1

iWitnessIHD

InternationalHouseDarwin

2

iWitnessIssue 67 11 September

2015

FeaturesDavid Ompong 3 Looking back 4

Film festivals 5

News 6

IHD News 7

Notices 8

Event reviews 9-13

Backyard camping 9

Cricket 9

Volleyball 10

IHD’s Got Talent 11 Kakadu 13-14

RegularsPublic transport 6

IHD Casuarina shuttle bus 6

Notices 8

Event calendar 15

CoverThe winner of IHD’s Got Talent Sally Yeh with Resident Leader and event host Helen.

IHD ReceptionOffice Hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm

iWitness Resident Input:If you would like to include anything in the next issue of iWitness please email bronte.hewett@cdu.edu.auW: cdu.edu.au/ihdFB: facebook.com/EventsIHD

WelcomeHello everyone,

I hope everyone is enjoying the mid-semester break. I realise that it is a time to catch up on assignments and some of you also have assessments to sit for during the break, but hopefully you have all found an opportunity to relax, travel or take some time out from your usual study routines this week.

I have enjoyed spending some time with a group of residents on the Kakadu camping trip this week. We saw some interesting new places, learned a bit more about the Territory and shared making some good memories with each other. If you have not been involved in many IHD events yet, check out the events calendar on our website and make the effort to get involved in some events. It is important that your time in Darwin is not all spent on work and study. You have a great opportunity to learn about this unique part of the world while you are here, so I would encourage you not to miss out on the recreational half of your learning experience in Darwin.

September is a busy month for IHD. In the office we are busy planning for the annual End of Year Dinner to be held on Thursday 24 September. This year it is also the 30th birthday celebration for IHD. For those new to IHD, the End of Year Dinner is our biggest event. It is held in the central lawns with a formal catered meal, entertainment and annual prizes are awarded on the night. There’s no charge for residents (its covered in your living costs at IHD), so I hope that you will attend. It’s a chance to dress up nicely and celebrate the year with friends!

Best wishesPenny BiddleCoordinator Resident Services

Resident Leaders: Ph. 8946 6591

3

Congratulationsto David on his three minute thesis winBy Leanne Miles PhD candidate and IHD resident David Ompong has won the CDU 3MT final.The story of the hare and the tortoise has helped a PhD student explain the difference between singlet versus triplet exciton diffusion in organic solar cells to take out the 2015 Charles Darwin University Three Minute Thesis Competition final.School of Engineering and Information Technology PhD candidate David Ompong also took home the People’s Choice award for his presentation: “Singlet versus triplet exciton diffusion in organic solar cells: the Hare and the Tortoise”.“It is estimated that within the next 40 to 60 years the world will run into an energy crisis,” David said. “We also have a moral obligation to reduce the use of fossil fuels due to their impact on the environment.”Adhering to the strict rules of the competition, David used a single PowerPoint slide as his only visual aid and had a three-minute time limit to provide the audience with a summary of his PhD research.“As part of my research I have created a theoretical model that will assist with extracting the maximum amount of energy from organic solar cells,” he said. “The farther and faster the exciton moves the more energy can be extracted.”David skilfully likened his research to a well-known fable to address the judging criteria of comprehension and content, and engagement and education.“It is like the story of the tortoise and the hare,” he said. “The singlet exciton moves very fast, but does not last as long. The triplet exciton moves very slow, but lasts much longer. I am hoping to contribute to the optimisation and design of organic solar cells through exciton diffusion.”The Three Minute Thesis Competition aims to celebrate the research of PhD candidates, and cultivate their

academic, presentation and research communication skills. As the winner of the CDU final, David received a $1500 research grant. He was also awarded the People’s Choice prize, taking home a further $500 research grant. The runner up was PhD candidate Paul Lawton based at Menzies School of Health Research, who received a $500 research grant for his presentation entitled: “The outcomes of chronic kidney disease amongst Indigenous Australians”.David will represent the Northern Territory at the Trans-Tasman final, which will be held at the University of Queensland on Friday 2 October, to compete for a share of $8000 worth of research grants.The judging panel was chaired by Member for Nightcliff Ms Natasha Fyles MLA, who was joined by Northern Territory International Education and Training Hub General Manager Mark Darby and former Principal of Leanyer School and Commonwealth Centenary Medal recipient Henry Gray.

IHD has been a fantastic place to work for the last seventeen months – I’ve met such wonderful students and RLs and had such supportive colleagues. My time here has taught me

many new skills, and I’m very grateful for all the amazing opportunities I’ve had. Now I am about to embark on a new adventure: my husband and I are moving to Brisbane, where I’ll be

working at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s South Bank campus as a Student Support Adviser. I wish all of you all the best, and if you’re in Brisbane, please say hi! Good-bye, IHD!

Farewell message from Kim JenningsKim’s last day at IHD will be Friday, 25 September.

4

Looking back International House Darwin was first established in 1985 and has grown over the past 30 years to accommodate nearly 300 people from over 30 countries. From its humble beginnings as a two-building complex, IHD now consists of 18 buildings, mostly multilevel. Plus it boasts a great range of recreational facilities for the benefit of its residents. Previously named University House and North Flinders International House, the residence was established to accommodate the expanding student population and growth of Charles Darwin University in the early 1980s. This accommodation originally catered for 66 residents and was comprised mostly of Territorians staying short term. As more long-term residents from interstate and abroad

began to arrive, a community evolved. Nowadays, the community boasts a nationally recognised events program catering to the overall student experience and covering personal wellbeing, local discovery, cultural experience, academic development and professional experience.

On Thursday, 24 September, residents will have the opportunity to hear about IHD in its early days during the guest speech at the End of Year Dinner. Martin Heskins was the first Manager of IHD from 1985 to 1993 and is coming to Darwin for the special 30 year anniversary dinner as guest speaker.

5

IHD will be sending a group of residents to the E-Team documentary film at CDU Palmerston Campus on Sunday, 4 October.Make sure you register online to join us for what is sure to be an interesting and insightful documentary about human rights. Filmmakers Ross Kauffman and Katy Chevigny go to the front lines in Syria and Libya to document evidence of atrocities.The documentary has been awarded numerous awards including winner of the Sundance Film Festival cinematography award. It has been described as dynamic, entertaining, inspiring and devastating. Anna, Ole, Fred and Peter are four members of the Emergencies Team — or E-Team — the most intrepid division of a respected, international human rights group (Human Rights Watch).Though they are different personalities, Anna, Ole, Fred and Peter share a fearless spirit and a deep commitment to exposing and halting human rights abuses all over the world.

The Latin American Embassies in Australia and Latino NT Association present the 11th Latin American Film Festival in Australia. In Darwin, the Film Festival will take place over four Saturdays on 5, 12, 19 September and 3 October.The movies will be shown at the Red 6 Building at Charles Darwin Univer-sity.All films have English subtitles and are free of charge. No bookings are required.For more information, please visit the following pages:www.laffaustralia.wix.com/laffaustraliawww.facebook.com/LAFF2015

Free movies

The Darwin International Film Festival, or DIFF, is the world’s best cinema on Darwin’s doorstep. Over 8 luscious Top End nights, DIFF brings you multiple screenings and premieres, networking opportunities and workshops.DIFF is truly Top End with the majority of the events taking place at the Deckchair Cinema, thus bringing you tropical sunsets, balmy nights and star-studded evenings. The Deckchair Cinema is Darwin’s only fully independent cinema, and a premier outdoor venue on the edge of Darwin Harbour.The Festival is operated by the Darwin Film Society (DFS) whose mission is to provide alternative film experiences not normally available to Darwin locals and visitors. DFS is a not-for-profit organisation that has been screening programs in the NT since

1974 and successfully operating the Deckchair Cinema since 1994.DIFF films are a special mix of comedy, documentary, drama, foreign language and Indigenous content films from Australia and the globe. None have been screened in the Territory before.For more details visit the Darwin International Festival website.

E-Team

6

Prepare yourselves! The salt marsh mosquito season starts this month!Director of Medical Entomology Nina Kurucz advises that high numbers of salt marsh mosquitoes are expected to occur for approximately 2 weeks, starting on 9 September.“In Top End coastal areas, numbers are expected to be highest for up to 5km from mangrove and brackish water breeding sites, following high tides and rain from September until monsoonal rains flood their breeding sites.”High mosquito activity is expected

in the following areas:DARWIN - Leanyer, Karama, Buffalo Creek, Holmes Jungle, Winnellie/Sadgroves, Lee Point, Muirhead, Tiwi, Lyons.Ms Kurucz warned that although we are not in the high risk period of Ross River virus yet, the virus can be contracted all year around, with the salt marsh mosquito capable of transmitting the virus. People infected with Ross River virus may develop a wide range of symptoms, including painful

Time to watch out for biters

and swollen joints, sore muscles, skin rashes and fatigue. Symptoms generally last for a few weeks or months, though in some cases they can linger for up to a year.Protection against bites is the best course of action, as there is no vaccine to prevent Ross River virus.

If you know an exceptional new migrant or refugee who contributes to Australia, recognise their work by nominating them for the New Australian of the Year 2016 award! Nominations are now open.The award is to recognise migrants or refugees who have made Aus-tralia their home for less than 18 years, and have contributed greatly to the Australian society.Since inception in 2014, we had two excellent award winners - Par-suram Sharma-Luital and Gabriel Ukuno - who not only do wonderful work within their own communities, but provide a valuable link with the wider Australian community. Deadline: 11 October 2015.For more information, visit http://naoty.weebly.com/If you have questions, please con-tact Wesa Chau adc.newaustrali-an@gmail.com.

New Australian of the Year

2016

Winning International Business for the NT featuring Mao’s Last Dancer

Join renowned motivational business speaker Li Cunxin (commonly known as the Mao’s Last Dancer) as part of this forum as he talks about winning international business for the Territory, followed by a panel discussion featuring industry experts. This forum will showcase services available to the Territory business community under InvestNT as well as Trade Support Scheme and two small Northern Territory businesses which have expanded internationally.The free event will be held on Monday, 5 October 2015 from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Office of Asian Engagement, Trade and Investment, Darwin, NT.

Mao’s Last Dancer - Li CunxinLi’s life stands as a ringing endorsement of qualities and

values we would all wish to imbue in the next generation: resilience, commitment, self-discipline and determination.Li Cunxin’s journey is simply remarkable. He was born into utter

poverty in Mao’s Communist China. At a very young age he was selected to train at Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy. So began Li’s journey.The 7 years of harsh training regime at the Beijing Dance

Academy taught him discipline, resilience, determination and perseverance. Li’s astounding drive and relentless work made him one of the best dancers in the world.The inspirational story of Li’s life is recounted in his memoir Mao’s Last Dancer, which quickly rose to number one on the Australian bestseller list and won the Book of the Year Award in Australia and received the Christopher Award for literature in the USA. It went on to become an international bestseller. The book is in its 52nd reprint. Mao’s Last Dancer is now a blockbuster film.

7

Picture by Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore

Serina has released a single!

Jigme Tshering won the CDU Open Day Explorer Game on 23 August and took home an awesome prize pack. In order to win, Jigme had to bring a phone or tablet to Open Day and complete the five quests set by CDU. Tasks were completed by entering a code or piece of information that is retrieved from different sites around the

IHD resident and musician Serina Pech recently released her first single Sugar Muffin. This young singer-songwriter has been writing beautiful original music since she was 12. Her music has grown up with her in the isolation of regional Northern Territory. Her music is catchy, sweet, deceptive and enchanting. Serina’s sweet nature endears audiences and makes her performances uniquely intimate and memorable. She’s currently working on her debut EP with Perambulator Records, recording between Melbourne and Darwin with Michael Hohnen (Gurrumul/

Tom E Lewis/Skinnyfish) and James Mangohig (Sietta/Damn Moroda) – so look out! This is going to be exciting!It’s with great excitement that we will welcome Serina on stage to perform this year at IHD’s 30th birthday celebrations on Thursday, 24 September.

Ultimate study pack

University. When each quest was completed, the player received one entry into the draw. Players who completed all five tasks received a bonus entry. The prize included a notebook, printer, speaker system, headset, wireless mouse, laptop sleeve, portable hard drive and backpack. Way to go Jigme!

As the barometer slowly creeps up and the humidity rises, it can only mean one thing – the end of the dry, and sadly the

end of Territory Made markets at the beautiful Botan-ic Gardens. But the markets are not going out without showcasing some of the Territory’s most sought-after musicians, mojitos, fine wine, craft beer, light breezes, mojitos and did we mention mojitos?Sunday, 13 September Live Music: BROTHER PHOENIX 3-5PMSERINA PECH 5PM-7PMFrom 5pm, Serina Pech takes over with her sublime soulful sounds!Come celebrate with us our final farewell to a magical year, and get a taste of what magic might lie ahead.

Say bye bye to the dry!

The IHD 2015 Yearbook will soon be in production and residents are encouraged to submit their memories to the Yearbook Committee. The Yearbook Committee has been meeting regularly and trying to ensure all events and memories have been recorded, but input from everyone is always welcome. You may have already had a member come to your door to profile our residents in the yearbook. Thank you for the great response to this campaign!Life at IHD has been

amazing and will be memorable. Each and every moment is experienced by every individual. Some learn, some teach, some entertain, some create, and much more! Each and every individual has something interesting. Share your experiences join us, be the one who scripts those exciting moments. Thank you to people who have liked us on Facebook. We need help and we would like it if you can send photos of IHD and events that have happened. You can send the photos to ihdyearbook@gmail.com.

8

NOTICESNo smoking on balconies

Smoking on balconies within buildings is not permitted. If you are a smoker, you may not be aware of the effect drifting

smoke has on those nearby.

Please go downstairs to the gardens to smoke.Please also take care with dispos-al of cigarette butts which are a problem type of litter at IHD. Please stubb out the butt and dispose of it thoughtfully. Please do not drop butts in gardens or on paved

areas.

Kitchens

Due to the iChef competition over the coming 5 weeks, Building 3 kitchen will be

a little busy from 4 – 6 pm on Sundays.

Building Meetings

Just a friendly reminder that each IHD building holds regular

building meetings with their Resident Leader. Make sure you go along

to get all the updates about IHD and your building and get to know your build-

ing-mates!

Abandoned vehiclesIHD had several abandoned vehicles

on the property that were required to be removed. Security has commenced pro-

ceedings to have them legally disposed of. The following vehicles were removed from

IHD carparks:

CB-41 SU Hyundai Excel 580-262 Mitsubishi Wagon

457-186 Toyota Camry Sedan999-134 Toyota Camry Wagon

902-255 Honda SedanCA-53-SB Toyota Camry Sedan

If you own or know the owner of any of the vehicles, please be advised that you need to contact John Dowd, Manager of

Security at CDU immediately.

Have you sent your RSVP?

IHD End of Year DinnerThursday, 24 September

RSVP by 18 September. (Via the link on your e-mailed invitation. If you didn’t receive

it, please email bronte.hewett@cdu.edu.au.)

9

Event reviews

International House Darwin always arranges camping trips to various places but I found that not all residents can attend these camping trips so the idea for backyard camping was born. Backyard camping has all the fun of actual camp-ing without the downside of actual camping as we have a bathroom and stocked fridge nearby. On Saturday, 22 August, we had our very first backyard camping in IHD and the central lawn was the place that we picked to do this. Vinodh and Yeshwanth helped me setting up the tents in the central lawn and then the adventure started. The evening started with a group of res-idents gathered around the campsite and hav-ing a light snack and just chilling out under the stars. It was a clear night to be out camping and we decided to have dinner around a campfire. Roojan was the master chef in preparing the food and everyone enjoyed the simple meal cooked outside under the stars. After the meal everybody got some sticks and roasted marshmallow and had them for dessert. After all, camping is not complete without roasted marshmal-lows!

By MK

A backyard camp out

IHD cricket The IHD 7-day cricket tournament took place over August at the Stand, CDU. The Grand Final was played on Saturday, August 29. Congratulations to the winning team ABC-PC captained by Achyuth Ginna. There were some very exciting games over the series. On 13 August, Happy played ABC-PC, with Happy winning the match by 16 runs.It was a great game by both the teams, especially Achyuth Ginna, who performed very well. But in the end, a star bowling performance by Niranjan Karunakaran and a stunning all-round performance by Nathan Canuto stole the show. On 18 August, Reuben-Vinodh played Cornered Tigers and the match was tied. It went on to finish in a super over. An exceptional performance by Reuben made the difference leading to his team’s victory.On 20 August, another exciting match took place between Cornered Tigers and Happy. Cornered Tigers played well but couldn’t match the winning form of Most Valuable Player of the series, Nathan Canuto.

10

IHD volleyball tournament

Two days of IHD volleyball culminated with an exciting three-set final match between the Deadly Half Dozen and the Ball Busters on 4 September. It was neck and neck the whole game with some very exciting rallies. The Ball Busters came out with the win in the final set pushing ahead to 21 - 15. Romeo Perez stood out with his ball-busting spikes earning him the Most Valuable Player of the match.

In the ladies final, Victorious Secret won in another three-setter with everyone putting in a good effort and Julia getting MVP. Most importantly everyone had a great time!

11

IHD’s Got TalentThe wonderful IHD’s Got Talent competition was held over the last three weekends of August. It was divided in four categories: vocal, instrument, dance and unexpected talents.On Sunday, 16 August, both the vocal and instrumental competitions were carried out. Nearly 30 residents turned up and were all touched by Serina’s guitar and her song. Sally’s song was also fantastic. She won the first place of vocal category. Camille, Julia and Stephanie could also be proud because of their fabulous performance on the same evening.Jose Alexandre brought his unique sketching talent to us on Sunday, 23 August. The crown of IHD’s dance perfor-mance was Antonius, as people were all amazed by his stunning modern dance.More people joined the final competition on Sunday, 30

August. Rina and Jennifer were the mystery guests that night. They performed two beautiful songs. Sally won first place of the whole competition and is going to perform on Thursday, 24 September at the IHD annual End of Year Dinner.Congratulations and thanks to all of the performers. They showed their talents, as well as their dedication to all the residents of IHD. They love life and life offers them joy.

By Helen

12

Events in pictures

13

Kakadu highlights At 8am on Saturday, 5 September a group of 10 IHD residents gathered at the office full of excitement about the next three days travelling to Kakadu. We packed all of our luggage in the IHD trailer and hooked it behind

the CDU “troopy” which was to be our cosy travelling vehicle. With 8 people on benches in the back and three up front (including Penny driving), it was perfect for fun chatter and a shared travel experience.We travelled to Jabiru via the quirky pub roadhouse at Bark Hut where we hand fed a buffalo and emu. We set up our campsite then spent the late afternoon and evening at the Mahbilil Festival which is an annual Aboriginal festival in Kakadu. There was food to taste, information and art stalls, craft displays, spear throwing, dancing and some good local artists singing, including IHD’s Serina Pech.On Sunday we spent the day swimming at the rockpools and waterhole at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) before travelling to the world heritage rock art site at Ubirr where we learned a bit about Aboriginal art and culture and took in spectacular views of Arnhem Land. We watched a beautiful orange sunset at Ubirr

then made our way back to Jabiru for a poolside dinner.On Monday we travelled across the well known Cahill Crossing to enter Arnhem Land. We travelled to Gunbalanya along the dirt road through lush green scenery. In Gunbalanya we visited the Injalak Art Centre where we watched artists screening their work onto silk before joining a local guide for a walk around Injalak Hill. This is where the local people occupied ancient rock shelters to paint stories on the rocks. The guide explained about the art and his culture and traditions. It was a unique and interesting opportunity.On the way back from Arnhem Land we stopped at Cahill Crossing for a picnic lunch. We counted 5 big crocodiles swimming in the river nearby! After lunch we packed up our campsite and drove back to Darwin arriving as the sun set.

By Penny

14

“With a great group of people we explored the ancient, mystical land of Kakadu which includes pristine wilder-ness with great places to swim as well as traditional culture heritage such as Aboriginal rock art. It was a wonderful trip full of new experiences.”RENS

“If I had to sum up the most memorable part of the trip it would have to be the camaraderie amongst the team. We were a great bunch, always having comedy-gold bus conversations, working together selflessly when tackling tricky rock hills while carrying baggage, teach-ing each other to swim at the falls etc. I expect that the friendships I forged on this trip will remain a long time after my newly obtained skin tan fades away!”MARGARET

“I enjoy this trip very much as we help each other and work as a team. Now I not only know how to make a tent and also how to pack them as well!”APRIL

“Lots of things were memorable in the trip. The upper cascade and climbing rocks were the most interesting ones. The sunset at Ubirr was amazing. Oenpelli had the most of the scenic

beauty visualised by most of us.” VINODH

“The most memorable and enjoyable part of the trip for me was the Injalak Rock Art tour at Gunbalanya because it is where I was immersed the most in Aboriginal culture, life and customs. It was the last day of the trip so fatigue was setting in and the sun was scorching hot but it was worth it.”

ANGELO

15

NT Field Naturalists’ Club Nature Territory photographic

competition Remember, entries for the 2015 IHD photo competition are closing on 13 September.

But if you have a photo, or a number of photos, you are particularly proud of, why not enter the NT Field Naturalists’ Club Nature Territory Photographic Competition?The Northern Territory Field Naturalists’ Club is looking for the best photographs of our Northern Territory’s natural world. There are five categories and while the prizes may be small, the bragging rights for 12 months will be huge.All photographs submitted will be placed on display at the Northern Territory Library at Parliament House in Darwin 9 - 29 October 2015.Judging will be carried out by two local professional photographers and a dedicated amateur photographer.HOW TO ENTERSend as many photographs as you like for each of the categories; there is NO entry fee. Entries close Friday 18 September. CATEGORIES* Landscape* Flora* Fauna* Human Impact on Nature* Best JuniorPRIZESEach category carries prizes of: first $50; second $25; third $10. All entries by anyone under 17 years old will receive a certificate of participation. The judges will also award a special prizes of $100 for the Best Overall photograph that shows the NT in the best possible light and for the Best Photograph by a junior. Contact Laurie Barrand at treasurer.ntfnc@gmail.com for more information.

The Centre for Youth and Community Music (CYCM) is looking for keen and interested tutors for the following:violin and voice.If you have the necessary background and would love to teach various ages your skills or know of someone who is looking for casual work, please send your CV to our email cycm@cdu.edu.au. For more information contact the office on 8946 6013.

Jetty and the FishA job opportunity exists for casual, weekend work at Jetty and the Fish. We are seeking confident and capable staff to work in customer service and kitchen roles in our food van on the Nightcliff Foreshore. Shifts available Friday - Sunday.For more information about the role, call Kate on 0403 263 868. To apply, please email your resume to jettyand-thefish@gmail.com. To see more about Jetty and the Fish, find us on Facebook.

Tutoring opportunity

Be part of the iconic Mitchell Street Mile!

There will be nine races across eight categories.The 1.6km mile race route will begin with marshalling on the lawns adjacent to Parliament House, and the start line will be at the Mitchell and Bennett Street junction outside the Deck Bar.The race will travel along Mitchell Street before the field then turn around and run back along Mitchell Street, finishing at the same location as the start.The course is officially sanctioned by Athletics Northern Territory.

Are you the Territory’s next National Youth Week Ambassador?• Passionate about making a difference in your community?• Keen to inspire others to stand up and raise their voice?• An enthusiastic communicator with lots of ideas?• Up for a rewarding personal challenge?We are looking for a motivated young Territorian (18 - 25 years) to join our team to help plan and promote National Youth Week 2016. It’s an exciting opportunity not to be missed so check out http://www.youth.nt.gov.au/nyw_ambassador.html for more info or contact us on (08) 8999 3880 or email oya@nt.gov.au.

Youth Week

GJK Facility Services (current cleaning company for CDU) are looking for casual cleaners! Previous cleaning experience will be highly regarded, but is not essential as training will be provided. If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please email Vanessa Moussa, vmoussa@gjkfacilityservices.com.au with your resume. Please also attach your Police clearance and Working with Children information (or payment receipts).

Job opportunity

16