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UNSW
ISSUE 1 2019
magazine
Young
Woman
of the
Year
How Angelica Merlot
is shaping the new
frontier of cancer research
Inside Opal Tower Liquid gold Surviving our roads
Engineering Dean Mark Hoffman The breakthrough that offers Simple steps to keep more
describes what went wrong clean water to the world pedestrians and cyclists alive
IN THIS ISSUE UPFRONT
02 / CONTENTS UPFRONT / 03
ISSUE 1 2019
25
LEADING RECYCLING INNOVATION
From the Vice-Chancellor
• UNSW will lead
Welcome to the the new NSW
Circular Economy
first edition of Innovation Network,
UNSW Magazine a state government
initiative to drive
for 2019. The Australia
O
Ensemble, waste management
and recycling. It will
n delivering the Gandhi the renowned
chamber music link industry with
Oration earlier this year, group resident government, local
The Reverend Tim Costello at UNSW Sydney, councils and researchers to stimulate new
Ocean impacts and diverse biology: A mother and child at one of the cancer screening
reminded us of the power of ordinary is performing
Dr Daniel Falster and Dr Laurie Menviel. clinics in Northern Uganda.
ways of tackling the challenges of the
much-loved circular economy. Founding Director of
people to do good, drawing on Bapu’s
classics and UNSW’s Centre for Sustainable Materials
timeless advice that “in a gentle way
you can shake the world”.
invigorating new
works for its
Top honours from the Cancer screening expands Research & Technology (SMaRT), Professor
Veena Sahajwalla (pictured), has been
Alongside an edited transcript 40th season. It
promises to be a
Australian Academy of Science Uganda health program appointed Executive Director of the new
network. “We need to rethink attitudes to all
S M
of Costello’s Oration, this issue of worthy birthday of the materials we discard and start to see
UNSW Magazine is overflowing with celebration. cientia Fellow Dr Laurie Menviel of ore than 1500 women from northern them as renewable resources if we want to
stories of the many ways UNSW UNSW’s Climate Change Research Centre Uganda have been screened for cervical live more sustainably,” she said.
students and staff make a positive Inside and Dr Daniel Falster of the Evolution and breast cancer as part of a community
KELLEHER LEADS KIRBY INSTITUTE
impact – both gently and quite 03–07 / Upfront 22 / Lighting up Malawi & Ecology Research Centre are among 20 health program set up in part by UNSW.
powerfully – on the world. University news, research and achievements A very personal mission to change Australian scientists recognised with honorific Launched in 2016, the Transforming • Leading
I found it heartwarming to read 08–09 / Cover story: Dancing with the enemy
lives in southern Africa awards by the Australian Academy of Science. Community Health Program is a partnership international HIV
researcher and
about the spirited display of inclusion Angelica Merlot takes on some of 23 / The Bulldog bites Dr Menviel, an early career researcher between UNSW, Gulu University and
clinician Professor
and community that was our third the deadliest cancers Dean Towers takes the field and ARC Future Fellow who received the the Ugandan Health Ministry to improve Anthony Kelleher is
appearance at the Sydney Gay and for the UNSW-ES Bulldogs Dorothy Hill Medal, aims to help improve women’s and children’s health, reduce non- the new Director of
10 / Marching with pride
Lesbian Mardi Gras, and to learn that Students and staff take to the streets at Mardi Gras 24 / Building for better living projections of climate and sea-level rise communicable diseases and mental illness, and the Kirby Institute.
The Dean of UNSW
the Australia Ensemble, which has 11 / High dramas
How to design a built environment using research focusing on the role of ocean introduce online learning in the Gulu University
that works for everyone Medicine, Professor
been resident at UNSW since 1980, has Inside the investigation into the Opal Tower circulation in climate change. She has made Master of Public Health program. Rodney Phillips, said Professor Kelleher
exciting plans for the future, after four 25 / Hitting the right notes major contributions to understanding oceanic Before the program, Ugandan women had (pictured) was “an accomplished and highly
12–13 / Exposing the defects
decades delighting classical music fans The Australia Ensemble celebrates turning 40 circulation, its variability and its impact some of the poorest prospects in the world when respected academic and clinician in the
UNSW’s project to protect unit buyers
field of immunology and HIV research, with
across Australia and the world. 26 / In conversation with Margaret Atwood on global climate, the carbon cycle and the it came to surviving cervical cancer. Now cancer
14-15 / In search of hope a long career in various leadership roles
There is ample inspiration to be The annual Gandhi Oration: Tim Costello
The award-winning author of cryosphere. clinics for women are being launched in health across the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney and
found in the story on Dr Angelica The Handmaid’s Tale visits UNSW “Given increased atmospheric greenhouse centres across northern Uganda. St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney”. The Kirby
16 / Let the water flow
Merlot’s pioneering work on drug- 27 / Speaking to the planet gases, this knowledge is crucial to improving “By the time the five-year plan for the Institute’s inaugural Director, Professor
A breakthrough offers the hope of clean water David Cooper, passed away last year. The
resistant pancreatic and brain The art project taking Indigenous climate and sea-level projections,” says Dr Transforming Community Health Program
17 / 100 Indigenous graduates voices around the world Kirby Institute has been at the forefront of
cancers, as well as in news of our Menviel. “This year my research will focus on finishes, we should have really well-trained infectious disease research, in Australia and
UNSW Law celebrates an important milestone
University’s new global outreach 28 / Out of this world understanding some of the warmest periods of nurses and midwives in cervical cancer globally, for more than 30 years.
efforts to improve eye care services 18 / Vision for the future Sarah Brough is answering questions the recent past and attempting to pinpoint the screening in all the major health centres
How UNSW is helping to change eye care in Uganda of galactic proportions JOHNSTON WINS CLARKE MEDAL
in Uganda and access to electricity feedbacks that led to high latitude warming, loss across northern Uganda, as well as trained
in Malawi. 19 / Walking in two worlds
Graduate Dylan Booth has big plans
29 / Vale Sir Rupert Myers
Remembering UNSW’s second Vice-Chancellor
of continental glaciers and higher sea-levels.” health educators, researchers and clinicians,” • Professor Emma Johnston, Dean of
As always, UNSW pushes the Ecologist and early career researcher says Professor Robyn Richmond, of UNSW Science, is the winner of the Royal Society
for Indigenous people of NSW 2018 Clarke Medal, for her research
boundaries of what it means for a 30-31 / New reading Dr Falster received the Fenner Medal for his Medicine.
Books on thinking women, gun control, on the impact of human activities in
university to serve society. But what 20–21 / Keep your lid on contribution to predicting and understanding The UNSW team also surveyed women about complex marine ecosystems. “A deeper
How helmets, speed limits, preserve life on our roads the value of junk, and more
is most clear reading these stories is the distribution of plant types. domestic violence to better understand the understanding of our coastal ecosystems
the depth and breadth of the impact “I use maths and modelling to understand underlying social issues affecting efforts to is critical to human survival in a rapidly
UNSW people make. Cover image: Angelica Merlot, Managing editor: Peter Harrison why evolution favours diversity of plant types, provide better health services for women. changing world,” Professor Johnston said.
cancer researcher and the NSW Designer: Bill Farr/MediaXpress She is now leading the development of
I hope that you enjoy exploring this and why the mix of plant types varies from place The group is screening children for aural, molecular approaches to monitoring the
Young Woman of the Year. Contributors: Lucy Carroll, Selina Day, Isabelle Dubach,
edition of UNSW Magazine as much to place,” said Dr Falster, who is also an ARC ocular and oral health this year, and will survey biodiversity and functioning of estuarine
Photo: Anna Kucera Lachlan Gilbert, Belinda Henwood, Quentin Jones,
as I did. Our people can and do “shake UNSW Magazine is published by Ibrar Khan, Ben Knight, Anna Kucera, Jacquie Manning,
Future Fellow. “Computer models and large non-communicable diseases among those ecosystems. The Royal Society of NSW
Clarke Medal is one of the most highly
the world” in the most diverse and the UNSW Media and Content team. Neil Martin, Megan Maurice, Stefanie Menezes, data sets have enabled us to test fundamental seeking information on nutrition, tobacco use
prized awards for natural sciences, with the
inspiring ways. Email: media@unsw.edu.au Diane Nazaroff, Nyasha Nyakuengama, Louise Reily, ideas about the processes shaping biological and alcohol consumption, with emphasis on disciplines of botany, zoology and geology
Professor Ian Jacobs Issue 89 ISSN 2209-282X Ivy Shih, Lori Youmshajekian communities.” cardiovascular problems and mental health. considered in rotation every three years.
UNSW Magazine UNSW Magazine
04 / UPFRONT UPFRONT / 05
COVETED ROME RESIDENCY PM’S FOND VIEW OF UNSW
• Award-winning • UNSW Sydney President and
sculptor and Vice‑Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs
UNSW Art & Design offered congratulations to Prime
graduate Alex Seton Minister Scott Morrison on his re-election
has been awarded in May. “As many of you will know, Mr
the coveted Morrison is a UNSW alumnus and the first
Mordant Family/ of our alumni to hold the role of PM,”
Australian Council Professor Jacobs said. Speaking about
Affiliated Fellowship UNSW last year, Mr Morrison said: “It’s a
to study in Rome. The Fellowship will enable great institution … UNSW is going to play
Mr Seton (pictured) to spend two months a huge part in Australia’s economic future
UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor One of the world’s leading scholars of international in residence at the prestigious American Professor Lisa Harvey Smith: UNSW is already well engaged Professor John Church: We are dangerously close to triggering [and] Australia’s future when it comes to
Professor Ian Jacobs at the summit. Photo: Maja Baska environmental law: Scientia Professor Rosemary Rayfuse. Academy. Mr Seton, who graduated from in developing diversity of talent and an inclusive culture. “many metres of sea level rise over coming centuries”. technology and innovation – the future
UNSW in 1998 with a Bachelor of Art of science and technology – and leaders
The big question: Law professor elected to the Theory and History, is renowned for his
contemporary applications of traditional
Ambassador for women Global sea level expert wins into the future. I thank UNSW for all the
opportunities I had when I went there and
why does your work matter? Academy of Social Sciences marble carving techniques that explore in STEM joins the team leading climate change award I know that it’s going to be an institution
difficult human experiences. He also works that continues to serve Australia well.”
M U A T
in sculpture, photography, video and Mr Morrison’s appointment follows
ore than 200 of the world’s brightest NSW Scientia Professor Rosemary installation. Most recently, Mr Seton’s work ustralia’s first ambassador for Women he world’s top sea level expert, UNSW the re‑election of NSW Premier Gladys
minds converged on UNSW for an event Rayfuse has been elected a Fellow of has shone a light on the plight of refugees in STEM, astrophysicist Professor Sydney Professor John Church, is Berejiklian, who is an alumna of UNSW.
that underscored the need for higher the Academy of the Social Sciences and migrants around the globe. Lisa Harvey-Smith, has joined UNSW the first Australian to win the BBVA
education institutions to outwardly champion in Australia (ASSA) for distinguished Sydney as Professor of Practice in Science Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in THE SCIENCE OF SUCCESS
FIRST RESEARCH CENTRE IN CHINA
the value and significance of their research. contributions to her discipline and to society. Communication. UNSW has also been named Climate Change for his work projecting and • The science
The Times Higher Education Research ASSA is the peak body devoted to the • UNSW Sydney has opened its first the host organisation for her Women in STEM interpreting the threat of global warming on behind innovation,
overseas research centre in Yixing, China, and what makes
Excellence Summit: Asia Pacific at UNSW advancement of knowledge and research in the Ambassador role. accelerating increases in sea levels.
a facility that will drive research and some start-ups
Sydney in February challenged university social sciences within Australia. commercial opportunities in environmental Professor Harvey-Smith is an award- Professor Church is recognised for thrive while others
leaders and researchers from around the world The new Fellows have significantly advanced protection, especially water treatment, winning astrophysicist with 15 years’ narrowing the causes of rising seas, fail, is the focus
to better showcase how they are tackling the research knowledge and developed new resource recovery and environmental experience conducting and publishing linking satellite observations with in-situ of the world-
management and sustainability. The UNSW first Future Minds
world’s major problems. approaches to areas as diverse as accounting, fundamental astrophysics research at measurements and numerical modelling
Centre for Transformational Environmental Lab at UNSW. The
UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor linguistics, political science, psychology and law. Technologies (CTET) will operate through universities and research institutes across to identify the human impact on sea level purpose-built research and applied science
Professor Ian Jacobs implored higher education Professor Rayfuse researches and teaches in the Torch Innovation program in partnership the world. She is a presenter of the popular changes and discovering that the rate of lab will include 20 scientists, designers and
leaders to continue to fight for research in the the area of public international law. She is one with Yixing Industrial Park for Environmental ABC television show Stargazing Live, author increase is accelerating over time. psychologists. They will work with industry
Science and Technology, the only hi-tech on the brain science and psychology behind
public interest and to work better together. of the world’s leading scholars of international of When Galaxies Collide and a prolific He shares the prize and €400,000 ($633,000)
(Torch) zone focused on the development of new tools for businesses and workers
Professor Jacobs said flagging enthusiasm for environmental law and specialises in areas such an environment protection industry in China. public speaker. prize money with French space geodesist Anny dealing with change. Founder and director
public funding for universities and research was as law of the sea and climate change law. The Centre has already secured more than Professor Harvey-Smith says she is excited Cazenave, a specialist in satellite altimetry Professor Joel Pearson (pictured) says the
a challenge. Environmental law is a field for which $3 million in funding from partners including by the new challenge after more than a decade (the measurement of the form and dimensions centre wants “to help supply the Australian
the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research workforce with the skills they will need for
“Academics and university leaders must Professor Rayfuse has quite literally put her of research and is looking forward to “helping of Earth) and British climate scientist Professor
Institute (JITRI), Goldwind Environment and the future of work”.
be proactive in sharing their stories and body on the line. She has undertaken adventures Puxin Environment for research activities at smash barriers to inclusion in STEM and to Johnathan Gregory, an expert in ocean heat
emphasising the link between universities and in some of the wildest places on Earth, including UNSW Sydney and in China. creating a stronger, more inclusive STEM uptake and climate sensitivity. KAYESS EXPANDS UN ADVOCACY
the research that, ultimately, advances society,” the Arctic, Antarctic and Greenland. In 2006 she sector fit to drive Australia’s economic Forecasts developed from their research
Professor Jacobs said. “We have to make our became the first Australian woman to attempt WINNERS AT VETERANS’ AWARDS success in the coming decades”. A mainstay warn that without drastic greenhouse gas • Rosemary Kayess, an internationally
respected lawyer, researcher and academic
communities care enough to champion our work to ski from the North Pole to Canada, to raise • The outstanding work by two UNSW of that work is helping to develop and launch reductions, sea levels could rise more than one and Director of Engagement at UNSW
and influence the government to care as well.” awareness of polar governance issues. Canberra alumni and associated businesses Australia’s 10-year plan for Women in STEM. metre by the end of this century, threatening Sydney’s Disability Innovation Institute,
was recognised at the Prime Minister’s has been elected to Vice-Chair of the
John Gill, editor of Times Higher Education, ASSA is one of the country’s four learned Dean of Science, Professor Emma Johnston, the homes of 100 million people. Their
Veterans’ Employment Awards. Ben Whitham United Nations Committee on the Rights of
said negative media coverage in some places academies. This year, it was noted that 53% of from Penten Pty Ltd was the winner of the said she was thrilled to welcome Professor findings have been instrumental in improving Persons with Disabilities. The committee
around the world had contributed to the the ASSA Fellows are female, including leading Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year, whilst BCT Harvey-Smith to UNSW: “We are proud the understanding of how the Earth system monitors implementation of the UN
disconnect between universities and the public. practitioners and Indigenous scholars. Solutions was named Outstanding Employer to welcome Lisa to UNSW as Australia’s works, enabling more solid projections. Convention on the Rights of Persons with
of the Year. General Manager BCT Solutions, Disabilities. “I’m honoured to be appointed
Closing the event, Professor Jacobs said: Professor Rayfuse joins Professor Ross first Women in STEM Ambassador – the “This award is a recognition of the importance
David French, said that participating in the to the executive of the committee and
“We have reinforced the value of ... research. Buckley, Professor Janet Chan, Professor UNSW Canberra mentoring program was appointment is crucial for Australia, as we of the science, the progress that has been made look forward to the opportunity to bring
We have reinforced the importance of linking Megan Davis, Professor Martin Krygier, a valuable way of supporting veterans’ need more women to enter, stay, and succeed over recent decades, and of course the role that my legal and public policy knowledge
our research and educational efforts more Professor Jane McAdam, Professor Louise transition to the civilian workforce. The in STEM areas. One way to work towards that the three of us have made in contributing to the to promote the rights of people with
awards recognise businesses that support disability,” Ms Kayess said. Her research
closely. And we have formed a consensus ... that Chappell and the Dean George Williams is to ensure girls and women have role models science,” says Professor Church.
and employ veterans and ADF spouses, as and advocacy fields include access to
the research produced in our part of the world as Fellows of the Academy representing well as veterans who are making significant to look up to, and Lisa is an inspiring scientist The award was presented at a ceremony in justice, social inclusion, housing and
has enormous potential yet to be tapped.” UNSW Law. contributions to their workplace. and communicator.” Madrid in June. employment for people with disability.
UNSW Magazine UNSW Magazine
06 / UPFRONT UPFRONT / 07
CAMPAIGN AGAINST S25+ REVIEW CONSOLIDATES
PFAS CHEMICALS PURSUIT OF GLOBAL GOALS
• UNSW researchers are collaborating Left to right, • A revised strategic framework, known as
with several industry partners in a from top: S25+, is being developed for the University’s
$3 million campaign to develop sustainable Professor Sally keystone 2025 Strategy. An extensive
remediation technologies to clean up Dunwoodie, consultation process involving staff,
emerging contaminants in water. PFAS Professor students, alumni and external partners is
chemicals, which recently have been Helen taking place to inform an options paper
associated with serious contamination Christensen, expected in October. New priorities identified
at firefighting training facilities, airports Dr Louise in the process will then be confirmed when
and industrial sites, are the target of the Causer and the new strategic framework is finalised
program. The chemicals are also more Conjoint and announced in early 2020. The President
Connie Levett (right) is helping students develop skills “Outstanding track record of leadership”: widely present in the broader environment. A still from Angelica Mesiti’s Professor and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Jacobs,
relevant to modern newsrooms. The inaugural UNSW Provost, Professor Anne Simmons. The work is being led by Professors ASSEMBLY, 2019. Photo: Bonnie Elliott Jane Butler. said the 2025 Strategy was backed by a
Mike Manefield and Denis O’Carroll and planned $3 billion funding investment and
New publication puts students in Simmons appointed a research team from UNSW’s Water
Research Centre. Venice Biennale entry examines Academics honoured with underpinned the University’s ambition to
become Australia’s global university.
the beating heart of a newsroom inaugural Provost the power of ‘the people’ prestigious NHMRC awards NATIONAL HONOURS FOR
HYDROGEN STORAGE
N P A F
FOR RENEWABLES TEACHING EXCELLENCE
ewsworthy, a news website featuring rofessor Anne Simmons has been three-channel video installation our UNSW Sydney academics have been
writing, audio and video produced by appointed the inaugural Provost at • Researchers at UNSW Sydney with created by UNSW alumna Angelica honoured with National Health and
partners H2Store are developing a first-of-
School of the Arts & Media students, is UNSW Sydney. Mesiti is entered in this year’s Venice Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2018
its-kind hydrogen storage system that could
adding a new voice to Australia’s news media The recent Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic mean cheaper, safer storage for renewable Biennale, one of the most prestigious cultural Research Excellence Awards for outstanding
industry. Excellence and UNSW alumna has served in energy. Professor Kondo-Francois Aguey- institutions in the world. contributions to health and medical research.
A network of contributors from across the senior leadership roles in Australian higher Zinsou and his team at UNSW’s School of The work, ASSEMBLY, was created by Scientia Professor Helen Christensen,
Chemical Engineering expect the system
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences are also education for 20 years. As UNSW Provost, Ms Mesiti during a two-month residency Director of the Black Dog Institute and
will provide a new alternative for energy
contributing to the site, which is run under Professor Simmons is the senior deputy to storage within two years. Professor Aguey- at UNSW Art & Design. In it, she says, a Professor of Mental Health at UNSW Medicine,
the guidance of a former editor of The Sydney the Vice-Chancellor and a member of the Zinsou says the invention will be more communal gathering is a means for making was awarded the Elizabeth Blackburn • Academics from Science and Art &
Morning Herald news app, Connie Levett. University’s Management Board. efficient, more long-lasting and safer than those with authority recognise the collective Fellowship in Public Health. Professor Design have taken out accolades in the
current power storage solutions for home 2018 Australian Awards for University
Ms Levett, who has more than 30 years’ UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor power of ‘the people’. Christensen is a leading expert on using Teaching. Associate Professor Elizabeth
solar systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall
experience in the industry, came on board Ian Jacobs highlighted Professor Simmons’ battery. The team hopes to have a 5kW home “ASSEMBLY is looking at all the meanings technology to prevent and treat depression, Angstmann (pictured, left) was recognised
as Newsworthy’s editor because she saw the breadth of experience in university leadership. storage system on the market late in 2020. of that word, at this historical moment where anxiety and suicide. for developing online and face-to-face
value in students gaining practical experience “Anne has an outstanding track record of we are dealing with multiple crises, whether Medical epidemiologist Dr Louise Causer, materials and experiences for first-year
SOLAR EFFICIENCY RECORD physics students, encouraging active
in online publishing. leadership at UNSW and her experience and it’s political, humanitarian or environmental,” from The Kirby Institute and UNSW Medicine, learning and problem solving. Associate
“Newsworthy is about student learning,” skills make her an ideal candidate for this she says. “More than ever, we feel the human was awarded the Frank Fenner Early Career Professor Snepvangers was recognised
Ms Levett says. “The experience of working in important new role,” Professor Jacobs said. need to assemble, to come together, to Fellowship. Dr Causer’s work focuses on point- for developing innovative resources in the
a high-powered digital newsroom ... it can be a Professor Simmons said she was delighted exchange, for individual voices to be heard, of-care diagnostics for sexually transmitted field of creative professional experience
in art, design and media, especially
brutal world. You need some basis before you and honoured to join UNSW as its first Provost. that are coming from different perspectives.” infections. Point-of-care testing allows people in by fostering placements in small and
get thrown into that. “I look forward to helping the Vice- She says the idea is explored through a series remote areas to be tested and treated in one visit. large organisations such as start-ups,
“We made a decision to have a place where Chancellor and the University deliver on of translations and reinterpretations, both Conjoint Professor Sally Dunwoodie, a collectives, galleries and design divisions
the students could publish their work, because UNSW’s strategic plan over the coming years.” musically and choreographically, through biomedical researcher at the Victor Chang of companies.
one of the big things when you’re leaving Professor Simmons has been the head of performance and a range of generative actions. Cardiac Research Institute, was awarded INDUCTED INTO THE
university is to have a portfolio and get that two schools in the Faculty of Engineering, and The artist used the high recognition factor the NHMRC’s Project Grant. Professor ACCOUNTING HALL OF FAME
first job.” has had a successful career in industry with the • The UNSW Sunswift solar car team has of the Venice Biennale to approach the Dunwoodie and her team are examining the
The publication aims to cover topics Nucleus Group, which included Telectronics
cruised into the record books, driving from
eminent writer David Malouf, who allowed impact of environmental factors on prenatal
• Business School academic Scientia
Perth to Sydney to set a Guinness World Professor Roger Simnett has been inducted
including justice, society, technology and and Cochlear. Record for the lowest energy consumption her to use his poem To Be Written in Another cell division. Their work could prevent some into the Accounting Hall of Fame for
gender. Ms Levett believes Newsworthy She chairs the Australian government’s while driving across Australia in an electric Tongue. Other collaborators include composer developmental defects. his impact on accountancy. “I feel an
car. The team of 14 students completed overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude
provides a point of difference by covering the Advisory Committee on Medical Devices and Max Lyandvert and curator Juliana Engberg. Conjoint Professor Jane Butler, principal
the 4100km journey two days ahead of at being recognised by my peers for the
issues facing 21st century Australia through is a member of other national committees schedule, averaging 3.25kWh/100km, about
The artist doesn’t want to be seen as a research scientist at NeuRA and conjoint contributions I have made as an audit
the eyes of the generation who will live it. involved in the medical technology area. 17 times less than an average Australian representative of a nation – “it’s too heavy academic at UNSW Medicine, won the researcher, educator, and my contribution
“We wanted to have a flavour of youth, both She is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers car. Travelling an average of 600 kilometres a mantle” – but has put a lot of thought Elizabeth Blackburn Fellowship in Clinical to practice and standard-setting, both in
a day, the car used about the same energy Australia and internationally,” Professor
in terms of subject material and contributions. Australia, a Fellow of the Australian Academy into presenting the diversity of Australia Research. Professor Butler’s work is on neural
each day as a standard household. UNSW Simnett said. He is only the fourth UNSW
We want to mould our coverage to something of Technology and Engineering and was made Dean of Engineering Professor Mark
in ASSEMBLY. control of respiratory muscles. Her research Business School academic to be awarded
that talks to our students and to the things a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for Hoffman said the feat showed the potential The Venice Art Biennale runs until 24 aims to improve respiratory health in the the prize and joins Ray Ball, Philip Brown
they are engaged with.” services to biomedical engineering in 2013. of electric cars for Australia’s future. November. critically ill and those with quadraplegia. and Ken Trotman as inductees.
UNSW Magazine UNSW Magazine
08 / COVER STORY COVER STORY / 09
As an undergraduate she became focused such as HER2 have been important in
on cancer research. “Seeing the impact improving and defining treatment options
cancer was having on the community and for years. But for other cancers, such as
my family pushed me to pursue cancer pancreatic or brain, with no detection tests
research. It’s been hard work. I’m very and complex molecular diversity, there has
determined and passionate and that has been little progress.
helped along the way.” “My hope is that cancer will become
Her interest in aggressive cancers, such as a more manageable disease. Something
pancreatic and brain cancer, was motivated that is less feared and dealt with like any
by lack of improvement in survival rates other disease. There is significant stigma
over the past decades, largely due to late around the word ‘cancer’ – there are cancer
diagnosis, a lack of screening programs, types that are deadly, which we hope to
‘The future of treatment won’t
Dancing
low awareness of symptoms and a lack of revolutionise, but there are many cancers
treatment options. Pancreatic cancer has that you can survive or live with for many
be about one miracle cure;
some of the lowest survival rates, often years now.”
diagnosed too late and at an advanced stage, it will be about a combination Dr Merlot emphasises the importance
with the
with about 90% of patients dying within five of funding early career researchers,
years of diagnosis. The five-year survival of treatments that will provide particularly in areas such as pancreatic and
rate for brain cancer is about 20%. It kills brain cancer that have traditionally been
more children than any other disease.
the best survival outcomes for under-funded.
enemy
After moving to UNSW Medicine as a each unique patient.’ “More funding equals more research
Scientia Fellow in 2018, Dr Merlot focused which means better outcomes for patients.
on understanding the mechanisms by We’ve seen improvements in breast cancer,
which cancer cells grow and adapt to developing nanoparticles prepared from a melanoma and prostate cancer survival rates
their environment, why drugs become protein found in the body known as human but brain and pancreatic cancer still have a
less effective and the development of serum albumin. We’ve seen that this protein dismal prognosis,” she says.
nanoparticles to improve drug delivery. helps the delivery of these metal-binding Dr Merlot’s current projects are
Photos: Anna Kucera
Her work into metal-binding agents drugs and helps their anti-cancer activity.” investigating part of a human cell called the
Scientia Fellow Angelica award for her work developing new targeted generate funding for more research. contributed to a phase 1 multi-centre Most of Dr Merlot’s project-based endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER is a
medicines that combat drug-resistant “There are almost 150,000 people clinical trial in Australia, treating patients work takes place at the Children’s Cancer type of organelle, or subunit within a cell,
Merlot is determined to cancers and cancer spread, with a specific diagnosed with cancer in Australia each with advanced tumours. Institute labs, at UNSW’s Kensington that has been shown to help cancers grow,
outmanoeuvre some of the focus on pancreatic and brain cancer. year. It is wonderful to be acknowledged “Metal-binding agents have been shown to campus, where a typical day involves spread and develop drug resistance.
“The power of research is that every day for the work the researchers do behind deprive cancer cells of essential metals such conducting experiments in the lab, working “I’m looking at understanding how this
deadliest cancers, writes you can discover something new, solve the scenes,” she says. as copper and iron that are vital for cancer with mouse models, patient tissue, writing part of the cell helps to induce cancer
Lucy Carroll. problems and push barriers using your Born to French and Syrian parents, cell growth and proliferation. These agents grants and publications and supervising progression. This knowledge will help to
D
curiosity to address some of the major Dr Merlot is the youngest of three girls. have been tested on advanced cancers and staff and students. identify new targets and therapeutics to
r Angelica Merlot has achieved what health issues in the community,” Dr Merlot “My father was a high school maths teacher they take advantage of the fact that cancer Dr Merlot believes the next two decades stop the advancement of cancers,” she says.
many medical researchers could only says. “For me, a career in medical research and my mother taught French. They cells have altered metal metabolism and of cancer research will be defined by Some of the major advances in cancer
accomplish in a decades-long career. is about a lifelong discovery and education.” encouraged us to do what we enjoyed. But require a greater amount of these essential improvements to personalised medicine now, says Dr Merlot, are understanding
She completed a PhD in anti-cancer drug Dr Merlot received her award at a also instilled a real drive to learn.” nutrients than normal cells,” Dr Merlot through better understanding of the the tumour itself – how it consists of more
development at the age of 24. Four years ceremony in Sydney for the NSW Women After receiving her undergraduate degree says. “These drugs have been shown to be genetics of the disease to predict patient than just cancer cells but other important
later, she became the youngest recipient of of the Year Awards. The Premier, Gladys in medical science at The University of effective in drug resistant cancers that are response to therapy. cells that help the cancer adapt and
a National Health and Medical Research Berejiklian, congratulated the winners and Sydney, she went on to complete a PhD with no longer able to be treated by standard “The future of cancer treatment will be survive. A major area of advancement is
Council Grant. finalists in seven nominated categories. a team that is developing metal-binding chemotherapy. Metal-binding agents have making sure that every patient receives the immunotherapy and understanding of the
Now, at 29, she leads a research team “Your achievements,” Ms Berejiklian said, agents, a new class of anti-cancer drugs. also been shown to not only stop the growth right treatment for their cancer type. In the interactions of the immune system with
at UNSW Sydney exploring targeted “are paving the way for generations of “In high school, I was influenced by of the primary tumour, but also block age of personalised medicine, identifying cancer. Immunotherapy can help boost the
treatments for some of the deadliest forms women to come.” medical television shows and my biology metastasis.” precise molecular characteristics and immune system to attack the cancer.
of cancer. Dr Merlot hopes the award will encourage teacher. I think that sparked my interest in These metal-binding agents work on a genetics are critical for clinicians to identify “We are understanding more about the
The UNSW Scientia Fellow, who is based more women to study science and medicine medical science in general and how each cell broad range of cancer types but also target which types of drugs are most suitable and genetics of the disease and, with a more
at the Children’s Cancer Institute, this and pursue careers in health and cancer in the body is quite different, but they all specific proteins such as NDRG1 which can effective for each patient,” Dr Merlot says. personalised approach, we are hopeful that
year achieved another first: in March, she research. She believes it will raise the profile work together as one combined unit which act to suppress the spread of cancer. For breast cancer, screening programs and we can improve survival rates for children
received the NSW Young Woman of the Year of cancers with poor survival rates and is so fascinating,” Dr Merlot says. “One of my current projects looks at identifying genomic classifiers or proteins and adults with cancer,” she says.
UNSW Magazine UNSW Magazine
10 / LGBTIQ+ BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION / 11
Marching fearlessly LACHLAN GILBERT Can you tell me about
how you came to be involved in the
Opal Tower investigation?
MARK HOFFMAN On Christmas Eve, some
people living on the 10th floor of the Opal
UNSW’s third appearance at Tower heard a loud bang and they went out
Mardi Gras created a sense of and saw that some external walls had cracked,
empowerment for students and so they called in the onsite building manager.
The building manager got the authorities
staff, writes Lori Youmshajekian. involved and they cleared the building.
B
And on the morning of the 27th, the
eyond policy and words, the Sydney then NSW Minister of Planning, Anthony
Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Roberts, decided that he really needed some
March was a chance to exhibit UNSW independent advice. And so I was contacted,
Sydney’s commitment to community and as was [Newcastle Emeritus Professor]
inclusion. John Carter, who is a geotechnical engineer,
A towering float of Clancy the Lion, because a lot of the rumours flying around at
the official UNSW mascot, led the way for the time were saying there was an issue with
more than 80 students and staff parading the foundations, and that’s his area.
along Oxford Street for the ‘fearless’ 41st
Mardi Gras. LG So how did that conversation go?
“It was a true and generous collaboration MH I was about to head off on a family
with staff and students from Engineering, holiday – I was actually at Bunnings at the
Art & Design and Built Environment,” time when the Planning Minister calls up.
UNSW event organiser Fergus Grealy says. So I went through all this about the Opal
“For the young LGBTIQ+ community, Tower with him in Aisle 17 of Bunnings at
making networks within the University, Chatswood with my nine-year-old daughter
UNSW’s Mardi Gras marchers were emblazoned
especially finding commonalities with with a gold representation of the University’s going, ‘Dad, this is boring, come on!’.
students they wouldn’t have much mascot, Clancy the Lion. Photos: Nyasha Nyakuengama Anyway, that afternoon John [Carter] and
interaction with, was a really positive I went out to the site for a look around.
High
experience.” issues, aiming to start conversations and It was quite obvious, early on, that there
The cross-faculty collaboration marks the lead debates on campus and in the wider was a significant issue with reinforced
third year that UNSW has participated in community. concrete fracture.
the annual parade. Five new Diversity Champions And that’s when we got [UNSW Head
“It was a really heart-warming experience. commenced in January 2018 to make change of Civil and Environmental Engineering]
dramas
We were able to see the tangible and positive in equity, diversity and inclusion as part of Professor Stephen Foster involved. Steve
impact it had on the student community – the Division’s key priority to make UNSW actually wrote the Concrete Structures
they were really empowered,” Mr Grealy says. a place for everybody. Standard for Australia, so he was a great
“We want to make sure students feel they The Division also offers training to the asset to have onboard.
are heard and respected and are our partners. community – educating individuals on
I think this was a good example of that.” disability, flexible work and women in LG Were there residents still in the building
The student-led initiative is supported leadership, among other resonating topics. when you arrived?
by the Division of Equity Diversity and “The end goal for the Division is for MH On the afternoon of the 27th we were
Inclusion (EDI) – the advocate for a sense “Our participation is both a symbol inclusivity, diversity, respect and equity going in as everybody else was coming out –
of belonging for all staff and students on and a genuine activity that signals our to be the normal way that the University When the Opal Tower at Sydney Olympic Park started the lifts were packed with people who were
campus. commitment to that group of students and works – these behaviours shouldn’t be cracking, residents were fearful their home was trying to move. There were some pretty
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Equity Diversity staff,” Professor Baldry says. “It is one of considered remarkable any longer,” distressed-looking people too, I have to say.
and Inclusion, Professor Eileen Baldry the key ways we can show our support for Professor Baldry says. falling down around them. Lachlan Gilbert asked
says Mardi Gras is a platform for the the LGBTIQ+ community and celebrate “The more equitable, diverse and inclusive the Dean of Engineering, Mark Hoffman, about his LG: What were your first impressions?
University to engage in conversations with them.” we become, the more innovative and MH We worked out quite quickly it wasn’t
about the challenges facing the LGBTIQ+ Initiatives pioneered by the Division extraordinary research and teaching we
leadership of the investigation into the building’s the foundations at all – they were fine. So we
community. draw attention to a range of community will have.” structural integrity. CONTINUED PAGE 12
Mark Hoffman.
UNSW Magazine UNSW Magazine
12 / BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION / 13
FROM PAGE 11
hob beam’s strength, and so it failed. Another issue is there’s no clear process lucky that it happened on Christmas Eve
started reviewing the site, doing calculations, Another beam was found to have failed for changing an original design. When you’re because it got such wide media coverage.
speaking to people. The engineering because a lower strength concrete was used. building, things happen, designs need to be The article implied there were many
company WSP was very open and helpful, as Different strengths of concrete are often used changed or, for example, the concrete truck unreported other cases in NSW. What do
were the builders, Icon. We worked through when you’re building a large building. And of that came in and poured the concrete for you think about that?
it all and came out with an interim report on course, they’re bringing trucks in all the time that beam – it was the wrong truck. With MH There are very rarely major structural
the fourth of January, because people just to pour the concrete, and during this process hundreds turning up in the course of the issues with the design and construction
wanted to know what was happening. they poured one of the beams with a lower The Opal Tower will building, it’s no surprise there’s one mistake. of buildings in Australia, as we saw here.
now be far stronger
strength concrete than the others. than it would
There should have been a formal sign-off However, things are often not built as they
LG What were your findings? Then we had to ask, why wasn’t this dealt have been before process by qualified and registered people should have been, such as leaking showers,
MH We identified a combination of with at the time? We discovered that various the damage was and there wasn’t. leaking pipes, or the electrical work is not
repaired.
design and construction issues which we versions of the design drawings indicated The same independent checking would quite done as it should have been. All of
Photo: Shutterstock
confirmed in the final report on February 22. different strengths of concrete. Some people have clarified the design ambiguities we also these issues are happening way too often
Essentially, there were some changes made were claiming ‘this is what it should be’, while identified. and that’s the gap in the system.
to the initial design during the construction others pointed to another design document Australia’s National Construction Code LG How was it not transparent? What we’ve said is, designs and any changes So yes, quality is a real issue. But the
process which raised the loads on some and said ‘no, this is what it should be’. It was is based on the principle that we want MH For example, we had a ministerial to them have got to be signed off by qualified safety through the National Construction
beams. There were then some inappropriate not immediately clear to us who were correct. our buildings to be structurally safe. And directive and it still took us quite a lot of time and registered engineers. Once that is in Code is more robust. From a quality point
aspects to the construction, and when What was clear, however, was that one beam they are! But the full breadth of consumer to get some of this documentation – people place, your system becomes much more of view, there are definitely problems in
combined, they led to the damage. The was made from lower strength concrete than expectations regarding building quality is weren’t being obstructionist, they just robust and it’s not that much more expensive, the construction industry, from an overall
ultimate issue was, however, around the others and it was the one that failed. not really addressed in that code. This is couldn’t access it easily. We recommended if one focuses on critical components. building structural safety point of view,
design approvals and monitoring during There was also a grouting issue. left to the state governments, and they have that all of this documentation should be on we’re in reasonable shape.
construction. This meant some non- been lax in this regard. a curated website. If it’s transparent and LG It looked like a stressful time for the
standard practices slipped through. LG So what were your recommendations? In NSW to date, much has been vested people’s names have been put on it, they have residents who had to find somewhere to LG So what do you think will happen
MH The first recommendation was around in a sign-off from a building certifier, and a far different approach to doing the work live really quickly around Christmas. What moving on from this?
LG Can you elaborate? the process to fix the structural damage in then it’s all okay. Now in the case of Opal than when they know that it’s just going to was your impression of that? MH I think this whole incident will be a real
MH In one case the initial approved design the building. Very quickly, the risk factor was Tower, the certifier had done that, and had be filed away in some ‘drawer’. MH The builder acted extraordinarily well. watershed for the construction industry
was changed, specifically to reduce the amount reduced by inserting some grout and bracing done nothing wrong that we could see. As soon as it was clear that people had to and the way it’s regulated in NSW. There’d
of grout between a pre-cast concrete panel around the damaged sections. Some highly But the certifier’s job is not to check that LG What were other recommendations? leave they found them accommodation and been a number of reports and anecdotal
and the hob beam. When the amount of grout reputable independent engineering teams everything’s okay, it’s just to check that all the MH NSW doesn’t register engineers so they gave them a living allowance for a long discussions about these sort of problems
was reduced then the local load on the hob have designed structural rectifications and by appropriate approvals have been signed off. anyone can basically put up a website and period of time. but no one really wanted to grasp the nettle.
beams increased. In the level 10 case, which the time they’re finished, it will be far stronger So the certifier basically signs off on a whole say ‘I’ll manage the project and sign off But now the Opal Tower incident has
was heard on Christmas Eve, it was incorrectly than it would have been normally. tiered approach where somebody signed off on designs and check the construction’. LG A newspaper opinion piece in February brought it all into very sharp focus, so
placed electrical conduit and reinforcing steel, Other recommendations were about something that wasn’t right. But there’s no And so we’ve recommended the registering made the point that in one sense, the hopefully the construction industry will
and a repair to the panel, which reduced the how to avoid these incidents in the future. real double-checking, nor is it transparent. of engineers. people living in the Opal Tower were be the better for it.
Researchers to U
NSW Sydney’s City Futures Research As well as identifying the prevalence of “Despite [this], there is no comprehensive data work out what’s going on – which ones have Professor Randolph hopes to see the
Centre will address the severe and significant building defects, the project will available on defective apartment buildings defects, what are the defects if they have them balance of power shift towards the consumer,
growing concern about building quality seek to understand the causes and provide … what kinds of defects exist, or why they’ve and, importantly, how much it is going to cost with increased transparency, extensive building
investigate major issues in the multi-unit housing sector.
The centre has been awarded a $273,702
ARC Linkage Grant for a two-year project to
innovative solutions to improve housing quality,
which could bring about sweeping changes to
the sector.
occurred.
“We have now put together a team of
industry partners to support a new research
to fix and by whom.”
He believes the project will further uncover
fundamental issues in the housing sector –
documentation, and more information about
track records.
“Thousands of consumers are buying
building defects tackle major defects in strata housing in NSW.
The project, led by UNSW City Futures
Director Professor Bill Randolph (pictured),
The multi-unit housing sector in Australia
is estimated to be worth more than $1 trillion
and provides almost half of new Australian
project to address this knowledge gap.”
The research will focus on three areas of
Sydney’s biggest high-density housing markets
being undermined by cascading risks, blame
shifting and lack of oversight.
“There’s a whole series of places where
properties and they really don’t know whether
they’re good, bad or indifferent.
“We need to get this information and
The City Futures Research will build on previous research to housing. A previous study conducted – City of Sydney, Parramatta and Canterbury- things can go wrong,” he says. knowledge into the hands of the consumers
accurately identify the scale of major by the City Futures Research Centre Bankstown. “There’s a whole chain of risk which is which will help shift the balance into their
Centre is investigating the defects threatening to undermine found that between 72% and 85% of Professor Randolph says the project pushed further and further down the chain hands rather than have it all on the side of the
multi-unit housing sector the multi-unit housing sector. The
project team also includes UNSW
owners’ corporations had identified
at least one significant defect in
methodology is one of the most ambitious
undertaken by the research centre and
from the developers right down to the
subcontractors, where people can cut corners,
developers.
“The good developers will welcome it and
and will propose changes to Built Environment Professor Martin their building. will engage stakeholders across industries, as they did in the Opal Tower, and nobody really welcome a more knowledgeable consumer,”
protect people buying units. Loosemore, UNSW Scientia Fellow
Dr Hazel Easthope and UNSW City
“It is generally recognised that
developments in residential buildings
including strata, insurance and law.
“We’re actually going to do an in-depth data
checks up on them.
“Quality control methods need to change,
he says. “The bad ones will be squeezed out of
the market.”
By Ben Knight. Futures Research Fellow Dr Laura have a high proportion of defects when gathering exercise on about 600 of these blocks and our project will give some pointers as to An interim report on the project findings will
Crommelin. they’re built,” says Professor Randolph. in these three areas, with a view to trying to how that might happen.” be released at the end of the year.
UNSW Magazine UNSW Magazine
14 / GANDHI ORATION GANDHI ORATION / 15
In search Reverend Tim Costello
delivers the
Gandhi Oration.
A fair and just society will encourage
democratic principles of equality,
opportunity, and mobility. It will also provide
Wherever World Vision works, our focus on
equity is for all people.
Meanwhile, overseas aid provided by the
ordinary Australians to continue to engage on
the issue of refugees and inform the debates
about an offshore detention system that
of hope
Photo: Jacquie Manning
a legal framework for human rights. federal government has hit rock-bottom. imprisons vulnerable people.
Every just society must try to reduce the gap Australia spends $4.04 billion on overseas aid When we are either complacent about this
in income and wealth among its citizenry. This – that’s just 0.22 per cent of our gross national issue or complicit in the punitive approach to
is achieved through some form of monetary income (GNI), or 22 cents in every $100. This asylum seekers, we have lost something that
redistribution and taxation and political will to is set to drop even further to just 19 cents in sits at the core of our democratic ideals.
We all have the power to change the do the right thing. every $100 of GNI by 2021.
Polling from the Australia Institute This means that, despite being one of the CAN ETHICS AND PROFIT GO TOGETHER?
course of history, says Tim Costello consistently shows that the Australian public wealthiest and lowest-taxing nations and one Can ethics and profits mix? Absolutely.
in this edited version of his Gandhi would prefer higher levels of spending on of the most robust economies in the world, Companies that lay the framework for
Oration delivered at UNSW. public services than lower tax collection. Australia is one of the least generous when business ethics in all facets of operations are
In a just society, there must be a political it comes to aid. more likely to become and remain profitable
F
and legal framework that protects and than those that conduct business in an
or most of his extraordinary life, Albert the marginalisation of minorities. “Justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, enhances the rights of the people. Laws A MORE SECURE WORLD Providing aid is the unethical manner.
Einstein hung portraits on his wall of Still relevant are Gandhi’s Seven Deadly opportunities and privileges within a society.” that discriminate against specific groups right thing to do in a moral sense, but it also There are many inherent challenges to moral
two scientists, Isaac Newton and James Social Sins that lead to disconnection and I would add to that definition. Social justice (racial, ethnic or religious), under the guise advances global security. leadership in a nation wedded to the notion
Maxwell, as role models to inspire him. violence: Wealth without work, Pleasure is about all having equal rights to basic of protecting the majority of people or The challenge from international terrorism that “the richer I am, the happier I will be”.
Near the end of his life, Einstein replaced without conscience, Science without humanity, liberties and needs and a just society is one preserving a way of life, are morally wrong. is a call to concern ourselves with the fate of It’s really important that businesses realise
them with a portrait of the Mahatma Gandhi. Knowledge without character, Politics without that challenges injustice and values diversity. They must be challenged. the marginalised in poor countries where aid they are trading in a global village and they
Einstein said he realised he needed role principle, Commerce without morality and It is about sharing a common humanity. It is can reduce the breeding grounds for violence need a global ethic. Too many in this nation
models, not of success, but of humility. He Worship without sacrifice. about fairness. CAN POVERTY AND INJUSTICE BE SOLVED? and fanaticism. are constantly fearing about tomorrow and
called Gandhi one of the greatest moral Our world is characterised by paradox. Economic modelling from The Australian living one day at a time.
leaders of all time. GLOBALISATION Gandhi was not against WORLD VISION’S WORK Gandhi believed in Overall globally, there is unparalleled National University has found that every They are always looking for the light at the
Einstein wrote: “I believe that Gandhi’s globalisation. But he did believe that it could the power of small communities to overcome prosperity but we are beset by political, additional $1 spent on Australian foreign aid end of the tunnel.
views were the most enlightened of all the lead to environmental hazards and hyper- poverty and injustice. economic, social and environmental issues. in Asia has resulted in $7.10 in Australian But what if WE are the light at the end of
political men of our time.” consumerism. He was right. Over the past few years, World Vision There are many reasons why global poverty exports. that tunnel? What if we are the only light?
Gandhi was a great revolutionary but Some development and connectedness has has been working to demonstrate how endures, and also some challenging truths Our consciences call us to encourage
his revolutions were peaceful. He fought been greatly improved but richer nations still community-led development can provide an to face. economic development and reduce global WHAT WE MUST DO
injustice by practising justice, he fought get richer and poorer nations remain poor. effective model for change. Political will is vital, as is global stability poverty. But it is also in our national interest In Gandhi, we find a source of optimism –
against violence non-violently, he opposed We must look beyond our borders to the We recognise that poverty is not just limited and the protection of the natural world. to do so. a belief that our world can change for the
discrimination by embracing the oppressed. wellbeing of our 7.4 billion brothers and to a low income, but also includes a lack of The solution also requires compassion We now need to ask ourselves as a nation better.
His ideals of non-violence and universal sisters on the planet. access to services and essential goods. It and global citizenship by all people to ensure what more we can do to inspire justice. All of us have to be a part of the solution.
humanity still inform and inspire. A socially just society must put people first includes financial poverty, but also inequity of politicians have a mandate to act. I believe there is an urgent need for We all have gifts, privileges and talents to
He said all our activities should be centred — not property or profits. opportunity, health, education, information, I don’t suggest for a moment that the make a difference.
in truth. He said truth would always conquer protection and civic participation. solution is easy. But we have made some To quote Mahatma Gandhi, “in a gentle
untruth. SOCIAL JUSTICE Why do some people get At home, we know that enormous gaps exist great advances. way you can shake the world” with the
In this era of the post-truth 21st century, more than they need and some people miss between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Literally millions of children who are alive power of your beliefs, with the power of
where politicians stoke irrational fears to out? I have always felt that the great lottery Australians. today wouldn’t be if we hadn’t given it our your conviction, with your devotion to the
hold on to power, we certainly need devotion of life is unfair. There needs to be change in the way that best shot. Millions more receive an education. invincible truth. “Love and truth are faces of
to truth. If injustice was merely a matter of evil funding is provided to support Indigenous Currently, World Vision is deeply involved the same coin, both very difficult to practise,
people somewhere committing evil deeds, it development. in working with other aid organisations and and the only things worth living for.”So let’s
HOW RELEVANT IS GANDHI’S would be easier to cope with. Gandhi said it Our approach provides opportunities for governments around the world to achieve live in hope, be productive and useful. Once
PHILOSOPHY? It is undeniable that Gandhi was “not caring” that was the real problem the Indigenous communities we work with Sustainable Development Goals. we choose hope, anything’s possible.
was one of history’s momentous figures. in this. He said we win justice quickest by to determine their own objectives, their own These are a set of 17 globally agreed goals
Reverend Tim Costello is one of Australia’s
Seventy-one years after his assassination, rendering justice to the other party. measures of success and a way to realise their and targets designed to end extreme poverty
leading voices on social justice and humanitarian
Gandhi’s global influence is still enormous. The But what exactly is social justice? Some own vision for the future. by 2030.
The annual Gandhi Remembrance Ceremony and issues. He is the Chief Advocate for World
fundamental issues he addressed – poverty on the Left would argue it means equality of Gandhi Oration is held at UNSW in co-ordination
Vision Australia.
and hunger, violence, war and injustice – outcomes, those on the Right are more likely THE CHALLENGE AHEAD I’ve learnt that FOREIGN AID Of every dollar donated to with India’s Martyrs’ Day, the anniversary of
Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination on 30 January
remain with us as we struggle with the mixed to argue for equality of opportunities. The ordinary people can change the course of World Vision, 83.3 per cent goes to field 1948. The Remembrance Ceremony is held at at the
Hear the full speech at www.centreforideas.com/article/
benefits of globalisation, retribalisation, Oxford Dictionary defines social justice as: history. programs and advocacy work. Gandhi bust on the Library Lawn (pictured). tim-costello-ordinary-people-can-change-course-history
UNSW Magazine UNSW Magazine
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