NOVEMBER 2009 News on Campus @ Bond University
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BOND UNIVERSITY AWARDED $176,000 RESEARCH GRANT BY PHYSIOTHERAPISTS BOARD OF QUEENSLAND
Bond University has been awarded a $176,346 grant by the State Physiotherapists Board of Queensland to support research into graduate education for physiotherapists returning to the workforce.
The grant has been awarded to a research team headed by Bond University academics, Dr Nancy Low Choy, Dr Christine Tom and Mr Michael Pahof, to develop an evidence-based model for delivery of postgraduate education to physiotherapists. The research aims to make a positive contribution to the current workforce shortage by developing the skills and clinical reasoning of trained professionals to return to or increase their participation in the industry.
“Our research will examine the most effective method for delivering coursework when retraining physiotherapists who have not been practicing for at least three to five years or undertaking limited practice and no professional development during this time,” said Professor of Physiotherapy, Dr Nancy Low Choy. Based on the results, the Bond University research team will hope to develop a model of education delivery for a Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy Practice.
“The goal for the project is to keep university attendance requirements to a minimum, while establishing a series of examinations to ensure that quality assurance and competency standards have been met,” said Dr Choy. Chair of the Physiotherapists Board’s Research Grants Committee, Robert Thams said the research project will compare two models of learning.
“It will investigate if online delivery of case studies achieves the same outcomes as problem-based learning delivered in desktop video conferencing and resource sessions,” Mr Thams said. Fittingly equipped for this research project, Bond University already offers Australia’s first graduate entry Doctor of Physiotherapy program.
BOND DUO CROWNED NATIONAL CHAMPS IN THE COURTROOM
Bond University’s skill in the courtroom continues to draw accolades with a pair of law students beating all other Australian universities in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) mooting competition this month.
Law students Jordan Byrnes and Katherine Mansted defeated fellow national grand finalists from the University of NSW at the AAT mooting competition finals in Sydney. Acting on behalf of the Commonwealth, the pair convinced a tribunal panel – which included The Honourable Justice Garry Downes AM (President), Deputy President Julian Block and Member Stephen Frost – that a car importer, who disputed the payment of the luxury car surcharge on several imported Hummer vehicles, should indeed pay the Federal tax.
Katherine, who had not studied administrative law before contesting the AAT competition, said the format of the moot was challenging. “You have to be ready to answer questions at any given point with confidence and accuracy. Really, you want the judge to interrupt you and question your approach because that means you are engaging them in your presentation,’’ said Katherine, a former Somerset College student.
The aim of the AAT competition is to allow students to argue the details of government legislation as it pertains to realistic scenarios they may face as future legal professionals. The AAT typically deals with appeals to bureaucratic decisions such as unpaid tax, cancelled visas and compensation claims. Professor Geraldine Mackenzie, Dean of Bond’s Law Faculty, said the Administrative Appeals Tribunal mooting competition gave students the opportunity to argue the points of law in a real-life environment.
“The topics they receive are hypothetical issues they could seriously be contesting when they embark on their legal careers,’’ said Professor Mackenzie. “As seen by our top results over the last few years, Bond takes its mooting endeavours very seriously. We regard it as an excellent way for students to test their knowledge of law and their skill of persuasion.’’
The win in Sydney was the fourth major title Bond Law students have won in the past 12 months. In addition to the University’s landmark victory over world leaders Yale University at the International Criminal Law Moot Final in The Hague in March, Bond also took out the Law Council of Australia’s National Law Moot Competition in Hobart, and the Beijing Foreign Studies/Wan Hui Da Intellectual Property Law Moot Competition in Beijing (both late 2008).
MBBS STUDENT JOINS THE MEDICAL STUDENT GROUP ON THE AMA
Current Bond MBBS student Saul Felber has been chosen to represent the Medical Student Group on the AMA - Queensland State Council.
Nearing the end of his degree, and with a family background in medicine, 22-year-old Saul joined the Medical Student Group as a way of being more actively involved with the wider medical community. “The Medical Student Group on the AMA (AMSA) is the representative body for all medical students,” said Saul.
Vice-Chancellor and President of Bond University, Professor Robert Stable, heard of Saul’s appointment, bringing back memories of his own association with the AMA. “I joined in 1973 as a 3rd Year Medical Student, and have been a member ever since” said the Vice-Chancellor. Student representatives from each university in the state also sit on the Queensland Medical Student Council which meets regularly via teleconference to discuss issues specific to Queensland and reports back to the AMSA.
“My role is to attend our meetings which are held every two months or so in Brisbane, and raise various issues faced by medical students or any suggestions we can offer to improve the student experience. “The Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMAQ) has two positions for students that rotate between the three South East Queensland universities,” said Saul. “One position is observational while one is a voting role. This year mid 2009/10 Bond is the voting member.”
The AMAQ is the state’s peak medical body representing more than 5,670 doctors in the state with the council consisting of 26 members representing different specialties in different areas of the state.
The aim of this organisation is to advance the working standards of all professionals and assist members through such things as workplace relations, media and public relations, as well as campaigning for the rights of patients and better public health.
THE AUSTRALIAN CENTER FOR FAMILY BUSINESS
More Success for the Australian Centre for Family Business. Established in 1994, the ACFB is an independent research centre within the Faculty of Business, Technology and Sustainable Development. During this time the centre has maintained its position at the forefront of family business research and pedagogy internationally and in doing so, has made significant contributions to the economic and social development of Australia by enhancing the prospects for profitable continuity of Australian family businesses.
Best Research Paper Award at IFERA Conference
A paper co-authored by Professor Ken Moores and Dr Justin Craig, co-directors of Bond’s Australian Centre for Family Business (ACFB), has recently been awarded the Best policy-orientated research paper at the 9th annual International Family Enterprise Research Academy (IFERA) conference.
The paper, entitled “Championing Family Business Issues to Influence Public Policy: Evidence from Australia” proposes a strategy for the family firm sector to gain the attention of policy makers. In order to effect this strategy, the paper examines the need for the sector to achieve salience as ‘definitive stakeholders’ in the political process through possessing attributes of power, legitimacy and urgency. Australian examples are utilised to illustrate the process by which such stakeholder status may be achieved.
BOND LAUNCHES NEW CROSS-DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTRE
Bond University has launched a new research centre promoting cutting-edge teaching, learning and scholarship through cross-faculty interaction. Led by Associate Professor Amy L. Kenworthy, the Centre for Applied Research in Learning, Engagement, Andragogy and Pedagogy (LEAP) encourages academics from different disciplines to share ideas, collaboratively investigate and report on new approaches to effective student learning.
Former University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kwong Lee Dow AM and Chairman of the Advisory Board of Australian Capital Equity Group of Companies, The Hon Warwick L. Smith AM, will help guide the new institution’s mission as its respective academic and industry patrons. Professor Dow, who has 50 years experience in Australia’s education system, said the creation of the centre would “broaden the scope and interaction for Bond in both an internal and external sense.” “Bond is very proud of its calibre of teachers and this will allow them to demonstrate more broadly their claims,” said Professor Dow.
Commemorating the launch, the LEAP Centre also announced the release of a new book, Innovations in Teaching & Learning: Approaches to Professional Development from Across the Disciplines. The book features a collection of innovative teaching practices from across all faculties at Bond University, including physiotherapy, law, accounting, multimedia and gaming, information technology, international management, biomedical sciences, negotiation, and human resource and sports management.
“The goal of the book is to unearth cutting edge approaches to teaching that could be applied in any academic discipline,’’ said Dr. Kenworthy, who also edited the inaugural volume. “For instance, the chapter on professional development techniques currently being used in multi-media and gaming classrooms describes practices that could be readily adapted by business or law academics to improve student learning. “Historically, the various disciplines within universities have rarely explored the potential for cross-fertilisation of innovative teaching practices.
“Consequently, it is our hope that this book is the first in a multi-volume, multi-institution series to facilitate such collaboration. This reflects the overall mission of the LEAP Centre — to support cross-disciplinary and cross-institution research initiatives in the teaching and learning domain. “In the world of teaching and learning research and scholarship, there’s so much we can learn from each other – in a cross-disciplinary sense. At Bond we pride ourselves on teaching and research, but as yet we’ve had minimal formal intersection between teaching and research from across all of the faculties. “LEAP is designed to change that in what we hope will be transformational and inspirational ways,’’ said Dr Kenworthy.
Prominent Aboriginal artist and tribal leader Bill Yidumduma Harney was commissioned to paint a new work of art on the theme ‘the Law of the Wardaman People’. Yidumduma is an Elder of the Wardaman People of the Victoria, Flora and Katherine River Districts of the Northern Territory. He is also the last senior lawman (‘knowledge custodian’) of his people who carries with him an irreplaceable piece of Australia’s cultural and legal history.
The Faculty of Law arranged for Yidumduma to take up a two week residency on campus to complete the painting. A number of activities including artist master classes, campus art tours and public lectures were held during the residency, generating dialogue on Aboriginal art and law among Bond University students, staff and alumni.
The Artist-in-Residence program provided an opportunity for genuine collaboration between Bond and its immediate and broader constituencies, demonstrating the University’s commitment to principles of community engagement and social inclusion. Yidumduma was uniquely suited to this task, bringing together law and art to convey his people’s cultural knowledge through a medium of traditional cultural expression.
Ancient night-sky story-songlines were the theme of the artwork as Bill Yidumduma Harney used traditional concepts and integrated ancient forms and symbols with paints made from original earth ochres. Following the official handover earlier this month, the artwork is now a wonderful addition to the University’s art collection and is proudly hanging on the walls of the Faculty of Law’s Legal Skills building for the community to view and appreciate.
JOHN AND ALISON KEARNEY LIBRARY OPENS
This month saw the official opening of the newly refurbished John and Alison Kearney Library at Bond. Named in honour of long-time Bond University benefactors, the new John and Alison Kearney Library now offers the latest in learning facilities including:
- Study booths fitted with large LCD screens to view AV material, create multi-media presentations and facilitate group work.
- Large group study rooms fitted with projection and laptop plug-in facilities to accommodate up to 12 students each.
Dr John and Dr Alison Kearney’s contributions towards education were acknowledged at the opening of the state-of-the-art library. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Stable said the Kearneys have been long-time supporters of Bond University.
“The support Bond has received from community members like the Kearneys has played an indelible role in the University celebrating its 20th anniversary this year,’’ said Professor Stable. “The Kearneys and their peers have recognised the unique role Bond plays in Australia’s university landscape and their contribution is greatly valued.
“John and Alison Kearney’s support of Bond was fittingly celebrated in the refurbished Library, which will be a focal point for on-campus learning and interaction for students and the broader University community.’’ During the event, Dr Alison Kearney also received an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her long time contribution to Bond University.
The Australian Government donated $1.4 million to Bond University for the Library refurbishment through the Better Universities Renewal Fund (BURF).
After a near fatal rugby tackle in 1994, at the age of 19, Perry broke his neck, severed his spinal cord and was left a disabled quadriplegic on life support, unable to move from the neck down, unable to talk or eat.
Heralded by media worldwide as a tremendous role model for the human spirit, Perry overcame the odds and confounded experts as he fought to live, then talk, and eventually live life outside the hospital. Perry has now defied his debilitating injury and achieved goals that would test the resolve of the most able-bodied.
Captivated by Perry’s stories last Wednesday, students, staff and members of the community were overwhelmed by his simple yet powerful message that “everything is possible”. Perry’s impressive list of achievements is testament to his message. At 35 years of age, he is one of Australia's most highly sought after motivational speakers and has addressed groups such as the Australian Cricket Team, the Australian Defence Force and many others.
He was named Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year, was a finalist in the Young Australian of the Year Awards and runner-up in the prestigious International Communicator of the Year awards. Perry has also travelled to the United States as an advisor to the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of young Australians. In the 2005, Perry established his own foundation to provide vital support and funds for researchers in their quest to find a cure for paralysis.
Approximately 150 people attended his presentation and raised $300 from gold coin donations at the door. The money raised went to the Perry X Foundation for spinal injury research. Perry’s foundation is currently in partnership with Bond University, providing funding for a three year spinal injury research project.
Annual Sports Awards & Blues Dinner
Friday 23 October saw Bond’s best sporting talent gather together at the University Club and congratulate each other on a hard won year.
Winning the Doug Ellis Trophy at Australian University Games would not have been possible without many of the following people. The results were:
· Sports Star of the Year: Gene Kubala, for his fantastic efforts at World University Games this year (4th in the 4 x 100 Freestyle Relay) and his multitude of gold medals at Australian University Games.
· Outstanding Service Award: Tim Lee, for his fantastic efforts with the Rugby Club over the past 12 months and improving the sporting facilities and culture at Bond University.
· Sporting Silk: Will Cundy, for reviving a long-dormant Water Polo Club and building up the Cycling Club to being one of the most vibrant and energetic clubs on campus.
· Champion Club of the Year: Went to the Rugby Club, for their strong showing at Australian University Games, participation in the Gold Coast Rugby competition, collection of sponsors, integral role on campus and promoting the sport of Rugby at Bond and abroad.
· University Blue: Annabelle Williams (Swimming), for her selection on the Australian Swimming Team going to World Short Course Championships.
· University Blue: Gene Kubala (Swimming), for his efforts at World University Games and Australian University Games.
· University Blue: James Roberts (Swimming), who picked up a number of gold medals at Australian University Games, was selected on the 2009 Sydney Youth Olympics Squad and for Green and Gold selection at Australian University Games.
· University Colours were presented to:
- Andrew Cooney (Tennis);
- David Bell (Australian Rules Football);
- Greg Fyffe (Swimming); and
- Sam Hourigan (Swimming).
ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOLADES
Hayley was one of Bond Law’s inaugural students in 1999, having been awarded a scholarship after graduating as dux of Somerset College with an OP1 (the highest possible score). She continued her success at Bond, appearing regularly on the Dean’s List and Vice-Chancellor’s List for Academic Excellence, and topping eight of her subjects.
Taking full advantage of the opportunities available to her at Bond, Hayley successfully applied for our International Exchange program and lived in the United States for a semester studying at North Carolina’s prestigious Duke University Law School. She also completed an internship at Allens Arthur Robinson. Not surprisingly, she graduated from Bond with First Class Honours in 2001.
In the years since, Hayley has completed numerous degrees in various fields – ranging from a Diploma of Yoga Teaching and an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy through to a Bachelor of Science (Genetics) and a Master of Industrial Property Law. Through all of her studies, Hayley has maintained a close association with Bond University, working as a tutor, lecturer, course coordinator, senior residence fellow, senior tutor fellow … and yoga teacher!
VISITORS TO CAMPUS
Professor Ian Freckelton SC Victorian Bar presented a research seminar on 'Mental Illness, Intellectual Disability and Sentencing'
Associate Professor Anita Stuhmcke University of Technology, Sydney presented a research seminar on 'Is It Better to Be Born Free or Never to Be Born at All: Making a Case for the Legalisation of Commercial Surrogacy in Australia'
Megan Mahon who is the Immediate Past President of the Queensland Law Society and the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland (WLAQ) 2009 Woman Lawyer of the Year. With over 20 years experience in the law, Megan now practices primarily in the commercial and estate planning areas. Megan completed her Articles of Clerkship while studying part time at Bond University, where she completed a Bachelor of Laws, graduating with Honours. Megan is a proud member of the legal profession and is active in other business and community groups, including the Bond University Law Advisory Board and the Toowoomba Diocesan Catholic Education Board. Megan’s directorships include the Queensland Law Foundation Pty Ltd and Executive Director of the Law Council of Australia.
Tony Makin Professor of Economics Griffith University PRESENTED A PAPER ON “Fiscal Sustainability Post Crisis: An International Perspective” for the The Tim Fischer Centre for Global Trade and Finance at Bond University