Community: Edition 2 2011
Vice-Chancellor's comment
Over the past six months, USC has made infrastructure investments in the order of A$8 million.
These have included construction of an Engineering and Science Training Facility, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and extensions to our administration building (Building B).
Work recently started on a new A$4.7 million science building that will be completed for the start of the 2012 academic year.
We are also awaiting the outcome of funding proposals for further new buildings.
And really, it’s always been like this at USC. As a new, rapidly growing university, there has been construction work every year since planning began in 1994.
This provides substantial input to the regional economy, which is particularly important right now as the local construction industry experiences hard times. The workforce engaged in the activities on campus comes from the entire region.
USC’s progress supports local business and families and, of course, the new facilities will benefit future students and communities from across the region.
This edition of Community provides insight into some of these new developments as well as a range of other achievements by staff and students.
Of particular importance is our recent success in the Collaborative Research Networks program, with USC gaining A$5.45 million for a project that will help lift the research profile of the University to a new level.
Universities are exciting places to be and I hope that, through this publication, you’ll gain an appreciation of why this is certainly the case here at USC.
Around USC
01 The University of the Sunshine Coast’s reputation for quality teaching has been enhanced with five academics winning prestigious Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) citations for 2011. The national Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning are worth A$10,000 each. USC’s recipients are Senior Lecturer in Accounting Dr Peter Baxter, Senior Lecturer in Social Work Dr Christine Morley, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics Dr Fiona Pelly, Lecturer in Education Kylie Readman, and Tertiary Preparation Pathway course coordinator Emma Kill. They will receive their citations in Sydney on 16 August.
02 USC won the Sunshine Coast Council Sustainable Transport Award for its innovative Travel2USC program at the council’s 7th annual Living Smart Awards on Friday 17 June. The awards are considered the region’s top accolades for sustainability achievements. USC’s effort shave included providing land for a A$6 million bus transit centre on campus, establishing a A$55,000 bike hub, creating designated parking areas for car poolers, and staging a large Ride to Work Day event last October.
03 Work has begun on a A$4.7 million multipurpose science building at USC. The four storey building, located on the western side of Building H, will have 75 staff offices, three lecture theatres / tutorial rooms, meeting rooms and kitchenettes. Construction is scheduled to finish by December, weather permitting.
04 Teams of Public Relations students have been putting their knowledge into practice to stage a range of events recently. For the subject, Public Relations Event Project, one team of students organised a progressive dinner at three Mooloolaba restaurants to raise funds for Bloomhill Cancer Help. Another group held a movie night at Maroochydore to help The Encouragement Foundation raise funds for the Al Amal Institute for the Disabled’s Annual Sweater and Wheat program in Lebanon.
05 About 10,000 people visited USC over three days in early June for two major community events. The 2011 Sunshine Coast World Environment Day Festival, which was jointly organised by the Sunshine Coast Environment Council, the Sunshine Coast Council and USC, attracted more than 5,000 visitors on Sunday 5 June. The following two days saw 4,500-5,000 school students attend campus for the annual literary festival, Voices on the Coast, presented by Immanuel Lutheran College and USC.
Students star in new television commercial
University of the Sunshine Coast students turned out in force recently to take part in USC’s latest advertising campaign that looks set to go "viral" on the internet.
Hundreds of students gathered on campus to take part in a mock rally of support for Brisbane city students who "don’t have it as good" as USC students.
The rally was filmed for a television and cinema commercial that underlines USC’s tagline "The best of both worlds", meaning a quality university experience combined with the relaxed Sunshine Coast lifestyle.
The commercial highlights USC’s ratings in The Good Universities Guide in recent years as the only public university in Queensland with five stars for teaching quality and as the highest ranked public university in Queensland for graduate satisfaction.
The rally protested that city students deserve better, including real beaches with waves … a tongue-in-cheek jibe at the man-made beach at Brisbane’s South Bank.
"The television commercial has been designed as a bit of fun and has been warmly embraced by our students," said USC’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill.
Professor Hill said the advertisement would be shown on Sunshine Coast television stations and at cinemas from Sunday 10 July.
It also will feature on YouTube, where it is expected to attract plenty of attention.
Come along to USC Open Day
The University of the Sunshine Coast will hold its annual Open Day on Sunday 14 August from 10am to 3pm.
This event is a great opportunity for prospective students to find out about the wide range of programs and courses offered by USC in Business and Information Technology, Communication and Design, Education, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science and Engineering.
Visitors will be able to go on guided tours of the campus, attend seminars about job prospects, learn how to apply to study, chat with USC’s staff and students, and take part in some fun hands-on activities. Download the Open Day program from the USC website.
Information about studying at USC will also be available at the following events:
- TSXPO (Tertiary Studies Expo) — Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July, 10am–4pm, at the RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane
- Bundaberg Careers Expo — Wednesday 20 July, 10am–2.30pm and 4.30pm–6.30pm, at the Bundaberg Civic Centre, Bourbong Street
- Fraser Coast Careers Expo — Thursday 21 July, 9.30am–4.30pm, at the Wide Bay Institute of TAFE, Hervey Bay campus
- Gympie Careers Expo — Friday 22 July, 9.30am–4pm, at the Gympie Civic Centre, Mellor Street
- Toowoomba Careers Expo — Tuesday 26 July, 10am–2pm and 4–7pm, at USQ, Baker Street, Toowoomba
- South Burnett Careers Expo — Thursday 28 July, 10am–4pm, at Kingaroy State High
- Headstart Information Evening — Wednesday 7 September, 6–8pm, at USC.
Four prominent residents become Senior Fellows
A veteran Rotarian, an environmental educator, a wildlife activist and a horticultural expert became Honorary Senior Fellows at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s two Graduation ceremonies on 20 April.
The honorary awards went to William “Bill” Dethlefs of Maroochydore, Beverly Hand of Maleny, Jill Chamberlain of Mooloolaba and Valerie Zwart of Mapleton.
Mr Dethlefs is the past governor of Rotary district 9600 and has been heavily involved in the organisation’s humanitarian campaigns targeting polio, birth defects and malaria.
Beverly Hand has spent the past 22 years working in land management and conservation across the Sunshine Coast and has been an adviser to USC on Indigenous issues since it opened.
Jill Chamberlain OAM is the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland president of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland.
She is a life member of that organisation and the Sunshine Coast Environment Council and is active in groups ranging from Fauna Watch to the regional Wildflower Festival Committee.
Valerie Zwart OAM and her husband Gerry are well-known for encouraging people’s appreciation of the environmental and aesthetic values of plants through their regular gardening column in local newspapers.
Mrs Zwart has been involved in groups ranging from the Blackall Range Care Group to the Montville Visitor Information Centre.
Governor of Papua and fish experts honoured
A rainforest saviour from the international political sphere and two leading authorities on freshwater fish in northern Australia became Honorary Doctors of the University of the Sunshine Coast in April.
USC presented an Honorary Doctorate to His Excellency Barnabas Suebu, the Governor of the Indonesian Province of Papua, at its evening Graduation ceremony on 20 April.
Governor Suebu was recognised for his significant achievements in conservation, which include implementing forest reserve systems that now protect more than half of Indonesia’s endemic species across 23 million hectares of rainforest.
He was also honoured for his sustained service to the Papuan community through educational links with local, national and international bodies.
In his Graduation address, Governor Suebu urged USC’s graduates to strive for greatness and to tackle the world’s problems with confidence.
"You must rise to the unprecedented challenges of our time," he said.
"In the coming years you and your generation will be asked to give more than ever you thought you could."
The Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Primo Alui Joelianto, and several other Indonesian dignitaries, attended the Graduation ceremony.
Days earlier, USC staged a special ceremony at Boyanda Hostel, Bli Bli, to present Honorary Doctorates to Hamar and Mary Midgley for their significant contribution to the scientific understanding of Australian aquatic life.
Mr and Mrs Midgley, who have been Sunshine Coast residents for 65 years, are self-taught authorities in freshwater biology and ecology of northern Australian streams and impoundments.
Their research and achievements extend as far back as the 1950s and include pioneering the process of stocking dams with freshwater fish, developing the use of knotless nets and anaesthetics for handling fish, and introducing the use of a catheter to sex fish.
Founder becomes Emeritus Professor
The University of the Sunshine Coast bestowed a special honour on its founding Vice-Chancellor Paul Thomas AM at its Graduation ceremony in April.
Dr Thomas, who retired in June 2010 after guiding USC for 16 years from inception to a thriving campus, became the University’s first emeritus professor. He said he was delighted about receiving the honour.
"It’s terrific, because no academic institution I’ve ever been associated with has meant more to me than USC does," he said.
Becoming an emeritus professor means Dr Thomas will be able to retain the title of "professor" even though he has retired from academia.
Outstanding students earn Chancellor's medals
Energetic and dedicated students Fiona Finnegan and William Douglas each received a Chancellor’s Medal when they graduated from USC in April.
These medals are the University’s highest student honour, presented to graduates for excellence in academic performance, University governance, community service and student welfare.
Fiona, 20, of Gin Gin was a USC Council member, a student mentor, and fundraising and social director of the USC chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society.
She achieved a grade point average (GPA) of 6.4 out of 7 in her Bachelor of Nutrition.
William, 49, of North Arm, was a student mentor, peer adviser, a tutor for students with disabilities and a tutor for Indigenous students.
He gained a GPA of 6.9 in his Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing).
William also was one of five graduatesto receive the University Medal, this year awarded to those who achieved a final GPA of 6.8 or higher out of 7.
The four other recipients were Nursing Science graduates Caroline Gibb and Kathryn Hill, Psychology graduate Linn Stainsby, and Education / Arts graduate Angelene Cook.
Staff recognised for high quality work
Four exceptional University of the Sunshine Coast staff were recently rewarded for their high quality service to USC.
Associate Professor Jennifer Carter, Dr Christine Morley, Jamilla Rosdahl and Elizabeth Cannon each received Vice-Chancellor’s Medals at the April Graduation ceremony.
Respectively, they were for contributing to the advancement of research; contributing to the advancement of learning and teaching; excellence and innovation in facilitating student learning; and contributing to the implementation of major financial reforms.
Winning pasta bridge holds 68kg
Spontaneous applause greeted the winners of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s inaugural spaghetti bridge competition after their 219g structure, made from only pasta and superglue, was able to carry a weight of 68kg.
Second-year Civil Engineering students Ryan Hofman and Sean Thrussell applied principles they had learned in the subject, Mechanics of Materials, to construct a model bridge that could carry a load 311 times its own weight.
The contest was held in late March and involved 10 groups of two students testing bridges they had designed and built over several weeks.
There was plenty of anticipation and excitement as each team stepped forward with their bridges, and the lecture theatre was filled with gasps and sympathetic groans as each bridge eventually buckled, snapped or simply splintered under weight during testing.
USC’s Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering Dr Terry Lucke said the contest inspired creativity and enthusiasm and demonstrated some basic principles of engineering.
Rebecca Campbell of engineering firm Covey Associates presented the winners with A$200 in prizemoney and a perpetual shield.
Federal Minister opens training facility
Federal Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Simon Crean officially openeda state-of-the-art Engineering and Science Training Facility at USC in mid-May.
The A$5 million facility, which received A$4.7 million in funding from the Australian Government, has been designed specifically for practical teaching and research in Civil Engineering and Paramedic Science.
Mr Crean told about 100 invited guestsat the official opening that the new, semi-industrial building would play a significant role in the growth and development of the region.
The 1050 square metre facility features specialised equipment and large, open spaces suitable for medical emergency simulations and a wide variety of engineering tests and experiments. It also has several laboratories and tutorial rooms.
Students dive into tourism project
A group of USC students recently spent four days snorkelling around Queensland’s most southern coral cay island as part of an exciting assignment to deepen their understanding of tourism and the environment.
The Bachelor of Business (Tourism) students travelled to Lady Elliot Island off Bundaberg in mid-May to get up close and personal with the marine flora and fauna they were researching.
The students helped launch a pilot program involving USC, Tourism Queensland and Reef Check Australia, a global network of volunteers who monitor reef and ocean health.
Reef Check Australia General Manager Jennifer Loder said the Reef-Search project aimed to promote community education and conservation of reef resources while collecting useful information for an online database.
The program involved snorkellers and divers recording their observations and photographs of marine organisms on underwater slates.
USC Tourism Lecturer Dr Gayle Mayes said the program was expected to be a long-term collaboration between the University, Lady Elliot Island and Reef Check.
"Students in future years can snorkel the same sites and examine trend data," Dr Mayes said.
"It will give them a better understanding of sustainable tourism practices while helping improve our knowledge about the health of the fragile reef environment."
USC gains $5.45 million to boost research
The University of the Sunshine Coast will receive A$5.45 million in Commonwealth funding over the next three years to help boost its research in areas like water, sustainability, forestry and aquaculture.
The funding for USC’s Research Futures Project was announced by Federal Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Minister Senator Kim Carr in May under the Collaborative Research Networks (CRN) program.
USC’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research Professor Roland De Marco said the program was designed to help smaller, less research-intensive and regional universities like USC partner with larger institutions in research projects.
He said the University’s Research Futures Project was an integrated package of initiatives with research partners comprising Griffith University, the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and the University of Tasmania.
Professor De Marco said the project would have a profound impact in boosting USC’s current research strengths in areas that are significant locally, nationally and internationally.
Other major funding successes in recent months have included A$3.4 million under the Commonwealth’s Health Workforce Australia’s (HWA) Clinical Training Funding Program, and A$1.5 million in AusAID funding under the Australian Leadership Awards-Fellowships program.
The HWA funding is designed to help provide a skilled, flexible and innovative national health workforce.
It will be directed over the next three years to six professions served by USC degrees: Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Psychology (Clinical), Nursing, Paramedic Science and Medical Laboratory Science.
The AusAID funding gained by USC’s International Projects Group (IPG) will help fund four projects, which include providing professional development for educators from Papua and West Papua in Indonesia, and working with Cambodia to foster sustainable tourism.
Space Camp trio to give science a lift
Science education in the Sunshine Coast region is about to receive a cosmic boost when three local educators return from the NASA Space Camp in the United States to share their experiences, knowledge and new resources.
Delaney’s Creek State School principal Stuart Maish, Beerwah State School Year 4 teacher Dominic Taylor and USC Education student Emily Verrall of Buderim were selected for the trip, from July 5–16, from a large number of applicants.
The trip to Space Camp (the US Space and Rocket Center’s Space Academy for Educators) in Huntsville, Alabama, has been funded by Nambour Rotary Club, Education Queensland’s Science and Engineering Education Centre and USC.
Trip organiser and USC academic Beverly Lowe said the trio will have taken part in activities including rocketry, anti-gravity and G-force simulations, flying jet propulsion jackets, attending lectures by astronauts, and viewing real and replica space shuttle equipment.
Emily, 23, is a second-year Bachelor of Primary Education student who has worked this year as a pre-service teacher at Talara Primary College, Currimundi.
Touching turtle mission for American student
It was a special educational moment that American Study Abroad student Holly Burkhardt, 19, will never forget.
Shortly after moving to USC from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland, the environmental science student had the chance to help save an endangered marine species in April.
Kneeling on the deck of a boat kilometres off the Coast, Holly lowered a Green turtle into the water and watched it swim away.
"It was the best highlight of my USC internship at UnderWater World so far," she said.
"After weeks of working to rehabilitate the sick turtle, I got the rewarding job of releasing him back into the wild on a reef off Mooloolaba."
Sportsman scores Stanford internship
A University of the Sunshine Coast rugby and touch football player is currently tackling the gridiron team at one of America’s most prestigious universities.
Matthew Bousson, 22, is the first USC student to undertake a sports performance internship at Stanford University.
"I’ll be working with the sport performance coaches on their strength and conditioning program for Stanford’s American Football team," said Matthew, of Sippy Downs, before he left for America in mid-June.
"It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ll be learning first-hand how to apply the theories of coaching and managing programs to elite athletes in a team sport."
After sending his application to join the program, Matthew was delighted to not only gain a place, but an offer to stay for the whole season.
Matthew will resume the final semester of his USC Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science when he returns early next year. The internship will count towards his workplace learning course at USC.
USC Coaching Science Lecturer Angie Calder said it was fantastic to see another of the University’s students achieving internationally.
"This application process for Stanford was very competitive and the traineeship is prestigious," she said.
Future looks bright for Business whiz
Theresa Tobin of Mooloolaba is confidently looking forward to a career in financial planning or accountancy after having gone from strength to strength as a student at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
That confidence was boosted significantly when Theresa, 46, collected six prizes at USC’s annual Faculty of Business Awards Ceremony in April.
But the stand-out, third-year student — who has received a total of 10 business awards over three years and maintained a near-perfect grade point average of 6.75 — admits she was quite unsure how she would fare when she began her Business degree in mid-2008.
"I wasn’t very confident when I started at uni … I wasn’t sure if I could do it," she said.
"But the University offers every resource to facilitate your success."
Theresa said she had benefited greatly from the encouragement of USC staff, assistance from her student mentor, and by accessing Academic Skills Services training in topics like exam preparation and critical thinking.
At the ceremony, Theresa received awards from ANZ, Garland Waddington, KPMG, the National Institute of Accountants, Professional Investment Services, and the Tax Institute.
University celebrates multicultural campus
Students from a wide variety of countries shared their cultures, customs and cuisines at USC’s annual Harmony Day celebration on 31 March.
The University, which has International students from 60 countries on campus, celebrated multiculturalism with stalls, activities and performances.
USC’s Equity and Diversity Officer Marjorie Blowers said the lively celebration helped promote inclusiveness, community harmony and the economic benefits of cultural diversity.
Hi-tech testing to start at USC swimming pool
Former Olympic swimmers Phil Hubble and Professor Brendan Burkett were back on the pool deck recently, this time to look over the construction of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s pool.
The pool’s planned completion date is late August, which will be followed by a special event for donors in October.
Mr Hubble, who is a donor to the pool, said he was delighted to be involved in the project.
"I can see that the aquatic facilities at the University will enhance the next generations of swimmers on the Sunshine Coast," the Buderim resident and former Great Britain representative said.
"The pool, being located at the University and linked to the Sport Science area, will provide opportunities for both sports scientists and elite athletes alike."
Professor Brendan Burkett spoke with Mr Hubble about the cutting-edge technology that will be used at USC to allow greater study of movement through the water.
"The measurements from these devices will help with everything from stroke correction for swimmers to studying different rehabilitation techniques for people with disabilities," he said.
The University has reached A$270,000 towards its goal of A$300,000 in community donations for the pool.
Those interested in supporting the swimming pool can contact the Foundation office, Tel: +61 7 5430 1104.
Talented students gain Rotary scholarships
A USC Science Honours graduate has returned from four years at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra to finish her PhD on the influence of technique in elite swimming competition.
As a bonus, 27-year-old Danielle Formosa was one of three top USC postgraduate students to receive a A$3,000 Rotary scholarship recently.
"Coming back to USC to study swimming is especially good timing with the new pool nearing completion," said Danielle, now of Kawana.
The other two recipients were USC Doctor of Creative Arts student Michael Gardiner, 55, of Nambour and USC Master of Management student Jacob Turner, 23, of Maroochydore.
About 180 Rotarians attended the annual Rotary scholarship awards at the USC Innovation Centre.
$100,000 worth of new bursaries
Growing community financial support will help another 25 undergraduates at USC find a better balance between their studies and part-time work.
USC Chancellor John Dobson said the establishment of the new, A$4,000 USC Study Support Bursaries would assist 25 students in financial need over the next 12 months.
The Chancellor said these bursaries were the result of one private donation. He said further donations like this would go a long way to helping an even greater number of students achieve their study goals.
Prospective donors can contact the Foundation Office, Tel: +61 7 5430 1104.
Former Premier helps property research projects
A donation organised through former Queensland Premier Mike Ahern AO is helping USC students conduct property economics research into housing affordability and overall debt levels in Australia.
Mr Ahern recently gained a A$5,000 bursary when the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) presented him with the 2010 Phillip Elliot Legacy award late last year.
This award recognised Mr Ahern’s outstanding contribution to the mutual sector during his 16 years as chairman of the NCUA’s banking unit, Indue Limited, previously called Credit Link.
USC’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement Mike Hefferan thanked MrAhern for his generosity and support.
Psychology graduate helps foster the carers
The amazing work done by foster carers from Elimbah to Redcliffe is being nurtured by new University of the Sunshine Coast psychology graduate Megan Scholes.
Megan, 21, is a former Siena Catholic College student who is revelling in her first job in her chosen field.
She was employed in late March as a Foster Care Case Worker with Spiritus, an Anglican not-for-profit organisation providing support services such as accommodation, employment and counselling for the community.
"It was the first job I’d applied for and the first job interview I’d been to," said Megan.
"I didn’t expect to find one so quickly."
She is based at Morayfield but has a company car to visit foster carers in their homes and other government and community services.
"I have a caseload of foster carers and my job is to support them in any way they need, so they can focus on looking after the children," she said.
"These carers are a very special group of people who are willing to give up big parts of their lives."
Megan, of Kawana was among the first cohort of Social Science (Psychology) students to graduate from USC in April.
USC Alumni Challenge Match
USC graduates successfully met the challenge set by the Foundation Board earlier this year to donate or pledge a total of A$10,000 towards the construction of the University’s swimming pool by 30 June.
Board members will now match alumni donations by 8 to 1, meaning a total of A$90,000 will go towards the 10-lane, 50m Olympic-size pool.
Board chair and USC Chancellor John Dobson said the entire region would benefit from the alumni’s contributions to the pool, which is the first stage of a planned Aquatic Centre being built next to the University’s Health and Sport Centre.
The pool is expected to open in late August, with a giant campus pool party to be held later in the year to honour donors. The USC Alumni Challenge Match forms part of the A$300,000 in donations currently being sought.
In addition to community and in-kind support, the pool has been funded by the State Government and the University. Alumni Relations Officer Anita Edmonds said donations for the USC pool were still being accepted from alumni and the community.
For more information, contact USC Foundation at foundation@usc.edu.au or Tel: +61 7 5430 1104.
Upcoming alumni events
- 15 September 2011 — The 2011 Outstanding Alumni Awards Ceremony: All alumni are encouraged to attend
- 24 September 2011 — Inaugural alumni reception in Frankfurt Germany
- 5 November 2011 — Class of 2001 reunion: Graduates from the Class of 2001 are invited to celebrate 10 years since their graduation.
Update your contact details
USC’s Alumni Relations Office is keen to ensure it has the current email addresses of graduates, so that they can receive alumni e-newsletters and invitations to events.
Please contact alumni@usc.edu.au to update your details.
Sam launches book series on celebrities
From music’s Ben Lee and Xavier Rudd to television’s Jules Lund and Carrie Bickmore, they’ve all revealed the secrets of their success to USC Communication graduate Sam Folder.
Sam, who graduated in 2006, is the author and publisher of three books of interviews with young, successful Australian recording artists, TV presenters and fashion designers.
Sam, 26, said he used the knowledge and skills gained at University and working for major publisher Random House Australia in Sydney to start his own company Red Hill Press at Mosman, Sydney.
He published the book series ‘Get Your Break!’ in May.
Design work grabs media’s attention
Artwork by a 19-year-old USC design student depicting some of Japan’s most famous icons affected by a nuclear disaster has been selected to appear in a national media industry magazine.
Carla McRae’s work, Dance of the Koi, includes cute kawaii and Pokemon characters covered in rashes, a two-headed geisha girl, an ill koi (carp) and even the resilient Genbaku Dome — which survived the Hiroshima atomic bomb blast — toppling over.
The artwork will feature in the July edition of The Walkley Magazine, alongside articles by journalists who are working as correspondents in Japan.
Editor Jaqueline Park said it was unusual for the magazine to publish an illustration by a student, but Carla’s work stood out as a perfect match for the articles.
Carla, of Mudjimba, is in the final year of a Bachelor of Arts (Design and Communication).
Gallery exhibitions
Lisa Maree Williams: Portraits
Big Eye Aboriginal Animations (touring from QUT) A cyberTribe and Queensland University of Technology touring exhibition
engage research lab @ USC
14 July–20 August
Based in Sydney, former Sunshine Coast photographer Lisa Maree Williams has covered some of Australia’s most memorable news and cultural events of recent years, for which she has received numerous honours and accolades. The Lisa Maree Williams: Portraits exhibition presents a series of portraits of famous and not-so-famous people. This exhibition is supported by NIDA.
Also on show will be an exhibition of animation art, including stop motion, hand-drawn, computer generated, machinima and other animation techniques. Big EyeAboriginal Animations showcases Aboriginal animations from the only two first nation peoples described as Aboriginal, from Australia and Canada.
The engage research lab @ USC exhibition will showcase the ongoing research by a team of USC computer gam edesigners headed by Dr Christian Jones.
Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art and Design—Regional Exhibition 2011
25 August–15 September
The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art and Design recognises and promotes excellence in senior visual arts education throughout Queensland’s state and non-state schools. This program has been held annually since 1990. This exhibition presents the art work of senior high school art students from the Sunshine Coast region. The exhibition is presented in association with the Queensland Government, Department of Education and Training and is sponsored by S and S Wholesale.
Elizabeth Poole:10,000 Leaves
22 September–5 November
With wire, plastic and fibre, Elizabeth Poole offers her comment on the environment in this exhibition. She lives and works in the Australian bush and is constantly inspired by the fragile and often fragmented landscape. Her observations are divided between the area known as ‘wallum’, which is basically floodplain and heath,and the Sunshine Coast’s lakes and river systems. Recently she has been attracted to the sparse and ‘bony dry’ inland. All of her works relate directly to both seen and ‘unseen’ aspects of the landscapes. The unseen encompasses the strong spiritual presenceof a once-vital Indigenous culture and the core of an old continent. Materials, as well as subject matter, are frequently taken from the landscape and incorporated in her art works.