A MAGAZINE FOR THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ST GEORGE’S COLLEGE
Winter 2013 Issue 1 Volume 37
Inside this issue
Gascoine Bursary Report
Young Australian
of the Year
Music Concert Series
Bruce James Award
Hush Concert
1
WINTER 2013
Founded in 1931, St George’s
The Georgian is also available
publication produced by St George’s
College is a co–educational college
online at stgeorgescollege.com.au
College, an Anglican residential
that provides promising students
/alumni/georgianmagazine
college within The University of
of diverse disciplines and
Western Australia.
backgrounds with a collegiate
education, aimed at enhancing
their aspirations, developing their
capacities and encouraging them
to lead and serve.
Cover: Tanya Garratt & Merredith
Cully at the Taj Mahal. Merredith was
the 2012 recipient of the Gascoine
Memorial Bursary and travelled
to India to volunteer at the Indian
Institute of Mother and Child.
See page 22 for her report.
UniPrint 105160
The Georgian is a bi–annual
Contents
Winter 2013
5 From the Warden
6From the Foundation
Chairman
7 From the Chairman
8 Mentoring at the College
9The Argyle Awards
10Commencement
Ceremony
12Music Partnership
and Concert Series
Top: Autumn colour in
the College gardens.
Above: L-R Laura Peisley (2010),
Jordan Butler (2010), Hilton Butler,
Tobias Butler, Sarah Peisley.
Right: John Stone (1947)
WINTER 2013
16Scholarships and
Bursaries
18Rhodes Scholars and
Georgian Dinner
The Little Dragon
32From the Georgian
President
20North Wing Renovations
33Akram Azimi, Young
Australian of the Year
21Formal Dinners and
Fireside Chats
34The College,
Bunbury and Oxford
22Gascoine Memorial
Bursary Report:
Incredible India
35 Guide Dogs
25Hush Concert
37 Vale Ernest Biddiscombe
26Cambodia
38 Bruce James
30From the Chapel and
Winthrop Singers
39 Victorian Georgians
31 Annual Giving 2012
41 Visitors and Mailbag
36 Vale Albert Arcus
40 Canberra Georgians
3
From the Editor
Welcome to the
Winter edition
of The Georgian
magazine
for 2013.
4
UWA’s Centenary year has been
an exciting year for St George’s College.
It began on Australia Day with the
announcement that Akram Azimi (2007)
had won the Young Australian of the Year
Award (p 33) and continued with Hush:
An Evening of Quiet Music, as part of
the Perth Fringe World Festival (p 25).
This was a sold-out concert organised
by David Craddock (2005) and Stacy
Gougoulis which went on to win Fringe
World Music Award for Best Music Show
at the Fringe Festival.
We marked the UWA Centenary
Alumni Weekend with a dinner to
commemorate two extraordinary
benefactors, Winthrop Hackett and Cecil
Rhodes. As the most senior Georgian
and Rhodes Scholar present, John Stone
(1947) unveiled a St George’s College
Rhodes Scholars’ board (p 18).
The College’s Music Concert Series
has been a highlight of this semester (p
12). The seven concerts held so far were
very well received and we are excited
about the concerts in store for next
semester. The depth of talent amongst
College residents and Georgians will be
on show at the ‘Home Grown” concert
that will be part of the Series. Any
Georgians who are interested in public
performance and would like to take part
are welcome to contact me (Josephine@
stgeorgescollege.com.au or 9449 5555).
Next semester’s program will be added
to the Events page of our new website
as soon as all the concert details are
confirmed (stgeorgescollege.com.au/ourcommunity/events).
Our new website (stgeorgescollege.
com.au) was launched in March and is
a great way to keep up to date with news
from the College and to find out about
the various events which Georgians and
members of the wider community are
welcome to attend. The Fireside Chat
program for next semester promises to be
interesting – guests include Senator Alan
Eggleston (1960) who is about to retire
from Federal politics, Dr Hilde Tubex
from the Crime Research Centre and
Professor Carmen Lawrence.
The College has an official Facebook
page – please “like” us to keep in
touch with what is happening and for
information about events to which
Georgians are invited. The Victorian
Georgians have also set up a group on
Facebook to make it easier for alumni of
St George’s who now live in Victoria to
get in contact with each other. We are also
on Twitter (@StGeorges_UWA).
Congratulations to Sjur Nafstad,
who has been with us this semester on
international exchange from Norway. The
St George’s College rowing victory in the
recent Intercollege Rowing competition
has led to national call up for Sjur, who
has been selected to row for Norway.
Finally a number of residents have
contributed to this publication. Merredith
Cully contributed an article about her
trip to India, thanks to the Gascoine
Memorial Bursary (p 22) and Ian Marley,
Danika Jurat, Jamie Graves and Geoff
Ryan wrote about their trip to Cambodia,
assisted by the Goodeve Foundation.
Henry Giles supplied photographs
throughout the magazine (p 3, 10, 11,
17, 18, 19, 31, 34, 38) as did Michael
Grebla (p 12, 13, 14, 15, 30).
Thank you to them and to everyone
else for their contributions. Submissions
and suggestions are always welcome. G
Josephine Evans (1988)
Editor, The Georgian
[email protected]
WINTER 2013
From the Warden
The Victorian and Canberra
Georgians kindly invited me to their
gatherings to celebrate St George’s Day.
The dinner in Melbourne on 23rd April
and lunch in Canberra the following
day were both excellent occasions.
The Melbourne dinner included an
invigorating question and answer
session with Lew Ward (1953), Joan
Lefroy, wife of George Lefroy (1960)
and sister of Fred Lovegrove (1962),
and Rod Eddington (1968) guiding
the discussion with point and humour
under the stewardship of Peter Marshall
(1969), Bob Leschen (1951) and Alison
Dennison (Roy 1986). The Canberra
lunch celebrated St George’s Day as well
as the centenaries of UWA and Canberra.
Ken Freeman (1958), Barry Ninham
(1953) and Ray Pelham-Thorman (1948)
spoke respectively about ‘dark matter’,
‘being Kenny’ (a personal tribute by Barry
through his introduction and thanks for
Ken’s address) and a centenary of tertiary
education in Canberra. The lunch was
superbly organised by Jan Cleland (1983)
and John Copland (1959).
In his conclusion Barry Ninham
expressed that Ken Freeman exemplified
the Georgian approach: you fully use
your abilities to do what you are capable
of doing, you persist, you don’t shirk
the hard problems, you don’t become
distracted by ephemera, and you don’t
court fame and fortune.
Given the cheerful chiacking that
accompanied the conversations in
Melbourne and Canberra, as it seemingly
does at all Georgian events, it also appears
that the Georgian approach includes a
robust sense of humour and the necessity
for sharp ears, a quick wit and some
personal resilience.
WINTER 2013
I hope that we at the College can
continue to engender these attributes in
current and future members of the College.
The trip also provided me the valuable
opportunity to visit Melbourne University
and ANU colleges. I would particularly
like to thank Campbell Bairstow (1972),
the Dean of Trinity College, Melbourne,
for paving the way for these meetings and
for his generous and pertinent advice.
At the Canberra lunch I was asked to
comment on ‘The Challenges of Modern
College Living and Administration’. The
most important challenge is to provide
good opportunities for our residents.
These come through opening their eyes
to the world, its possibilities and issues.
In addition we want to develop academic
and social skills, as well as cultural talents
and knowledge, a healthy attitude to
pastimes and physical activity, and a
desire to participate in life in a collegial
way. We also want to encourage our
residents, and to provide them with the
chance, to present and to implement their
ideas to the benefit of College life and
the wider community. I hope that this
edition of the Georgian testifies to our
commitment to meeting this challenge as
well as we can.
There are some obstacles for students
that we and they have to combat. These
include: the ubiquity and addictive nature
of perpetual media, so easily accessible
and skilfully presented, that can lead to an
excessive amount of time spent in rooms
alone or in small groups, sometimes
oblivious to the time of day; a youth
drinking culture that emphasises the
drinking rather than the socialisation;
and a conservative approach to
participation in College events. We try to
encourage balance and involvement; we
are fortunate that so many of our students
are alert to these factors and encourage
others to embrace College life and the
best it has to offer.
In relation to our business position
there are challenges too. 500 rooms
have been added at University Hall
(the expanded Currie Hall) under the
National Rental Affordability Scheme.
These are modern self-contained studios
and apartments. There are a further 500
rooms to be introduced at St Catherine’s
(250 in 2014) and St Thomas More
(250 in 2016). Against a stock of 1,200
college rooms at UWA in 2012 this will
lead to some competitive pressures. This
is especially the case in the context of a
strong Australian dollar that discourages
international students affecting overall
demand. In addition regional WA
(and 60-65 per cent of residents come
from regional WA) is enduring tough
economic times whilst the College faces
increasing metropolitan costs deriving
from the resources boom. We also have
the responsibility to maintain our historic
buildings that by their nature can be costly.
These challenges require the College
to define itself very clearly. St George’s
will be the smallest College by numbers;
all those who eat daily in the Hackett
Dining Hall will continue to know each
other. We have a tradition of endeavour
and expansive thinking. We are in the
truest sense a real college that provides
a particular and, I believe, very valuable
experience. We should adhere to
our values and identity, adopting the
Georgian characteristics highlighted by
Barry Ninham; although to my mind St
George’s cannot but court fame by dint
of its exceptional buildings and gardens
and the consistent high achievement of
Georgians. We will have to work hard
to negotiate these commercial challenges
but I am sanguine about our longer
term prospects.
That I can afford to be so is a
reflection of the chairmanship of Rory
Argyle (1956) (who retires as Chairman at
the end of June) over the past six years, a
period in which such substantial progress
has been made in every area. I would like
to record my very great appreciation and
sincere thanks in relation to the support
and guidance that he and Penny have
provided to me since becoming Warden.G
Ian Hardy
Warden
5
From the Foundation Chairman
The Foundation has enjoyed
another successful year. Annual Giving
2012 focused on the refurbishment of the
Tower. The amount received exceeded
$99,000. This outcome was our best
effort to date, with the exception of
the 2010 program that focused on the
refurbishment of the Hackett Dining Hall.
Our three core funds (Endowment,
Scholarship and Rogerson Funds)
recorded improved investment
performance after some mixed
returns since the onset of the Global
Financial Crisis.
Overall, the net assets in these
funds now exceed $6m, and increased
by $783,681 during 2012 after
distributions from the Scholarship and
Rogerson Funds.
The impact of the GFC has adversely
impacted on the capital adequacy of
our scholarship funds to sustain their
award on a perpetual basis. These funds
are being progressively rebuilt with the
improved investment returns of last year,
and reductions in the awards where the
trust deed permits.
This is particularly important, with
the College placing increased focus on the
expansion of scholarships and bursaries
to support high achieving and deserving
students, against a background of
increasing College fees to reflect the real
costs of student accommodation.
Accordingly, Annual Giving 2013
is targeted towards building up the
Winthrop Scholarship, and supporting the
College scholarship program.
Annual Giving 2012
Our Annual Giving program in 2012
focused on the repair of the northeast
corner of the College Tower. The College
community generously contributed in
excess of $99,000 towards the repair and
associated restoration work, including
making safe the spiral staircase, installing
a balustrade to the battlements and
repairing the flagpole. Recently, a
sundowner was held on the top of the
Tower to celebrate its refurbishment,
with guests (major contributors and
former Tower residents) able to enjoy
the magnificent views of the University
campus, Swan River and Kings Park.
6
For a long time, access to the top of the
Tower has been restricted due to safety
issues, and this refurbishment will allow
students and former residents to enjoy the
unparalleled views on offer.
Donations
Over the past year, in addition to Annual
Giving, the Foundation has received
a total of $106,474 in donations. Peter
Knight (1956) and his family have
generously contributed $100,000 to
establish the Knight Family Scholarship
and support the purchase of the Fazioli
F278 Concert Grand Piano recently
installed in the Dining Hall. The
Cheang family have gifted an additional
$6,000 towards the Cheang Scholarship
previously established by the family in
memory of the tragic death of their son
Jeremy Cheang (2009), a student of
the College, who lost his life in a road
accident.
residents. The program will involve award
of scholarships and exhibitions and be
named the Argyle awards in recognition
of the contribution made by Rory Argyle
(1956) as inaugural Chairman of the
Foundation, and Chairman of the College
Board over the past six years.
Annual Giving this year will focus on
topping up the existing Winthrop fund
to provide sufficient capital to enable its
award on a perpetual basis, with surplus
funds to be applied to the support of the
Argyle Awards.
The Foundation seeks your support
for its Annual Giving 2013 program.G
David Cannon (1962)
Chairman
Challenge
The increase in the number of rooms
being constructed and commissioned
along College Row by University Hall
(formerly Currie Hall) – 500 rooms,
St Catherine’s College – 250 rooms and
St Thomas More College – 250 rooms
under the Federal and State Government
National Rental Affordability Scheme
is placing increased pressure on the
College. The College believes that it
offers students a completely different
community experience rather than a
tenancy agreement to be offered by these
institutions. It is therefore important
that the College is able to offer students
services and opportunities not offered by
our competition. The Foundation looks
forward to your ongoing support so we
can continue to support the College to
address these challenges and maintain its
status as the premier College at UWA.
Annual Giving 2013
Annual Giving 2009 was focused on
funding the Winthrop Scholarship that
recognises the contribution of our founder.
The College this year has committed to
a further expansion of the scholarship
program to attract incoming students
and reward academic performance of its
WINTER 2013
From the Chairman
The saying “cometh the
hour, cometh the man”,
at least in popular
parlance, has its origins
I believe in a cricket
commentary...
WINTER 2013
I am reflecting on my time
as Chairman of the Board of St George’s
College these past six years.
Then I reflect further, back to the
establishment of the Foundation in
1989, and my sixteen years chairing that
organization to 2006, and planning then
executing its several fund raising activities.
The evolving plan, over time, became:
establish an endowment, retire debt,
expand the College, restore its buildings
and confirm it as a place of learning with a
high focus on better educational outcomes
for its residents.
Those ideals have been or are now in
the course of being accomplished and the
guiding principle was established with the
first brochure, prepared by Brian WillsJohnson (1964), for the Foundation’s
inaugural appeal for funds in 1990 – the
cover of which proclaimed, over a sketch
of St George’s, “The Road to Excellence”.
There have been many challenges
along the way and those rising to them
were many and their several efforts and
contributions have each been critical to
our success. Selecting some for particular
mention is always fraught so I will limit
my selection to the man I think mattered
most – and that was Warden Inverarity.
The saying “cometh the hour, cometh
the man”, at least in popular parlance,
has its origins I believe in a cricket
commentary; if so, it is apt in reference to
our sixth Warden.
When the selection committee sat
down in 2005 to consider the next
appointment all involved appreciated that
a person with special qualities was needed
– qualities which included, in particular,
the ability to garner the financial support,
to an unprecedented extent, of each of the
College’s key stakeholders; its University,
its Church and its alumni. And John
delivered that outcome and a lot more
besides, with just occasional promptings
from me.
In 2011 the selection committee sat
again to consider John’s replacement.
That appointment was also seen as
critical if we were to build successfully
on John’s legacy; and I was delighted
that Ian Hardy stepped forward and I
am even more delighted with the way
that he has already set his mark on our
College. There are fresh challenges facing
Ian and the Board right now, not least
the competition generated by 1000 new
places in the course of being provided
by three of the other University colleges,
at discounted rents. I think St George’s
is now physically well placed to meet
that challenge; key will be our success in
differentiating our offering to students.
I stand down at the end of June,
handing over to Peter Hopwood (1964),
secure in the knowledge that St George’s
is in very good hands and it has a
significant endowment, it is free of debt
and its buildings have been both extended
and restored. More importantly I believe
the culture of the college has shifted, quite
demonstrably, towards a greater focus
on academic achievement and that is
essential if we are to maintain “the road
to excellence”.
I have truly enjoyed my time and
involvement and I thank each of our
Visitors, my fellow Board members
(College and Foundation), ViceChancellors, two Wardens and an acting
Warden, the fantastic College staff and
many Georgians, David Newby (1962)
in particular, for the absolute support
you have provided to me and to
St George’s College. G
Rory Argyle (1956)
Board Chairman
7
Mentoring
Would you be prepared to mentor
a Second Year College resident?
We want to assist our residents as
best we can in making their university
experience as productive as possible.
We also want to make the period of
their three year undergraduate degree
an effective time of transition from
school to graduate degree or career.
Under the new UWA system
(following the Melbourne model),
almost all students undertake a three
year general degree in one of four
courses (arts, commerce, design or
science) followed by, if they qualify and
desire, specialist postgraduate courses,
generally styled as masters degrees,
such as accounting/MBA, education,
engineering, law, and medicine.
In first year residents face the
challenge of transition from their
structured school environment to
university where they have to manage
their own time and study programs.
We currently have an optional tutorial
system in place for first year residents.
From next year, to ensure that all
students do engage more thoughtfully
with their courses, we are introducing
a mandatory element. This component
will include the option of attending
extra-curricular tutorials such as
Fireside Chats, College lectures, and
cultural events, which we believe form a
key part of a university education.
We would like to build on this
during the second year of their degree
by providing residents with the
opportunity for interaction with and
mentoring from adults who appreciate
and empathise with them.
We are therefore asking
Georgians whether they would be
prepared to act as mentors for second
year College residents. The intention
is to match each resident, who wishes
to opt into the program, with
a Georgian. Our aim is for resident
and Georgian to meet at least once
a semester, informally, perhaps over
a meal or drink.
8
Top: David Platt & Sophie Smith
left: James Mitchell (right) mentoring a young
student from Wyalkatchem
The aim is for the Georgian mentor
to provide the resident with a context
for their degree and to assist in
relation to their overall aspirations. We
believe that this would be enormously
beneficial for second year students and
would help them in their development.
We also hope that it would be
refreshing, enjoyable and interesting for
Georgians who participate.
We believe that Georgians of
all backgrounds and ages could
add enormously to the College and
university experience of our second
year residents. We hope that you may
consider being involved in this program
and reply positively to this appeal.
As a “capstone” to the three year
program, we intend to offer third
year residents the opportunity for
‘consultations’ as they complete their
undergraduate degree and are looking
to qualify, as so many will be, for their
preferred postgraduate degree. G
For more information about the
College’s academic program and
to volunteer to become a mentor
for a second year resident, please
contact the Deputy Warden
David Platt on 9449 5555 or email
[email protected]
WINTER 2013
Awards & Scholarships
The Argyle Awards and the
Winthrop Scholarship
Scholarships provide priceless
opportunities, transform lives and spur
students to greater achievement.
The rising costs of tertiary education
and college residence in Australia have
become a barrier to many young men
and women whom we would be proud to
welcome into our collegiate community.
The annual fee at St George’s is
now $16,970 – better reflecting the
true cost of providing a rich college
life experience for every St George’s
College student. The fee is still
significantly less than comparable
colleges in Melbourne and Sydney but
undoubtedly reduces our potential to
attract some prospective students.
In the past, many university students
were supported by way of government
and other scholarships; nowadays
the majority of these no longer exist.
Scholarships provided by the College
not only resolve this dilemma; they
provide priceless opportunities,
transform lives and spur students to
greater achievement.
It is our aim to actively provide not
just a place to stay and to study, but
also a place in which we nurture the
transition into adulthood, and the world
at large. The rich variety of educational
programs, social activities, spiritual
guidance, and leadership and service
opportunities are designed to build
students’ capacities well-beyond the
lecture theatre.
Annual Giving 2013 is focused
on the development of merit-based
and means-based scholarships,
with the specific aim of fully funding
the Winthrop Scholarship and
supporting the newly-instituted Argyle
Scholarships and Exhibitions. G
WINTER 2013
Rory Argyle with some of the Argyle Award recipients L-R Ryan Kirke, Justin Kruger, Geoff Ryan,
Jane Bromley, Rory Argyle, Karen Bromley, George Giudice-Nairn, Michael Salmon, James Tarrant
The Winthrop Scholarship
In the UWA Centenary Year we believe that expanding this scholarship is
a fitting commemoration of our founder, Sir Winthrop Hackett. When fully
funded, the Winthrop Scholarship will be awarded to an incoming first year
undergraduate at UWA who has performed well academically at school and
in their university entrance exams. Character and leadership qualities as
embodied by Sir Winthrop Hackett will also be taken into account.
The Argyle Scholarships and Exhibitions
The Argyle Scholarships and Exhibitions, awarded for the first time this year,
are merit-based awards for incoming and continuing students. They recognise
the unparalleled contribution to this College of Rory Argyle (1956), who has
just completed his term as Chairman of the Board, and his family. The Argyle
Awards will recognise returning students with a UWA weighted average mark
(WAM) of 85+ as Argyle Scholars and those with a WAM of 80-85 as Argyle
Exhibitioners. Likewise, incoming students with ATARs of 98.5+ will become
Argyle Scholars while those with ATARs of 97-98.5 will be Argyle Exhibitioners.
The College has broken new ground by also deciding to reserve at least one
per cent of fee income to support the Argyle Awards.
9
Commencement Ceremony
In mid-February, eighty students joined
the St George’s College community as the
class of 2013. Hailing from right around
the globe, this year’s freshers embraced
Orientation week and all that College has
to offer with great energy and enthusiasm.
The 2013 College Club organised a
fantastic orientation program for the new
students; introducing them all to the depth
and variety of opportunities that comprise
the St George’s College experience.
The week kicked off with the 2013
Commencement Ceremony and by the
time our returning residents moved back
into College the fresher group had fully
embraced their new identity as members
of the St George’s College community.
The group of eighty includes thirtyfour women and forty-six young men. The
students who have come to St George’s
from Western Australia number sixty-eight
and represent twenty-five schools from
both metropolitan Perth and the regional
parts of the state. The largest intakes for
2013 have been from Bunbury Cathedral
Grammar and from Hale. We have also
welcomed eleven international students,
nine on semester or year-long exchanges
and the other two for full degree programs
at UWA. The final member of the 2013
cohort is from interstate and joins St
George’s from rural New South Wales.
Our new members include talented
musicians, artists and sportspeople who
are pursuing a range of opportunities via
their studies at UWA. We have amongst
us aspiring doctors, lawyers, engineers,
accountants, singers, psychologists and
neuroscientists. They are embracing the
College’s academic, cultural, social and
sporting programs and are in general a
terrific bunch whose overall calibre bodes
well for the future of St George’s. G
1: Jennifer Nobbs & Shelby Nobbs
2: Callum Fitzpatrick & Mark Fitzpatrick
3: L -R Christina Autefault, Nelson
Autefault, Richard Steenekamp
4: L -R Helmien Ellis, Eduard Ellis,
Eduard Ellis, Sarah Juner
10
1
2
3
4
WINTER 2013
Commencement Ceremony
5: Jacqueline Rushford, Sara Catto, Georgia Hirsch
6: Tom Sullivan & Ken Sullivan
7: L-R Breac MacLeod, Tessa MacLeod, Leanne MacLeod
8: L-R Graeme Jackson, Lauren Jackson, Venessa Jackson
9: L-R Oliver Newton, Nikola Newton, Richard Newton
10: L-R Emma Hunt, Daniel Hunt (2008), Inga Hunt, Clive Hunt,
Lis-Marie Hunt, Ash Blackwell (2009)
6
5
7
8
9
10
WINTER 2013
11
St George’s College Music
Partnership & Concert Series
The College’s expanded music
program has led to exciting innovation and
development. Over Semester One, as part of the
newly introduced St George’s College Concert
Series (a free concert series open to residents,
Georgians and friends), we have enjoyed the
premieres of Youth (piano) and Bayreuth
Nostalgia (brass fanfare) composed by Wolff
Music Scholar Michael Grebla (commissioned,
respectively, by the College and the Wagner
Society of Western Australia); God be in my
head (choral) by young Georgian and Winthrop
Singer Lucian Watkins (2009); and Valley View
(jazz trio) by Josiah Padmanabham and
Repartee (cello and piano) by Stefan Pugliese,
both UWA music students. Premieres have
taken place in the Hackett Dining Hall, the
Chapel and from the Front Balcony; we now
await a Quadrangle premiere.
These concerts have emanated out of the
partnership formed between The UWA School
of Music and the College and the consequent
acquisition of a magnificent Fazioli concert
grand piano, funded by a generous donation
from Peter Knight (1956) and supported by
UWA through the Vice-Chancellor and College
Visitor, Professor Paul Johnson.
The origins of this musical efflorescence can
be found in the initiatives of John Inverarity
and Richard Pengelley that led to the Winthrop
Singers making the Chapel their home; the
institution of acoustic, folk, and other concerts
on Tower, under the cork oak and in the
Quadrangle; some notable ‘Battles of the Bands’
at the Tavern; and finally the building of the
John Inverarity Music Room.
12
TOP: ‘Something Old, Something New’.
ABOVE: Krista Low & Yiannis Maxwell
A further significant turn took place in late
2012 when College cellist Alex Nicholls (2009)
held two public concerts in the Chapel. He
and Michael Grebla, Alex’s partner in crime,
subsequently enthusiastically proposed a
concert series for the College. Michael inquired
whether St George’s could try to procure
a further baby grand piano to support this
development. He was encouraged to pursue the
purchase of an instrument of the highest quality.
His assiduous work led to the possibility of the
acquisition of a Fazioli 278 on attractive terms.
This particular Fazioli was handpicked by
renowned Perth concert pianist Mark Coughlan
and is the twin of the piano in Government
House Ballroom. It is 2.78 metres long and
weighs 590 kg. It is beautifully handcrafted
by the firm of Paolo Fazioli located in North
East Italy. His pianos can be heard in the finest
auditoria in the world.
The Board supported this venture
recognising the great advantages that would
accrue to residents, UWA and the Western
Australian public if exciting and varied concerts
of a high standard could be hosted in the
College’s beautifully renovated buildings and
gardens. It insisted, though, that funding had to
be external and a partnership should be entered
into with The UWA School of Music to provide
the breadth of performance opportunities that
would be required to underpin a significant
ongoing concert program.
The concept was eagerly embraced by
Music Professors Alan Lourens and Graeme
Gilling; the partnership was agreed. This was
then matched by the Vice-Chancellor who was
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Concert Series
LEFT: L-R Sunmi Jung, Adam Pinto,
Yiannis Maxwell, Sharon Chung, Ian
Hardy, Anastasia Buettner-Moore,
Michael Grebla, Peter Knight (1956),
Glen Knight
able to provide significant support too. Within
72 hours of Board approval, astonishingly,
the great plan came to fruition when Peter
Knight not only financed the outstanding
purchase balance but also funded a new music
scholarship, the Knight Family Scholarship.
The College then made haste, advised
by tutor and Engineering Professor Andrew
Guzzomi (2000), to reinforce the raised platform
to ensure that the Fazioli remained in the
Dining Hall rather than disturbing scholars
in the Library by way of an unexpected
impromptu incipit.
The first public performance upon the new
piano was at the College Rhodes Scholars
Dinner on 9th February and it proved a
poignant moment. Michael Grebla played the
second movement of Beethoven’s Pathétique
Sonata. Unbeknown to him this was a piece
of music that Tony Field (1955), who was
present at the dinner and had shared rooms
with Peter Knight, had played to Peter in 1956
as he introduced him to classical music: this,
of course, illustrates how at St George’s, for
so long, residents thrown together by fortune
have shared passions and sparked in each other
lifelong interests, skills, values and thinking.
Tony and Peter were both moved by this
serendipitous choice that so fittingly reflected
their long friendship.
On 10th March the St George’s College
Concert Series began with its inaugural
concert that introduced the new Fazioli piano
to a packed Hackett Dining Hall. The concert
featured five of UWA’s finest young musicians.
Each spoke to their performance piece; this
has become a fine feature of the series, being
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informative and creating a compelling link
between audience and the young musicians.
The program kicked off with UWA tutor
and West Australian Symphony Orchestra
pianist Adam Pinto giving an energetic and
empowering performance of ‘Youth,’ a work
composed by the series coordinator, Michael
Grebla to celebrate the inauguration of the
piano and the College’s new venture. The
concert also introduced Barber pieces, and
movements from the Franck violin and
piano sonata.
‘Winds in the Quad’ was then put on by
the UWA brass ensemble on a delightful late
summer Sunday in March in, self-evidently,
the Quadrangle. Percy Grainger’s Duke of
Marlborough Fanfare commenced from high
behind the audience and demonstrated the
exciting performance opportunities that the
Quad provides. The acoustics of the space are
excellent and, after the conclusion of a Susato
suite, guests sat on picnic chairs and rugs and
chatted into the early evening, savouring the
changing tones of the College buildings.
On 14th April concertgoers returned to
the Dining Hall to a spellbinding ‘Brahms,
Brahms, Brahms!’; the concert received an
outstanding review by Peter Rigby, son of
cartoonist Paul Rigby, - ‘Seated in the stately
college dining hall amid the wood panelling and
stained glass, a packed house was enthralled
by the technical and musical ability of the four
young women’ (thestarfish.com.au/brilliantbrahms-at-the-college)
Sunday 24th April brought a ‘Change of
Pace’ featuring UWA classical guitarist Don
Candy and the Tripad Jazz Trio, led by UWA
above: Michael Grebla &
Alan Lourens.
above: L-R Sharon Chung, Sophie
Parkinson-Stewart, Alexandra Isted.
13
Concert Series
Law/Music student, Josiah Padmanabham.
Jazz aficionados joined our regular classical
audience and all were delighted to hear the
Fazioli put through its jazz paces as well as
impressed by the precise guitar playing of Don
Candy. ‘Something Old, Something New’
brought cello and piano together on 5th May.
A very young boy was brought to the concert
by his parents. He sat quietly listening until the
premiere of Repartee that moved from playing
the piano and cello to percussion against cello
and piano and rhythmic clapping. With the
unexpected drumming, tapping and clapping he
leant out fully ninety degrees into the aisle for
the remainder of the performance entranced by
sound and spectacle, his father just managed to
catch him by his belt band: the new concertgoer
went away, as did all present, with an expanded
vision of the musically possible and we suspect
that someday he too will do ‘Something New’,
whether in the field of music or otherwise.
The next Tuesday 7th May was the occasion
of an evening concert in the chapel by the
Winthrop Singers. Listeners were transported
from Italy (Gabrieli, Lotti and Allegri) to
Britain (Weelkes, Stanford and Pearsall) to
14
Australia (Watkins and Tunley) to Estonia
(Part) to the Ukraine (Gretchaninoff) as the
Winthrop Singers took us ‘Around the World in
Evensongs’. It was an evening of serenity, linked
by Professor Nicholas Bannan’s erudite and
witty explanations and introductions in which
there were references to, inter alia, coshings (of
Weelkes in Chichester), Botticelli, and Mozart’s
thieving ear that brought private Sistine Chapel
settings out into the public arena.
The final concert of the semester ‘Wagner
by the Swan’ took place on Sunday May 19th,
to celebrate Richard Wagner’s 200th birthday,
and was presented in conjunction with The
Richard Wagner Society of Western Australia.
Unlike the other free concerts, this had a charge
of $50 but this was waived for College students
who could emulate the practice of European
opera houses of standing room up high with
the gods by joining us on benches at the back of
the Dining Hall. The full house was enthralled
by a varied program of Wagnerian dimensions
that featured an array of first class musicians
and performances: soprano, baritone and
tenor accompanied pieces, 17 piece chamber
orchestra, a two dozen voice ensemble, brass
above: The Winthrop Singers
.
Below: L-R Michael Nelmes,
George Giudice-Nairn,
Stephen Bibrlik, Justin Kruger,
Michael Salmon
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Concert Series
ensemble, piano and, even, a small organ. The
afternoon started with a fanfare from the Foyer
balcony and then the audience moved into the
Dining Hall to experience the transition from
sunny afternoon to twilight and then night.
The Dining Hall and its changing views were
spell-binding, matching the musical fare that led
finally to supper in the Quad and a birthday
cake. In musical terms, given the participation
of many of Western Australia’s finest musicians,
this probably represented the apogee of the
concerts. The West Australian’s review began
‘It was standing room only in wood-panelled
Hackett Dining Hall at an all-Wagner program
brimming with rarities and novelties and ending
with (Winthrop Singer) Alessandro Pittorino’s
often-thunderous organ transcription of Ride of
the Valkyries which brought the house down.’
For the College, however, the Classics
Music Dinner on the previous Wednesday
was our classical highlight. The evening began
with drinks in the Quadrangle before a move
to the Chapel to hear Stephen Bibrlik play
Bach’s Toccata on our faithful Dodd organ and
Michael Grebla sing the Schubert Ave Maria
from the organ loft, accompanied by Stephen.
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Residents and guests then transhipped to the
Dining Hall. American exchange student Katie
Pachnos played the harp as a backdrop to the
dinner as well as in a solo piece. Freshwomen
Sarah Peisley and Emma Hunt sung The Last
Rose of Summer in a beautifully pitched duet.
Five College pianists performed to a very high
standard indeed, impressing their peers with
their virtuosity and skill. Justin Kruger played
the lyrical Cuban Malaguena by Ernesto
Lecuona; George Giudice-Nairn entertained
with a jazzed up Flight of the Bumblebee,
Bumble Boogie; Nicola Broun starred with
Rustle of Spring by Christian Sinding and the
encore, Pirates of the Caribbean; and Yang Xia
and Patrick Tong both performed Chopin pieces
of delicacy and complexity that were acclaimed.
The College and Georgians who took up
the offer to join us were delighted by the great
talent on display. This will be on public view
in Semester Two through the ‘Home Grown’
concert that will form a part of the Series.
We intend that the ‘Home Grown’ concerts
should be a regular staple of our program.
These College concerts will include our
barbershop and ladies a cappella groups as
well as pianists and other performers. They will
represent an opportunity for friends and families
of College residents to listen to our performers
in public performance in the College, a
wonderful experience.
Being ‘Home Grown’ we would also be very
keen to welcome Georgian performers, who
would enjoy performing publicly as part of the
Series, to participate in these concerts. Please
could Georgians who are interested contact
Michael Grebla or Josephine Evans.
The music program, underpinned by the
Fazioli piano, has added a new dimension to
College, University and Western Australian
cultural life. It is providing opportunities,
broadening horizons, and exhibiting prodigious
young talent. Our audiences have been
delighted by the combination of College venues,
likely some of the most attractive in Australia,
and high quality performances. Dining Hall,
Chapel and Quadrangle all boast excellent
acoustical qualities. The high vaulting, wooden
panelling and floor have brought especial praise
for the Hackett Dining Hall as a superlative
chamber music venue.
We look forward to welcoming you to future
concerts and to building further on this exciting
new venture. G
above: Don Candy
If you are interested
in becoming a ‘Home
Grown’ performer, phone
Jo Evans on 9449 5555
or email Josephine@
stgeorgescollege.com.au
15
Scholarships and Bursaries 2013
The scholarship Presentation Evening was held on Wednesday
27 March 2013. Congratulations to the following recipients:
Reynolds Scholarship
Grecian Snook Memorial Bursary
Emma Hunt
Nadia Sloan
Peter Goodeve Memorial Bursary
WT Harrison Bursary
Monica Leslie
Nicola Broun
Andrew Longman
Patrick Tong
Emily Alfonsi
Tahnee Bell
Tobias Butler
Sarah Catto
Zac Mencshelyi
Sophie Moustaka
Sister Eileen Heath Scholarship
College Club Bursary
Aleisha Halden
Shenae Peterson
Jaxon Evans
Kelly Fitzsimons
Talison Lithium Scholarship
Resource Capital Funds Scholarship Argyle Scholars
Ryan Kirke
Tessa McGrath
Branden Papalia
Phillip Watson
Lindsay Goldsmith Bursary
George Giudice-Nairn
Eric Glasgow Bursary
Jacqueline Rushford
RFL & CH Glover Memorial Bursary
Rhys Edwards
JM Wolff Scholarship
Michael Grebla
Jeremy Cheang Memorial
Scholarship
Daniel Engelke
Cheang, Shaw, Vernon
Memorial Scholarship
Murdock Grewar
Alcoa Scholarship
Jem Smith
Sadka Scholarship
Sonia Codreanu
LC Hodge Bursary
Kaylin Hooper
16
Karen Bromley
Daniel Engelke
Ashley Jamieson
Justin Kruger
Monica Leslie
Ben Luo
Nadia Sloan
James Tarrant
Argyle Exhibitioners
Jane Bromley
Nicola Broun
Thomas Drake-Brockman
Kelly Fitzsimons
George Giudice-Nairn
Jamie Graves
Gemma Healey
Ryan Kirke
Tessa McGrath
Zac Mencshelyi
Sophie Moustaka
Matthew Pearce
Gaelen Perrone
Takara Putland
Geoffrey Ryan
Michael Salmon
Yew May Wong
Some new bursaries
were awarded this year:
The Sister Eileen Heath Scholarship
was established this year by the
Anglican Archdiocese of Perth to
support students from regional
Anglican schools to attend St George’s
College. The scholarship was
presented by Hamish Milne, Director
Diocesan Services at the Anglican
Diocese of Perth, and the inaugural
recipients were Shenae Peterson and
Aleisha Halden.
The Resource Capital Funds
Scholarship was established this year
to support College students, second
year or higher, enrolled at UWA in
mining relevant studies. The inaugural
recipients were Branden Papalia, Tessa
McGrath, Phil Watson, Ryan Kirke, and
their scholarship was presented by
Peter Nicholson, a Partner at Resource
Capital Funds.
The Cheang, Shaw, Vernon Memorial
Scholarship: In conjunction with the
Jeremy Cheang Memorial Scholarship,
two students departing College at
the end of 2012 chose to make a
donation to support a science student
commencing in 2013. Murdock Grewar
was the recipient of this scholarship.
Argyle Scholars and Exhibitioners
Established this year, the Argyle
awards will recognise both incoming
and returning students who achieve
academic excellence. This year we
recognised all returning students who
achieved 80 or higher as a Weighted
Average Mark (WAM) in Semester Two,
2012. Those with WAMs of 80 or higher
are recognised as Argyle Exhibitioners
and received an award of $750 while
those with WAMS of 85 or higher are
recognised as Argyle Scholars and
received an award of $1000.
From 2014 these awards will be given
on an annual basis and first year
students who achieve an ATAR of 97 to
98.5 will also be recognised as Argyle
Exhibitioners while those who achieve
an ATAR of 98.5 or more will become
Argyle Scholars.
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Scholarships and Bursaries
2
3
1
4
6
5
7
8
1: L-R Charles Armstrong, Jaymon Kirk, Stephen Bibrlik
2: Tony Munday & Monica Leslie
3: L-R Nicola Broun, Andrew Longman, Vivian Wu, Lorry Mignacca,
Mr Jiang, Patrick Tong, Miss Jiang
4: L-R Emma Hunt, Shenae Peterson, Tahnee Bell, Sarah Corke,
Acacia Chen, Amelia Place, Lauren Jackson, Sara Catto
5: Michael Nelmes & Stephen Meek
6: L-R Jane Bromley, Monica Leslie, Karen Bromley
7: George Giudice-Nairn & Kaylin Hooper
8: Tessa McGrath & Phillip Watson
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17
2
1
3
4
The Rhodes Scholars and Georgian Dinner
In conjunction with The University
of Western Australia’s Centenary Alumni
Weekend and to celebrate the unveiling
of a St George’s College Rhodes
Scholars’ board, the Warden hosted
a dinner for Georgians and Rhodes
Scholars on Saturday, 9th February, 2013.
Joined by our two Visitors, Archbishop
Roger Herft and UWA’s Vice Chancellor
Professor Paul Johnson, guests enjoyed
a delightful meal in the College’s Hackett
Dining Hall and listened to guest speaker
Sir Rod Eddington’s (1968) speech in air
conditioned comfort.
The intent of the evening was to
commemorate the contributions of two
extraordinary benefactors, Winthrop
Hackett and Cecil Rhodes. Hackett is
our founder and the most significant
UWA benefactor and the College has
also produced a remarkable number
of Rhodes Scholars who have been
significant figures in College and UWA
18
life. The Centenary Celebration, a time
when Georgians and Rhodes Scholars
from far afield visited Perth, was a
great opportunity for a memorable
College celebration at which the
College Rhodes Scholars’ Board was
unveiled.
In the lead up to the Dinner,
Hackett Dining Hall was in some
disarray as work took place to install
air conditioning and to enable the
accommodation of the new magnificent
Fazioli concert piano. The piano was
acquired by the College thanks to the
great generosity of Peter Knight (1956)
and also support from UWA. Thankfully
all was completed in time and dinner
guests were the first to experience
both new features. During the dinner, a
piano interlude played by Wolff Scholar
Michael Grebla on the new piano was
enjoyed by all. After dinner, guests
moved to the JCR where John Stone
(1947), as the senior Rhodes Scholar
and Georgian at the dinner, unveiled the
College Rhodes Scholars’ Board.
A number of people travelled a long
way to be at the occasion, including
Billy Jack (1985), David Durack (1962),
John Stone (1947), Sir Rod Eddington
(1968), Ian Pullen (1950), Bob Leschen
(1951), Campbell Bairstow (1972),
Rosalind Potts (Chelliah 1989) and
Ted Mouritz (1955). G
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Scholars Dinner
6
7
5
9
8
11
10
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1: Dinner in the Hackett Dining Hall
2 & 4: Pre-dinner drinks in the Quad
3: Daryl Williams (1960) & Ian Hardy
5: L -R Berwine Barrett-Lennard, Irwin Barrett-Lennard (1948),
Lynne Thomson
6: Sir Rod Eddington (1968)
7: John Stone and the Rhodes Scholars Honour Board
8: L -R Jane Inverarity, Deirdre de Souza,
Sir Rod Eddington (1968)
9: L -R Sarah Percy, James Edelman, Elizabeth Hollingworth,
Judith Williams
10: L-R Bill Rigg (1962), Lindsay Potts, Rosalind Potts
(Chelliah 1989)
11: L -R Tony Field (1955), Meg Pike, Dean Pike (1981),
Billy Jack (1985), Sarah Knight (1984)
19
Renovations
North Wing Renovations
Over the summer holiday period the College embarked on a renovation
program in the north facing rooms of North Wing. Each room has been gutted
and then re-fitted with new environmentally rated balcony windows and doors,
new furnishings, lighting, hand-basins, air conditioning, ceilings and finished
off with a fresh coat of paint. Rooms that had been becoming increasingly
dark and dingy are now fresh, light and bright. With the contractors on site,
the common bathrooms all received a makeover as well; considerably improving
the experience of residing in North Wing.
New Wi-Fi
In other infrastructure related
news, over that same period,
the College also installed a new
internet system which ensures
seamless Wi-Fi coverage
throughout the College and offers
students the opportunity to move
freely between their rooms and the
common rooms when studying.
Before:
After:
you and your partner are invited to
The Great Gatsby
Georgian Cocktail Party
Saturday 12th October 2013
7:30 til midnight
venue
College Dining Hall
Live Jazz Band
dress
Black tie (Gatsby theme)
cost
$25 per person
rsvp
Friday 4th October
Tickets available from the College Officce
Phone 9449 5555
or email [email protected]
payment can be made by cheque, cash, credit card
or direct deposit (bsb)
706 001 (account) 300 037 79
with your surname & gcp as reference
we hope you can join us !
20
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Fireside Chats
Formal Dinners and Fireside Chats
The guest portion of the
2013 Academic Program has kicked
off in fine style with an excellent series
of Formal Dinners and Fireside Chats.
Commencing in O-week with Professor
Lyn Beazley, Chief Scientist of Western
Australia, and wrapping up in early May
with Tim Shanahan, the Director of
UWA’s Energy and Minerals Institute,
the formal dinner program has been
varied, stimulating and entertaining for
all who have attended. Professor Beazley
introduced the 2013 Freshers to College
formal dinners with an engaging view
of the role of science in society and a
surprising look at the importance
of Western Australia to the global
scientific community.
Following closely behind Professor
Beazley, Dr Angus Turner (1995), Rhodes
Scholar (2001) and current St George’s
College tutor was the guest speaker at the
first dinner in Semester One and spoke
about the limitless potential afforded
through a robust college experience. He
particularly focussed on how that, for
him, has led to his current role at the
Lions Eye Institute and his specific focus
on eye health in Western Australia’s rural
and remote indigenous population. In
conjunction with the College’s annual
Scholarship Presentation Evening,
Wesfarmers Managing Director, Richard
Goyder (1979), regaled attendees with
stories of college life in his time here and
then shared a number of key life-lessons
learned during his distinguished career
in business. Next in the series, Aleisha
Woodward, US Consul General to Perth
spoke about her diplomatic career, lessons
learned and insights gained. Her clear
message to College members was one
of making the most of opportunities.
Ms Woodward graciously returned to the
College in June for a robust discussion of
US foreign policy.
The penultimate speaker for Semester
One was Winthrop Professor Philippa
Maddern, Director of the UWA ARC
Centre for Excellence for the History
of Emotions. Professor Maddern is a
medieval historian and spoke at the St
George’s Day dinner on A Saint for
all Seasons: St George in Legend and
Reputation. In rounding out the formal
dinner program, Tim Shanahan spoke
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from Alex Kerr, Dr Hilde Tubex, Professor
Stephen Hopper, Professor Ruth Ganss
and Dr Carmen Lawrence. Members of
the community are welcome to join us for
the Fireside Chats – check our website
stgeorgescollege.com.au/our-community/
events for more information about these
and other events at the College.
Future Thinking
In an innovative twist on the Fireside Chat
format, the College invited the Deans
from a number of faculties to join students
for an evening of “future thinking”. The
four Deans and one Assistant Dean
included Phil Dolan, Dean of Business,
about Western Australia’s role in the
Erika Techera, Dean of Law, Krishna Sen,
region specifically as related to UWA’s
Dean of Arts, Tony O’Donnell, Dean of
focus on being In The Zone. As the
Science and Brendan Waddell, Deputy
convenor of the In the Zone conference
Dean of Science. The evening commenced
and one of those chiefly responsible for
with each Dean giving a short talk about
UWA’s relationship with a number of
their view of the future particularly in
major resource companies Tim’s view of
relation to their own discipline, area of
Western Australia now and into the future interest and scholarship. The conversation
was a compelling one for all in attendance. was wide-ranging and challenging and
covered such issues as accountability,
Complementing the Formal accuracy and integrity as related to the
Dinner program have been Thursday
analysis of financial issues; the relationship
evening Fireside Chats. Offering students between the law and the environment;
a more intimate opportunity to engage
the ever changing and expanding role of
in dialogue with each guest, the chats
women within the context of continued
encourage wider engagement with
global population growth; the critical role
the world of ideas. Thus far, chatters
that GM food will play in feeding that
have included Winthrop Professor Jo
population; and the impact of genetic
McDonald of the UWA Centre for Rock
engineering on individuals down to the
Art Research and Management; The
level of personalised and tailored medical
Most Reverend Barry Hickey Emeritus
care based on each person’s distinct
Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese
genetic make-up.
of Perth; Winthrop Professor Kadambot
The discussion was robust, collegial
Siddique, Hackett Professor of Agriculture and challenging for all involved as the
Chair and Director, The UWA Institute of legal ramifications of genetic engineering
Agriculture; Bishop Kay Goldsworthy of
were challenged; the commercial drivers
the Anglican Diocese of Perth; Winthrop
of such technology explored and the social
Professor Susan Broomhall (History,
justice implications of a potentially ageless
UWA); and Ken Arkwright, Holocaust
population imagined. The students in
survivor and member of the WA Council attendance had first-hand opportunity
of Christians and Jews.
to imagine the future of their own chosen
The Semester Two program will be
fields and perhaps to position themselves
equally impressive with formal dinners
to be ahead of the curve as the next wave
confirmed with Dr Michael Chaney,
of innovators in Commerce, Law,
Chancellor of UWA, Sue Murphy,
Agricultural Science and the Arts. There is
CEO Water Corporation, Lisa Scaffidi,
great enthusiasm for Future Thinking II to
Lord Mayor of Perth, and Professor
be held later this year or early in 2014 with
Ken Freeman (1958), 2012 recipient of
a new cohort of Deans as well as some of
the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science.
our old friends returning with more ideas
Confirmed fireside chats include visits
and opportunities. G
21
Gascoine Memorial Bursary Report
Incredible
India:
Gascoine Memorial Bursary Report
In India, a third of the population live
below the poverty line. They can’t afford
that coffee you bought this morning.
By 18 years of age, forty seven percent of
Indian women are married. Ninety per cent
of children abandoned in India are females.
experience. The driver had no idea where our
hotel was, even though he said he did. He also
had scant knowledge of English which added
to our amusement tenfold. After going to four
different hotels with similar names to ours, we
finally arrived at the right one. On foot. But
that’s another story.
In 1989 Dr Sujit Brahmochary founded the
We spent the next eight days visiting Delhi,
Indian Institute of Mother and Child (IIMC),
Agra, Jaipur and Bharatpur. In Delhi we walked
to change these statistics through medicine and
the back streets, drank masala chai with fresh
through education.
ground ginger down a small alley way and
Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister
helped roll rotis in a Sikh temple, seated cross
of India, once said that medicine is the best
legged with women who didn’t speak a word
contraceptive – and I’ve learnt that education
of English. In Agra we jumped and jumped
is the best medicine.
and jumped to get that perfect “Oh what a
In October last year I was privileged to
feeling Toyota” photo in front of the Taj Mahal,
receive the Gascoine Memorial Bursary to
and donned shoe covers as to not damage
assist me to travel to India to volunteer with
the marble. In Jaipur we learnt of a king with
the Indian Institute of Mother and Child
5,000 concubines and how he’d play chess with
(IIMC) in Kolkata. My summer was spent
them as life-size pieces, dressed in transparent
thinning apples and packing avocados at home
sarees; we joined a wedding parade and danced
in Manjimup and, needless to say, after two
with the wedding party down the street. In
months I was ready for a change. With a friend Bharatpur we rode bicycles through a bird park;
from University who had also been accepted
had our hands tattooed with henna and danced
to the program, I left on the 22nd of January,
the night away beside a bonfire lead by an eight
Delhi-bound.
year old traditional dancer. It was an amazing
We arrived on the 23rd of January and
week that let us accustom ourselves to the new
catching a taxi to our hotel was our first ‘Indian’ climate, culture and food.
22
LEFT: Darjeerling
Right: Girls from the IIMC
Orphanage ready for the Puja.
L-R Shulie, Joti, Banu, Pia, Modamita
WINTER 2013
Gascoine Memorial Bursary Report
From here we travelled to Varanasi, a stopover
on the road to Kolkata, where we had to avoid
cow pats that lined the small alleyways, not
to mention the actual cows that wandered the
streets. At dawn on the second day we went by
row boat down the Ganges and placed prayer
lotus flower candles on the water, whispering
the names of family members as a silent prayer.
We then shopped for silk scarves and pants, a
common occurrence that became a bit of a sport
over the next month, resulting in the acquisition
of several items for which I have yet to find a use.
From Varanasi we headed to Kolkata by
train; our final destination and our home for
five weeks.
Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal,
the most eastern state of India, bordering
Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Kolkata, also
Top: Buddist temple, Darjeerling
middle: Tanya Garratt & Merredith Cully
bottom: Graffiti in Darjeerling
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known as the City of Joy, was the home of
Mother Theresa and, for this reason, attracts
many foreign volunteers every year. The IIMC
was created in 1989 by Dr Sujit, a paediatrician
and the Head of the organisation. It is run
by Indian volunteers, assisted by foreign
volunteers like myself who are there for a
month. Primarily medical students, there were
21of us in February from Italy, Belgium, Spain,
Australia, Germany and Finland.
The IIMC is so much more than just a
medical program. It also consists of health
projects, schools, banks, projects to empower
women, and orphanages. This multi-faceted
approach allows for its success. During our time
there, we were exposed to harsh but also joyous
realities, experienced a culture so rich it can do
nothing but encompass you, and learnt as much
about ourselves as we did about the world in
which we were placed.
The medical program was extremely eyeopening and, given the lack of resources and
funds, was a credit to itself. It provided basic
medical care, primarily to women and children
of Kolkata, but more extensively to whole
villages in rural Kolkata. There were two facets
of the program, Indoor and Outdoor Clinics.
With inpatients and outpatients respectively,
the program provided primary medical care to
burns victims and skin infection patients, as well
as providing injection services, immunisations,
blood pressure monitoring and at one clinic
even access to a gynaecologist, dentist,
optometrist, X-ray and pathology lab.
The children at the Indoor Clinical, along
with those at the Orphanage, were the ones
we got to know the most. Many were there for
several weeks, with skin infections not even
considered possible in Australia and with burns
from domestic incidents, awaiting surgery. The
women with burns in the Indoor Clinic had
sadder stories; many had attempted suicide
with Kerosene. It was a ghastly reality that
these women felt the need to end their life in
such a horrific way, and that the infections
that developed could have been prevented
with good hygiene. We did ward rounds every
morning and assisted in teeth cleaning after
breakfast. Above and beyond the language
barrier, the relationship I developed with those
children and the ones in the orphanage was
indescribable. I was called “didi Merry” – big
sister Merry; they touched my heart and
reminded me of joy and life every day with
their smiles and giggles.
The project also encompassed an orphanage
predominantly for physically disabled girls,
abandoned by their families for being both
female and a burden, abandoned because they
1
2
3
4
1 and 3: Students from the school
“IIMC Panchanan Siksha Niketan”
2: Merredith Cully & Gowri Manoharan
4: Old Dehli
23
Gascoine Memorial Bursary Report
top: L-R Samim, Merredith and Mina
at an Indoor clinic
Middle: Darjeerling
bottom: Students from the school
“IIMC Bharatpur”
The disparity
in access, in
nutrition, in wealth
and poverty
really struck me.
We can’t begin
to comprehend
how hard the
daily struggle
life is for many
Indian people.
24
couldn’t be married off, and were unable to
work. The IIMC adopts them and provides
them with a home. One afternoon while waiting
for a meeting with Dr Sujit (this happened
often on Indian time) the girls showed us
a dance they had learnt for the Children’s
Festival. They hummed the tune and danced
together with congenital defects, backwards
feet, prosthetic legs and the aftermath of polio
– but they were just like a group of girls from
anywhere else in the world. While at the project
I painted a mural on one of the walls of the
newly built orphanage, leaving a piece of me
behind for them.
One of the most shocking and raw
experiences was on a Nutritional Network trip
close to the Bangladesh boarder. We travelled
for three hours by jeep to reach a village where
children under the age of one were having
their head circumference, weight and length
measured. While the mother was interviewed
about breast feeding and weaning, we took the
babies and determined their growth rate. That
day I held a three month old child, a small boy
of 1.7kgs. The average birth weight in Australia
is between 3-3.5kgs. He was so frail and I had
to hand him back to his mother knowing that
even as she was told he needed to go to the
Indoor Clinic and be fed properly, the lack
of access to and the cost of transport was just
too great. The disparity in access, in nutrition,
in wealth and poverty really struck me. We
can’t begin to comprehend how hard the daily
struggle is for many Indian people.
The four of us from UWA organised a
women’s health education session where we
demonstrated basic first aid for snake bites,
burns and how to do CPR. We talked about
tuberculosis and contraception. We gave a sex
education talk to adolescent girls, helped stitch
school uniforms and visited Peace Councils;
groups of women who create networks for
education and empowerment, and discuss topical
issues and act as mediators in their villages.
There were many reality checks presented
by the clinic, but we also had down time to
experience all the amazing things that India
has to offer. We travelled to Darjeeling, near
Nepal and Tibet in the Himalayas, experiencing
a sleeper train en route. We took a cable car
over the tea plantations, went paragliding
over the mountains, saw the sunrise and Mt
Everest through the fog and, of course, bought
some world famous tea. Back in Kolkata we
had Bengali lessons and partook in a religious
festival called a Puja in celebration of the god
of education. We donned sarees and ate sweets
offered to the god; danced in the street with
groups of teenagers three nights in a row;
wandered markets; discovered indescribable
foods and an eight legged goat in the Indian
Museum. A book called the “City of Joy” that
recounts the most amazing story of Kolkata
and of celebration summed it up perfectly;
Festivities that embraced the heart and the senses
with the magic of song and the ritual of long and
sumptuous liturgical ceremonies.
‡
From my experiences in India, I’ve learnt
to appreciate the richness of culture and
celebration and life and happiness. I’ve never
seen people who have so little be so happy. I’ve
never seen children so sick and orphaned be so
happy. I’ve never eaten such amazing food or
been encompassed by such welcoming arms.
I’ve never been so struck by the stark reality
of the power of empowerment, or the disparity
that exists between their world and ours.
My eyes were opened, so widely.
‡
Thank you to the Gascoine family for providing
the Gascoine Memorial Travel Bursary, which
gave me this opportunity to learn and see a new
part of the world. It has been life changing and
I don’t throw that term around lightly. I hope
that more people can have experiences such as
mine in the future. But finally, it comes down to
one thing:
If you have two pieces of bread
give one to the poor, sell the other
And buy hyacinths to feed your soul.
– a Hindu poem.
Thank you, thank you India. G
Merredith Cully is a third year Medicine
student from Manjimup.
WINTER 2013
Hush Concert
Hush Concert
As with many preened, demarcated and
hallowed plots of grass, I’ve always felt that
the St George’s College Quadrangle has an
illicit appeal.
I know I’m not the first Georgian to
fantasise about holding a sprawling,
potentially glass-shattering, game of
backyard cricket there, lobbing around
a pitching wedge or using its neat, halllike dimensions to house a concert of my
favourite bands.
In February I was fortunate enough
to fulfil that third fantasy by staging a
mini-festival, in the Quad and Chapel, of
15 leading West Australian acts called Hush:
An Evening of Quiet Music as part of the
Perth Fringe World Festival.
This was the second Hush concert
I’ve put together with my friend and coorganiser Stacy Gougoulis. Stacy and I are
both local musicians and the idea behind
these unusual ‘quiet’ concerts is to create
a completely pin-drop quiet atmosphere
where the audience can hear every
word and note performed by leading WA
songwriters. The first Hush concert was
staged in the Guildford Grammar School
chapel and by booking grand or imposing
heritage-listed buildings we hope to create
an atmosphere where the acts can perform
the kind of intense or delicate material that
would be impossible in a traditional pub
environment (in the first two concerts we’ve
had acts, that would usually rock out in
rowdy bars, re-arrange their whole set to
include strings sections or choirs!).
Another aim of Hush is to unearth or
expose to the public beautiful or unorthodox
concert venues that aren’t often seen by the
public and we are incredibly thankful that Ian
Hardy and the St George’s team understood
this and allowed us to book their precious
Quad and Chapel. Their assistance was
invaluable and we especially appreciated
them helping us to avoid the red tape that
tends to come when working with fun, red
wine and music.
WINTER 2013
With more than 400 people attending the
concert we were extremely pleased with the
result. The West Australian called Hush #2
“a triumph” and we were lucky enough to be
joint-recipients of the RTR FM Fringe World
Music Award for Best Music Show at the
Fringe Festival.
Performers like Rachael Dease – an
acclaimed writer of broody, haunting folk
tunes – sounded fantastic in the echoey
Chapel and we had acts as diverse as Perth
power-pop legend Dom Mariani and 2013
WAM Song of the Year winners Rainy Day
Women filling the Quad with great music.
Davey Craddock & The Spectacles weren’t
half bad either.
As anyone who visited the Perth Cultural
Centre in February or March would know,
now is an incredibly exciting time for the
arts and entertainment industry in WA. The
success of Fringe World, the Perth Festival,
the new State Theatre and the rejuvenation
of Northbridge continues to create a
palpable buzz and the State’s healthy music
scene is punching above its weight and
generating world-beating acts like Tame
Impala and Empire of the Sun. Thanks to St
George’s for taking a punt on us and Fringe
World by allowing us to showcase some of
the huge talent on offer in WA.
As someone who has worked in the
media and entertainment sectors for the
past six years I’m constantly reminded of
how irrelevant and plain wrong the old
‘Dullesville’ tag now is.
I implore you to get amongst it! G
David Craddock
(2005) is the marketing
and communications
coordinator at Fremantle
Arts Centre and was a
resident at St George’s in
2005 and 2006. To find
out about the next Hush
concert sign up to the
mailing list at facebook.
com/hushconcert
25
2
1
Cambodia
For the month of January, five medical
students, (four from St George’s College)
had the opportunity to travel to Cambodia,
with assistance from the Goodeve
Foundation. For the first week they toured
the country and visited sites such as the
killing fields, S-21 prison in Phnom Penh and
Sihanoukville. They spent the remaining time
volunteering with various organisations.
They spent a week in a public hospital
where Geoff Ryan and Ian Marley worked
in the orthopaedics unit, Melanie Still in
obstetrics and gynaecology, and Danika
Jurat and Jamie Graves worked with a
volunteering American plastic surgeon.
This allowed them to observe surgeries and
wound treatment on the wards and they
found that patient care was very poor due to
the lack of facilities and resources - patients
were required to supply their own medicines,
bandages, bedding, food etc.
Following this, the group travelled to
Siem Reap where they visited the All Ears
Cambodia Centre and spoke with the
clinicians about their work. They plan to do
some fundraising at College to assist All Ears.
26
Top Left: L-R Ian Marley, Melanie
Still, Danika Jurat, Jamie Graves and
Geoff Ryan at the public hospital
Top right: Going out to visit rural
villages with Build Your Future Today
The remaining two weeks were spent
working with Build Your Future Today, a
Cambodian NGO committed to providing
opportunity for people, especially children,
who have been living through hardship and
poverty, with effective solutions to improve
their lives. The group travelled via ute to small
remote communities up to two hours from the
city to give lessons on health (e.g. hygiene,
sanitation, healthy pregnancy), with the
assistance of translators. They provided the
communities with water purifiers and first aid
kits, ran small health clinics to help villagers
with basic health problems and helped
collect data on BMI and other height/weight
measurements of all children in the villages to
monitor malnutrition.
They returned to Perth with renewed
enthusiasm for their studies and an
appreciation of how lucky we are to live in
Australia. They were also very appreciative
for the assistance of the Goodeve Foundation
which enabled them to take the opportunity
to go to Cambodia. See the following pages
for their personal reflections on their trip.
WINTER 2013
Cambodia
Danika, Jamie, Mel, Geoff and Ian with the staff
of one of Transform Cambodia Organisation’s
Life Centres in Phnom Penh
Danika Jurat
This year I was lucky enough to spend a
month overseas during the summer vacation.
Instead of a holiday, however, I spent my time
on a medical prac and volunteering in rural
Cambodia, something I would not hesitate to
do again. Many people toss around the phrase
“eye opening” trip. I have been a culprit of this
in the past, however, it truly was an eye opening
experience to live and work in rural areas of a
country such as Cambodia. Families of twelve
live on a farmer’s salary of US $240 a year
and the life expectancy is only 60 years old. I
watched girls my own age nursing their second
or third child, their own mothers still watching
over them.
I don’t want to preach about poverty in the
world - with the internet and access to news
via television, radio and newspapers, we are
more aware than ever of the daily horrors and
extreme poverty and poor living conditions
in which millions of people live. What I’d like
to encourage is volunteering as a personal
experience and why it’s worthwhile. Ian
Marley, a fellow college resident and medical
student, filled me and three other friends with
enthusiasm for the idea. Like most university
students, I scrape together funding to get
through the year, summer holiday work in
hospitality my annual delight. As such, it is
easy to get wrapped up in the scope of your
own world. However, that $4 coffee you bought
this morning is four days’ worth of sustenance
for one Cambodian child. I was fortunate to
WINTER 2013
receive assistance for the trip; thanks to the
Goodeve Foundation which made it possible for
me to undertake such an experience.
I am also guilty of the big picture way of
thinking, where it is easy to get wrapped up in
a sense of futility. What can one person do in
the scheme of things? A hell of a lot as it turns
out. I volunteered with the Build Your Future
Today program. We went out daily to rural
villages, doing health education, monitoring
general village health and living conditions
and running small impromptu health clinics
where we would be seen by villagers about
their skin infections, musculoskeletal issues,
wounds, children’s ear infections or in one
case, what we suspected was diphtheria in an
infant. As medical students, we could only offer
our limited experience and beginnings of an
education but it was more than anyone else had
given these villagers before, as going to a health
clinic or hospital was not an option.
So where to go from here? I have benefited
personally with not a renewed but perhaps an
increased amount of enthusiasm and passion
for what I study as I realise that I am receiving
the tools to improve peoples’ lives and to be
able to make a difference, as clichéd as that
sounds. Before, I liked what I do. Now I love it.
I aspire beyond being a good doctor to being a
great doctor. Hopefully one day you’ll see me
working for Doctors Without Borders but for
today I remain grateful for where and how I live
and the education I’m receiving.
Families of twelve
live on a farmer’s
salary of US$240
a year and the
life expectancy is
only 60 years old.
Melanie Still with her
sponsor child Roshana
27
Cambodia
Ian, Jamie, Melanie, Danika and Geoff with the children at a Transform Cambodia Life Centre
Ian Marley
Melanie Still
Spending time in a hospital setting in Cambodia
really gave me the chance to experience the
practical side of my degree. I was able to
put into practice the things I was learning
at university in a real world clinical setting,
something that has given me extra enthusiasm
and inspiration for my coming years of study.
Experiencing medicine in the rural parts of
Cambodia showed me how much of an effect
isolation and lack of access can seriously impact
people’s health. I was especially interested
in this, considering the remoteness of many
indigenous communities in parts of rural
Australia. I feel as though I have a greater
appreciation for the difficulties facing those with
limited access to health care in our own nation
and greater drive to try to solve these issues.
As a student, this amazing trip would not
have been possible without the support of the
Goodeve Foundation and St George’s College.
I would like to thank them for the opportunity
which allowed me to experience medicine in a
way I never would have and to see the things
that will impact my career and outlook for the
rest of my life.
Before beginning volunteering, we toured
the country and saw the sites. This gave us
an opportunity to appreciate the culture and
history of Cambodia before we began working
with its people.
Working with Transform Cambodia, it
was really amazing to see that even though the
children there don’t have the same access to
resources as other children in the world, they
still have aspirations and a passion to learn.
For me, the Build Your Future Today NGO
demonstrated health promotion and prevention
at its best and it was great to see the impacts of
that. We visited a village that has had a feeding
program in place for a while, where the children
are fed supplements to help try and combat
malnourishment. It was clear to see that the
kids had benefitted enormously compared to a
village that has just started the program, where
the kids were undernourished and experiencing
health difficulties related to undernourishment.
28
Danika doing an ear check
Ian doing health checks at
a rural village
WINTER 2013
Cambodia
Geoff Ryan
Jamie Graves
I travelled to Cambodia with the hope of
getting some hands-on clinical experience in my
field of study and for a chance to work in an
environment that is far removed from what you
could expect to see in Australian medicine.
I returned having gained so much more
than just practical skills, but with incredible
experiences shared with exceptional people from
all walks of life. I’m certain it will have a much
greater bearing on my future professional career
than basic clinical skills could ever hope to.
During our time in Cambodia we had
the opportunity to visit and spend some
time working among some of the most
underprivileged sectors of an already underdeveloped country. It was confronting to see so
many people struggling without what we would
call basic rights and necessities (clean food, water,
sanitation, shelter, electricity, heat), and the tragic
consequences to their health as a result.
During our time in the hospital, the
difference that access to basic medical supplies,
such as wound dressings and medicines, can
have to people’s health was very apparent.
In Cambodia being able to afford antibiotics
(which is very rare) can be the difference
between keeping a limb or not. We also had
the chance to meet and volunteer alongside
medical professionals from abroad and learn
from their experiences.
Undoubtedly the most amazing opportunity
we had was working with the Build Your
Future Today (BFT) centre. Founded by a local
Cambodian in Siem Reap, the program enlists
volunteers from all over the world who come
to Cambodia and help in whatever capacity
they are able to improve health and access to
resources for small communities surrounding
the city. It was amazing to see that even in our
limited medical capacity we were still able,
and encouraged, to help those communities,
whether it was through education or the
provision of resources. It was also an incredible
privilege to work with so many people
passionate about making a difference and we
learnt a lot from them too.
The trip definitely surpassed any of our
expectations and we gained a much richer
and broader understanding of some serious
health issues in developing countries such as
Cambodia. All of us now have even more
enthusiasm, excitement and determination to
make a difference in the community with our
future professions.
The trip to Cambodia reinforced how simple
public health advice, such as washing hands
before eating, has such a profound effect, and
it was something so easy that we, as students,
could help with.
It was great to have the opportunity to meet
an American plastic surgeon and an English
medical intern and work alongside them as
volunteers. It was inspiring to witness first hand
what sponsoring a child (in a program such as
Transform Cambodia) can achieve and to see
how much the children value their education
and generally enjoy their time at the life centres.
It was amazing to see the impact that cultural
traditions can have on people’s health. The
death of the Cambodian king meant that all
shops, including chemists and clinics, were
closed for four days which limited access to
healthcare even further. G
WINTER 2013
Ian and Geoff ready to go into
surgery at the public hospital
Danika Jurat from Busselton, Ian Marley from
Bunbury, Melanie Still from Perth and Geoff Ryan from
Bridgetown are all 3rd year medical students. Jamie
Graves from Witchcliffe, is a 3rd year Science student.
At the Build Your Future Today Centre in Siem Reap
with other volunteers and the translator Odom
29
Chapel and Winthrop Singers
From the Chapel
The year began with the
Commencement service for new
students and their families. The bible
reading for the day was the temptations
of Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4). ‘If
you are the Son of God, command this
stone to become a loaf of bread’: ‘One
does not eat by bread alone’. ‘I will give
you glory and authority, for it has been
given to me’: ‘Worship the Lord your
God, and serve only him’. ‘If you are the
Son of God, throw yourself down from
here’: ‘Do not put the Lord to the test’.
The story places spiritual health front
and centre: ‘one does not live by bread
alone’, and it works on the fantasies
all humans have about power and
domination. Jesus’ response, however,
shows him to be a realist, not a fantasist.
He rejects the devil’s false fantasies of
who he is and who he might be able
to be, and anchors himself instead in
obedience to God. He retains his own
character and identity in the process, for
he is the one who is full of the Spirit and
uniquely obedient to God. Just so, Jesus
is powerful – he immediately goes on to
cure those possessed with evil spirits. In
obedience to God we too can strip away
false fantasies about ourselves and
become the powerful characters God
made us to be – creative, loving, healing,
passionate, reasoning, and caring.
In retelling these stories, the Chapel
is one way that the College opens up
space to explore fundamental questions,
always sensitive to insights from the
diverse cultures and variety of religious
and secular traditions St George’s
students hold dear. In Semester Two,
we’ll be initiating a sacred texts reading
group and inviting students to explore
questions about Christianity.
Evensong with the Winthrop Singers
continues on Thursdays at 6pm during
term time. A recent highlight was a
service for ANZAC Day with music
from Bruckner’s Requiem and select
war poetry. The collection went in part
to the peace charity Pace Bene.
We also invite members of the
community to Sunday Evening
Eucharist, which is held at 7pm. G
Michael Champion
Co-Dean of Studies and Co-Lay
Chaplain
30
Winthrop Singers
Christmas 2012 was a busy time
for The Winthrop Singers. In addition to
their own Carol Services, which were as
popular as usual, they also performed live
on ABC Radio Perth. But the milestone
event at the beginning of December
was a visit to perform to the residents
at Acacia Prison, on the invitation of
the Prison Chaplain and Georgian Alan
Forsythe (1960) as part of the facility’s
‘Faith and Beyond’ program. Alan, who
has just completed a PhD at UWA on the
development of spiritual capital in prisons,
had heard the Winthrop Singers sing at St
George’s College and he was so impressed
that he asked them if they’d come and
sing for the prisoners. It was a somewhat
daunting prospect, which required all
members performing to give their written
consent and fill in extensive security
forms; the visit represented an intense and
thought-provoking experience.
We had to perform twice, as is normal
in prisons, due to the need to separate
the prisoners who are deemed to be
at risk. Both performances were very
well received. Alan and the Assistant
Chaplain, Susan Blackburn – whose son
studied Music at UWA - were excellent
hosts, explaining security features when
necessary while also providing an insight
into what performances of this kind meant
to the prison community. Some prisoners
don’t get many visitors - if any - and it
makes a difference for them to know
that people care enough about them to
come along. Members of the choir rose
to the occasion, and subsequently shared
some very positive feelings about how
they viewed communicating with the
audience. In turn, some of the prisoners
went out of their way to ensure that
we realised how much they valued our
singing. A particular highlight, almost
by coincidence, was The Sycamore
Carol, written by choir member Tamara
Simpson, since the sycamore tree has
been taken as the symbol of an innovative
programme of rehabilitation that involves
dialogue between those convicted of
crimes and their victims.
Sadly, we had to say goodbye to some
graduating members in December, but a
successful round of auditions ensured that
the new choir for 2013 rapidly followed
in the footsteps of their predecessors.
2013 began hectically with involvement
in the UWA Centenary celebrations
LUMINOUSnight. Meanwhile, the new
CD has now been released – the choir’s
third. Entitled Hesperia, it features choral
music from or associated with Western
Australia, including works by David
Tunley and UWA alumni Jennifer Fowler,
Eva-Marie Middleton, Caitlin Woods
and Perry Joyce. The CD can now
be purchased through the Reception
Office at the College, or from the UWA
Visitor Centre.
The Winthrop Singers sing evensong
every Thursday evening during Semester
in the St George’s College Chapel – see
the College’s webpage (stgeorgescollege.
com.au) for more information. We look
forward to seeing you there. G
WINTER 2013
Annual Giving
Annual Giving 2012
The 2012 Annual Giving appeal,
in support of the urgent repair works
to the College’s Main Tower, drew
exceptional support from members of
the St George’s College community.
About $100,000 was raised in support
of the project which ended up at a total
cost of $170,000. The result has been
exceptional and we take great comfort
knowing that the turret is no longer in
danger of becoming detached from the
rest of the Tower.
While the main repair work was
in progress, additional works were
undertaken, principally at the top of
the Tower and included: the installation
of glass safety barriers, replacement
of the waterproof roof membrane,
installation of a new decking surface,
refurbishment of the flagpole, provision
of additional lighting, installation of
safety treads in the spiral staircase and
a general cleaning and tidy-up of those
same stairs.
In addition to being fully repaired,
the Tower is now able to be safely
accessed on appropriate occasions.
Current students are already using the
space for acoustic concerts, film nights
and even a sleep-out to raise funds and
awareness for “Live Below the Line”.
To celebrate the completion of the
Tower restoration project and to thank
our significant donors (those who
contributed more than $5,000) and
former Tower resident donors, a drinks
party and dinner was held in late March.
The event began with speeches and a
formal “thank you” from the Warden, Ian
Hardy, at the base of the Tower on the
B-level balcony. Those who were willing
then continued on to the top of the
Tower for a pre-dinner drink and toast
given by Foundation Board member
and former Tower Resident Simon
Trevisan (1985). The evening concluded
with a lovely dinner in the Georgian
Room at which David Cannon (1962),
Chairman of the Foundation Board,
again thanked all for their continued
support of the College.
As we look to the 2013 campaign in
support of The Winthrop Scholarship
and the Argyle Awards, it is exciting
to turn the focus of Annual Giving
WINTER 2013
1
2
3
1: On top of the Tower
2: Viewing the Tower from the top balcony
3: L-R Irwin Barrett-Lennard (1948),
Andrew Baird (1975), Penny Argyle
away from restoration work and repairs
and back to supporting the student
experience. The opportunity that
scholarships provide for many of our
students is critical to them making the
most of their College experiences.
As ever, the College and the
Foundation are grateful for the on-going
support of the Georgian community
and would like to thank each and every
person who contributed so generously
in support of Annual Giving 2012. Your
support is crucial to ensuring that the
St George’s College experience remains
unparalleled at UWA and is indeed
among the best that any Australian
University College has to offer. G
Drew Herron (1977) sent us the
following Tower reminiscence: The
last time I was on the Tower was in
Fall of 1977 on a Sunday evening
enjoying cocktails and the sunset.
Chapel was just letting out and
two people were walking through
the archway into the Quadrangle.
A perfectly aimed water bomb
found its mark, quickly followed by
screams and the rapid evacuation of
the Chapel as the Chapel attendees
ran to the aid of the very wet and
frightened victim. I will never, as long
as I live, forget the flowing robes of
the Chaplain as he ran down the
stairs and into the Quadrangle.
It was not known at the time of the
launching of the water bomb that
the target was the wife of a visiting
law professor from Korea who was
in residence at the College while
teaching at the law school.
I had only time to get off the roof
and into the closet of the room that
had access to the Tower staircase.
John Day, a State politician today,
and the senior student at the time
led the search posse which included
the husband of the victim who was
threatening to kill the person who
launched the attack. Many, many
hours later, after the search had
subsided and the very real threat of
death had abated, I emerged from
the hide out and surrendered myself
to the Warden.
The next morning I apologized to
the victim and her husband and
then prepared for my final exit from
SGC. The victim and her husband
were extremely gracious, insisting
that all was forgiven and appealing
to the Warden that I not be expelled.
Against all odds I remained at
College and in fact became quite
friendly with the visitors, taking them
on several twilight sails which they
enjoyed tremendously.
31
The Little Dragon
From the Georgian President
The College also very
much wants to harness
the experience of
Georgians to develop
a mentoring program
for second year students.
Reorganisation of The Georgians
Future events and mentoring
Georgian activities and interests
have been advanced for many years
through the incorporated association
The Georgians Inc. These have been
undertaken by many diligent officers
and committees to whom we all owe a
great debt of gratitude.
The recent development of College
resources and the administrative
burdens of operating as an
incorporated entity encouraged us,
however, to consider a change to
enable Georgian events and activities
to be organised more efficiently and
effectively. The overarching idea
was that the Georgians should be
able to get on with what they do best
– proposing events and ideas for
all Georgians, of whatever age and
wherever located, as well as socialising
impressively – whilst the College could
now provide logistical support with
regard to event arrangements, book
keeping, and other administration.
In consequence a reorganisation
was proposed that involved the
dissolution of The Georgians Inc., the
transfer of its cash holdings to a bank
account in the name of the Georgians
to be held under the College, and the
creation of a new Georgians Committee
accountable to the College Council.
On St George’s Day the relevant
resolution was passed after some
careful consideration and scrutiny and
the new committee will be formed soon.
In terms of events, in addition to
arranging Perth-based reunions and
gatherings, we are eager to revive our
regional events. The College also very
much wants to harness the experience
of Georgians to develop a mentoring
program for second year students.
We hope that many of you would be
pleased, and find it rewarding and fun,
to participate in such an enterprise.
I would like to thank sincerely our
previous President, Russell O’Callaghan
(1982), who has contributed so
substantially to the Georgian cause
over his two terms as President. I look
forward to being in touch with you and
seeing many of you at Georgian events
and in Georgian programs.
Best wishes to all Georgians,
Trevor Whittington (1985)
Georgian President
Invitation to join the
new Committee
The new committee will be looking for
at least one representative from each
College decade. We are very keen to
welcome Georgians who would like
to join the Committee so please
contact Josephine Evans (1988) at
[email protected]
to do so. We look forward to welcoming
as many people as are interested to
the Committee.
32
WINTER 2013
Young Australian of the Year
The Little Dragon
Akram Azimi (2007)
Young Australian of the Year 2013
MAin: L-R Bill Gates, Michael Sheldrick,
Akram Azimi (2007) Photo thanks to the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
above: The Prime Minister presenting Akram
with his Young Australian of the Year award
WINTER 2013
Congratulations to Akram Azimi
(2007) who won the Young Australian of
the Year award for 2013.
Akram and his family arrived in
Australia thirteen years ago from
Afghanistan via Pakistan where
they spent a number of years in a
refugee camp. He went from being
‘an ostracised refugee kid with no
prospects’ to becoming the Head Boy
of Warwick Senior High School.
With extraordinary assistance from
the Goodeve Foundation, Akram lived
at St George’s College for five years
while studying at UWA, where he is still
doing a triple major in law, science and
arts. In 2011 he co-founded a studentrun initiative ‘i Am the Other’ set up
to raise awareness about Indigenous
issues in universities. Students at
St George’s are heavily involved in
“i Am the Other”, with current residents
Jess Edmeades being the Executive
Director and Henry Giles being the
Photographic Team Leader. For more
information about ‘i Am the Other’, see
their website www.iamtheother.org.au
While at St George’s, Akram took
full advantage of the mentoring
opportunities available and went to
Looma and Wyalkatchem with the
College, in conjunction with True
Blue Dreaming – which was founded
by James Fitzpatrick (1997), also a
Georgian, and winner of the Young
Australian of the Year award in 2001.
More recently, Akram has been
involved with The End of Polio
campaign to eradicate polio worldwide,
and attended the Global Vaccine
Summit in Abu Dhabi in April. While
at the conference, he and The End
of Polio’s Global Campaign Manager,
Michael Sheldrick, had the opportunity
to meet Bill Gates, who opened
the conference. G
33
Oxford connections
The Little Dragon
Above: Alan, Ann and Michael Osborne at Oxford
Middle: Rachel Paterson WA Rhodes Scholar 2012
Right: David Sherwood, WA Rhodes Scholar 2013
St George’s College, Bunbury and Oxford
The connection between
St George’s College, Bunbury
and Oxford may not, until now,
have appeared very clear.
On being named this year’s Rhodes
Scholar, David Sherwood said of his
teacher: “If I could name the person who
has inspired me the most throughout my
education, it would be Alan Osborne.”
But in the past two years that
Alan returned the compliment, saying
connection has grown noticeably stronger, David was part of a unique class of
with Georgians from Bunbury being the
brilliant students, a number of whom
2012 and 2013 WA Rhodes Scholars –
went on to UWA.
University of Western Australia honours
“They all could have been duxes in
students Rachel Peterson (2007) and
their own right,” says Alan. “We have
David Sherwood (2009). In addition,
never had another year like it. I taught
the town has produced one of Oxford’s
David in chemistry, and he would be
newest lecturers, also a Georgian,
doing the prac work before the other kids
Dr Michael Osborne (1999).
were out of bed. When a kid like that
The secret to all this Oxford success
steps up, everybody else grows a little bit
may have something to do with a quiet
more. You only need one of those every
pair of Bunbury high school teachers who 20 years or so and then you think yeah,
have UWA practically running through
the job is worthwhile.”
their veins.
David has just completed his Bachelor
That pair happens to be Michael
of Science (Advanced), with honours in
Osborne’s parents, Alan Osborne (1968)
Chemistry and a thesis on the application
and Ann Osborne, who met at UWA
of nanotechnology to sexual reproduction
in the early 1970s. Alan lived at St
in honey bees. When he heads to Oxford
George’s College, while Ann was at
this August, he plans to change his focus
St Catherine’s College.
from research to politics, philosophy and
Alan Osborne has just retired after
economics, with a view to a career in
39 years as a teacher, 25 of them at
educational reform.
Bunbury Senior High School where David
Thanks to his former teacher, he won’t
Sherwood studied, while Ann was at the
go in completely blind – Alan arranged
Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School –
for David to meet his Oxford-based
from which Rachel Paterson graduated –
son, Michael, when he visited Bunbury
for 20 years before she, too, retired.
in March.
34
Michael, who graduated with first
class Honours in mechanical engineering
and later received a British Industries
scholarship, is now a lecturer and
Engineering Science tutorial fellow at
Exeter College, Oxford, and external tutor
at Somerville College, Oxford.
It’s perhaps no surprise, with a family
so steeped in education, that Michael
should be drawn to academia. The
Osborne family is full of not only teachers,
but UWA graduates – and Georgians –
including Mr Osborne’s other son
Geoffrey (2001) who, like his brother,
studied engineering and became an
honours student.
“My own brother is a UWA graduate,
there’s myself and my wife Ann, my
two sons, my cousin Ian Osborne (1969)
and several nieces and nephews,” says
Alan. “I have sent heaps of kids to UWA
as has Ann, particularly to St George’s
College and St Catherine’s. I feel almost
like an ambassador.
“We just feel we are very small players
on the stage but we have been lucky to
have fantastic connections with the kids.” G
With thanks to Tamara Hunter
First published in Uniview
Summer issue 2013
WINTER 2013
Guide Dogs
The Little Dragon
Guide Dogs
& St George’s
College
St George’s College has a special
connection with Guide Dogs –
Australia’s first guide dog was
brought to Perth by a Georgian,
Dr Arnold Cook (1944) in 1950.
Arnold Cook was born in Narrogin
in 1922. The family moved to Geraldton
where he attended Geraldton High
School. At the age of 15 he was diagnosed
with retinitis pigmentosa and he was
totally blind by the age of 18. After
learning to read Braille and completing
his Leaving, he came to St George’s in
1944. A reference from the Secretary of
the Braille Society for the Blind to the
Warden Josh Reynolds states “nothing
could give greater pleasure, than to write
on behalf of the outstanding character
of Arnold Cook...If courage, (of an
exceptionally high order) integrity and
ability are necessary, then we are sure that
the College will not only have something
to give, but a great deal to receive, from
this blind boy.”
Arnold lived at the College for three
years while studying a Bachelor of Arts,
majoring in Economics. Tony Bolt (1944),
who was also studying Arts, remembers
reading the history text books aloud to
Arnold as very few texts were available
in Braille. In December 1946, he married
Enid Fuller, and graduated with first Class
Honours in Economics in 1947. In 1948,
he was awarded a Hackett Scholarship to
the London School of Economics. The
scholarship was not quite enough to cover
the costs of his wife accompanying him
– and she was vital as she read the books
and documents necessary to his studies
WINTER 2013
Georgian Claire McGlew (2007), a final year music student, with her guide
dog Swanee. She is pictured with a Rottnest Channel Swim team who
raised money for Lindy’s cause (photo: matt galligan)
inset: Arnold Cook and Dreena (photo: guide dogs victoria )
aloud to him. A public appeal
was established, which quickly raised
double the amount for which they had
been hoping.
While in the UK, Arnold made
contact with the British Guide Dogs for
the Blind Association at Leamington Spa,
from whom he acquired a black Labrador
guide dog named “Dreena”. Prior to his
return to Australia in 1950, Arnold wrote
to the Warden Josh Reynolds “I am
hoping that by bringing a guide dog to
Australia I will thereby stimulate interest
in the training of them.” Upon his return
to Perth, Arnold took up a position as an
economics lecturer at UWA and helped
to establish the first guide dog training
school in Australia.
Arnold Cook died in 1981 and his
contribution to society is recognised by
two statues of him and Dreena. One
can be found at the entrance to the Ivy
Watson Playground in Kings Park, and
the other is located at the offices of the
Association for the Blind of Western
Australia in Victoria Park.
In an article in The West Australian
newspaper from 13 September 1950,
Arnold stated that to train a selected dog
when it was 12 months old cost about
£150 and the training period took about
four months. Now, 63 years later, it can
take up to two years to train a guide dog,
at a cost of around $30,000.
This year, the Association for the
Blind/Guide Dogs WA is celebrating its
centenary as is The University of Western
Australia. UWA staff member Lindy
Brophy is hoping to raise $30,000 by the
end of the year, to be a centenary gift
from the University, although it is not
an official University Centenary activity.
It is a personal project, not a University
campaign, inspired by Lindy’s twin sister
who lost her sight two years ago. Lindy is
hoping staff and students will join her to
achieve the goal. G
To donate to the guide dog project,
please go to everydayhero.com.au
/event/uwa-centenary
35
Vale
The Little Dragon
Albert Lawrence Arcus (1942)
1922 – 2013
‘Bert’ Arcus (as Georgians
of his generation will remember him)
was born in Boulder on 12 November
1922, the eldest of four siblings. His
secondary schooling was at Guildford
Grammar School (1936-1939)
where he distinguished himself both
academically and at sport – athletics,
football, rowing and shooting.
On leaving school Bert enrolled at
The University of Western Australia in
the Faculty of Engineering (Civil) in
1940 and entered the College in 1942.
He took a keen interest in university
affairs serving as President of the Guild
of Undergraduates in 1944 and he
was also the Captain of the University
Boat Club. On completion of his degree
course in late 1944 Bert enlisted in the
Australian Army in January 1945 and
served in the Corps of Engineers until
his discharge in November 1945 with
the rank of Lieutenant.
In 1946 Bert was elected an
Honorary Life Associate of the Guild of
Undergraduates and awarded the Rhodes
Scholarship for Western Australia, which
he took up at Oxford in 1947.
Bert formally graduated from the The
University of Western Australia B.E. (Civil)
in 1945 and from Oxford University (Keble
College) M.A. (Philosophy, Politics and
Economics) in 1949.
He spent the next few years
engaged in structural design and
construction, time-study methods
engineering, production planning and
control. Then, from 1952 to 1955, Bert
was an Assistant Trade Commissioner
at the Department of Commerce and
Agriculture in Canberra. He was assigned
by Canberra to the Australian Embassies
in Indonesia and Japan where his work
involved trade promotion, market surveys
and investigations for both government
and industry.
He returned to Perth for a short time
in 1955 as a director of Arcus Metal
Products; makers of refrigerators, hot
water systems and the like. Tiring of the
36
limited opportunities in Perth, Bert next
took a position as a Contracts Officer in
the Department of Defence Production
in Ottawa, Canada where he wrote and
administered aircraft contracts, supervised
capital assistance and audited financial
and production reports.
In 1957 Bert commenced doctoral
studies at the University of California,
Berkeley and in 1958/9 he was awarded a
Ford Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowship.
He interrupted those studies to
take a position as Senior Consultant,
Management Sciences Division with
Touche, Ross, Bailey and Smart in New
York advising clients on a wide range of
business and technical problems: Sears
Roebuck on factoring accounts receivable,
Head Corp. on taxation of subsidiaries,
Penestra Corp. on scheduling extrusions,
Hudson Bay Stores on buying fashion
goods, Chrysler Corp. on balancing
assembly lines and the State of Hawaii
on unifying accounts.
Returning to Berkeley in late 1962
he lectured in production management
full time whilst completing his doctoral
dissertation and was awarded his PhD
(Business Administration- Operations
Research and Accounting Economics)
in 1963.
Bert then accepted a position
as a Professional Counsellor with
the International Labour Office in
Geneva. Assigned to India he assisted
in the creation of colleges of industrial
management and consulted on various
earth moving projects. In 1964 he
returned to the States to lecture full time
in the Production Management Division
of the Graduate School of Business
Administration, University of California
in Los Angeles.
In 1966 Bert joined the Logistics
Management Institute in Washington
D.C. as a Senior Research Associate
involved in the analysis of Department
of Defence logistics problems. He
described this work as “high level projects
concerning the supply systems of all the
military services” which entailed “top
secret security clearance” and occasional
visits to the White House. Anecdotal
family history has it that the Maintenance
Procedures for Aircraft Carriers (USN)
were written by him at this time and that
they are still in use today!
In 1969 Bert left Washington to accept
appointment as Professor of Production
and Logistics Management in the College
of Business Administration, University of
Houston, Texas. He retired from full time
academic life in 1973.
Papers he published included:
• Preliminary Report on the Unification
of Accounts of the Government of the
State of Hawaii, 1962
• COMSOAL: A Computer Method
of Sequencing Operations for Assembly
Lines, 1966
•The Optimum Extent of I.C.P.
Inventory Control, 1967
• Adjustments of Depot Level Inventory
Records, 1968
• Planned Performance and the
Product Cost Controversy, 1970
Bert’s American wife Vivienne,
whom he married in Hawaii in 1973,
predeceased him. Although they had no
children together Vivienne’s five sons from
her first marriage provided grandchildren
for both of them and a focus for happy
family gatherings.
Bert died in Houston, Texas, on
5th April 2013 aged 91 and he is survived
by his sister Betty Laird in Perth.
I had the privilege of meeting Bert
late in his life when he came to visit the
College in 1998 to advise Warden Ben
Darbyshire of his intention to make
provision for the College in his Will. We
became firm friends and would meet to
discuss his ‘affairs’ and other matters such
as the fortunes of the University Boat
Club and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht
Club, on his return to Perth each year for
a month or two, to keep in touch with his
family here.
Bert had a particularly soft spot for
St George’s College which was finally
expressed in the form of a most generous
bequest to assist its further development.
I pressed him on one occasion why?
He smiled and said “my life as I lived
it really began with St George’s College,
‘Josh’ Reynolds (himself a Rhodes
Scholar from South Australia) and
my Rhodes Scholarship”.
WINTER 2013
Vale
The Little Dragon
In Bert’s College student file
are copies of several references
written for him by then Warden
‘Josh’ Reynolds. One was addressed
to the Appointments Board,
University of Melbourne, in September
1949 (after Bert had completed
his studies at Oxford) and I quote
the following passages, partly to
demonstrate how insightful, indeed
prescient, a man was ‘Josh’:
“With regard to your letter
concerning Mr A. L. Arcus, I cannot
speak of his academic work, except
to say that his achievement in getting
Third Class Honours in Modern Greats
at Oxford in five terms, when he had
done no languages, History, Economics
or Philosophy before, was a remarkable
one. In fact, the Oxford authorities,
at one stage, considered it impossible.
There is a Fourth Class Honours, and
Arcus, in quite a number of papers, got
into the Second Class. There is little
doubt that he is a man of very high
intelligence; what is more, I think he is
a man who is willing to learn and who
sees his profession of Engineering from
the broadest point of view.”
“In character, he is a man of
complete integrity. In ability, the power
to see a problem, organize efficiently for
its solution and solve it, I regard him as
highly exceptional. I believe him to be
a man of considerable potentiality. One
of his weaknesses originally was that in
his planning he did not take sufficient
account of the human factor. I think he
is getting over this. He, perhaps, could
have a greater sense of humour, too.
I know him well and have the highest
regard for him and feel that he is the
type of man who will do something for
this country if he is given the chance”.
Bert Arcus was an extraordinary
Australian and his accomplishments,
whilst mainly for his adopted country,
will stand as a beacon of light and
possibility for all those young men
and women who follow him from this
College and are prepared to take their
chances, as and when they present
themselves. G
Rory Argyle (1956)
WINTER 2013
Ernest Francis Biddiscombe (1938)
1920 – 2013
Back in Civvy Street, Ernest’s career
lay in Agricultural Research with CSIRO
Ernest Biddiscombe (1938)
was born on the 21st of December
until his retirement in 1984. He worked
1920 at South Ascot, Berkshire,
in agricultural research in the Division of
England. His family migrated to
Plant Industry for CSIRO in Canberra
Western Australia in 1923 and
from 1946 until 1965. It was a busy period
he was brought up on a wheat
during which he was married in 1947,
farm at Welbungin in the Mount
had two children and undertook external
Marshall Shire. He attended the
studies for Honours and a Master’s of
local one-teacher primary school on
Science (Agriculture) with UWA. He
a neighbouring farm after two years
also went on six months Sabbatical
of correspondence lessons at home.
at Rothamsted Experiment Station,
With the aid of a scholarship, he was Hertfordshire, England and as well as
able to go to Northam High School.
visiting research centres at Lusignan,
From 1938 until 1941 he studied a
France, Cornell University, Ithaca and St
Bachelor of Science degree, majoring Louis, in the USA and Vancouver, Canada
in Agriculture, at UWA while living
in 1963.
at St George’s College.
From 1966 until 1984 Ernest worked
After graduating, he enlisted in the
at the CSIRO in Perth in the Division of
RAAF as he wanted to “do his bit” (as did Land Research Management. His chief
his father Ernest in WWI). He trained at
areas of research included the ecology
Clontarf (No. 28 Course) and Cunderdin of natural pastures and vegetation in
(Tiger Moth piloting), and then went to
Central Western NSW; evaluation
Deniliquin in NSW (Wirraway piloting)
of pasture species under grazing in
and, after a re-mustering, navigation
NSW, ACT and WA; and the set-up of
at Cootamundra. Schools at Port Pirie,
challenging experiments with tree-planting
SA and Nhill, Vic. took him through
on saline soils in the Hotham Valley
bombing, gunnery and astro-navigation.
in the South West of WA. He retired in
He then went off to Canada under
1984 as a Principal Research Officer with
the Empire Air Training Scheme. This
the CSIRO.
included navigation courses in Edmonton,
In retirement Ernest was involved in
Alberta and on Prince Edward Island in
the compilation of scientific articles on
the Gulf of St. Lawrence. They trained
final research programmes, writing family
long and hard in the UK also, with
histories and memoirs, travelling in the
nine months spent at four RAF Bomber
UK, Europe, New Zealand and Australia
Command Stations before a posting to
and conserving a part-rainforested 2.5 acre
Active Service on Lancaster Bombers.
property on the Central Coast of NSW for
He served with No. 467 Squadron
14 years.
(nominally an RAAF unit) at Waddington,
His other interests were his
Lincolnshire. The final six months of the
involvement with the Eldership and Board
war brought up 31 missions over enemy
of the Presbyterian Church in Canberra
territory with many a scare and near-miss
and Nedlands for 20 years. He regularly
from injury. It was a very stressful time, but attended reunions with fellow Bomber
Ernest found that immersing his thoughts
Squadron 467/463 members around
and cares into non-stop navigation duties,
Australia, and the 50 year Club Lunches
to protect seven crewmates and himself,
at St George’s.
helped! Great good luck rode with them as
He is survived by his wife Joan,
well. The toughest part was learning that
two children, five grandchildren and
others in the Squadron had not been so
one great grandson. G
lucky. An Officer’s Commission recognised
his efforts.
With thanks to Adrian Peck (1953)
37
Of note
The Little Dragon
Georgian receives prestigious IET Award
In October 2012, the Institution of
Engineering and Technology (IET)
announced that two eminent WA
engineers were awarded two of the
IET’s most prestigious awards.
Bruce James (1946) OAM
HonFIEAust CPEng, a former senior
engineer with the State Electricity
Commission, was awarded the Sir
Lionel Hooke Award, presented in
recognition of the recipient’s distinction
in the field of electrical engineering
and outstanding service to the
community and to local educational
and public institutions.
Bruce has made outstanding
contributions not only to the
engineering profession but also to the
general community. During his career
in the State Electricity Commission
of Western Australia, Bruce was
instrumental in developing and
implementing reliable and economical
power supplies to remote communities
in the State.
He was awarded an Order of
Australia Medal in 2001 and the
Centenary Medal in 2003 for
services to engineering, heritage and
charitable works. He was appointed
as an Honorary Fellow of Engineers
Australia for rendering conspicuous
service to the profession of engineering
and conspicuous service to the
Australian people.
He also has an Engineers
Australia Medal named after him,
the Electoral College Bruce James
Medal, which is awarded to the best
graduating student in the Bachelor of
Bruce James (1946) oam
Engineering degree program in Curtin
HonFIEAust CPEng
University’s Department of Electrical
and Computer Engineering.
The other eminent WA engineer
to receive an award was Dr Ken
Michael AC AM HonFIEAust EngExec,
who was awarded the IET’s James
N Kirby Award. This was presented
in recognition of his outstanding
eminence, distinction and public
recognition in his sphere of activity.
Dr and Mrs Michael attended the
inaugural St George’s Music Concert
With thanks to Engineers Australia
as guests of the College. G
Notable visitors
Mr David Durack (1962) lived at St
George’s College from 1962 until 1966,
and was the secretary of St George’s
College Club in 1966. 47 years later he
took a brief reprieve from his medical
career in the US to be a guest of the
College during the UWA Centenary
Celebrations. The College tradition of
connecting alumni and current students
to share experiences and vocational
wisdom has clearly stuck with David.
During his stay in February he generously
hosted a dinner in conjunction with
the Warden, Ian Hardy, for a group of
current and recently past College medical
students. Other notable guests included
UWA Winthrop Professor of Infectious
Diseases Tim Davis (1973), his wife UWA
Research Assistant Professor Wendy
Davis and UWA Associate Professor
Angus Turner (1995). Anyone passing by
would have been forgiven for thinking
they had stumbled upon an Oxford
38
L-R: Daniella Laitt,
Katharine Noonan,
David Durack (1962)
reunion with both Ian and Wendy having
graduated from that institution, and three
Georgian Rhodes Scholars in David
(1968), Tim (1978) and Angus (2002).
Over the course of the evening, David
shared stories of his time as a Rhodes
Scholar, his work in infectious diseases
and his journey since leaving UWA.
The night also provided the opportunity
for much discussion among all guests
about current issues facing the medical
profession in both Australia and the US.
It was wonderful for medical students
(who usually receive daily reminders of
their position at the bottom of the hospital
food-chain) to hear some insights from
those with so much experience in the
business. Thank you to all guests, David
in particular, for the fantastic evening! G
Kirsten Bennett (2008)
WINTER 2013
Victorian Georgians
The Little Dragon
1
2
Victorian Georgians
St George’s Day Dinner
The Victorian Georgians and their
guests were delighted to welcome the
Warden, Mr Ian Hardy, to dinner on
23 April, St George’s Day. Some twenty
folk gathered to meet Ian and hear of his
ideas and ambitions for the College.
It was a happy, vibrant occasion, and
the Georgians were enthused and
encouraged by Ian’s speech and the
conversation that followed.
Several principal directions emerged.
The first was the importance of building
and enriching intellectual and academic
life. Ian spoke of invoking what he
understood to be the spirit of past
Warden Josh Reynolds, who expected
students to be excellent scholars, good
citizens and worldly in their appreciation
of the fine arts. He reported on a series
of outstanding after dinner speakers
who had broadened and challenged
the students, on the important place
of choral and instrumental music, and
on the reintroduction of academic gowns
and their significance in a collegiate
setting. The potential of The University
of Western Australia to establish
partnerships with first class universities
in the Asian region, and the benefits
that would flow for students, was
also highlighted.
Ian also spoke of the unmatched
beauty and architectural significance
of the St George’s campus, and its
WINTER 2013
continuing and important contribution
to the joy of being a resident student.
The Georgians present did not dissent
from his view, even those closely attached
to peer institutions at the University of
Melbourne. Ian warned, however, that
the College faced continuing financial
constraints and challenges, not only
in maintaining the splendid buildings
and grounds but also in increasing
competition from fellow colleges.
He reported that a further 1,000
self-contained rooms were being built at
the University, and that they would be
available for a lower tariff, reflecting their
tenancy nature. This challenge could be
met by St George’s having distinct and
valued points of difference and excellence,
including a strong sense of community.
In summary the Warden assured the
Georgians that the College is in good
heart and good shape, and that it has
many strengths on which to build in the
years ahead. For the College to flourish it
needs to remain an intellectually elite and
culturally rich institution that respects and
treasures its setting and best traditions,
and yet recognises that its students should
have skills and knowledge that will see
them grow to be effective and progressive
global citizens. G
1: L-R Annabel Bainbridge (Viner 1987), Narrelle
Harris, Tim Richards (1982), Alison Dennison
(Roy 1986)
2: The Warden addresses the group
Campbell Bairstow (1972)
39
Canberra Georgians
The Little Dragon
Canberra St George’s Day Luncheon –
The Double Centenary Event
Our function this year was actually
held the day after St George’s Day
so we could have Warden Ian Hardy
join us following his attendance at the
Victorian dinner the prior evening.
It was a special occasion being both the
Centenary of the University of Western
Australia and also Canberra. There was
much happening in 1913!
We had a hearty gathering of twenty
one with our venue again kindly provided
by sister Anglican College, Burgmann,
at the Australian National University.
Principal, Dr Philip Dutton joined us and
provided an entertaining contribution and
reflection on modern college living.
It was a privilege to have the Warden
join us for the special event and have the
opportunity to hear first-hand the vision
he has for developing the College as a
centre of excellence. He has already
made quite an impact in his first year.
The Warden made a fitting toast to
the College.
In fact it was a lunch of many toasts
this year; absent friends, the UWA
Centennial Toast and the Canberra
Centennial. John Copland (1959)
eloquently said Grace in Latin.
We were fortunate to have first rate
speakers this year with the Warden,
Professor Ken Freeman (1958), Professor
Barry Ninham (1953) and Ray PelhamThorman (1948). Professor Ken Freeman
provided a fascinating address: “The
Discovery of Dark Matter: Reflections
on the Scientific Method”. The field of
astrophysics always holds a special appeal
and Professor Freeman continues to
make a significant contribution. Professor
Ninham’s introduction of “Being Ken
Freeman” was both original and incisive.
Ray Pelham-Thorman, having been in
Canberra for 60 years, was a wonderful
choice for the Canberra Centenary Toast
and provided an enlightening overview
of the development of tertiary education
in the nation’s capital. It is a significant
achievement over a relatively short period
of time.
We especially missed Giles Pickford
(1959) and Ray Palmer (1947) this year
and would like to take this opportunity
to acknowledge the efforts of both
Barry Ninham and Giles Pickford in
their capacity as Co-Convenors of the
Canberra Georgians since 2010 and Ray
Palmer for the thirteen years prior to that.
Jan Cleland (1983)
1
2
1: L-R Gratton Wilson (1947) John Copland (1959),
Ray Pelham-Thorman (1948)
2: L-R Joanna Blake (2010), Ian Hardy,
Jan Cleland (1983)
3: The Canberra Georgians celebrated
the centenaries of UWA and Canberra
3
December 2012 report from the Canberra Georgians
Dear People
room for a younger generation.
Jan Cleland (1983) took over as
We were few. But, recalling Henry V‘s Convenor, and John Copland (1959)
speech at Agincourt we pressed
will be Co-convenor.
on. Then more came to University
Events of note include Ken
House until the 8 of us felt ready for
Freeman’s (1958) award of The Prime
any number of French or Thomas
Minister’s Prize in Science, for being
More troops.
the most significant cosmologist in the
The valiant few were Barry Ninham world over decades. David Dickson
(1953), Douglas Sturkey (1953), Jan
(1959) remains his usual dynamic self,
Cleland (1983), Joanna Blake (2010),
working away at making Canberra’s
Deanne Allan (2009), David Dickson
centenary next year a success. We
(1959), Roger Mauldon (1951) and
noted it is also UWA’s centenary too,
John Copland (1959). Our ages ran
and we mulled over how to mark these
from 21 to 77.
events jointly. Doug Sturkey (1953) is
Giles Pickford (1959) and Barry
still lecturing the men who stare at
Ninham (1953) stepped down to make
the sea, not goats, on tourist cruises.
40
His range of topics is encyclopaedic.
Joanna Blake (2010) resisted an attempt
to persuade her to desist from going to
study education at U. Tasmania and do
a Ph D in Human Paleaontology at ANU.
Barry Ninham (1953) still does research
at U. Florence and has organised a
novel world conference /debate there
next year on Aqua Incognita; it being
the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s
debate, backed by Urban VIII, with
colleagues on “Why Ice Floats on
Water.” The matter is still unresolved
and has expanded to include the entire
enabling discipline of Physical Chemist
Galileo and some high level observers
from Rome will want to join in.
WINTER 2013
Photo Gallery
The Little Dragon
Photo Gallery
L-R Peter Wreford (1963), Roma Pullen, Ian Pullen
(1950), Graeme Robertson, Angela Robertson at
the Rhodes Dinner
L-R David Hedgcock (1971), Sue Hedgcock, Robyn Nettleton, Craig Carter (1981)
at the Hush Concert
Dates for your Diary
8 august
Fireside Chat with
Senator Alan Eggleston (1960)
11 August
UWA and St George’s College
Open Day
22 August
Randolph Stow Lecture
5 September
Fireside Chat with Alex Kerr
Above: L-R Brian Wills-Johnson (1964), Helen
Wills-Johnson, Jenny Gardiner, Philip Gardiner
(1965), Tom Moore (1953) at the Rhodes Dinner
Below: L-R Ted Mouritz (1955),
Pat Leschen, Bob Leschen (1951)
at the Rhodes Dinner
12 September
The Great Debate
Georgians v. Residents
19 September
Fireside Chat with Dr Hilde Tubex
26 September
Fireside Chat with
Prof Stephen Hopper
Others of our band were more
reticent on their doings.
We ask any Georgian geographically near this political vale
of tears to contact Jan Cleland
([email protected]) or
John Copland ([email protected])
Our thanks to Giles and Barry
for their wonderful effort in keeping
us on the right path of wisdom
and fortune.
Yr Obt. Svts
Jan Cleland and John Copland
December 2012
10 October
Fireside Chat with
Prof Carmen Lawrence
12 October
Georgian ‘Great Gatsby’
Cocktail Party
The Great Debate:
Georgians
.
Current Residents
v
“St George’s College’s Fine Reputation
is Based on its Past”
7pm on Thursday 12 September
Hackett Dining Hall
The debate will be followed by refreshments
WINTER 2013
17 October
Fireside Chat with Prof. Ruth Ganss
15 November
50 Year Club Luncheon
12 & 13 December
Carols in the Chapel
See Events and Alumni Events on
our web page for more information
stgeorgescollege.com.au
41
The Little Dragon
Visitors & Mailbag
Stay in touch
If you have any news or photos
you would like to share with
fellow Georgians, please email it to
[email protected]
or contact the College Office
on (08) 9449 5555
Simon Noordhoek (2008) returned from
a seven month trip around the world
– where he went to every continent
except for Antarctica. He is now firmly
back in the ‘real world’, working as an
engineer at Forge Group.
Congratulations to the following
Georgians who received Australia
Day honours:
Sue Booth (Trend 1983) visited
the College in January with her
daughter Chloe.
Awarded an ao:
Dr Richard Goyder (1979): For
distinguished service to business
through executive roles and through
the promotion of corporate sponsorship
of the arts and Indigenous programs,
and to the community.
Robin Bethell’s (1969) brother,
Andrew Bethell, visited the College
recently with Marcus Collins. Robin
was English, and spent four years
in Perth while studying at UWA. He
sadly died in 1980, and Andrew,
who recently retired, realized that he
knew very little about his brother’s
time in Australia. The trip to Perth
was a chance to try and gain some
insight to Robin’s life at the College
and Andrew very much enjoyed
looking around the College, and
seeing the spot where Robin threw
a rugby ball across the Quadrangle
from the Outer A balcony – thanks
to Ian Osborne for the anecdote.
If anyone has any stories, photos
or recollections about Robin,
please get in touch with Jo Evans
(1988) [by email at Josephine@
stgeorgescollege.com.au, by
telephone (08) 9449 5555 or by
mail to the College address] and she
will pass them on to Andrew. He is
very keen to find out more about
his brother’s life during what was a
happy time for Robin.
Awarded an oam:
Derek Wolff (1948) wrote to let us know
that he recently received Bless ‘em
all: a pictorial history of St George’s
College 1931 to 2006 and that he is the
cross country runner featured in black
and white on page 61. Derek married
a New Zealander who was a dancer
in the Borovansky ballet in Australia.
They settled in New Zealand in their
early twenties. Derek was involved
with NZ Athletics as an official and as
an administrator. His granddaughter
followed in his footsteps to become a
top New Zealand junior athlete.
42
Mr Geoffrey Garnett
(1955): For service to
the sport of athletics
as an official and
administrator. Geoff
visited the College in
November to check
out the repair work to
the Tower, and took
the opportunity to visit his old room in
the Tower.
Congratulations to Dr Kelly Shepherd
(1988) who has been awarded the
Australian Biological Resources Study
Churchill Fellowship to investigate
species diversity among fan flowers and
other unique Australian plants. She will
be collaborating with scientists in the
USA, UK, Austria and Sweden. Kelly
is a Senior Research Scientist
at the Department of Environment
and Conservation.
WINTER 2013
Visitors and Mailbag
The Little Dragon
Richard Bailey (1977) wrote to say that
he’s moving from Singapore to Palo Alto,
California. Any Georgians in the Bay
area who would like to get together are
welcome to get in touch with Richard via
Jo ([email protected].
au) at the College.
Belated congratulations to Krista
McMeeken (2008), who was awarded a
Young People’s Human Rights Medal by
the Federal Government in December
2012. Krista is a solicitor at Corrs
Chambers Westgarth and is currently
on secondment with the Aboriginal
Legal Service.
Congratulations to Alistair Marchesi
(2008) and the rest of UWA’s Sailing
Team consisting of Samuel Gilmour
(Skipper), Christopher Smith and
Steven Thomas who were awarded
2012 Team of the Year at this year’s
Australian University Sport (AUS)
National Conference. The team was
also inducted into the AUS Honour Roll
for their outstanding achievements
throughout the 2012 season which
culminated in their gold medal
winning performance at the World
Championships in Nice, France in
September 2012.
Congratulations
to Peter Knight
(1956), pictured
here with his wife
Glen. He was made
a Member (am) in
the General Division
of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s
Birthday Honours, for support to the
homeless and to engineering.
Tom Darbyshire (1987) caught up with
Simon Rae (1987) on a recent business
trip to the USA.
Congratulations
to Ken Freeman
(1958), who
after winning
the Prime
Minister’s Prize
for Science
last year, has
this year been
awarded the
American
Astronomical
Society’s top
prize. The prestigious Henry Norris
Russell Lectureship was awarded to
Professor Freeman in recognition of
a lifetime of seminal contributions to
astronomy, including his work on the
structure and dynamics of our Galaxy
and other galaxies. The Russell Lecturer
is chosen annually on the basis of a
lifetime of eminence in astronomical
research. Ken is pictured above with
Ian McNaughton (1956) at the Canberra
Georgians lunch in April.
WINTER 2013
Vale
We extend our condolences to the
families and friends of the following
Georgians:
Maurice Brearley (1937)
Keith Collins (1938)
Brian Dyson (1968)
Brian Glenister (1946)
Douglas Manton (1996)
St George’s College is available for
individuals and corporates who wish to hold
events in our beautiful grounds.
The College has hosted everything from
State Dinners to art exhibitions, dramatic
performances to board meetings, cocktail
receptions to feature films, training seminars
to private dinner parties and Christmas
parties to quiz nights.
The College is also the ideal location for
product launches, cocktail parties and
Christmas parties with areas that will suit
intimate parties of 30 in the Upper Foyer,
to groups of up to 400 in the magnificent
Quadrangle which is breathtaking on a
warm evening from late November through
to early April.
During the non-academic period (late
November to early February) we provide
seminar and training packages (including
accommodation and meals) to mining and
business groups. We also provide overnight
accommodation for private functions during
the non-academic period.
Contact reception for further
information on 9449 5555 or
[email protected]
We received the following from John Marum (1955): I must say “thank you”
for continuing the steady stream of fascinating information. In my day (“Josh’s”),
a female on the premises would have set off a four-alarm fire! I enjoyed myself
by dropping water bombs onto the earnest engineers repairing (interminably!)
“fixing” their various motor cycles/bicycles etc from my room in the tower. I
went there some years ago, and must admit that I looked “up” automatically
before entering the courtyard!!
I am now a retired anaesthetist, putting people to sleep by telling them boring
reminiscences from the “old days”, and am living in Mildura, which is a delightful
town on the Mighty Murray River, in the top left hand corner of the map of
Victoria. Drive ten miles and you’re in another State! Sadly, I no longer have a
boat, and am doddering around with play readings and learning How To Write
My Book (!), and doing early morning (6.30 am) radio readings from the morning
papers, for the local Vision Australia Radio. AND re-reading my (about 2 and a
half thousand) books. At this age I find you tend to forget what you were going
to do. I have a placid wife for that! My regards to the guys from the 1950s.
43
Interested in getting in touch with long lost Georgian
friends or organising a Georgian get-together?
The College is happy to help.
Email Jo Evans (1988) at
[email protected]
or call on (08) 9449 5555.
St George’s College
facebook.com/
stgeorgescollegeuwa
Mounts Bay Road
Crawley WA 6009
@StGeorges_UWA