News @ Warrnambool

Making Tracks: Stories of Immigration

You are invited to attend the exhibition Making Tracks: Stories of Immigration to the South West, at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village between 26 October and 8 December, 2013.


This exhibition is mounted by students undertaking the Applied Community Project unit of study as part of the Associate Degree of Arts, Business and Sciences and the Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Deakin University, Warrnambool. Within this stunning exhibition the students draw on objects, photos and text tell the personal stories of four people or families who have immigrated to the Western District of Victoria.

Monkey Grip: Lisa Roet

Melbourne-based artist Lisa Roet is internationally recognised for producing works of art using primates as her central theme and inspiration. Including sculpture, etchings, drawings, photography and animation, this exhibition displays the committed and multidisciplinary approach Roet brings to her ongoing preoccupation with apes and monkeys.


(Chimpanzee Finger (2003), Bronze, 145 x 55 cm, Edition 6, Deakin University Art Collection)

Monkey Grip highlights the role of the artist as a researcher and advocate with a thematic drive that advances the close proximities and perplexing relationship between simian and human. Isolation, confinement, criminality, genetic proximity, communication systems, science fiction and humour are just some of the themes and issues explored by the artist in her richly layered practice spread over 20 years.


(Orangutan Foot No.4 (2010), Charcoal and Conte paper, 202 x 303 cm)

Curated by Victor Griss, Curator, Deakin University, Lisa Roet: Monkey Grip is a poignant exposé of our closest relatives and a timely reminder of their ongoing significance in a rapidly shrinking world. This exhibition of sculpture, etchings, drawings, photography and animation runs from 19 October 2013 to 2 February 2014 at The WAG.

Ride2Work Day

Come join Australia's biggest celebration of commuter riding, Ride2Work Day on Wednesday 16 October 2013. Last year 113 people felt the benefits of leaving their car at home. Some participants travelled over an hour to attend, improving their fitness and doing their bit to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Registration is FREE and a FREE breakfast will be served at the Warrnambool Art Gallery from 7:00 - 9:30am.

Regional Design Awards

Regional design talent was put on display at the recent presentation of the inaugural o2 Media Regional Design Awards at Deakin on Timor. Designers, photographers and illustrators from across regional Victoria participated in the awards, which were staged in 2013 for the first time.


Professor Matthew Allen (Head of School of Communication & Creative Arts) opening the 2013 Regional Design Awards

A total of 53 entries were received from across the state, with Traralgon agency, The View From Here, taking out four of the five categories. o2 Media Director Karen Foster said organisers were thrilled with the level of response to the awards, the aim of which was to highlight the creative talents of regional Victorians.
Renowned regional Victorian Illustrator Ben Sanders, currently of Ballarat, but soon to reside in Bolivia, was guest speaker.

Winning entries were:
Emerging Talent (Sponsored by Deakin University)
Jackson McCulloch – University of Ballarat

Digital Media (sponsored by Telstra Countrywide)
John Calabro - The View From Here – Traralgon

Identity (Sponsored by AGIdeas)
John Calabro - The View From Here – Traralgon

Print Media (Sponsored by KingPrint Ballarat)
John Calabro - The View From Here – Traralgon

Image Creation (Sponsored by Regional Development Australia)
John Calabro - The View From Here – Traralgon


The team from The View From Here in front of their winning Identity entry for 'Cutting Force'

The awards also provided important opportunity for designers to connect, network and create new collaborative opportunities.
The inaugural o2 Media Design Awards were open to any Graphic Designer, Photography or Illustrator living or working/studying in regional Victoria.
Plans are already underway for the 2014 awards.

VCCCAR Climate Change Think Tank

The impact of climate change on fisheries and marine environments was looked at by a think tank in Warrnambool this week.



The Victorian Centre for Climate Change Adaptation Research hosted the event at Deakin on Timor, in conjunction with Deakin University and the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority. Head of Warrnambool Campus, Professor Gerry Quinn said the workshop looked at options for adapting fishing industries to the likely effects of climate change.



Two key outcomes were the need for better long term information on key fish stocks, including southern rock lobster and abalone, and stronger links between research and the industry. He said some of those links were already happening succesfully between Deakin University and the abalone industry.

Meet the Professions

The Faculty of Business and Law recently held its annual "Meet the Professions" evening.



The focus of the event was a Q&A session held between people working in various business and law professions and current Deakin Students. The evening was well attended by over 100 students, alumni and business professionals. 



Students received insights and guidance from panel members and key people within the Warrnambool community. The night also featured the presentation of four awards (from Sinclair Wilson and Warrnambool Cheese and Butter) to student internship award winners.

National Tree Planting Day

National Tree Planting day was recently held to celebrate National Tree Day to assist with biodiversity conservation and contribute to offsetting some of Deakin’s greenhouse gas emissions as part of the implementation of the Deakin University Sustainability Plan.

At the Warrnambool Campus, the plantings supplement the previously planted swampy woodland habitat along the Hopkins River frontage. Despite the inclement conditions a number of staff and students contributed to the planting of over 600 native seedlings. All were rewarded with a well-deserved free BBQ lunch!

Future Leaders of Industry Portland

The Warrnambool Campus recently hosted the Future Leaders of Industry Portland for their Presentation Development Day.

Head of Campus Gerry Quinn addresses Portland students

Portland's Future Leaders of Industry Scholarship program is aimed at encouraging Portland and Heywood students to consider the many and varied career opportunities available in local industry. The program was born of Portland Aluminium's need to consider future workplace planning. The student's visit to Deakin provided them with a valuable introduction to the Warrnambool Campus. They were given a campus overview by Head of Campus Professor Gerry Quinn and participated in a "Race around Deakin." The students worked on presentations around their experiences as Future Leaders which will be presented to industry representatives at a Graduation Breakfast in Portland.

Tammy van Wisse - Going the Distance

Deakin on Timor recently hosted Deakin Alumni seminar and Networking Event. Presented by Australian marathon swimming legend and multiple world record holder, Ms Tammy van Wisse, guests heard the extraordinary story of this truly remarkable athlete and environmentalist and were encouraged and inspired to ‘go the distance’ to reach thier full potential.



Tammy van Wisse has conquered some of the world's longest, deepest and coldest waterways, clocking up an astonishing 65,000 kilometres, which is equivalent to one and a half times around the planet. Armed with the same energy and dedication as she puts into her incredible swimming career, Tammy brought a truly unique and inspiring presentation that entertained as it informed, and inspired as it motivated.

Sheepvention 2013

Held annually in Hamilton, Sheepvention is a world renowned event attracting over 25,000 visitors each year. Showcasing a huge variety of exhibitors including agricultural industry traders, competitions, community groups, food and wine, entertainment, education providers and government departments, this year saw the biggest crowds in the events history.

Deakin this year joined forces with South West TAFE to promote the University. As the only higher education provider at Sheepvention, our stall was met with great enthusiasm, a huge number of visitors and course enquiries. Deakin's community ties in the Hamilton area continue to stengthen.
 

We were thrilled with the interest in Deakin courses and the positive feedback we received.

Warrnambool Business Festival

August is Business Month in Warrnambool!

Building on from the success of last year, the Festival aims to build business knowledge, skills and opportunities in Warrnambool, Moyne and the Great South Coast region.
Held over the month of August, the Festival features 29 exciting business events that cover a range of business topics from practical business advice and information to motivational well known guest speakers. Deakin on Timor will be hosting two Deakin generated events.

Prospects for Europe in 2013 & Beyond

Join Deakin Graduate School of Business Professor of Economics Pasquale Sgro for lunch where he will discuss the ongoing impact of the GFC and the Euro Zone crisis. On the back of the GFC and sovereign debt issues in the Euro Zone, the risks to European economic recovery are high. 26.3 million Europeans are out of work and youth unemployment is over 25% in countries like Spain. Is a smaller and more integrated Euro Zone the only viable solution?Pasquale Sgro has taught at the universities of Southampton, Bologna, Florence, Bordeaux and John Hopkins University Bologna centre in Masters and PhD programs and has written several books and articles.12-1pm - Lecture presentation, 1-2pm - Networking and stand up lunch. Register Here.

Doing the right thing by your business - Know the law

If you are already employing staff or plan to in the future, come along to hear about employee rights and your obligations as an employer. The process of recruitment, employee pay and conditions, life events such as parenthood and ultimate departure from the business though dismissal, retirement or redundancy must be managed in accordance with the law. But how do you know if you are doing the right thing?Find out what state and federal laws apply as soon as you employ staff and get your questions answered by a panel from the Fair Work Ombudsman's office and local employment law experts at this free forum. Register Here.

Waves Gala Ball

For one night in July, Deakin on Timor, The Warrnambool Art Gallery and The Lighthouse Theatre are all united by an expansive marquee.

The second annual Waves Gala Ball attracted 430 people to Warrnambool’s Civic Green to raise money for Peter’s Project. The Ball raised over $28,000 for the Peter’s Project campaign for a South-west cancer centre. Attendees including Premier Dr Denis Napthine and Member for Wannon Dan Tehan, enjoyed fantastic live music and a three-course meal.



There were also live and silent auctions, with donated items up for grabs including a boat trip to Lady Julia Percy Island, golf course memberships, accommodation packages and a fully-catered Christmas party for 50 people donated by Deakin on Timor.

Science, Engineering & Technology Challenge 2013

The Great South Coast Science & Engineering Challenge was recently held in Deakin Warrnambool's Riverview Cafe. Students from Brauer College, King's College, Warrnambool College, Portland Secondary College and Casterton Secondary College competed in the nationwide outreach program lead by the University of Newcastle in conjunction with various partners and sponsors. The Challenge is designed to inspire students to study science and engineering at a senior level.

The students participated in a range of exiting hands-on activities that are designed to demonstrate the varied and practical elements of a career in the disciplines of science and engineering.

Brauer College were the overall winners but given the high level of enthusiasm shown by all in attendance, the prize of ten iPad Mini's (donated by Telstra & eSolutions) was split evenly between all five participating schools.

Winning School Brauer College

The inaugural Science Challenge was officially launched the night prior at Deakin on Timor. 

Bill Mundy of Telstra getting hands-on with a catapult model

This gave those running the challenge from Newcastle University, Deakin's School of Life & Environmental Science and Rotary a chance to meet the event sponsors and for everyone to get an understanding of the aims of the challenge.

Sponsors and staff at Science Challenge Launch

Rotary Deakin Award 2013

Each year the Rotary Club of Warrnambool generously offers a scholarship to either a second, third, fourth year or Honours student. This award of $1000 is made to a Deakin Warrnambool campus student who

• has been making good academic progress
• is involved in some way in community or student service
• who might benefit financially from the award

Professor Greg Wood informed the meeting that Stephen is now in his third year of his Teacher Education program. He came to the course as a mature age student after a career in youth work, including time with Brophy Family and Youth Services. Since beginning his studies at Deakin, Stephen has been involved in a mentoring program linking Deakin and Warrnambool College. He has been on a student panel for orientation week speaking to new students, and volunteers his time outside of university helping with students in need at Warrnambool Primary School.
He also volunteers with interschool sports events and this year is coaching the Warrnambool College Athletics team through to the regional level.
Stephen also helps coordinate and runs a Sunday children's program. He is the very proud father of four children with two children in primary and two in secondary school, and works a number of part-time jobs to keep afloat.
Stephen has been able to maintain an excellent academic record throughout his course. Rotary President John Nisbet presented Stephen with a cheque and certificate of recognition. Stephen responded, expressing his thanks to Rotary for making a difference in his life and hoped that he too, might make a difference in the lives of the children he will teach in the future.

Robert Burns Festival 2013

Deakin Warrnambool is once again proud to sponsor the Robert Burns Scottish Festival.

Held in venues across Camperdown, visitors will enjoy the wide range of Scottish cultural activities across the town including the Deer Stalkers Ball, workshops, poetry readings, children’s traditional games, markets, highland dancing, musical performances, whisky tasting and piping contests. Festival Program (2 MB) 

Tickets have gone on sale for the festival, which boasts more than 40 events across the weekend.

For ticketing and more information visit:
http://www.camperdownburnsfestival.com/

Vice-Chancellor's Luncheon

On Friday the 3rd of May, Vice-Chancellor Jane den Hollander co-hosted a luncheon with Telstra at Deakin on Timor-Warrnambool City Centre. The lunch was well attended by representatives of the Great South Coast Leadership Group.

Bill Mundy, Area General Manager for Telstra delivered the findings of the 2012 Telstra Exchange outage report. The report looked at a variety of issues arising from the fire, including root cause, customer impact, recovery effectiveness, network architecture, long term restoration and impact on emergency services. This was followed with an in depth discussions between Mr Mundy and those in attendance. The Vice-Chancellor's Group aim's to keep channels of communication between the University and the greater community open.

Breakfast with Gai Waterhouse

Deakin on Timor-Warrnambool City Centre was caught up in the spirit of May Racing this year. An invitation was opened to Partners of Deakin Warrnambool to attend an intimate Breakfast with Gai Waterhouse on the 1st May.

Hosted by local racing historian Zeb Armstrong of A Turf Fascination, Gai entertained the crowd with stories of life at the track. 

The Centre was on display at its best, a wonderful occasion to showcase the capabilities of the staff and the centre, encouraging Partners to make use of Deakin on Timor for their own meetings, workshops and events. Deakin on Timor bookings and enquiries: (03) 5563 3550 or wcc@deakin.edu.au

Deakin on Timor Information (6 MB)

Regional Victoria Living Expo 2013

With the support of National Recruitment, Geelong and Warrnambool Community Relations at Deakin are again exhibiting at this year’s Regional Victoria Living Expo to be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 April 2013.
The Expo is the one-stop-shop for Melburnians to find out about lifestyle, employment, real estate and educational opportunities which exist in regional and rural Victoria.It provides all 48 regional and rural councils with an opportunity to promote the benefits and opportunities available in their area in order to attract residents, skilled workers, business and investment.

The Expo provides a great opportunity for exposure to showcase all that we have to offer regional communities at Deakin University.

In 2012 the inaugural Expo was hailed a great success by Regional Development Victoria and exhibitors alike. 8,000 visitors attended the Expo at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, which attracted over 130 exhibitors including 48 Councils representing 11 regions.
The 2013 Regional Victoria Living Expo is a key initiative in the Victorian Government's strategy to drive population and investment to regional and rural Victoria.
Regional Victoria Living Expo 2013

Warrnambool BMX Club

Deakin University is a proud sponsor of the newly opened Warrnambool BMX Club track at Jetty Flat Reserve. 

The track features a state of the art starting gate that is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The 370-metre track features a traditional layout with 180-degree turns. 

The club recently played host to the 4th round of the Junior State Series, that attracted around 350 entries.

The custom-made sign above the starting gate and the colourful Deakin flags and banners that decorated the course were well recieved by visitors from all over the state and country.

(Photos courtesy of Brad Hewett)

Warrnambool Graduations

The 2013 Deakin University graduation ceremonies began successfully in Warrnambool on the 15 March where the Warrnambool Civic Centre was  converted to Deakin town. Held at the Lighthouse Theatre, the two ceremonies attracted a signifiacnt turnout of Graduands and staff from far and wide to celebrate these students significant achievements. The civic green was alive with colourful gowns, multi-coloured Deakin Wordly flags and beaming students and their families and friends.

We were delighted to have local media, The Standard and WIN TV providing excellent coverage of the event and the many Graduation themed stories that were featured in the days following.

Please see the following links to the top stories:

Hard work pays off for 200 Warrnambool students

Teacher returns to class at Warrnambool University

Never too late for study, says refugee Otha

Stephanie's all business (109 KB)

Beacon Student Induction Day

Over 30 South West students spent the day at Deakin on Timor on Wednesday the 13th March as part of an induction day to prepare them for their role as the newly appointed 2013 Beacon Student Ambassadors.

Beacon is a not-for-profit organisation that works with 14,000 students in over 130 schools throughout Australia to provide programs to inspire and motivate students to either stay in school or choose a positive pathway that leads to employment, training or further education. The Year 10 students from Terang College, Hawkesdale P12 College, Mortlake P12 College, Heywood & District Secondary College and Colac Secondary College participated in a whole day of workshops and activities designed to educate them on how to drive the Beacon program within their schools. 

(Image courtesy of the Warrnambool Standard)

They learnt how to engage businesses and community to expose fellow students to meaningful experiences in the world of work and inspire them to make more informed choices about their further education, training or careers. Head of Deakin University Warrnambool campus Professor Greg Wood addressed the students, giving them an insight into what it takes to be an ambassador. He also preseted each student with thier Beacon Ambassador Badges. 

Beacon Foundation partnerships manager for Southwest Victoria Sonia van Kempen said the strength of the Beacon program lay in the ability to create and sustain ongoing partnerships between Beacon schools and business and industry. The student's visit to the Warrnambool City Centre also provided them with a valuable introduction to Deakin's facilites and staff, one they may not have had the chance to otherwise experience.

International Women's Day

Around the world, the 8th March 2013 is International Women’s Day. A day that celebrates inspirational women and their political and social achievements. This year the Equity and Diversity team hosted a morning tea on campus, providing an opportunity for staff to celebrate our achievements in gender equity, acknowledge our challenges and reflect on our shared commitment to providing a gender equitable work and study environment for all staff and students. Attendees were officially welcomed by Professor Greg Wood. Associate Professor Bernie Walker-Gibbs then spoke stirringly about the importance of International Women's Day and how this year's theme "On Her Shoulders" applies to her personal experience. 

This was followed by a screening of the UN-commissioned documentary "On Her Shoulders", an interesting look back at the history of International Women's Day and feminism in Australia.

Thank you to all who atttended and to Bernie for her engaging and uplifting message.

Relay for Life 2013

On Friday the 8th February the Warrnambool Relay for Life was officially opened by Professor Greg Wood. The 18 hour Cancer Council fundraising event, held annually on the Deakin University Oval has significant meaning to many of the 1200 participants involved. Deakin was well represented by team members Julie Regan, Tania Barker, Cheryl Finnigan, Dorothy Rooney, Nicola Laurence, Nicole Downes and Mariella DiFabio

(Image Courtesy Warrnambool Standard)

Organisers expect fund-raising efforts from the 55 participating teams will top last year’s $153,000 to bring the 10-year-total to more than $1.5 million.
Speaking after the event Greg Wood said “cancer takes such a toll on us all as individuals and as a community and it is at this time that we see the strength of our community.” He encourages all staff to consider joining the Deakin team for the 2014 Relay For Life.

Warrnambool City Centre - Deakin on Timor Launch

The Warrnambool City Centre, "Deakin on Timor" was officially launched by Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander on 14 December 2012. In opening the centre, Professor den Hollander said that Deakin had entered into a long-term lease with the Warrnambool City Council for the former Regal Café building on Timor Street, giving it a valuable presence in the Warrnambool CBD for the first time in 20 years. She said as a campus, Warrnambool had “held its own” and the centre would be a valuable addition, giving students an extra reason to establish themselves in Warrnambool long-term.

The opening luncheon was well attended by many of Deakin's local corporate partners. A charity auction held as part of the launch was a huge success raising at total of $6,775 for Peter's Project. A fully catered function for 40 people was among the items auctioned off by Bruce Ludeman.

(photo courtesy Warrnambool Standard)

Head of Campus Professor Greg Wood said the University’s presence in the heart of the city was an extension of Deakin’s investment and contribution to Warrnambool.
“It will be convenient for students and lecturers and also strengthen connections with our community partners,” he said.

The new centre provides course advice and general information about the University, space for students and lecturers to meet, Wi-Fi access and a function room, board room and corporate lounge.
It will also provide Wi-Fi access to the adjacent Civic Green.

The Warrnambool City Centre is located on Timor Street, next to the Art Gallery and Civic Green in the heart of Warrnambool.
Deakin on Timor hosts a public information centre, offering course and general Deakin information to the wider community.

The facilities are available for hire by Deakin corporate partners for business meetings and events

Deakin University staff have several hot desks available to book, offering convenience working in the centre of town. Parking is available along Timor Street and beside the City Centre. The Warrnambool Train Station is a ten minute walk west.
Bookings and enquiries: (03) 5563 3550 or wcc@deakin.edu.au

Deakin University / Warrnambool Art Gallery MOU Launch

August 2012

Deakin University and the Warrnambool Art Gallery have joined forces to promote cultural and social opportunities throughout the south-west district.

On Friday, 24th August Professor Jane den Hollander and the Warrnambool City Council signed a five-year MOU agreement aimed at developing a regional sense of place, reinvigorate cultural heritage and expand creative education and participation.

The new partnership will also enhance Deakin's research activities in the region, particularly those of the Centre for Memory, Imagination and Invention (CMII).

"The signing of the MOU between Deakin University and the Warrnambool Art Gallery, a facility owned and operated by the Warrnambool City Council, provides a valuable platform for cultural development and community-based arts programs in the region," said Professor Paul Carter.

"It proposes a five-year association built around three programs that explore landscape and ecology, music and environment, and storytelling as place-making."


 

Sheepvention

August 2012

Held annually in Hamilton, Sheepvention is a world renowned event attracting over 25,000 visitors each year. Showcasing a huge variety of exhibitors including agricultural industry traders, competitions, community groups, food and wine, entertainment, education providers and government departments, this year saw the biggest crowds in the events history.

For the first time, Deakin this year joined forces with South West TAFE to promote the University. As the only higher education provider at Sheepvention, our stall was met with great enthusiasm and a huge number of visitors, particularly on the opening day. Our attendance at Sheepvention was also complimented by two scooters advertising Open Day around Hamilton.

We were thrilled with the interest in Deakin courses and the positive feedback we received.