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Siri-ous Business Meet Karen Jacobsen, Australia’s most remarkable voice BIG IDEAS, SMALL BUSINESS The micro-finance expert changing lives LIFE-SAVING STUDY One step closer to a malaria vaccine and treatment
WELCOME
COVER STORY
The technically perfect
tone of jazz-trained
Karen Jacobsen Pages 4–5
6 Digging for Clues
Researcher Jon Olley in the search
for Daniel Morcombe's killer
7 Walking a Path Less Taken
Doctor James St John is using stem
cell research to tackle paralysis
10 Griffith’s Sporting Heart
Our connections to the Commonwealth
A VISION OF INFLUENCE
Games go back decades
15 China Vaccine Trial As Griffith University enters its fifth Such as Dr Adam Brumm, from the
An international partnership
decade since classes commenced in 1975 Centre of Human Evolution, who created
could save millions of lives it is timely to reflect on the realisation a global buzz when he and his fellow
of a vision. Griffith’s mission to be a researchers released their findings about
18 Adapting to the New university of influence in Australia and the origins of the human species, dating
World of Work the Asia-Pacific has never been more ancestors back to 700,000 years ago.
Planning ahead for the exciting evident than it is right now. Or Dr James St John who is leading
careers that don't yet exist
Our inspiring staff, students and research at the Clem Jones Centre for
20 When Art Turns Activist alumni have each played an essential part Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research
How the world is turning to public in the broadening and deepening of our that could repair spinal cord injuries and
art in times of grief and sorrow impact and engagement across the globe. have paralysed people walking again.
Griffith is now firmly placed in the top And our students are making
24 Griffith News Highlights three percent of universities worldwide, their impact on Asia even before
Snap shots from all corners
with significant recognition in all major they graduate.
of the University
international rankings. We have seven current New Colombo
27 Shark Reality of Live TV Our teachers are recognised as the Plan scholars abroad, including Amarina
The Griffith alumnist on duty best in Australia; we have some of the Smith, the first Indigenous recipient
the day the shark attacked brightest students and alumni making of the scholarship.
their place in the world and the findings When it comes to being a university
28 Globe Trotter’s
of our researchers are breathtaking. of influence, sometimes it is overtly spelt
Career Advantage
So it is fitting when we tell the out for us. Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor
30 countries in 3 years gives
Peta Wilton a global perspective
Griffith Story, that the word ‘remarkable’ Lesley Chenoweth was named as one
comes to mind. Repeatedly. of Australia’s Top 10 Most Influential
30 A Question of Origin Over the coming months the position Women for her work in the social
The Research Centre for Human of the University will be defined by services area, particularly through
Evolution rewriting our beginnings this word. our Logan campus.
The new positioning will be introduced Across our research, our teaching,
32 Speaking Up For Change
and supported by a broad-based our campuses, our students and our
Law graduate Chris Eigeland
addressing the United Nations marketing campaign. It is equally a graduates we see a dynamic collective
statement of what Griffith has achieved force that truly represents a university
34 Looking Forward, over the last 41 years and an aspiration of remarkable influence. And we know
Giving Back towards the high mark we set ourselves that there is even more to come.
Becoming a donor is a special in the future.
way of making a difference
There is no shortage of remarkable Professor Ian O'Connor
stories throughout the Griffith community. Vice Chancellor and President
COVER IMAGE: Karen Jacobsen, a Queensland
Conservatorium graduate, is the voice of Siri Griffith Alumni and Community Magazine is published by the Office of Marketing and
and “Australian Karen” in our GPS. Communications in partnership with the Office of Development and Alumni.
Griffith University Nathan campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Qld, 4111 Australia.
Griffith University Gold Coast campus, Parklands Drive, Qld, 4222 Australia.
ENQUIRIES: Office of Marketing and Communications, +61 7 3735 7818
CRICOS No: 00233E ISSN 1839-4051 griffith.edu.au/omc
3 TEACHING
THE
STAR MAKER
Irene Bartlett has trained some of Australia’s best voices, including Eurovision
contestant Dami Im. Lauren Marino meets her.
As one of Australia’s most talented and
versatile vocalists, ARIA award-winner
Katie Noonan knows how to make
outstanding music. And, she says,
a great teacher is vital.
“I can’t underestimate the importance
of a good teacher,” she says. “Teachers
bring confidence, a sense of self-worth,
and they teach you of course, but it’s so
much more. It’s how they make you feel.
They give you confidence to follow
your path in life and in music.”
Katie studied at Queensland Singer Katie Noonan is a former student Griffith teacher Irene Bartlett has trained
Conservatorium 20 years ago with of Irene’s. Credit Justin Nicholas some of Australia’s best singers
Dr Irene Bartlett—the very same teacher
who has helped shape the talents of some “the first instrument”, is one that now “Nothing I do gives them talent,
of the country’s most popular voices, attracts some of the best emerging that’s their parents, God or good luck!”
such as Megan Washington, voices in Australia. Irene says. “But that small time, those
Kristin Berardi, Elly Hoyt and Dami Im. “Very quickly I can size up whether few years that I have with them, if I can
Irene’s students have been recipients there is something special in someone somehow be a mentor through their
of seven ARIA Awards, the Freedman and I saw that particularly in Dami Im. journey and make things a bit clearer
Jazz Fellowship, the Montreaux There was something so pure and so for them, that’s the part that just
Jazz Festival international vocalist honest about her singing,” Irene says. warms my heart.”
competition, six James Morrison This same voice was recently given
Generations in Jazz Scholarships, and two a worldwide audience of more than Watch a video about
Churchill Fellowships. Now, she can add 200 million, when she performed her Irene Bartlett’s work at
Eurovision to the list, after Dami came Eurovision song Sound of Silence. griffith.edu.au/alumni/bartlett
an unprecedented second place in the “Irene has been a great mentor.
2016 contest. I feel like I’m so lucky and blessed
It’s quite the career for a woman who to have had such a caring and
initially baulked at the idea of teaching. competent teacher,
“I was a professional performer because I couldn’t
from a very young age and I learned what have anybody better
I know about music by doing,” she says. who would equip me to
“For 25 years I was a doing up to six maximise my potential,”
gigs a week, whatever it took, cabaret, Dami says.
band work, television. Teaching was Despite all the praise
never really on the radar, it was all and the obvious results
about performing.” from her teaching,
Yet it was this life experience that Irene remains humble
made her such an ideal candidate for when reflecting on the
a vocal teaching role at Queensland role she has played.
Conservatorium. Irene’s approach to
training the voice, which she calls
Dami Im, who was runner-up in the 2016
Eurovision Song Contest, says teacher
Irene Bartlett was a great mentor
Griffith Community and Alumni Magazine | 2016 EDITION
COVER STORY 4 OUR MOST REMARKABLE VOICE
5 COVER STORY
It takes a technically perfect tone to hold an audience of 400 million
every day, but jazz-trained Griffith graduate Karen Jacobsen has just that,
writes Lauren Marino.
It’s a voice that speaks to most After high school, she moved to “My friend Nadia called me and said
of us each day, as she lives in our Brisbane to attend university and says she had bought her husband one of those
pockets and on our dashboards. it was a move that made her initially new GPS things and while they were
“Australian Karen” is so familiar feel like “a fish out of water”. driving, they decided to turn it over
she’s almost part of the family. “I was a classically trained singer and to the Australian voice and they knew
Through our GPS, she helps us to reach piano player who loved pop music and instantly who it was. She said to her
our destination, and as Siri in our iPhones I knew nothing about jazz,” she says. husband, ‘Oh no, I gave you Karen
she’s happy to answer questions, “I was fortunate to have an incredible Jacobsen for Christmas!’”
read our emails and make calls. teacher who was directly responsible And so it began. It didn’t take long
But for Queensland Conservatorium for my transition from being a student for others to recognise Karen’s voice
Griffith University graduate Karen to becoming a professional musician— and for the spotlight to turn her way.
Jacobsen, the job she now loves and he really took me under his wing. “They wanted to tell me their GPS
is recognised for worldwide, was one stories, they wanted to tell me about all
that didn’t even exist when she went the fabulous trips we’d taken together—
to university. sometimes they would even apologise
“It was so unexpected,” she says, People wanted to tell for yelling at me or strangling me!
as she shakes her head in disbelief, me their GPS stories… But it’s just so delightful.”
while sitting on the very same stage about all the fabulous Karen is certainly no stranger to
where she once performed as a student trips we’d taken together. the concept of “recalculating”. As well
studying jazz in the late 1980s. as having one of the most recognisable
“To go from being a child who wanted voices in the country, she is a mother,
to one day hear their voice on the radio, wife, business owner, international speaker,
to ending up being heard on more than “To have a member of the faculty recording artist and concert performer.
400 million devices around the world is be so caring and supportive and just With success many could only
something I could never have imagined.” really committed to helping me dream about, she laughs
Unsurprisingly, her voice is confident move into a professional status— when asked if she
and poised, but most importantly, that was extraordinary.” has reached her
it’s comforting. Much of the huge success After finishing her degree, destination.
of “Australian Karen” can be put down Karen enjoyed great success in Sydney “In some
to how quickly you feel at ease in her for 10 years before she took the leap ways I feel
presence. It really is like talking to an and moved to New York in 2000. like, wow,
old friend. “Shortly after, I had a call from an I’ve done
She was also selected to sing the agent to say they had a client looking some things.
national anthem before the State of for a native Australian female voice-over I’ve just released
Origin rugby league game in Brisbane artist living in the North East of the United my ninth album,
in June, in front of 50,000 spectators States, which was very specific, but when my second book
and 2.3 million watching on television. I read that brief, I thought, ‘Well, that job has been published,
Karen, who was raised in Mackay, is mine, that’s a description of me!’ and I’m travelling
says she knew exactly what she wanted “I went along to the audition and the world speaking
to do when she was seven years old. they had me speak some phrases like, and singing on amazing
While watching TV in her family living ‘At the next intersection turn left’ stages, meeting
room she saw something that had and ‘You have reached your destination’ incredible people.
a profound effect. A familiar sight and sometimes, not everyone’s favourite, “But in other ways,
for anyone who grew up in the 1970s, ‘recalculating’, so I recorded these I feel like I’m only just
it was Olivia Newton-John. phrases and landed the job on the spot.” getting started.”
“When I saw her, my life changed. It was a job that took 50 hours of
I knew exactly what I wanted to do, recording every combination of syllables Watch a video about
I wanted to become a professional singer, possible, which she did for only four Karen Jacobsen's work at
and move to America,” she says. hours each day to ensure her voice griffith.edu.au/alumni/jacobsen
Karen then set about performing at was at its very best.
every opportunity she could—in school It wasn’t until years later that
musicals, plays, choirs—anything that she realised just what those hours
allowed her to entertain. of work had been transformed into.
Griffith Community and Alumni Magazine | 2016 EDITION
LEADING RESEARCH 6
DIGGING
FOR CLUES
A Griffith University water science expert was called upon by police to help
in the search for Daniel Morcombe’s remains. Report by Richard Scott.
In 2011, human remains were found near
a creek in the Glass House Mountains.
DNA testing would later prove that
they belonged to Daniel Morcombe,
the 13-year-old Sunshine Coast
schoolboy, missing since 2003.
Queensland police brought in
geomorphologist and Griffith University
Professor Jon Olley to help narrow the
search for further remains. He would
subsequently be called as an expert
witness in the trial of Daniel’s assailant,
Brett Peter Cowan, in 2013.
Jon, a specialist in the study of water
flow and material transport, visited the
Kings Road site four times. His role was to
study the likely redistribution of remains, Professor Jon Olley was an expert witness in the trial of Brett Peter Cowan
and to determine how far clothing thrown
into Coochin Creek could have been body would have already significantly
The
transported downstream. decayed prior to the first flood because
Having already found skeletal remains, of the time that had lapsed between
Search
Queensland police first needed to confirm when Daniel went missing and the
the abandoned sand-mining pit was the first flood event.
For
original site of deposition. Jon began to dig. Police wanted to comb the whole area
By studying the layers of sediment from Kings Road and down. Instead Jon
Daniel
build-up at three different points, was able to recommend a search area of
Jon and his colleague Dr Tim Pietsch, 100 m or less. He surmised that there
also from Griffith University, were able would be no opportunity for further
to determine the soil levels pre-dating material evidence to be found.
Daniel’s disappearance. Two years later, Jon would be called 2003: Daniel Morcombe, 13,
Additionally, Jon noticed that many of as an expert witness in the trial and abducted from a bus stop at Woombye,
the trees’ root flares (a widening of the was praised by police for his efforts Sunshine Coast, Dec 7.
stem) at the back of the site were buried. in the conviction. He was awarded the 2011: Brett Cowan charged with
“It looked unusual,” he says. “The trees Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate Daniel’s murder—plus child stealing,
stuck out like telegraph poles, it didn’t of Appreciation in 2015, recognising his deprivation of liberty, indecent treatment
look right. They were buried with a metre “outstanding commitment, intelligence, of child under 16 and interfering with
of sediment. But not in the front area resourcefulness and dedication to duty”. corpse, Aug 13. Human bones and items
where the bone matter had been found. More recently, Jon’s time is divided of clothing recovered from Glass House
At the back of the site the police needed up between dating archaeological Mountains search site, Aug 21.
to be digging deeper.” sites and studying river systems Jon Olley asked to join Operation Bravo
He was able to conclude that the with a particular focus on south Vista to help the search, Sept 9.
body had likely been placed where police east Queensland’s Moreton Bay. 2012: Daniel’s funeral held Dec 7.
had suspected, and that water flow “There is an urgency about the river 2013: Trial begins at Brisbane Supreme
had moved and distributed the remains restoration work,” says Jon. “Each time Court, Feb 7, with Olley called as
after decay. there is a flood, Moreton Bay’s health 31st witness.
Jon also traced two flood events in declines. And with each flood the decline 2014: Cowan found guilty of all charges,
the creek (in 2009 and 2011) that had gets greater. Much of my time is now Mar 13, and sentenced to life
the capacity to wash matter down the taken up with looking at ways to at Wolston Correctional Centre.
waterway. He was able to gauge that the protect the Bay.”
7 LEADING RESEARCH
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk opens the new research centre headed up by Dr James St John
WALKING A PATH
LESS TAKEN
A Griffith team is leading the world in stem cell research, with the aim of helping
paralysed people walk again. Lucy Ardern reports.
A new medical research centre at Olfactory cells naturally regenerate injury that paralysis does not have
Griffith University is offering hope to and form the basis of the research. to be forever,” he said.
those suffering from spinal cord injury— “The medical research being done “To some degree, it is already
progressing ground-breaking work that here at this centre could transform proven that this process can work
could see paralysed patients walking the lives of people with an acquired but we need to improve the results.”
and feeling again. brain injury or a spinal injury. And the (Professor Alan Mackay-Sim pioneered
Researchers at the Griffith University first tests are very encouraging,” Griffith's leadership in this field.)
Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology the Premier said. “One of the keys to that is working
and Stem Cell Research, opened “I want to thank (Vice Chancellor) out how to stimulate the cells to grow
by Queensland Premier Annastacia Ian O’Connor and Dr James St John for and migrate faster and to find specific
Palaszczuk, are preparing to conduct the outstanding leadership happening cells that do those things when we
clinical trials by 2018, focused on here at Griffith University. need them to.
restoring motor and sensory function “This is about taking medical “We are getting some fantastic
to badly injured people. research to the next steps. It is results already and are unbelievably
Research team leader Dr James St ground-breaking research.” excited about it.”
John said the initiative was building on Dr St John said his team was currently There has been some success in
research conducted around the world focused on refining cellular aspects of restoring movement to paralysed
in the past 20 years, which involved the process, which was a crucial part patients with the use of robots but so
transplanting olfactory ensheathing cells of repairing spinal cords and could also far researchers have been unable to work
from the nose into injured spinal cords to have implications for the treatment out how to re-establish the sensations
form a cellular bridge. This enables nerve of acquired brain injuries. of touch and temperature. Both motor
cells to regenerate and make functional “This exciting therapy now offers and sensory function could be restored
motor and sensory connections. hope to those who live with spinal cord with cellular therapy.
Griffith Community and Alumni Magazine | 2016 EDITION
LEADING RESEARCH 8
FIGHT AGAINST
MALARIA
Researcher Danielle Stanisic is part of a team hoping to develop the world’s first malaria vaccine
Research teams at Deep in a jungle in South America, a child While efforts to fight the scourge
Griffith University are shivers uncontrollably as her small body of malaria have reduced deaths by 60 per
fights a fever. Malaria affects half the cent over the past 15 years, the disease
working to both cure and world’s population and, without a vaccine, still presents a huge global burden.
prevent malaria, one a mosquito bite can be deadly. According to the World Health Organisation,
But a research team based at Griffith’s 3.2 billion people are at risk of malaria.
of the world’s deadliest Gold Coast campus is hoping to produce In 2015 alone, there were more than 214
diseases, writes the world’s first malaria vaccine. The team, million cases resulting in 438,000 deaths,
led by Professor Michael Good, has just 70 per cent of them children under five.
Carolyn Barry. finished clinical trials at Griffith’s Institute The febrile disease, found in tropical
for Glycomics. They have been working and sub-tropical regions, is characterised
closely with expert infectious disease by headache and chills, which then
clinicians at Gold Coast University Hospital progresses to fever, vomiting and sweats.
and this is the second round of clinical If untreated, the parasite and its toxins
trials to be conducted by the Institute can cause blood abnormalities, organ
to examine malaria vaccine strategies in damage, and possibly death.
humans. At the same time, researchers Malaria develops when parasites inside
at Griffith’s Eskitis Institute for Drug female Anopheles mosquitoes find their
Discovery are finding compounds to way into human blood through a mosquito
help prevent and cure the disease. bite. Two species of parasites (Plasmodium
“It’s a massive public health problem,” falciparum and Plasmodium vivax) are
says malaria researcher Dr Danielle responsible for most of the infections
Stanisic. “Malaria is a debilitating disease globally. P. falciparum is particularly
and has a huge impact on economies dangerous, capable of entering the brain
of (high-impact) countries because and causing seizures, loss of consciousness
people can’t work.” or neurological impairment.
Senior Research Assistant Sandra Duffy (front) and Professor Vicky Avery
9 LEADING RESEARCH
Areas
with limited
risk
Areas
where malaria
transmission
occurs
Malaria affects 3.2 billion people across the world. This map shows the areas most at risk
With about 30 species of Anopheles year and field-testing in epidemic has enabled the researchers to prioritise
mosquitoes carrying any of five human areas in the next two to three years. which ones should be investigated for
malaria parasite species, the diversity of the Dr Stanisic says she is grateful for drug development.
disease and the speed at which it evolves the support from Griffith University. Researchers in Professor Avery's lab
present major challenges in the treatment “Griffith has enabled us to develop have been able to develop important
and eradication of malaria, says Dr Stanisic. important facilities vital for us and other assays that assess the effectiveness
Vaccines to date have largely focused on researchers needing to run clinical trials." of compounds in blocking activity of
single proteins that vary between different She adds that the research would not malaria parasites at various life stages.
strains or species of the parasite, be possible without the help of Rotary, “Drug resistance is an ever-present
which means they may have limited who raised $8500 to buy the Institute concern, and a very serious one,”
effectiveness out in the field. A single a critical piece of equipment used says Professor Avery. “Identification
vaccine to protect against all the varieties to manufacture its malaria of new targets and new chemical classes
of malaria has not yet been achieved. vaccine, PlasProtecT®. active against this new target are
“There are hundreds of different essential. There is always a sense
strains of malaria out in the field and they of urgency as developing new drugs
recombine frequently,” says Dr Stanisic. is a lengthy and costly process.”
“The malaria parasite is very clever— While Australia is malaria-free,
that’s why it has survived for centuries. The malaria parasite is very research efforts to eradicate the
It constantly varies the proteins it clever—that’s why it has disease will help Australians travelling
presents to our immune system so survived for centuries. to infected areas, including sightseers,
that it can survive.” business people and defence forces.
They key to an effective universal “Malaria is not as far away as we
vaccine, she says, is to target proteins would like to think,” says Professor Avery.
that are common to all strains of malaria On the drug front, researchers at the She works in malaria drug discovery
so the immune system can recognise Eskitis Institute are looking at chemical for important reasons, she says.
the parasites and attack. compounds to help solve the malaria “Firstly, it was not that long ago
The team is close to achieving this goal. problem. Researchers have contributed that malaria was eliminated in Australia;
Their cutting-edge work on a vaccine significantly to the identification of seven secondly, we are incredibly close to our
effective against all blood-stage parasites new antimalarial candidates, which could neighbours such as PNG where malaria
is the most advanced of its kind. Rodent be used to develop drugs to treat or is endemic and a major health problem.
studies and preliminary human studies prevent malaria. "There are also moral and ethical
have been promising, says Dr Stanisic, and “If we are to eliminate malaria, we obligations; we have to contribute where
she is “very excited about the possibility” must stop the transmission between we can to the health and wellbeing
of the vaccine. Joining forces with human and mosquitoes,” says Professor of all human beings."
infectious disease clinicians at Gold Coast Vicky Avery, Head of Discovery Biology Dr Stanisic echoes this tenet.
University Hospital, the team is aiming at the Eskitis Institute. The ability to “Malaria affects the poorest nations
to start human clinical trials to test the simultaneously evaluate many compounds and poorest people in the world and
effectiveness of the vaccine in the next for their impact on this life cycle stage I believe we have an obligation to help."
Griffith Community and Alumni Magazine | 2016 EDITION
#GRIFFITHGOLD 10
Weightlifter Deborah Acason says Griffith University’s sport focus was pivotal to her success
GRIFFITH’S
SPORTING HEART
At the height of their stardom, many athletes managed to balance their glory with
study. Pat McLeod meets three of Griffith’s 39 Commonwealth Games athletes.
Deborah Acason laughs softly into the From cyclist Walter Lancaster and by some of the biggest sporting names
phone. “Yes. I chose Griffith University diver Simon McCormack at the 1990 in the Commonwealth just a few years
over Harvard.” Auckland Games through to a squad of earlier during the 1982 Games.
Fourteen years after that decision 22 who competed at Glasgow in 2014. However university and a heavy
she’s not laughing out of regret, but how The University’s Sports College was in training schedule proved tough for
life’s milestones change in weight over its infancy during Deborah’s time gaining the youngster. “It was a hard journey,”
time. The then Deborah Lovely was a double law degree at Griffith from 2002 Wally recalls.
at a crossroads: Harvard or Griffith? to 2010, but she says the university’s “I was coming to uni on a pushbike,
Track and field or weightlifting? sport focus was pivotal to her success. quickly running in and having a shower
She chose the latter on both “The university was extremely to make it back to a lecture then
counts and today can look back with supportive,” she says. “I don’t think there slipping out and using the Griffith
pride at her achievements. was another university in the country gym when I could.
As Griffith University gathers that matched what they were offering.” “Then very often, late at night,
momentum towards the Gold Coast 2018 Now she juggles her sport, her law at the end of lectures with big lights
Commonwealth Games and chronicles career and family. on my bike I would make my way
current students or alumni who have Walter ‘Wally’ Lancaster’s story the 20 km back to where I lived.”
been part of ‘the Friendly Games’, magnifies the importance of the Griffith After a year of study, Wally deferred
Deborah holds a very special place. Sports College. It didn’t exist during his to concentrate on his sport.
The 32-year-old has competed at assault on his sporting Everest during He was selected in the road team
four Commonwealth Games and is still the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. that was to place fifth in the team
a chance of wearing the green and gold In 1988 as an 18-year-old he enrolled time trial at the Auckland 1990
at the 21st Games on the Gold Coast. in modern Asian studies at Griffith’s Commonwealth Games, just 15
Griffith’s Commonwealth Games Nathan campus. He used the same years after Griffith welcomed
roll of honour currently sits at 39. in-house university gym frequented its first students to campus.11 #GRIFFITHGOLD
In a sport that back then placed high
expectation but offered little monetary
support, Wally was forced to make some
tough decisions. He turned away from
the path to the Olympics and another
Commonwealth Games in an attempt
to make a living out of the sport as
a professional in Europe. But that
was thwarted by serious illness.
By 1993 Wally was back in Australia,
off the bike and joining the workforce.
Today, along with his wife Claire,
he owns a gymnasium in Stanthorpe:
Granite Belt Fitness.
He says he will be a spectator at the
2018 Games. “No sporting event I have
ever done at world level ever compared
to what the Commonwealth Games
experience was,” he says. “They are
amazing memories that you can’t replace
... it was one of the greatest things I
have ever done and just irreplaceable.”
GOING THE DISTANCE
When Michael Shelley began university
life at Griffith’s Gold Coast Campus
(Business Degree 2007 – 2011) he was
a little-known Australian distance runner.
By 2010 he recalls being recognised
and congratulated by one of his tutors
after winning silver in the marathon at the
Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Today
Michael is an ace in the Athletics Australia Planning for the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane begins on the Nathan campus
pack after collecting gold in the 2014
A life-long partnership
Glasgow Commonwealth Games and will
be an overwhelming sentimental favourite
come the 2018 Games in his hometown.
Michael says while he was always Griffith University’s emergence as a When then Queensland Premier
reluctant to play the ‘sport card’ to significant player in the Gold Coast 2018 Anna Bligh announced in 2008 that
receive special treatment at Griffith, Commonwealth Games (GC2018) is the the Gold Coast would bid for the 2018
the assistance he received through the rekindling of a partnership that dates Games there was an emerging drum roll
Sports College was extremely valuable. back almost to the birth of the university. from within Griffith: “We have done this
“I didn’t try to use my sport as an A bold decision was made just over a before—we can do it again.”
excuse to get extensions,” he says. “I tried year after the university opened its doors As the Commonwealth Games Village
to get all my work done when everybody in 1975 to offer up its Nathan campus as takes shape, about 1200 permanent
else did. However with the training load the hub for 1982 Commonwealth Games. apartments will be built to house athletes
and uni workload it is pretty difficult, but That decision not only implanted and officials. No doubt, in the future,
having the sports department helping is a a DNA that would forever align the some of these apartments will be
major thing for athletes and helps them to university with sport at all levels, it also home for students at Griffith.
pursue their dreams. It works in two ways. created a special relationship between
“Not only are they able to get to the Griffith and the Commonwealth Games.
highest level in their chosen sport but In 2018, just as it was in 1982
they are also prepared for life after sport.” when Matilda winked and the world focus
Fresh from the spectacle of the was on the Brisbane Commonwealth
Rio Olympics he can’t help but steal Games, Griffith University will again
a gaze over the horizon at the 2018 be a central figure of the four-yearly
Commonwealth Games. sporting spectacular, an Official Partner
“I am really looking forward to racing through the Sponsorship Program.
at a Commonwealth Games at home, And the Commonwealth Games
in front of family and friends,” he says. Village will be nestled beside the
“It will be pretty special.” Gold Coast campus.
Griffith Community and Alumni Magazine | 2016 EDITION#GRIFFITHGOLD 12
A
CAREER
WIN
Griffith Engineering student Adil Rachidi went from intern to employee
More than a billion people will watch the
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Our students and alumni will play a critical role.
For engineer Adil Rachidi, his first job is
a dream come true – he can indulge his
love of sport while working at the Gold
4-15 APRIL
2018
Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
Corporation (GOLDOC).
“This is something close to my heart—
to combine sport with engineering—
as it’s just what I love to do,” said the
Moroccan-born man. “When you arrive
at GOLDOC, you read the motto
‘Share the Dream’ and for me, I’m really
living a dream now. It’s amazing.”
After working as an intern for the
GOLDOC Engineering Services team, sporting event in Australia this decade.
he was offered a job. Hayley Thomas, a Master of
Few students can say that their Business/Master of Human Resource
first internship was working on a Management student, is now GOLDOC’s
Commonwealth Games. But for Accommodation Administration Assistant.
approximately 250 Griffith University “Being immersed in the organisational
students, they have the unique culture and contributing has been
opportunity to further their career by exciting and rewarding,” says Hayley.
working on one of the world’s largest “It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
sporting events, in fields ranging from GOLDOC has employed several
digital media and communications Griffith graduates across a range of areas.
to engineering and sustainability. Professor Ian O’Connor, Griffith
Hayley Payne (above), a second University Vice Chancellor and President,
year Bachelor of Public Relations and said the internships mean students gain
Communication student, says she learnt a powerful professional experience to
from some of the best professionals complement their academic studies.
in her field during her internship. “Griffith University is dedicated to
“There is such a wealth of knowledge creating possibilities for our students and
that I can take back into my studies and the community,” he said. “We are proud
enhance my future career prospects,” to be part of this important milestone
she says. for the Gold Coast and for Griffith and
These are two of many Griffith we are proud of what our students will
connections working on the biggest be able to offer the community.”13 #GRIFFITHGOLD
TOP 10
IN THE WORLD
The contingent of Griffith-associated athletes competing at the 2016 Rio Games
mixed gold-medal performances with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
THE MEDALS
According to the Times Higher Social Work student Madi Wilson
Education (THE) ranking of universities, landed gold in the 4x100 freestyle relay
Griffith is among the top 10 in the and a silver in the 4x100 medley relay.
world for Olympic success at Rio. Early success also came in the
THE ranked global universities women’s rugby sevens, as alumna OLYMPICS
according to the medal count of athletes Shannon Parry won gold playing for GOLD SILVER BRONZE
directly connected with their institution Australia in an undefeated campaign. Emma McKeon 1 2 1
(students, staff, alumni). Standford was Gold-medal swimming favourite Madi Wilson 1 1 -
number one and Griffith ranked number Cameron McEvoy, a Griffith Sciences Shannon Parry 1 - -
10, and was the only Australian student, won two bronze medals in the Jess Ashwood - 1 -
university among the first 20. relay events and will also be remembered Cameron McEvoy - - 2
A total of 27 Griffith students and for his humble and gracious praise for Matt Abood - - 1
alumni competed at the Olympics and those who pipped him in his favourite
another seven at the Paralympics. individual events.
Between them they brought home In the Paralympics, Griffith University PARALYMPICS
14 medals, including three Olympic alumna Katie Kelly won gold in the triathlon. GOLD SILVER BRONZE
gold and one Paralympic gold. However, Griffith Sports College Katie Kelly 1 - -
According to figures released by Manager Naomi McCarthy, a water Carlee Beattie - - 1
Australian University Sport, it was the polo gold Medallist in Sydney 2000, David Edwards - - 1
largest contingent of student athletes says the performances at Rio should not
from any Australian university attending be judged solely on the medal count.
the Olympics. “Many of the athletes either put
It was also a cause for celebration in personal bests or gave some great
for the dedicated team at Griffith Sports individual and team performances
College, which spent many months leading as well,” says Naomi.
up to the Games assisting students “Some of the Griffith athletes have
balance the rigours of training and study. been recognised as stars of the future,
“It’s great to work so closely with the so for them the desire to forge on for
athletes and be alongside with them on another four years will be strong."
their journey, not only as a student but
also as an athlete and see them achieving
their dreams of competing on the world’s
biggest sporting stage,” says Griffith
Sports College Director Duncan Free, As far as the Griffith Sports
a four-time Olympian. College is concerned we are
The biggest splash from Griffith very proud and happy with
students at Rio came in the pool. how the Griffith athletes
Health student Emma McKeon was and alumni represented
the most successful Griffith athlete with Australia and themselves.
a medal haul of one gold, two silver and
a bronze. Along the way she also helped
the Australian women’s 4x100 medley
relay team post a new world record.
Griffith Community and Alumni Magazine | 2016 EDITIONHEALTH 14
Dinesh Palipana, 32, will soon finish his fourth year in medicine after become a quadriplegic halfway through his studies
AGAINST ALL ODDS
After a car accident left Dinesh Palipana paralysed, he faced new challenges
in becoming a doctor, writes Louise Durack.
Dinesh Palipana was a focused, determined, After intensive care and the high over what he could achieve as a trainee
enthusiastic medicine student at Griffith dependency unit, Dinesh spent a gruelling doctor, they were quickly dismissed. He
University when his life changed forever seven months in the spinal unit at the got great grades in the mid-year exams,
on a rainy night in 2010. PA Hospital where he undertook regular despite the five-year break from medicine.
Today, the 32-year-old remains physio and occupational therapy. Although classified as a quadriplegic,
equally determined and just as focused Eventually Dinesh and his mother he has some feeling on the outside of
on forging a career in medicine in spite Chithrani left Australia to go to their his forearms. He is able to feed himself
of the car accident on Brisbane’s Gateway native Sri Lanka, to take a three-year and get around in his wheelchair
Bridge that left him without feeling break and think about what their next without help.
or movement from the chest down. move would be. “It does take me longer than most
“It was weird as the car just started “I met some great people there who to get myself ready in the morning and
aquaplaning down the highway,” he says. kept my enthusiasm for life alive,” he says. I need help for that, but as far as medical
“I tried to gain control but suddenly I was “But they knew I was still interested in duties go, I can carry out a good medical
going down the embankment and there a medical career and encouraged me to examination and consultation on a
was nothing I could do. I just knew how keep in contact with the Griffith School patient,” he says.
very, very bad this was.” of Medicine. Dinesh is considering specialising,
Dinesh eventually woke up in “Professor Harry McConnell and perhaps in radiology or neurology.
Brisbane’s PA Hospital three days later. others from the School of Medicine were “Medicine is so broad with so many
“I knew I’d been paralysed before fantastic in communicating to me about fantastic options,” he says. “Luckily I
anyone even mentioned it to me, I just how it could work if I came back to my have some fantastic people around me
didn’t realise it was to the extent of studies and thoroughly supported me in at Griffith, who have been great advocates
becoming quadriplegic,” he says. “Even my decision to eventually return to year for me, as well as my amazing mother
in the ambulance, the first thing that three medicine in January 2015.” who has always been there for me.”
occurred to me was that I still needed to Dinesh was warmly welcomed back at “I am pretty lucky, really.
get this medicine degree done and get on Griffith, where he will soon finish his fourth Yeah, I guess I must have wanted
with my career. That was so important.” year, and if there were ever any doubts this career pretty bad.”15 HEALTH
CHINA VACCINE
TRIAL
Translating ground-breaking research into commercial reality is a challenge
that Griffith University is tackling head-on – and it could bring better health
to millions. Skye Small writes.
Griffith University is partnering with a
Chinese pharmaceutical firm for a new
vaccine that has the enormous potential
to help millions.
Researchers from Griffith’s Institute
for Glycomics will begin Phase 1 clinical
trials on a new, needle-free vaccine
targeted at Streptococcus A infection,
the cause of strep throat and rheumatic
heart disease.
Griffith signed the agreement with
Olymvax Biopharmaceuticals Inc to
discover, develop and commercialise its
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) vaccine
technology exclusively for Greater China.
Strep A bacteria are responsible for
a wide range of illnesses, from common
infections like ‘school sores’ and strep
throat, to deadly toxic shock and
rheumatic heart disease. Even the
rather gruesome sounding flesh-eating
disease has this group of bacteria to
blame. More than 500,000 people
worldwide die each year from
diseases caused by these bacteria Professor Michael Good, Olymvax Chairman Mr Shaowen Fan and Dr Mehfuz Zaman
and indigenous Australians are
especially vulnerable. accelerate the commercial development commercially validated targets for the
The researchers who developed of innovative vaccine candidates. treatment of Strep A,” said Olymvax
the Liposome vaccine technology “This agreement is an important chairman, Mr Shaowen Fan.
include Glycomics’ Principal Research step forward in the international “We believe that combining the
Leader Professor Michael Good and roll-out of our vaccine technology,” Institute’s platform with Olymvax’s
Dr Mehfuz Zaman. Professor Good said. capabilities will help us rapidly develop
“The GAS vaccine has enormous Griffith University Vice-Chancellor these assets for the Chinese market.”
potential to broadly impact human Professor Ian O’Connor welcomed the
health,” said Professor Good. co-agreement and congratulated
“The availability of a safe and those involved.
effective GAS vaccine could address “It is a perfect example of Glycomics’ The GAS vaccine has
a huge unmet public health demand, pioneering research, being further enormous potential
preventing a wide variety of potentially developed with great potential to to broadly impact
life-threatening complications benefit society at large,” he said. human health.
and diseases in humans worldwide China, as an emerging vaccine
attributable to this organism. market, represents a major opportunity
“This collaborative partnership for the Institute for Glycomics.
represents a significant milestone in the “We are pleased to partner with the
Institute’s commercialisation success Institute for Glycomics to develop the
working together with partners to GAS vaccine technology, which represent
Griffith Community and Alumni Magazine | 2016 EDITIONNEW WORLD OF WORK 16
An artist’s impression of the $3 billion Queen’s Wharf integrated resort planned for the heart of Brisbane’s CBD
STAR RECRUITS
As The Star Entertainment Group steps up plans for a multi-billion dollar
development program for Brisbane and the Gold Coast, three Griffith graduates
are embracing the challenge. By Nick Nichols.
Mark Mackay admits he knew little of lays the foundations of a multi-billion Queensland and we are proud to play
the casino industry when he accepted dollar capital works program in South a key role in driving investment and
the role of gaming analyst manager East Queensland over the next decade. supporting tourism,” he said.
at Jupiters casino in 2006, but it was The proposal includes the $3 billion According to Leith Wiblen, the
a chance to return to the Gold Coast Queen’s Wharf integrated resort planned Queensland HR General Manager
after years in senior global roles with for the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, and an for The Star Entertainment Group,
Carlton & United Breweries. existing $345 million redevelopment of the scale of the company’s projects has
The Griffith University alumnus, Jupiters Gold Coast. A new master plan the potential to double the casino group’s
who studied a Bachelor of Commerce for Jupiters could further transform total staff numbers to 16,000-plus.
with majors in Accounting and Finance the Broadbeach Island site with the “The future is really exciting,” says
in the early ‘90s, is now The Star development of up to five new Leith, who prior to The Star Entertainment
Entertainment Group’s Chief Operating apartment and/or hotel towers. Group had forged an international career
Officer at Jupiters Gold Coast with According to Mark, it is not only with Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
indirect oversight of 1500 employees. a game-changing period for The Star The Griffith alumna, who graduated
“It’s quite a broad role involving all Entertainment Group, but for South with a Bachelor of Hotel Management
the operations across gaming, food and East Queensland’s global appeal as and a double major in Business and Human
beverage and entertainment,” says Mark. a tourism destination. Resources, was responsible for 9000
However, his opportunities are set to “It’s an incredibly exciting period employees at Starwood. She sees broad
expand as The Star Entertainment Group of growth and transformation for scope for Griffith graduates to position17 NEW WORLD OF WORK
themselves in the tourism industry Amanda, who holds a Bachelor Progressing
your career
as The Star Entertainment Group’s of Behavioural Science, says the
projects come to fruition. foundations were laid last year to
“The diversity within integrated resort meet the company’s employment
developments is such that they touch needs over the next seven years. The Queensland General Manager for
on every aspect of a degree,” she says. “Our strategy for the next two to five HR at The Star Entertainment Group,
“We have teams in legal, public years is building an internship framework Leith Wiblen, sees the process of career
relations, marketing and communications, and we can work on that with the progression in small steps, although she
as well as HR operational people— universities, including Griffith,” she says. concedes it may not be a direct path.
and it’s a casino, so everything has “We see distinct pathways for those “My Griffith degree helped opened doors
a mathematical background. attending universities. Students could in ways that I couldn’t imagine it would at
“When most people undertake a work in casual roles while they study and that time,” she says. “One of the things
degree, they don’t necessarily think it when they finish their degree there is great I tell all team members is that it’s really
will lead them to an integrated resort potential for them to gain a role within quite easy to manage your career.”
development, but we are like a mini city. our shared services or corporate space. Leith offers three key tips to put
As one of Queensland’s most significant “They could also stay in the your career on the right path, even if it
investors and employers, we’ll probably operational space and use their degree to doesn’t start where you planned.
have a job for you.” progress to an operational manager role."
Amanda Spencer is another Griffith 1. DO YOUR HOME JOB
University graduate gearing up for REALLY WELL:
the planned development program Total value “You need to be good at the job you were
Total value
by The Star Entertainment Group. Hospitality and tourism hired to do. It may not be your dream job
She joined the company in early offer roles that can provide but to get ahead you need to do it well.”
2015 as Recruitment Manager for satisfying,
Gamingchallenging
taxes*
South East Queensland and sees lifelong
Gamingcareers.
taxes* 2. VOLUNTEER FOR EVERYTHING:
universities as a rich source of talent. “Even if you are working as a gaming
Total value Extra tourists per year dealer or in food and beverage, there
Extra tourists per year are opportunities to volunteer for more
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane
and apply your degree. You will be seen
Ongoing jobs as an emerging leader and become
Gaming taxes*
Development
Ongoing jobs a go-to person.”
3. NETWORK:
Extra tourists per year Construction jobs
Construction jobs “If you are looking at an opportunity
or want to work for a certain company,
talk to your lecturers about who they
Total value Ongoing jobs Restaurants and bars
Restaurants and bars might know.”
New hotels
Gaming taxes* Construction jobs New hotels
*guaranteed for Queensland in the first
*guaranteed
10 years andfor Queensland
relate solely to in the first
Queen’s Wharf
10 years and relate solely to Queen’s Wharf
Extra tourists per year Restaurants and bars
Ongoing jobs New hotels
*guaranteed
*guaranteed for
for Queensland
Queensland in in the
the first
first
10 years
10 years and
and relate
relate solely
solely to
to Queen’s
Queen’s Wharf
Wharf
LEFT TO RIGHT:
Mark Mackay,
Construction jobs
Leith Wiblen and
Amanda Spencer
Restaurants and bars
New hotels
*guaranteed for Queensland in the first
10 years and relate solely to Queen’s WharfNEW WORLD OF WORK 18
Griffith Business School’s Fabrizio Carmignani says students need to be prepared as traditional roles evolve and new occupations emerge in the future
ADAPTING TO THE NEW
WORLD OF WORK
Graduates need to make sure they have plenty of tools in their skill sets—
because many jobs that exist now will be very different in the future,
writes Stephen O’Grady.
While the look and feel and role of the in professional occupations in business, The government projections,
traditional business professional may never finance and human resource during the drawn from Australian Bureau of Statistics
be quite the same again, the change comes next four years. Among the specific data, predict an 18 per cent increase in
on the back of a fast-evolving employment occupations with positive forecasts are economist occupations and a 25 per cent
landscape with plenty to offer in terms financial brokers (set to jump by 13 per rise in intelligence and policy analysts
of future careers in business. cent), financial dealers (17 per cent), to November 2019.
This is the strongly held view of financial investment advisors (23 per Advertising and marketing
the head of Accounting, Finance and cent), human resource professionals professionals (21 per cent) and supply
Economics at Griffith Business School, who (10 per cent), training and development and distribution managers (23.6 per cent)
says current and future students should be professionals (7.5 per cent) and are also forecast to climb.
invigorated by the professional prospects accountants where the spike is “This paints a positive picture for
brought on by advances in IT, international projected to be 13 per cent. business students,” Fabrizio says.
competition and the globalisation of “The idea of an accountant that does “It is important that the types of skills
economic and business linkages. only journal entries is no longer relevant,” we are teaching are skills that will fit
Professor Fabrizio Carmignani says Fabrizio says. “However, we can identify in to other professional profiles not
new teaching processes already in place exciting new opportunities for the necessarily in business.
mean university programs are allowing modern accountant in areas like tax “The processes that the university has
students flexibility and versatility that will administration, corporate governance in place now are about forming students
enhance and sustain their employability and business development. who will be employable and will have a
as traditional business roles evolve and “Roles will undoubtedly evolve and new bag of tools that gives them the flexibility
new occupations emerge. professions will emerge. It will become to do jobs in five years that may not even
Department of Employment increasingly difficult in the future to exist now.”
projections forecast a 14 per cent rise distinguish some professions from others.” griffith.edu.au/employability19 NEW WORLD OF WORK
Degrees
of change
Griffith University is introducing a suite
of innovations in 2017 to give students
the best start.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
at Griffith University, Professor Debra
Henly, says technology is bringing
sweeping changes to the way we work.
“More than ever before, universities
need to deliver flexible learning options
which will equip graduates with the
skills they need to prepare for a
rewarding career,” she said.
Griffith is undertaking an extensive
review of teaching programs to ensure
every student has the opportunity to
develop those skills, through a range
of options including work placements,
internships, international study programs,
and through classroom activities that
focus on graduate employability.
TRIMESTERS The 3D-printed dress, designed by Griffith University's Samuel Canning, is a centrepiece of the new branding
Griffith will introduce three 12-week
trimesters in 2017 for a wide range
CELEBRATE THE
of programs across most disciplines.
Students can access three different
intakes during the year and for some,
REMARKABLE
the trimesters will allow them to
better balance work and study,
depending on their circumstances.
NEW DEGREE OPTIONS Griffith University has unveiled a The Remarkable Griffith position
Also in 2017, Griffith will offer new Remarkable new brand position. ties together scholarship, research,
degrees and double degrees which The bold and confident statement teaching, student experience,
allow students to combine study areas of Be Remarkable sums up a University industry partnership and community
not traditionally partnered before. on the move, ready and willing to take leadership and is “both representative
New degrees are offered in creative on some of the biggest challenges and aspirational.” It launches with an
and interactive media, computer science, of modern life. initial awareness phase this year followed
counselling, pharmacology and toxicology, “Griffith is a relatively young by a full campaign in early 2017.
and paramedicine. New double degrees University and yet in just four decades Professor O’Connor said while the
are available in areas such as criminology we are recognised as performing among brand remained distinctively “Griffith
and IT, design and business, environmental the top three per cent of universities red”, the word Remarkable delivered an
science and law, and psychology and in the world,” Vice Chancellor Professor energy and vitality that represented one
mental health practice. Ian O’Connor said. of Australia’s most dynamic universities.
“This performance is underpinned A central pillar to the campaign is
FOUNDATION FIRST YEARS by our commitment to make a real the Remarkable Griffith content hub
A foundation first year for some contribution to our local national and that will be home to an increasing
disciplines, including engineering, will international communities. collection of stories and videos
give students flexibility to explore their “We produce remarkable graduates, about Griffith people and partners.
interests and aptitude early on in their armed with the skills and confidence “One of the many things I am proud of
academic journey before committing to a to make their mark on the world. about this positioning and the associated
specialised pathway, Professor Henly said. “We conduct remarkable research campaign is that almost everyone featured
“For example, from 2017 Bachelor of that helps improve the lives of others in the initial advertising component has a
Education students won’t have to decide near and far. direct or strong link to Griffith University."
if they want to specialise in primary, “And we are creating remarkable “It is indicative of how deep and
secondary or special education teaching opportunities with our leading role as the broad Griffith’s connections are
until their second year, after completing Official Partner of the Gold Coast 2018 across the community.”
a first year with common core studies.” Commonwealth Games.” remarkablegriffith.com.au
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