Graduation - past ceremonies
Wednesday, 3 April 2009 at 3pm
Warrnambool Entertainment Centre
Faculty of Arts and Education
Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences
Faculty of Science and Technology
Stage Party
The Chancellor presided, assisted by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sally Walker.
The MC was the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Rural and Regional) Professor Sue Kilpatrick.
The Mace-bearer was Mr Dale Warren
The Faculty representative was Ms Sue Frances
Presenters were:
Dean, Faculty of Arts and Education, Professor Jennifer Radbourne
Associate Dean (International/National), Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences, Dr Hilde Lovegrove
Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, Professor Brian McGaw
Deputy Chair of the Academic Board, Professor Michael Kidd
The student response was delivered by Dr Toby Davidson
The Mayoral address was delivered by Cr Michael Neoh, Mayor, Warrnambool City Council
Doctoral Degree Recipients
Dr Cecil Stephen Camilleri - Thesis title: “The Ecological Modernisation of the Yalumba Wine Company.”
Summary
The thesis reports on the strategic environmental assessment of Yalumba’s `Commitment to Sustainable Winemaking’ programme. The case study identified the benefits, as well as shortcomings, of the wine firm’s commitment to sustainability in the context of plausible future scenarios under the influence of various drivers of change, prominent amongst which was climate change.
Dr Toby Daniel Davidson - Thesis title: "Born of Fire, Possessed by Darkness: Mysticism and Australian Poetry"
Summary
My research examines the varieties of Western Christian mysticism upon which Australian poets draw, or with which they exhibit affinities. The literary traditions of other countries critique or celebrate relationships between their poetries and mysticisms of particular religions, but this is the first time this has been done in Australia.
Dr Dion Iervasi - Thesis title: "Managing Alternative Stable States in Constructed Wetlands Using Artificial Substrates."
Summary
Algal blooms are a management concern in shallow water bodies. This project investigated the use of artificial substrates to enhance biofilm growth and shift primary production from the open water to artificial surfaces. Thereby inducing a shift from an algal dominated wetland back to a clear water macrophyte dominated wetland.
Dr Kerrylyn Johnston - Thesis title: "Ecology of The Freshwater Crayfish of the Grampians National Park."
Summary
The ecology of five species of freshwater crayfish occurring in a variety of habitat types in the Grampians National Park was investigated. The study examined the numbers of each species living in the region, how they interact, when they reproduce, and what they eat. Management and conservation requirements were proposed.
Dr Andrew Hugh Levings - Thesis title: "A Life History Model for the Giant Crab Pseudocarcinus Gigas"
Summary
This study examined P. gigas populations from Cape Naturaliste (Western Australia) to Flinders Island (Tasmania), investigated reproduction, developed a unique tag to study their movement and growth, and collected new environmental information that allowed the development of a model of the life history for this iconic endemic Australian species.
Dr Claire Fiona McClusky - Thesis title: "Molecular Systematics of the Australian Freshwater Shrimp, Paratya Australiensis"
Summary
Molecular genetic data was used to test the taxonomic hypothesis of a single species of the freshwater shrimp, Paratya australiensis. While the results identified significant cryptic diversity, clear species boundaries could not be defined. The results of this study defy a simple taxonomic conclusion but are suggestive of incipient speciation.
Dr Prudence Fleur McKenzie - Thesis title: "Potential for Long-Distance Dispersal of Hormosira Banksii"
Summary
This study examined the potential for long-distance dispersal via drifting, fertile fronds of the brown seaweed, Hormosira banksii. Results suggest that H. banksii may have dual dispersal capabilities (e.g. propagules and drifting fronds), which may maintain the broad distribution of this species.
Dr Dane Murray Newman - Thesis title: "Biology and Management of Murray Cod Reproduction within Controlled Environments"
Summary
The emerging Murray cod aquaculture industry is currently restricted by a lack of consistent and year-round production of fingerlings. Biological information and reproductive technologies developed during this research has facilitated the development of indoor, environmentally-controlled breeding practices for this species, thereby enabling Murray cod juveniles to be produced on-demand.
Dr Giorgio Palmeri - Thesis title: "Nutritional and Organoleptic Quality in Intensively Farmed Murray Cod."
Summary
The aim of this research was to determine the nutritional and organoleptic changes associated with different purging procedures in farmed Murray cod. Murray cod, a highly valuable species from a nutritional point of view, greatly benefits from a period of purging in clean water before being consumed.
Dr Michelle Anna Treloar - Thesis title: "Aspects of the Life History of Skates fom Southeastern Australia"
Summary
Michelle studied the age and growth, reproduction and diet of several skate species in south-east Australian waters. She determined from studying these life history characteristics that skates have a relatively low productivity and may therefore be at risk of local extinction if increasingly exploited without appropriate management.
Dr Tim Tutt - Thesis title: "Acid Drainage, Limnology and Bioremediation of Western Victorian Coal Mine Lakes"
Summary
Rehabilitation of Alcoa's Anglesea open cut brown coal mine to a healthy lake has many environmental challenges. The study of regional acid drainage, limnology of Wenslydale Coal Mine Lake and passive bioremediation of acid mine water has shown that a healthy lake can be created.
Dr Sally-Anne Williamson - Thesis title: "Molecular Genetic Approaches to the Identification of Commercial Fish Species."
Summary
A DNA database was developed to enable the identification and discrimination of commercially important fish species. Three genetic techniques were compared for efficiency, acuracy and reliability. It is envisaged this study will aid authorities to identify mislabelled fish filets and privide greater consumer confidence in the Australian Seafood Industry.
Occasional Address
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The Occasional address was delivered by Mr Jim Higgins.
Jim Higgins was appointed Department of Human Services Barwon-South Western Regional Director in September 2008. Mr Higgins has extensive experience in senior management roles, primarily in the Victorian and Queensland Ambulance Services. From 2002–2008 Mr Higgins was the Commissioner, Queensland Ambulance Service and he was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal in the 2004 Australia Day Honours for his outstanding contribution to the community. Mr Higgins has Masters Degrees in Health Administration (UNSW) and Public Sector Management (Griffith) and he holds an appointment as Adjunct Professor in the Health Faculty at Queensland University of Technology. Mr Higgins is a member of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Executive and he is also Co Chair of the Deakin University and DHS (Barwon-South West) Partnership.
