art.

“I followed my dream, although atthe time I thought it was an unrealisticdream to pursue, but it paid dividendsand I have never looked back.”

Bianca said that her job enabled herto give something back to thecommunity, but she would like to havemore time to share her stories throughher art.

“Eventually I would like to be in aposition where I can just focus on myart and perhaps have a studio wherepeople can come and work with me,not so much in a collaborative way, butin a way that involves mateship andbondship,” she said.

Bianca’s art unites two worlds

b y N o e l G e n t n e r

Bianca Beetson

Entrepreneurs strike gold on-line

6b y A m a n d a O ’ C h e e

Most people look at the world andask, “Why?”

Entrepreneurs look at the world andask, “Why not?”

These are the people who see a gapin the market and, armed with bravado,business skill and a taste for hard work,take a risk to transform a business dreaminto reality.

QUT lecturer Damian Hine, whoteaches entrepreneurship in the Facultyof Business, said it was all about “seeingwindows of opportunity”.

“And that’s dependent on eitherhaving technical skills in that area orbusiness acumen,” he said.

“A lot of the time, people assumeentrepreneurs are risk-takers, butsuccessful entrepreneurs tend only totake calculated risks, based on eithertheir technical knowledge or knowledgeof the marketplace.”

Malcolm Burrows was in an Internetclass during his MBA at QUT in 1998when his business idea struck.

The HR consultant who had workedwith mining companies realised theInternet was the perfect vehicle forbringing the scattered mining andresources industries together.

His idea was to provide a “virtualmeeting ground”, where miningcompanies could recruit, where suppliersand companies could strike deals andwhere people could buy the latestinformation about potentially lucrativemining strikes, around the world.

“From the first moment that Istepped into the lecture room and sawthe Internet on the big screen, I wasexcited,” Malcolm said.

“I was sitting in my lecturer, WayneBucklar’s, class thinking, ‘this is exactlywhat we need in the resourcesindustry’.”

That idea has developed into abusiness-to-business and boutiquecommunications and informationbusiness called yesresources.com.

The yesresources.com site is a totalinformation and communicationsservice, or portal, for the miningindustry.

There are five business units: anInternet Service Provider for theresources industry; web design andhosting; business-to-business trading;web-based advertising; and boutiqueinformation and database products.

Among the boutique informationproducts is a daily strike report and theflagging of all mining and resourcediscoveries throughout the world. BHPMinerals has become the first subscriberand many other companies are comingon board.

Malcolm’s portal also features a dailyand searchable project report outliningmajor mining projects being undertaken,providing a forum to link projectdevelopers and suppliers.

Eighteen months after establishingyesresources.com Limited, Malcolm hassolid plans to go global.

In five years, he hopes to open officesin Europe, Canada and the US, and toattain a prestigious listing on theNASDAQ.

Malcolm admitted his plan wasambitious. But he has already raisedalmost $2million from 150 shareholderswithout a public listing, and is gearingup for another capital injection. Thecompany plans to list on the AustralianStock Exchange later this year.

“My passion is making companiesrun efficiently,” Malcolm said.

“I’m definitely an entrepreneur. Ihave a traditional view of business that ifyou have a good product, at the rightprice and in the right place, it will sell.”

Michael Wernicke, who launchedQueensland Web design and Internetdevelopment company Speedwell Mediain 1997, also sees himself as anentrepreneur.

He ascribed the success of thecompany, which he co-founded with hisbrother Stephen, to his business flare

Malcolm Burrows

Q U T L I N K S

7b y C o l l e e n R y a n C l u r

E-revolution challenges met head-onThe electronic revolution is transforming business at anastonishing speed and this rapid change underlines the need forall professionals to engage in lifelong learning.

This was a message delegates took away with them from thefirst alumni forum held this year by QUT’s School ofAccountancy at the Gardens Point campus.

One of the speakers at the forum was QUT graduate AndrewBrodie, the director for Queensland and overseas services of theInstitute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. Andrew was partof a high-profile panel which discussed the challenges facingprofessional associations in the new millennium.

He said the institute’s main responsibility was to delivereducation programs to members who wanted to make entry intothe profession. The institute also ensured members were providedwith on-going continuing professional education.

“The way we communicate with members has beenrevolutionised by electronic communication,” Andrew said.

However, electronic communication would never fully replaceface-to-face forums which gave members the opportunity tonetwork, he said.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants takes an active role inthe School of Accountancy. Andrew is a member of the Schoolof Accountancy Advisory Committee which assists the school inpromoting its academic activities to the broader community andin creating useful links to the business community. Andrew Brodie

rather than to any technical ITknow-how.

In three years, Speedwell Media hasdesigned Web sites and created Internetsolutions for some of the country’s toporganisations, including Top 400companies, Federal and StateGovernment departments, such as theAustralian Defence Force and TourismQueensland, small businesses, andcharities such as the EndeavourFoundation.

After graduating from QUT in 1995with double degrees in IT andsurveying, Michael worked withsurveying firm Heilbronn and Partners.Within six months, he had an ITmanagement job, and after a year-and-a-half he had recognised the commercialopportunities in Web design.

But the real impetus for Michaelcame after he visited his uncle inGermany in 1996.

His relative had built up a thrivingtextiles company which employed 120people and had an annual turnover of$25million.

“I was really impressed by hissuccess,” said Michael.

“I had decided by then that I wantedto do something for myself.

“One night, in about September1996, Stephen and I were sitting at myplace and we agreed that the Internetwas a growing concern.

“So we decided to start an Internetdevelopment company together.”

Three years later, Speedwell Media isa thriving business with 30 staff, andwith major expansion planned for thenext six months.Michael Wernicke

Graduates recall their golden era

8

The inaugural – and hugely successful –Golden Graduates’ Gathering was heldat Gardens Point campus late last year.It proved to be a day for reminiscingand gave alumni the chance to renewacquaintances formed more thanhalf a century ago.

Around 600 people attended,including 360 special guests who hadgraduated at least 50 years ago from oneof three QUT predecessor institutions –the Queensland Teachers’ TrainingCollege, Central Technical College andthe Brisbane Kindergarten TrainingCollege.

Eager to renew old friendships, manygolden graduates arrived at the assemblypoint – the Kidney Lawn outside oldGovernment House – well before theofficial 9am commencement.

The special guests, aged from theirlate 60s to well into their 90s, enjoyedrecalling their student days.

VIP of the day was Mrs Alma Petriewho, at 97, is QUT’s oldest knownsurviving graduate. Alma joined in withthe “youngsters” in a tour downmemory lane.

Loving every minute of being oncampus, the sprightly Alma sought outold friends.

“I’m anxious to see three teachers(from the 1920s) I have not seen foryears, but I send Christmas cards tothem,” she said.

A student at the Central TechnicalCollege in 1918, Alma was invited tobecome a teacher in the art departmentof the college following graduationin 1922.

She was a reluctant teacher at first.“I really thought I would like to be a

commercial artist,” Alma explained.She taught at the college for five years

and was offered a relieving teacherposition in Warwick, where she stayedfor 10 years.

Alma admitted there was an incentiveto stay in Warwick – she was on £15 aweek “and that was good in those days”.

During World War Two, Almareturned to the college for a briefperiod, but not for long. When anopportunity arose for a teaching transferto Maryborough she took it and was

there for two years before she returnedto the college again and got married.

“I just kept coming back,” Alma said.Husband and wife golden graduates

Lynn and Rodney Ruhle said they bothlooked back on their time at theTeachers’ Training College at KelvinGrove as “the good days”.

Although both attended the college in1948-49, the couple did not meet there.

“We met on the teaching staff of theMilton State School about 11 years laterand I still remember when I came intothe staff room, he said, ‘I have seen yousomewhere before’,” Lynn said.

Although it’s more than 50 yearssince Lynn graduated, she said “wedidn’t have the insecurity that youngpeople have today”.

“If we wanted to go on and be ateacher we would be a teacher,” she said.

Rod, now 71, said he had enjoyed histwo years at the Teacher’s TrainingCollege, Kelvin Grove.

“In those days, the boys and girlswere separate, and there just seemed tobe more fun when the boys weretogether,” Rod said.

“We met on the teaching

staff of the Milton State

School … and I still

remember when I came

into the staff room, he

said, ‘I have seen you

somewhere before’.”

From left: Iris Dunn, Joan Muir and Jean Schaumburg reminisce at the Golden Graduates gathering.

Q U T L I N K S

9b y N o e l G e n t n e r

Semi-retired Bob Froud, 75, said hetook nine years to complete his CentralTechnical College architecture course atthe Gardens Point campus.

He began his CTC course in 1937,but World War Two interrupted hisstudies.

“We had to do the courses at nightin those days, and I worked during theday in an architect’s office in the city,”Bob said.

“At half-past-five we would leave theoffice, tear down and grab a pie and acustard tart at Adams cake shop andeat them coming down George orAlbert streets.

“Learning in those days was muchthe same, only we didn’t have thefacilities that they have now.”

After completing his courses, Boboccasionally did some tutoring andlecturing which “gave us a few pounds,shillings and pence”.

Bob still keeps in touch with workthrough the clientele his practice builtup over the years.

Ivy Sexton, 76, and Grace Warren, 75,had not seen each other for more than50 years when they met at the GoldenGraduates gathering.

They had both studied homeeconomics at Kelvin Grove.

Ivy said that, because of the war,the army took over much of thecampus area.

She recalled that some classes wereheld on verandahs.

“It was a bit rough, but still mostenjoyable,” Ivy said. “There was always alot going on and, sometimes, we wouldcook for the Red Cross – it was goodbasic training.”

Both later took up teaching positionsin regional centres.

Ivy, however, stopped teaching aftershe married.

“Employers in those days didn’t liketheir married staff returning to the workforce,” she said.

“Learning in those days was

much the same, only we

didn’t have the facilities

that they have now.”

Golden Graduates are led on a tour of the Gardens Point campus by university staff and volunteers.

Witra aims high in Indonesia

10b y C o l l e e n R y a n C l u r

As a young woman in Jakarta in 1988,Witra Sekarasri assisted QUT at aneducation exhibition providinginformation to Indonesian studentsinterested in studying in Australia.

It sparked her own ambition to studyat QUT and a year later she successfullyapplied for an Australian InternationalDevelopment Bureau scholarship tostudy at the university.

Just five years after helping out at theexhibition, she graduated from QUTwith a Master of BusinessCommunication.

Today, Witra has her own Jakarta-based training and developmentconsulting firm.

Although she has worked withcustomers from various industries, hermain clients have been those from the

mining, oil and gas, manufacturing andservice industries.

Her work has taken her to remoteareas, such as mining sites and oil rigs inKalimantan, Sumatra and Sulawesi – wellaway from cosmopolitan Jakarta.

“I find working with my clientsinteresting, challenging and rewarding,”she said.

“It is a never-ending learning process– I always learn about my clients’industry before delivering training.”

Witra has also contributed to thedevelopment of the Australian alumninetwork in Indonesia and in 1999 shehelped organise the IKAMA (AustralianAlumni Association) dinner which washeld in Jakarta for 650 people.

She wants to continue to develop herbusiness, but she has an even biggerlong-term ambition.

“My vision is to establish a businessschool, because Indonesia, with apopulation of 220 million, needs goodquality training and education.”

Deputy Premier Jim Elder haspresented prestigious QUT awards totwo leaders in the construction industryin recognition of their lifelongachievements.

A Distinguished Constructor Awardwas conferred posthumously on the lateSir Leslie Thiess late last year.

Thiess Contractors Pty Ltd emergedas the country’s largest construction,mining and engineering company after

A Construction Hall of Fame hasbeen designed and will be built at QUTnext year to showcase the names of allDistinguished Construction Awardwinners.

The award winners are judged by apanel of their peers, including senioracademics from QUT, and a range ofQueensland industry leaders.

Construction giants receive top awardsit became the first Australian entity towin a major contract on the SnowyMountains hydro-electric Schemein 1958.

A second Distinguished ConstructorAward was presented to the nationalpresident of the Master BuildersAssociation, Jack Hutchinson.

His company, J Hutchinson, hasundertaken key construction projects inQueensland, including the BrisbaneArcade, Tatersall’s Club, Brisbane and theKingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island.

Mr Elder presented the awards in TheGardens Theatre Foyer at QUT’sGardens Point campus on December 16.Sir Leslie’s son, Geoff Thiess, acceptedthe award on behalf of his father.

QUT’s Dean of the Faculty of BuiltEnvironment and Engineering, ProfessorWeilin Chang, said QUT had establishedthe Distinguished Constructor Awards in1998 as a way of giving back to anindustry which had offered strongsupport to tertiary education.

Witra Sekarasri

Geoff Thiess, son of the late Sir Leslie Thiess

Jack Hutchinson

Solutions

Researchers have won major grants and have attracted

widespread attention for projects including the diagnosis of

infectious diseases, gene research and the development of

new vaccines in plants.

These projects were highlighted at a two-day symposium

held at QUT’s Gardens Point campus in March to celebrate

the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Centre for

Molecular Biotechnology (CMB).

Associate Professor Phillip Morris, from QUT’s Co-operative

Research Centre for Diagnostic Technologies, told the CMB

symposium that QUT researchers were developing a simple,

cheap method to test DNA for disease-related genes, such as

cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy.

“These tests can be used by pathologists to test for many

diseases that currently require sophisticated and expensive

DNA analysis,” Professor Morris said.

School of Life Sciences researchers also addressed the

symposium on the discovery of a new gene that could lead

to improved diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer.

The new gene, known as KLK4, was identified and cloned

over the past 18 months by a research team headed by

Associate Professor Judith Clements.

Professor Clements and her team recently won a five-year

grant worth more than $1million from the National Health

and Medical Research Council to further investigate the role

of the KLK4 gene in prostate cancer.

Professor Clements said the gene could, in time, hold the

key to more effective and accurate tests to detect prostate

cancer, as well as more successful treatments.

“The KLK4 gene is similar to the prostate-specific antigen

gene, which is used in the PSA test for prostate cancer,”

Professor Clements said.

“The current PSA test is not very good at discriminating

between cancer and simply a benign enlargement of the

prostate, which is relatively common in men. The test also

doesn’t discriminate between aggressive cancers which are

immediately life-threatening and those cancers which grow

more slowly.”

In another ground-breaking project, Faculty of Science

research director Professor James Dale is heading a QUT

team assessing whether vaccines for human viruses,

including Japanese encephalitis, can one day be produced in

banana plants.

Professor Dale said the concept of an edible vaccine might

give developing nations affordable protection from

potentially fatal viruses.

“I think the concept of an edible vaccine is fantastic. Now

whether you can actually get a good immune response is very

debateable – it is still very early days,” Professor Dale said.

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Cutting-edgegenetic research forges aheadScientists from QUT’s School of Life Science are

engaged in cutting-edge gene research in both

agriculture and medicine.

Solutionsan overview of research initiatives undertaken by QUT

S O LV I N G

Professor Judith Clements and PhD student Steve Myers ... working on the KLK4 gene.

real problems

Solutions

Powered by six batteries, the QUT electric motorbike requires

no petrol or oil, and produces no sound, smell or pollution.

The bike has the equivalent power of a standard 250cc bike

and travels at speeds of up to 90 kmh.

Electrical and mechanical engineering undergraduates

developed the bike over the past two years, under the

supervision of Dr Kame Khouzam and Dr Keith Hoffman

(pictured above) from QUT’s School of Electrical and

Electronic Systems Engineering and Dr Vladis Kosse from the

School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Medical

Engineering.

Dr Hoffman said the bike had been registered.

“Driven at moderate speed, the bike will travel 50km before

it needs recharging, which takes one hour in QUT’s lab or

about two hours on a home charger,” Dr Hoffman said.

“This makes an electric motorbike an ideal second vehicle for

the family, and perfect for driving to the shops or to work.

“There is a market for electric vehicles in Australia and we

hope smart business developers will see the opportunity to

develop this into a commercial product.”

Dr Khouzam said the need for alternatively-powered vehicles

was becoming important so that existing pollution levels and

the reliance on conventional energy resources could be

reduced.

“On a global scale, the transport sector uses almost one

third of the energy needs of a nation and contributes more

than 40 per cent of a nation’s pollution,” Dr Khouzam said.

“Experts estimate that we will run out of oil in 40 years’ time

and deplete our natural gas reserves within 75 years.”

QUT plans to develop electric motorbikes constructed of

lighter, carbon-fibre composite materials, which will increase

the range – distance travelled before recharging – and allow

faster operating speeds.

New, more efficient, drive systems will also be designed and

tested on the new concept bike.

The researchers have also developed an electric car and a

new recharger to lessen the time it takes to recharge electric

vehicles.

Dr Khouzam, Dr Hoffman and Dr Kosse are looking for

sponsors and more undergraduate and research students to

become involved in the project.

Engineering student Andrew Macaulay leads the team of

students which developed the bike. The project was funded

by the Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering.

QUT students and academics have

developed Queensland’s first registered

electric-powered motorbike.

Solutions real problemsan overview of research initiatives undertaken by QUT

S O LV I N G

Electric bikeof fers c lean transporta lternat ive

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Solutions

QUT, the Department of Main Roads and the

Queensland Audit Office have banded together for

an 18-month study investigating how to

successfully manage culture change in

organisations.

Masters student Jenny Waterhouse will study culture change

within the Department of Main Roads, which has restructured

in recent years.

Rise in research grantsbodes well for QUTQUT has secured its place as one of the nation’s top

universites in educational research after securing a record

number of ARC Large Grants.

QUT is the only university in Australia to be awarded a total

of four of the highly-coveted Australian Research Council

grants for educational research for 2000.

Overall QUT has more than doubled its ARC Large Grants, to

bring the total number for the university from four in 1999

to nine in 2000.

Managing changein the workplace br ingskey p layers together

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QUT management lecturer and team leader for the project,

Dr Kerry Brown, said the study highlighted the close working

relationship between QUT’s School of Management and

various government departments.

“Jenny works for the Queensland Audit Office, but they have

allowed her transfer to Main Roads to complete the

research,” Dr Brown said.

“The study looks at the transition from traditional public

administration to a new public management model, which

has a more strategic approach and which focuses on

managing relationships between workers.”

Collectively, the nine large grants represent a total of

$1million over three years in funding research for the

university.

QUT Vice-Chancellor Dennis Gibson has paid tribute to the

high calibre of research being conducted at QUT, particularly

in the Faculty of Education.

“This university has secured four – or 24 per cent – of the 17

education grants awarded to Australia’s 12 universities,”

Professor Gibson said.

QUT also secured 21 Strategic Partnerships with Industry –

Research and Training (SPIRT) scheme grants for 2000.

Solutions real problemsan overview of research initiatives undertaken by QUT

S O LV I N G

The QUT, Department of Main Roads and Queensland Audit Office team looking at workplace change.

Solutions

The study of biostatistics – statistics devised

specially for health research – is booming, and

QUT researchers are at the forefront of the field.

A team from the School of Mathematical Sciences has won a

$295,000, three-year Strategic Partnerships with Industry –

Research and Training (SPIRT) grant to undertake

biostatistics research for Brisbane’s Prince Charles and

Princess Alexandra Hospitals.

Researchers will develop new statistical models to improve

the recording and interpretation of key data on patients,

medical procedures, drug use and research in the two

hospitals.

Including in-kind support, the study is worth about

$750,000 over three years.

Senior lecturer Dr Kerrie Mengersen will lead the research

team, which includes Head of School Professor Tony Pettitt,

senior lecturer Dr Rodney Wolff and a consortium of staff

from the Prince Charles and Princess Alexandra hospitals.

Dr Mengersen said the study of biostatistics was a booming

field in statistics.

“Hospitals are being pushed to better justify their clinical

and administrative decisions, by using data. This is called

evidence-based medical practice,” Dr Mengersen said.

“In order to do that they need to gather the data and, in

order to understand the data, they need statistical methods.”

The team will develop new statistical techniques which are

tailored to the needs of the health sector, such as measuring

and comparing two medical techniques or different drug

regimes, predicting rare health outcomes or producing

projections of hospital activities or outbreaks.

“We will develop statistical methods that are more

appropriate for the type of problems that are faced in

hospital research, because most statistical methods are not

very good at predicting rare events,” Dr Mengersen said.

“For instance, it’s very difficult to predict the likelihood of a

rare event, such as death after heart surgery.

“Biostatistics also allows researchers to better predict the

survival rate of patients after cardiac surgery, to predict risk

factors for patient outcomes, to compare two types of heart

valves or to predict the risk of infection in hospitals.

The study complements the quantitative modelling being

conducted by the Queensland Health Care Research Group

(a joint venture between Qld Health and QUT), within QUT’s

Centre in Statistical Science and Industrial Mathematics.

As a part of the study, the QUT researchers will conduct

clinics with hospital staff to provide advice on the statistical

component of hospital research projects.

Dr Mengersen said QUT researchers would also benefit from

improving their knowledge of medical procedures.

A senior research assistant, research assistant and PhD

scholarship holder will be recruited for the research team.

The School of Mathematical Sciences has secured half of all

the latest ARC SPIRT grants awarded for maths research

across Australia.

The school has won four of eight SPIRT grants for maths,

representing approximately 25 per cent of the dollar value of

all SPIRT grants won by QUT.

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Statistical researchwill help hospitals make better decisions

Solutions real problemsan overview of research initiatives undertaken by QUT

S O LV I N G

Fiona Stephens ... working in statistical modelling in health.

Unusual route to film-writing success

Q U T L I N K S

15b y C o l l e e n R y a n C l u r

Duncan Kennedy has establishedhimself as a top-notch screenplay writerafter earning $US1million for his featurefilm, Deep Blue Sea, which was releasedin Australia and around the world latelast year.

Duncan, who is based in Los Angeles,studied industrial design at QIT(a QUT predecessor institution), andwon a medal for academic excellencein 1988.

“I always wanted to get into film andmy way in began with my studies atQIT,” said Duncan during a recent tripto Brisbane.

He squeezed in a tour of QUT’sGardens Point campus during his visit tothe city.

He said he had been struck by themany changes on campus. The“D Block” where he had studiedindustrial design was gone – replaced bya state-of-the-art complex which housesthe School of Architecture, Interior andIndustrial Design.

He said an early hero had influencedhis choice of study.

“An influential figure in my life wasJoe Johnstone, a designer who workedon the Star Wars films, and who laterbecame a major director,” he said.

“Joe Johnstone also studied industrialdesign and he was my role model,”Duncan said.

Duncan said there were strongarchitectural and design considerationsin Deep Blue Sea, an action thriller aboutkiller super-sharks.

“Most of the things I do have adesign aspect. When I sent out the scriptof Deep Blue Sea to studios I includeddetailed perspectives.

“I’m always sketching out what Iwrite, and the rendering and design skillsI learnt at QUT have proved to beinvaluable,” he said.

Duncan moved to Los Angeles 11years ago and began working at theWarner Brothers-Roadshow studio atCoomera as a set dresser on the MissionImpossible series.

Later he studied cinematography atthe University of Southern California(USC) while at the same time heworked on set design on the TerminatorTwo and Maverick movies.

“The design skills I learned at QUTequipped me for Terminator Two andMaverick. Then, as I developed my careeras a scriptwriter, I began to blend what Ihad learned at QUT and USC.

“The previous story I sold was set ona space station and I also did a lot ofdrawings with that script.”

Duncan is keeping very busy writinga Hollywood TV series, but he aims tobecome a director.

“You take things a step at a time inthis business,” he said.

“For me, writing is a means to an end.If you really want to see your ideas

portrayed in full on screen, then youhave got to direct.

“Directing is my ultimate aim, butyou have to take a series of steps to getthere.”

While Duncan is generous inattributing his success to his training, it isdoubtless his talent and imaginationwhich have made him a risingHollywood talent.

Duncan Kennedy

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Maricha marries music and management

16b y A m a n d a O ’ C h e e

Maricha Miles used to dream aboutmeeting the superstars of screen, stageand music.

Now, as an orchestra manager for thefamed Juilliard School in New York,Maricha is living her dream, workingwith legends like triple Grammy Awardwinning conductor Leonard Slatkin andinternationally-renowned violinistItzhak Perlman.

The Juilliard School is one of theworld’s most prestigious music, danceand drama schools, and shares its home,the Lincoln Center, with the world-famous New York PhilharmonicOrchestra and Metropolitan Opera.

“Every performance at Juilliard isbig,” Maricha said.

“We always have world-renownedinstrumentalists, conductors andcomposers working with the studentsand I have had the opportunity to workwith people like Itzhak Perlman,Leonard Slatkin, conductors James DePriest, Kurt Masur, Robert Spano, andconductors John Corigliano and PeterSchickele.”

Last year Maricha worked on a galaevent with many Juilliard graduates,including Kevin Kline, ChristineBaranski and Christopher Reeve.

“When I lived in Australia these werepeople I only read about – now I’mworking with them. It’s wonderful.”

As orchestra manager, Maricha assignsmusicians to parts, schedules andmanages the orchestra’s rehearsals andperformances, and also assists withplanning, which includes selectingrepertoire, and recruiting conductorsand soloists.

At only 25, it was Maricha’sunquenchable passion for the arts, herQUT degree specialising in artsadministration and an enviable workhistory that landed her the job at theJuilliard School.

Maricha graduated with a Bachelorof Arts (drama) majoring in ArtsAdministration in 1994.

She had worked with the QueenslandPerforming Arts Trust, Youth MusicAustralia, the New Zealand Opera, theBrisbane International Film Festival andthe Queensland PhilharmonicOrchestra, before joining Juilliard.

“I think I was successful in landingthe position because of a combination ofthings: my degree, my musicalbackground and my workexperience,”she said.

“My degree essentially prepared meby introducing me to business in thearts; my background in music helps meunderstand where the artists are comingfrom, and having the ability to read

music and scores is very useful; and thework experience is also desirable andnecessary.”

Part-way through her Masters inperforming arts administration at NewYork University, Maricha will researchsummer music festivals, such asTanglewood and Aspen, and investigateopportunities for similar programs inAustralia.

Her research could bring her back toAustralia, she said.

“But, if I was offered opportunity tomanage the Metropolitan Opera or theNew York Philharmonic, it wouldn’ttake me long to answer ‘yes’.”

Maricha Miles

Web. QUT alumni are able to “chat”through the QUT On-line Community.Amongst other activities, you can logyour business card, CV, and discuss issues.

I look forward to participating inmany alumni activities during 2000 andto representing the alumni during mysecond year as President of the QUTAlumni Board.

President’s column … expanding our links

17b y A n d r e a H a m m o n d

Q U T L I N K S

Alan ChambersPresidentQUT Alumni Board

Last year QUT celebrated 10 years as auniversity and 150 years of educationand service by its predecessorinstitutions. It was also a year in whichthe university sought to connect withmembers of its alumni.

As the new century starts, the QUTAlumni Board aims to furtherstrengthen the links between theuniversity and its alumni, includinggraduates from QUT and its predecessorinstitutions.

Throughout 1999, various events,such as the journey of the QUT trainthroughout regional Queensland,provided opportunities for alumni torenew old friendships and make newcontacts.

During the year, the Vice-Chancellor,Professor Dennis Gibson, enjoyedmeeting with alumni overseas inSingapore, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkokand India and interstate in Sydney,Melbourne and Canberra. Brisbanealumni gathered at a variety of events,including breakfast and lunch functions,theatre evenings and cocktail parties.

One of 1999’s highlights was theGolden Graduates function in October.Graduates who had completed theirstudies 50 years ago or earlier, attendedthis gathering at which they reminisced,toured the university and enjoyed anoutstanding performance ofShakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s

Dream by students from the Academy ofthe Arts.

The achievements of some of ouralumni were recognised through theOutstanding Alumni Awards, which isgrowing in significance in thecommunity. I invite all alumni to attendthe Outstanding Alumni Awardsceremony to be held later this year.

Keep your eyes out for the dates forQUT Alumni events in Brisbane, as wellas interstate and throughout the world.(See the Alumni Calendar of Events onpage 20 or check QUT’s What’s On siteon the Web.)

One way you can connect with theuniversity is through attending theopening night of performances of theAcademy of the Arts at The GardensTheatre. Opening nights will be QUTalumni evenings. If you haven’t been toone of the Academy performances, I canassure you that you will be delighted atthe professional standard and innovativeproductions.

The Australian UniversitiesInternational Alumni Convention 2000,to be held in Kuching in Malaysia inAugust, will provide a wonderfulopportunity for some of QUT’s alumnito meet. If you are in the regionbetween August 24 and 27 pleaseconsider attending this exciting event.

Another way of connecting withother alumni is by e-mail and on the

please nominate that person now forthe 2000 QUT Outstanding AlumniAwards.

All graduates of QUT, QIT,BCAE, Central Technical Collegeand their predecessor institutions areeligible.

DO YOU KNOW AN OUTSTANDINGQUT GRADUATE?

QUT has produced someoutstanding graduates in many fields.If you know a graduate who hasmade a significant contribution to aprofession and to the community,

Search on for outstanding QUT graduatesFor more information about the

Outstanding Alumni Awards, or toobtain a nomination form, e-mail JillDale at alumni@qut.edu.au. or callher on (07) 3864 2821.

Nominations close on Friday,May 26.

Alumni news ... at home

18

QUT ALUMNI KEEP IN CONTACTAlumni reunions proved to be sosuccessful in 1999 that they will berepeated later this year.

MelbourneAn evening function for 30 alumniwas held at RMIT University inMelbourne last April. It was hostedby Vice-Chancellor ProfessorDennis Gibson and DevelopmentOffice head Dr DanielMcDiarmid.

CanberraAbout 20 alumni met ProfessorGibson and Alumni andDevelopment Services head JulieMannion at a cocktail function onJuly 9 at University House,Australian National University.

SydneyProfessor Gibson was delighted towelcome 80 Sydney alumni to acocktail reception held onDecember 2 at the WentworthHotel in the heart of Sydney.Professor Gibson presented QUTFoundation certificates to JohnCoburn and Lou Klepac.For future dates and locationsvisit the Alumni Web pagewww.qut.edu.au/draa/alumnior check the Alumni Calendarof Events in the next issueof Links.

Vice-Chancellor’s breakfastsProfessor Gibson regularly hostsVice-Chancellor breakfasts inBrisbane for small groups ofalumni.

Last year he met with graduatesfrom across QUT’s eight faculties.

Professor Gibson said he enjoyedthe opportunity of meeting andtalking to graduates from Brisbaneand across Australia.

Deans’ breakfastsLast year Dean of BuiltEnvironment and EngineeringProfessor Weilin Chang, Dean ofBusiness Professor Sandra Hardingand Dean of Health Professor KenBowman also hosted breakfasts forgraduates.

The deans said the events were anexcellent way to maintain linkswith industry and discussQUT’s plans.

Theatre eveningsAlumni came in large numbers tospecial Academy of the Artsproductions at QUT’s recentlyrefurbished theatre at GardensPoint campus. During 2000alumni will be invited to openingnights. To check performancedates visit QUT’s Web site athttp://www.qut.edu.au.

If you would like to be addedto the alumni events invitationlist please e-mail Jill Daleatalumni@qut.edu.au or call(07) 3864 2821. When replyingplease include your businesscontact details.

Career mentors’ receptionA reception was hosted lastOctober by Chancellor DrCherrell Hirst for mentors whohad assisted 237 final-year studentsduring 1999.

Journalism student Brendan Smithand mentor Dana Sanders fromChannel Nine’s Extra programaddressed the event.

They were presented with aCertificate of Participation andCertificate of Appreciationrespectively by Alumni Boardpresident Alan Chambers.New disciplines to becomeinvolved in the scheme last yearwere accounting, journalism,public health, communication,international business, marketingand psychology.If you would like furtherinformation regarding the CareerMentor Scheme call (07)3864␣ 2647, e-mailm.baldwin@qut.edu.au or visithttp://www.qut.edu.au/draa/alumni/alumni_mentor.html

Renowned artist Verlie Just mournedRenowned artist and QUTalumnus, Mrs Verlie Just OAM,died on January 10, 2000 aftera heart attack.

Verlie graduated from theCentral Technical College ArtBranch in 1940 and had a longand colourful career.

She was widely known forher art and also for her TownGallery and Japan Room.

Verlie returned to her oldCTC stomping grounds

(now QUT Gardens Pointcampus) last October for theGolden Graduates’ gathering,which she attended with herhusband, Arnold, himself aCTC graduate.

Survived by Arnold andtheir daughters Jeraldene andJanene, Verlie’s memory willlive on in her art, her gallery,and in the people whose livesshe touched.

The new Gardens Theatre was opened last year.Pi

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Hong KongThe Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dennis Gibson, hosted an alumni cocktailparty attended by over 40 graduates at the Hong Kong ConventionCentre last October. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrakepresented Joseph Kwan (DipArch, 1976) with an Outstanding AlumniAward for Excellence in Contribution to the Community at the event.

The Inaugural Alumni Dinner was held in Hong Kong in March atthe Regal Hong Kong Hotel. Professor Coaldrake and QUT ChancellorDr Cherrell Hirst hosted the event and Mr Simon Lee, Commissioner –Qld Trade & Investment Office was a special guest of honour at thereception.

Alumni news … international

SingaporeA large number of Singaporealumni enjoyed a special freescreening of the Australian filmPaperback Hero and post-movierefreshments at the Golden VillageMarina in October. A specialthanks to all alumni and friendswho helped organise this funevent.

The annual Dinner Dance washeld at the Oriental Hotel inSingapore in March. Guests were“dressed to kill” at the evening offun, games and good food.

About 140 people danced thenight away at the event sponsoredby Avex Trax, CMS, Hui & Kuah,Pacific Wave, Qantas andRosemount Wines.

TaipeiSome 25 alumni and guestsenjoyed a buffet dinner at theHoward Plaza Hotel in Taiwan lastOctober. Professor Gibson wasdelighted to meet with the alumni,some of whom had travelled longdistances to attend the dinner,despite the recent earthquakedamage in the region.

and personal information is onlyaccessible by registered users and thesite is password-protected.

Whether you wish to get your freee-mail, post your resume, be an on-line mentor, or find a lost friend,make sure you register and comeback often. This is your Alumni On-line Community.

As a first time user, visit: http://www.qut.onlinecommunity.com/ and useyour alumni ID (a unique identifier

One of the most excitingcommunication developments is theemergence of on-line communities –places where people with similarbackgrounds, interests andexperiences gather to exchange ideasand information.

Parts of the QUT Alumni site,including the On-line Directory,Chats and Discussions, and theNetworking Circle areas will beaccessible to alumni only. Proprietary

found above your name and addressdetails on the fly sheet accompanyingthis magazine).

If you have discarded the fly sheet,just enter your surname and submitwithout providing your ID.

It will take about two days toverify your details and provideregistration.

For more information, contactLeesa Watkin on (+61␣ 7)␣ 3864 1837or e-mail l.watkin@qut.edu.au

QUT’s on-line alumni community is expanding

QUT alumni contacts inTaiwan are Kevin Chen, e-mailkk34@hotmail.com; Jennie Lu,e-mail jnn@yahoo.com;Samantha Hsu, e-mailsamantha@ms2.ttn.net;Irene Cheng, e-mailirenepchang@hotmail.com

BangkokQUT alumni in Bangkok enjoyedthe opportunity of meeting withProfessor Dennis Gibson at aspecial reception held lastNovember.

QUT alumni contact inBangkok is Achara Sae-Ting,e-mail addressacharas@cementhai.co.th

JakartaQUT alumni gathered at theIKAMA Dinner in November inJakarta. A special thanks to WitraSekarasri who helped to organise atable of QUT graduates at thefunction. QUT alumni contact inIndonesia is Witra Sekarasri, e-mailwitra@cbn.net.id

From left: Professor Peter Coaldrake, Joseph Kwan and Julie Mannion

Alumni Calendar of Events for 2000

20

For more details, visit:http://www.qut.edu.au/pubs/whatson.html

OPENING NIGHT SPECIALOFFERS FOR ALUMNIQUT invites alumni to attendopening nights of QUT Academyof Arts theatre events for thespecial price of $14 a ticket.Bookings can be made bye-mailing academy@qut.edu.au orby calling (07) 3864 3347. Quotethe reference numbers listed foreach production. Bookings will beconfirmed.Some of the highlights:

The Taming of the Shrew25 May, 6.00pm, The Gardens Theatre,QUT Gardens Point, George St,Brisbane

By William Shakespeare, directedby Peter Lavery and Dianne Eden,performed by second-year actors(25 May – 3 June)Alumni are invited to join usfor a cocktail receptionfollowing the theatreproduction.

(Reference number ASO2)

Dance Collections15 June at 7.30pm, The GardensTheatre, QUT Gardens Point, GeorgeSt, Brisbane

An eclectic number of short worksin a range of dance genresincluding contemporary dance,ballet, musical theatre and folkdance.(Reference number ASO3)

They Shoot Horses Don’tThey?29 June at 8.00pm, The GardensTheatre, QUT Gardens Point, GeorgeSt, Brisbane

Adapted from the novel by HoraceMcCoy, directed by LeonardMeenach, performed by first,second and third-year actors andjoined by the QUT Big Band (29June – 8 July) (Reference number ASO4)

The Mill on the Floss31 August, 8.00pm, The GardensTheatre, QUT Gardens Point, GeorgeSt, Brisbane

By Helen Edmundson - from thenovel by George Eliot, directed byMark Radvan, performed by third-year actors (31 August –9 September)

(Reference number ASO5)

Dance Graduation Season16 November, 800pm, The GardensTheatre, QUT Gardens Point, GeorgeSt, Brisbane

An exciting program of ground-breaking work by some ofAustralia’s leading contemporarychoreographers and featuringdancers on the eve of theirprofessional careers.(Reference number ASO6)

SOME OTHER ALUMNI EVENTS

2000 IKAMA Annual DinnerEarly June (date to be confirmed)

(IKAMA – Ikatan AlumniAustralia – Australian AlumniAssociation) Jakarta, Indonesia.

QUT Alumni are encouraged toattend. For more details andbookings, call IKAMA on 021521␣ 3317 or fax 021␣ 521␣ 3318.The QUT Indonesian alumnicontact is Witra Sekarasri (phone/fax) 021␣ 574␣ 9966 or (mobilephone) 0816 920 277, or e-mailwitra@cbn.net.id

London Alumni Event6 June, 6.30pm – 8.30pm, QueenslandHouse

We know many QUT graduateslive in London but keep anAustralian address for mailing.Send us their contact details, so wecan ensure they receive aninvitation. (alumni@qut.edu.au or+61 7 3864 1837)

QUT’s Outstanding AlumniAwards Ceremony2 August 7.15am – 9.00am

Help celebrate the achievements ofQUT’s Outstanding Alumni for2000 at the Awards Ceremony.For more information or yourinvitation, e-mailalumni@qut.edu.au or call(07)␣ 3864 2821

Australian UniversitiesInternational AlumniConvention24–27 August, Kuching, Sarawak,Malaysia

Globalisation and a new World OrderMind-captivating sessions inrelation to geo-Politics,government and governance,economics and business,technologies, education and theenvironment. You can meet andexchange ideas with fellow alumni,learn from internationallyrenowned speakers and enjoy thefun activities lined up for theconvention.E-mail fmediam@po.jaring.my orroderc@tm.net.my

For details about the alumnievents e-mailalumni@qut.edu.au.

To be placed on our e-mailWhat’s On list, send yourname and e-mail address toalumni@qut.edu.au.

QUT Academy of the Arts dancers

Keep in touch...

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Q U T L I N K S

For more Keep In Touchentries, visit: http://www.qut.edu.au/draa/alumni

Sandra AngusBSocSc 1993

Sandra is an indigenous projectofficer for the Edith CowanUniversity, National Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander ClearingHouse and the Queensland HealthWomen’s Cancer ScreeningServices. She is a co-ordinator ofthe Australian Indigenous HealthPromotion Network and a boardmember of the Australian Centrefor Health Promotion. Sandra isalso a part-time lecturer with theUniversity of Sydney’s IndigenousHealth Promotion course.

sandyocearne@powerup.com.au or0419 736 289.

Risto BalalovskiLLB 1998

Risto is a senior technical officerfor the Australian Taxation Office,Newcastle. He is involved ineducating businesses on the impactof GST and is teaching revenuelaw at TAFE. 02 4923 1695.

Ray BarzykGradDipLibraryScience 1979

Since leaving QIT Ray has beeninvolved in the writing, productionand distribution of Christian-basedschool curriculum throughout theSouth Pacific region. He is thedistribution manager at SouthernCross Education, Brendale.rbarzyk@bigpond.com or07 3205 7444.

Jen BichelGradDipNursing 1996; MPublicHealth1992; BAppSc(Nursing) 1989;DipAppSc(Nursing Ed) 1985

After working with the QUTSchool of Nursing for five years,Jen moved to Sydney where shecompleted a Master of Nursing atUTS. Jen was recently appointed tothe position of senior nurseeducator/researcher in theacademic department of mentalhealth nursing at South EasternSydney Area Health Service. She is

enrolled in a PhD at the Universityof Technology Sydney.jenbic@hotmail.com or02␣ 9350␣ 2733.

Carl BillinghamBEng(Civil) 1990

Carl was recently appointed seniorproject engineer with consultingengineering firm, Hardcastle &Richards, Brisbane, an affiliate ofthe Dames & Moore Group. Hewas the recipient of the YoungProfessional Engineer of the Yearaward from the Institution ofEngineers, Australia (Qld) in 1997.

07 3832 3222.

Anthony BishopBBus(Hons) 1992; BBus 1991

As the product and trainingmanager at Johnson & JohnsonMedical Pty Ltd, North Ryde,Anthony is responsible for themarketing of suture products. He isundertaking his Master inManagement at the MelbourneGraduate School of Managementand in 1997 he completed a nine-month development managementprogram in the USA.abishop@medau.jnj.com or02 9878 9128.

Jeremy BlackwellGradDipUrban & Regional Planning1995; BBltEnv 1993

Jeremy is town planner, managing asub-team within the developmentassessment team at the BrisbaneCity Council. He recently receivedthe Queensland Young PlannerAward from the Royal AustralianPlanning Institute.pas7@brisbane.qld.gov.au or07 3403 5594.

Margaret BrienBEd(In-Service) 1998

Margaret is the proprietor ofMortlake Childcare Centre inSydney.

lipstik@mailcity.com or02 9736 3951.

Colin BuchanCertTeach 1947

After graduating from Teacher’sCollege in 1947, Colin worked for

the Queensland EducationDepartment for 13 years. Sincethen he has taught in the UK,Malaysia, and Japan where he wasdirector of language schools andfinally assistant professor with aJapanese university. Colin is nowretired and lives in Thailand.colinbuc@doxinfo.co.th or+ (66) 2 904 8556.

Joyce BurnettCertTeach 1945

Joyce is a supply teacher inprimary schools, special schoolsand special education units inTownsville. She particularly likesworking with younger studentsand would be interested in aTownsville reunion with fellow-graduates. 07 4771 5477.

Carmel Cheers (nee Rowan)CertChemistry 1977

Following 15 years as a laboratorytechnician, Carmel is now a seniorinspector for Workplace Health &Safety with the Department ofEmployment Training andIndustrial Relations, Bundaberg.She is studying for a graduatediploma in occupational health andsafety through Central QueenslandUniversity.

carmel.cheers@detir.qld.gov.au or07 4153 7123.

Louis ChooBEng(Mech) 1996

Louis is working as an engineerwith Becton Dickinson CriticalCare Systems Pty Ltd in Singapore.He says he misses his friends andlecturers at QUT and would loveto return and work in Australia.louis_choo@bd.com or+ (65) 789 2008.

Jack ClarkCertTeach 1949

After graduating, Jack had anillustrious career in education thatinvolved teaching andadministrative roles in Queensland,Tasmania and Sydney. Hecompleted his Diploma ofEducation in Tasmania and hisMaster of Arts at the University ofLondon. Jack is now a writer of

maritime history with an interestin Sydney and has published severalbooks, including Sydney Harbour’sIslands. Jack married Mary Shelleyin 1953 and they have twochildren. 02 9416 1495.

Paul CondrenBBus(Comn) 1987

Paul is the proprietor of BusinessBuilders International in Brisbane,a marketing services and consultingcompany. He is also aninternational business speaker atseminars conducted throughoutAustralia and New Zealand.pcbbi@ozemail.com.au or07 3876 4400.

Karen Cosgrove-Smith(nee Cosgrove)GradDipEd(Prim) 1985; BBus(Comn)1982

As a freelance consultant, Karen’scurrent consulting projects, WA –The Pursuit of Excellence and WA –Leading into the New Millennium,aim to promote Western Australianbusinesses internationally andnationally. Since graduating, she hasalso worked in sport, fishing,mining, agriculture and tourismdevelopment.

dfkper@iinet.net.au or08 9387 1776.

Ken CotterillGradDipLibraryScience 1981

Ken is an information specialistand regional librarian with theDepartment of Primary Industries.He is also a published playwright, akeen theatre actor and director, ajunior soccer coach, a worldtraveller and a boxing judge.

cotterk@dpi.qld.gov.au or07 4092 8497.

Robyn Cuschieri (nee Hine)BAppSc(Home Ec) 1991

Following seven years in theAustralian Capital Territory, Robynis enjoying living and working inSydney. She is a projectdevelopment officer at theDepartment of Health and AgedCare.

geoff.cuschieri@moore.edu.au or02 9557 8890.

Keep in touch...

22

Michael DartBAppSc(Environmental Health) 1997

Michael is waste management andenvironment health policy officerwith the Local GovernmentAssociation of Queensland. Hehelps ensure that local governmenthas workable legislation to dealwith environmental health andwaste issues via policy andlegislation development.michael_dart@lgaq.asn.au or07 3000 2243.

Michael DavisGradDipUrban & Regional Planning1990

Michael, in his position as naturalresources specialist with theDepartment of Urban Affairs andPlanning, Sydney, is working on ajoint Commonwealth and NewSouth Wales State Governmentprocess that investigates the valuesin forests and recommends bestusage.michael.davis@racd.dvap.nsw.gov.auor 02 9391 2049.

Nancy DuncanBEd(Prim/Sec) 1984

Nancy is a part-time adulteducation administrator forDayspring, an adult-orientedfacility in Melbourne, which holdsworkshops and seminars onspirituality. She is also an earlychildhood relief teacher in Bayside,Melbourne.inkduncan@one.net.au or03 9597 0947.

Christopher ElstonGradDipBus(Industrial Relations) 1982;BBus(Mgt) 1980

After 20 years working in industrialrelations, employee relations, andchange management, Chris openedhis own Brisbane-based business,Organizational Dynamics. Hiscompany operates in the areas oforganisational development with anemphasis on re-configuringbusinesses to meet customerexpectations. 0412 776 753.

Barbara EvansMNursing 1997; GradDipNursing 1995

Barbara is the clinical servicesmanager at Latrobe CommunityHealth and is responsible formanaging the district nursing andpalliative care service, hospital-in-the-home, post-acute care and theafter-hours medical services withinthe Latrobe Valley.lchs@net-tech.com.au or03 5134 2011.

Ian FanningGradDipEd(Sec) 1997

After a year of teachingenvironmental health at BatchelorCollege, Tennant Creek, Ian iscontracts management officer withTerritory Health Services, AliceSprings. He recently completed aMaster’s Degree in InternationalEducation at Monash University incombination with his Doctor ofScience Education at CurtinUniversity. Ian’s daughter, GinaFanning (BAppSc – 1993), is alsoa QUT graduate.ian_fanning@hotmail.com orIan_fanning@yahoo.com.

Simon FisherLLM 1992

Simon joined the University ofQueensland as an associateprofessor last July. He previouslyworked as a solicitor in Sydney.s.fischer@mailbox.uq.edu.au.

Kimberley FraserBArts(Drama) 1998

Kimberley is a freelance filmdirector for Serraf Films inLondon. She has just completedher Master of Arts in Film andTelevision and would like to thankall the lecturers who helped herrealise her dream.kxfraser@yahoo.com or+ (44) 0795 764 1575.

Sandra GandertonGradDipEd(Prim) 1987

Sandra is enjoying junior schoolclassroom and immersion teachingat St Peters Lutheran College,Indooroopilly.07 3349 9864.

Rosemary Goodwin(nee Puglisi)BEd 1993; BTeach(Prim) 1992

In 1995, after two years of teachinglanguages other than English,Rosemary was granted agovernment scholarship to studyItalian in Rome. After returningfrom Italy, Rosemary transferred toIpswich where she is now teachingYear 3. 07 3282 1731.

Denise GrayBSocSc(Hons) 1998; BSocSc 1997

Denise is a psychologist with themental health unit atMaryborough Hospital. She hasbeen working at the unit for nearlya year.grayd@health.qld.gov.au or07 4123 8455.

Gina GribbleBEd(Sec) 1993

Gina is fulfilling dual roles as ateacher and a behaviourmanagement consultant at PalmBeach-Currumbin High School.She has developed a literacy coursewithin her school and is also anavid basketball coach.0412 748 259.

James HammermasterBBus 1995

James is a treasury accountant atthe Sydney office of the RoyalBank of Canada.

james.hammermaster@royalbank.comor 02 9373 0854.

Lynette HarringtonMcFeeterGradCertEd(TESOL) 1996

Lynette is enjoying a one-yearcontract with the guest teacherprogram between EducationQueensland and the ShanghaiMunicipal Education Commission.She is teaching English at CaoYang, People’s Republic of China.harrington_mcf@hotmail.com.

Lyndsey Hathaway(nee Griffiths)BAppSc(Med Lab Science) 1985

For the past 12 years, Lyndsey hasbeen working as a scientist withthe Bairnsdale Hospital, Victoria.

She runs the haematology andblood bank departments at therecently-privatised GippslandPathology Service. Lyndseyrecently married Jeff, a primaryschool teacher. 03 5152 1025.

Greg HendersonDipEd(Early Childhood) 1981

Greg is an ordained priestundertaking his doctorate insexuality counselling. He hascompleted a Bachelor ofEducation, Master of Theology(Hons), Master of EducationStudies, and has worked in schools,both private and public,throughout Australia.asherdog@ozemail.com.au.

Annie HowardMFine Arts 1996

Annie is a professional sculptor andproprietor of her own Wynnum-based company. She is working ona solo sculpture exhibition. Anniewas previously with TelstraMobileNet. 0408 155 334.

Diane Karamujic(nee Brook)GradDipNursing 1998

Diane is a registered midwifeworking in the neonatal intensivecare nursery at the Mater Mother’sHospital, Brisbane, and she hopesto move to the labour ward andpost-natal floors this year. Shemarried Barry Karamujic lastOctober. 07 3355 5778.

Leonie KellyGradDipProjectMgt 1995

Leonie is the Queensland statemanager of Tracey, Brunstrom &Hammond Pty Ltd, a constructionand project management companyin Milton. 07 3368 3799.

Wolfgang KreuzerAssocDipPerformingArts(Theatre) 1984

Following the completion of hisArts degree, Wolfgang formed aGerman language theatre companycalled Deutsches Theater DownUnder.

under@telstra.easymail.com.au.0409 894 575 or 07 3283 4228.

23

Q U T L I N K S

Naresh LalBAppSc 1997

Naresh is a scientific officer withthe Mineral ResourcesDepartment, Fiji. He is working inthe hydrogeology section and isinterested in groundwatermodelling. Naresh wouldappreciate hearing from anygraduates regarding tips forgroundwater modelling training.naresh_lal@mrd.gov.fj or+ (679) 381 611.

Greg LaphamBBus(Accy) 1990

Following corporate finance workat Coopers & Lybrand in London,and mergers and acquisitions withRothschild, Greg is now anassociate director responsible forbusiness development withPricewaterhouseCoopers inSydney. 02 8266 7811.

Wasun LaowatcharaGradDipComn 1996

Wasun is the proprietor of his ownconstruction material supplybusiness in Korach, Thailand. Hesays his business is running welland is Y2K trouble-free!jacklao@hotmail.com or+ (66) 44 489218.

Yorkie LeungBAppSc(ConstMgt) 1995

After graduation, Yorkie’s firstproject was working as a planningengineer for the Chek Lap KokInternational Airport, Hong Kong.He works at the head office ofGammon Construction Limitedand was recently elected socialsecretary committee member ofthe Australian Institute of Building(Hong Kong Chapter).

yorkie@gammonhk.com.hk or +(852) 2516 8854.

Tara Lordsmith (nee Lord)BBus 1996

Tara began working with CadburySchweppes as a sales executivefollowing her graduation. She thenmoved into marketing as a brandmanager for the Schweppesdivision and is state accountmanager in the grocery division for

Cadbury Confectionery. Tara iscompleting her Graduate Diplomain Management.

Eric LuiMBusAdmin(Accounting) 1997

Since 1997, Eric has been workingwith the Kowloon CantonRailway Corporation. He is asoftware services manager forcapital projects which include WestRail Project and the East RailExtension Project, which he saysare two of the most significantprojects in Hong Kong.

cklui@netvigator.com or+ (852) 2684 8687.

Michael LynchGradDipLegalPractice 1990; LLB 1989

After graduating in 1989, Michaelworked for law firms in Brisbaneand London before travellingthrough Europe and the USA for12 months. Michael is anaccredited family law specialist andprincipal of Michael Lynch &Associates, Family Lawyers,Brisbane.m.lynch@hypermax.net.au or07 3221 4300.

Patricia Markey(nee Parkinson)DipTeach(Prim) 1970; CertTeach 1943

Following 43 years of teaching,Patricia retired to her Kilcoy homein 1991. Patricia launched her thirdand fourth books of poetry lastNovember. She says she would loveto hear from her fellow alumni.

pdmarkey@hotmail.com or07 5497 1458.

Raymond MasonoBBus(Health Admin) 1996

Following the completion of hisdegree, Raymond returned toPapua New Guinea. He is chiefexecutive officer at Buka Hospital.+ (675) 973 9995.

John MaxwellBEng(Mech) 1985

Since graduating, John has workedwith Mount Isa Mines, NQEA – aNorth Queensland shipbuildersand heavy engineers company, andRiverside Coal Transport. John, a

director of Maxwell EngineeringAssociates in Brisbane, is workingon a contract with Global Pacific.maxwellj@powerup.com.au or07 3300 9603.

Jason McKiernanAssocDipCivilEng 1991

Jason is an engineeringtechnologist with Barlow Gregg &Associates, a Sunshine Coastengineering consultancy. Hecompleted a Bachelor ofTechnology at the University ofSouthern Queensland in 1997 andthen joined the Institute ofEngineers, Australia (IEAust), as agraduate technologist. Jason is theNational Young EngineeringTechnologists representative andwould like to hear from individualswho are studying, or havegraduated from a Bachelor ofTechnology course, and who areinterested in becoming a memberof IEAust.

jasonmck@mail.cth.com.au.

Ian MillerGradDipBus(Admin) 1986

In late 1998, Ian commencedpractice as a barrister in the areasof construction and contract law,personal injuries, insurance,professional negligence, andgeneral commercial law. He hasbeen a consulting engineer forover 20 years, was director of aprofessional indemnity insurancecompany and is an arbitrator forconstruction disputes.

ian.miller@uq.net.au or07 3210 6788.

Ian MitchellLLB 1998

Ian was admitted as a solicitor inNovember 1998 and is deputyregistrar of the Higher Courts,Brisbane. 07 3247 4414.

Brian N’DrelanBEng(Mech) 1989

After graduating, Brian worked forHamersley Iron in WesternAustralia, and in 1992 hecommenced working at PNGUniversity of Technology as asenior technical instructor with the

Department of MechanicalEngineering. In 1998, Briancompleted his Master inEngineering. Last year he wasappointed senior mill mechanicalengineer with Ok Tedi MiningLimited. Brian would like thosewho graduated in 1990 to knowthat “Big Joseph” sadly lost his lifein 1992 and Petero Delai(BEng(Elect&CompEng) – 1989)now works at the Nadi Airport,Fiji. + (675) 548 3458.

Alwyn NeuendorfDipTeach 1946

Although retired, Alwyn is aneducation consultant to Koreanrefugees in the west of Thailand,and spends one month in Thailandand then two months at home inAustralia. 07 3203 3632.

Simon OwenBBus 1993

Simon is the treasury manager atPasminco, a mining explorationcompany in Melbourne. He istraining for the 2000 SydneyMarathon and would like to hearfrom fellow graduates, especiallyNick Nagy.

owens@pasminco.com.au or03 9288 9182.

Kerrin PaulgerGradDipHealthPromotion 1994

In addition to developing the newsenior health syllabus at SunnybankHigh School, Kerrin is re-orienting her school to promotehealth.sunspar@primus.com.au or07 3111 4507.

Thiphaphone PhetmanyMBus(Research) 1997; BBus 1995

Thiphaphone is in the challengingprocess of setting up a businessconsultancy with colleagues inLaos. She is the operationsmanager for the consultancy,Enterprise DevelopmentConsultants Co Ltd, which focuseson entrepreneurship, productionmanagement, project managementand marketing.

edclaos@yahoo.com or+1 (856) 21 412 586.

How to Keep inTouchIf you would like to sharethe latest news with otherQUT graduates, simplydrop QUT Links a line.

Alumni Relations loves to hearfrom graduates and can help keepyou in touch with your old QUT,QIT, BCAE, CTC and Teachers’College friends.

Alumni RelationsQUT DevelopmentGPO Box 2434, Brisbane Qld 4001Phone (07) 3864 2821Fax (07) 3864 1514 ore-mail: alumni@qut.edu.au

24

Alumni On-lineCommunityJoin other alumni in theon-line community and

• develop new friendships• promote your business

• chat on-line• mentor students and other alumni• post opinions and join discussion groups• advertise services and items for purchase• keep former classmates updated on promotions and special events• post your resume and search for jobs

http://www.qut.edu.au/draa/alumni/

Samantha PidgeonBEd(Sec) 1996

After teaching at Runcorn andCharleville High Schools,Samantha is the acting QueenslandTeachers’ Union regional organiserfor south Queensland (DarlingDowns and South West).

sampidgeon@hotmail.com or0409 700 565.

Dr Judy PippenDoctor of Philosophy 1998

Last October, Judy was delightedto accept a three-monthappointment as acting manager ofthe Regional Arts DevelopmentFund, a $2.5 million StateGovernment arts fund which isdevolved to regionalQueenslanders through the 112councils that participate in thescheme.

judy.pippen@arts.qld.gov.au or07 3224 5086.

Graham PoacherDipSugarChemistry 1969

For the past 14 years, Graham hasworked for the EnvironmentalProtection Agency and is a seniorinspector in the Townsville office.Graham previously worked in Ayrwith Australian Estates and thenCSR Ltd over 17 years.07 4722 5353.

Tonny PongohLLM 1996

Tonny is a lecturer in law with theUniversity of Atmajaya Yogyakarta,Indonesia. He says the QUT LawSchool taught him how to solveproblems in the global era.

tonyph@yogya.wasantara.net.id or+ (62) 274 561 031.

Elizabeth PressickBAppSc(HMS) 1997

As manager of her own business,Athletes’ Edge in Brisbane,Elizabeth is teaching exercise andsports science for YMCA courseproviders. Previously she had ayear’s AIS contract with Paralympicathletes in Canberra.07 3209 5976.

Elizabeth QuinnGradDipAdmin 1991

Following a seven-year career as anarts administrator in the museumand gallery sector, Elizabeth movedto Canberra in 1997 to work withthe Commonwealth Government’sDepartment of Communications,Information Technology and theArts. As Northern Territorymanager, she is working with ruraland remote communitytelecommunications projects andwithin remote indigenouscommunities throughout northernAustralia.libby.quinn@dcita.gov.au or02 6271 1000.

Tony RapalloBEd 1992; DipTeach(Prim) 1984

Tony is the sports subject master atNerang High School. He haspreviously taught at high schools inShailer Park, Cunnamulla andAshmore and spent a year overseas.07 5534 9135.

Jodie RiekBEd(EC) 1997

Jodie is the proprietor and operatorof Caboolture Educational Care, aday care centre. She is also studyingfor her Master of Early Childhoodthrough the University ofNewcastle.jriek@petrie.starway.net.au or07 5428 1888.

Bernie Ripoll MPBBus 1995

After working for the State PublicServices Federation of theQueensland Union of Employees,Bernie contested the Federalelectorate of Oxley in the October1998 election and won the seat.bernie.ripoll.mp@aph.gov.au or07 3281 5803.

Nancy SchroderBArts(Music) 1994

Nancy is in her fourth and finalyear at the Conservatorium ofArnhem, Holland. She hopes tostay in Holland and teach music.

njschrod@hotmail.com or+ (31) 26 443 2291.

David St GeorgeBBus(Comn) 1989

After working in copywriting andaccount services for variousadvertising firms, David is livingand working in Melbourne as acommunication consultant forWilliam M Mercer, a global humanresources consultancy.david.stgeorge@au.wmmercer.com.

Andrew StonerBBus(Public Administration) 1985

Andrew was elected to the NewSouth Wales Parliament in the 1999General Election. He is themember for Oxley which includesKempsey, Nambucca Heads andSouth West Rocks.andrew.stoner@parliament.nsw.gov.auor 02 6562 6190.

Anuphap TharavanijMBusAdmin 1990; GradDipBus(Admin)1988

Anuphap is the assistant vice-president of the Sumitomo Bank,Bangkok branch.atharava@ksc.th.com or+ (662) 632 9210.

Gerard TuffieldMEd 1996; DipEd(Prim)(CA) 1984

After working as a teacher withEducation Queensland for 14 years,Gerard is now Queensland statemanager for educational publisher,Mimosa Shortland. He alsoco-authored the successful spellingseries, Strategic Spelling, andconducted and published researchon the topic of educationbenchmarking in the internationalarena.gtuffield@remote.mimosapub.com.auor 0408 234 274.

Stephen TysoeBEng(Mech) 1985; CertCivilEng(LabTech) 1980

Stephen has worked mostly outsideQueensland since graduating and isnow a principal engineer withAughinish Alumina Ltd in Co.Limerick, Ireland. He would like tohear from his year group.stephen.tyseo@augh.com or+ (353) 61 604 251.

Caroline WilsonBSocSc 1998

Caroline is a housing supportWorker with Youth and FamilyServices, Brisbane. 07 3208 8199.

Geoff WiseBBus(Comn) 1978

Geoff is the proprietor of Wise’sPty, dealing mainly in packaging.He said his obsession is wildernessphotography, which you can see atWise’s wilderness website, http://www.wises.com.au.

geoff@wises.com.au or0412 237 307.

The ElectronicAge

http://www.qut.edu.auA university for the real world

This edition of QUT Links features several stories about QUTalumni who have found ways to business success throughthe Internet and other forms of electronic communication.

Electronic commerce has become an academic subject in itsown right as well as an increasingly important reality in the business world.

Indeed, this year QUT will offer electronic commerce as a major within theBachelor of Information Technology program. The Faculty of Business also offersunits in the area.

Perhaps more significantly, however, the “e-revolution” has wrought radicalchange in the way in which we do our business as a university in teaching,research and services to students and staff.

When I first came to the old QIT in the early 1980s, I didn’t even have a computeron my desk.

Today, like virtually all academic and administrative staff, I use a computer foran extraordinary range of functions, to send e-mail, to read the library catalogue,to get my pay advice, even to vote in elections for staff representatives.

For many of our students, electronic communication is almost second nature.

QUT prides itself on having one of the country’s most advanced and student-friendly university Web sites, which is the portal to a vast array of electronicservices and information, including individualised timetables and booklists andthe ability to nominate tutorial times.

Increasingly, the university is moving towards using the electronic medium todeliver the actual content of courses through e-mail lists and electronic discussionrooms as well as on-line course materials.

The “virtual university” will never replace the interpersonal interactions thatare such an important part of university life. But electronic communicationcreates enormous possibilities for universities to enrich the experience of bothstudents and staff.

Professor Dennis GibsonVice-Chancellor

QUT Links is published by the QUT Corporate Communication Department, inco-operation with the QUT Alumni Relations Unit.

Design and production by QUT Publications Unit.

Edited by Colleen Ryan Clur.

Photography: Tony Phillips, Suzanne Prestwidge.

Cover picture: Sherran Evans, University of Technology, Sydney.

Editorial material is gathered from a range of sources and does not necessarily reflect the opinions and policiesof the QUT Foundation or QUT.

A range of quality corporate products (pictured above) is offered to QUT Alumni.A description of each with its price, well below retail, is provided on the order form.

Please photocopy this order form before completing it.Allow three weeks for delivery of goods. Orders may be faxed or posted.Please make cheques payable to Whatsinaname. Payment must be receivedbefore goods will be despatched.

PRODUCT Unit costS M L XL XXL

Total cost

ACCESSORIES Unit cost Quantityrequired

Deluxe polo shirt with embroideredlogo (Australian-made) $38.50

Size

Key ring in brushed silver metal withQUT logo

Silver anodised coasters with QUT logo (boxed set of six)

Avanti stainless steel insulated mug with laserengraved QUT logo

Parker Sonnet ball point pen – blue lacquer with gold trim(includes refill) (gift boxed) – engraved QUT logo

Parker Sonnet fountain pen – blue lacquer with gold trim(includes refill) (gift boxed) – engraved QUT logo

Total cost

TOTAL (+ handling and freight $8.00) $

$ 9.50

$15.00

$25.00

$49.00

Sports cap in navy cotton with suede peak and embroideredQUT logo

$ 6.50

Order formPlease indicate quantity required and total cost in space below.

Name

Address

Phone

Return form to: Whatsinaname, 72 Pembroke Road, Coorparoo Qld Australia 4151Phone (07) 3847 2466 Fax (07) 3847 2470

Keep your memoriesof QUT alive

$55.00

QUT Links, like the university’salumni, is growing and exploringnew connections that will bevaluable to many of our readers.

Many of you will have importantnews, ideas and questions toshare with your peers, so to helpus meet that information need,the editorial team invites you tolet us know what you would liketo see covered in future editions.

It could be a news or featurearticle, a profile or some othertype of report that would be ofinterest to a broad cross-sectionof graduates.

All you have to do is drop aline to:

The Editor

Corporate Communication Department

Queensland University of Technology

GPO Box 2434

Brisbane Q 4001

e-mail: c.ryanclur@qut.edu.au

OR call (07) 3864 1150.

Coming up...

11Dr Hirst shines on as QUT Chancellor

22In brief...

44Olympic challenge for broadcasting expert

55Bianca’s art unites two worlds

66Entrepreneurs strike gold on-line

77E-Revolution challenges met head-on

88Graduates recall their golden era

1010Witra aims high in Indonesia

Construction giants receive top awards

1111Cutting-edge genetic research forges ahead

1212Electric bike offers clean transport alternative

1313Managing change in the workplace bringskey players together

1414Statistical research will help hospitals makebetter decisions

1515Unusual route to film-writing success

1616Maricha marries music and management

1717President’s column ... expanding our links

Search on for outstanding QUT graduates

1818Alumni news ... at home

Renown artist Verlie Just mourned

1919Alumni news ... international

QUT’s on-line community is expanding

2020Alumni calendar of events for 2000

2121Keep in touch. . .

Cover:Steve Mitchell

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Avanti stainless steel cappuccino cup and saucer set withlaser engraved QUT logo $29.00

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Services and facilities for QUT AlumniQUT alumni can take advantage of many QUT services and facilities.

Fitness and sports centres – QUT's fitness centres are open to the public at competitiverates. Call (07) 3864 2945 (Gardens Point), (07) 3864 3710 (Kelvin Grove) or(07) 3864  4716 (Carseldine). Special discounts are available for QUT alumni.Call the Alumni Office on (07) 3864  1837 for a letter of introduction.

Library benefits – QUT graduates and alumni are invited to rejoin the library aftergraduation for a discounted membership fee of $75 a year. Call the Alumni Office on(07) 3864 1837 for a letter of introduction.

Optometry Clinic – a comprehensive optometry clinic is available to the public as wellas QUT staff and students. Call (07) 3864 5695.

Podiatry Clinic – the Podiatry Clinic provides an excellent facility for research, teachingand service to the public. Call (07) 3864 5652.

Weight Management Clinic – the Weight Management Clinic is available to membersof the public as well as QUT staff and students. Call (07) 3864 5819.

Education Television (ETV) services – QUT's ETV unit undertakes commercial work inall aspects of electronic media. Call (07) 3864 2207 or (07) 3864 1780.

Continuing education courses and conference management (CPE) – offers professionaldevelopment, vocation support and continuing professional education courses. Call(07) 3864 2196 or (07) 3864 3354.

Facilities for hire – Call (07) 3864 2888