Birra News

Number 123, 28 April 2008

Note from Editor

Nathan Woolford aka Idlers' Idler | Guest Birra News Editor

Finally Birra has arrived! I just got back from Roma and in a couple of days I am travelling out to Thargomindah for most of a week. So how is everyone's study going? Semester is getting on, winter is coming, time is pressing in. I am sure I mentioned, but in case I didn't, I have defered this semester. It happens too much for my liking in my studies. But these things can't always be helped. Remeber, it is not how long it takes you but that you get there. So don't get too stressed, take it all day by day.

In this issue checkout:
Pic of the Week | JFK is the man on the stand this week, check it out. Books | Globalisation, Paradise Lost, what more could you want? What's On | There are lots and lots of events, lots of them at UQ. Check it out!

Nathan Woolford | Guest Editor
Email: birranews@uq.edu.au

Birra News archive - Go to the archive section for previous issues of Birra News.

Pic of the Week

John F. Kennedy from his speech on Civil Rights

John F. Kennedy from his Civil Rights Address
The picture is not so interesting this week but who it is should be. There are lots of people I have focused on in Birra over the years. These include Steve Biko, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Neville Bonner, Rob Riley, and Charles Perkins. I thought this week I would focus on JFK. So go google him, wiki him. Look up his inaugural speech, his Civil Rights Address; look at his record and his words. What I think is relevant is how it compares to what has happened in Australia over recent years. His Civil Rights Address was given on 11 June 1963. On that day he had called out the National Guard to ensure that two black students could attend the University of Alabama. In Australia we have also had the army called out but I am not sure how much they are helping. Time will tell and hopefully it will be a positive story. However, if you listen to his speech and hear the list of conditions that President states as an indictment of racism in the US then consider the situation of indigenous people in Australia over 40 years later, 40 years after the referendum you have to wonder what has gone wrong. What I do know is that we have a lot more to do.

Quote of Note

"Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain. Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain. Oh, the dark days are gone and the bright days are here. My sunny one shines so sincere. Oh sunny one so true, I love you." Bobby Hebb, Sunny. One of the best songs ever written (ed.).

Cadetships

The National Indigenous Cadetship Project (NICP) is an Australian Government initiative that improves the professional employment prospects of Indigenous Australians. It links Indigenous tertiary students with employers in a cadetship arrangement involving full-time study and work placements. The NICP is part of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Employment Policy (IEP). The IEP aims to generate more employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians. The NICP can help you gain the professional qualifications and experience you need for a range of jobs and move into employment when you finish your studies. To learn more go to the website here.

Student News

Requirement to hold Semester 1 examinations on Monday 9 June Queen’s Birthday public holiday Dear Student , I am writing to advise you of a recent decision taken by the University to use the Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday on Monday 9 June, 2008 as part of the Semester 1 central examinations period. The purpose of this email is to give you as much advanced notice as possible that you may be required to sit examinations on Monday 9 June. This unusual situation has arisen because the UQ Union (ie the Student Union) had decided to hire out one of the large venues usually used for examinations for private functions on two Saturdays in the end of Semester 1 examination period. This will affect access to the function venue as well as two other adjoining Union venues usually used for examinations that are likely to be disturbed by noise and other activity associated with the private functions. As a result a significant number of examinations need to be re-located to other suitable examination rooms during the central examination period from Saturday 7 to Saturday 21 June. The University considered carefully, a number of options for compensating for this loss of scarce examination space, and a decision to schedule examinations on the Queen’s Birthday public holiday (Monday 9 June) has now been made. This was considered to be the best option available to ensure examinations are held in the most suitable venues, students would benefit from fewer examinations being scheduled for consecutive sessions across consecutive days and to avoid scheduling examinations during the final session on Saturday nights when public transport is limited. The University's aim is to schedule only two sessions on Monday 9 June, thereby reducing as much as possible, the potential negative impact on students and staff. The examinations timetable is in the final stages of preparation and will be released to students via mySI-net not later than 4 weeks prior to the start of the examination period, that is, by 9 May. The University regrets any inconvenience this situation may cause you. Linda Bird, Academic Registrar
MORE UQ LIBRARY NEWS \| HELP!!! Assignments due …….. Finding a Computer in the Library The libraries on St Lucia campus have over 750 computers available for student use but even with so many computers, it can sometimes be difficult to find one which isn’t already in use. To make it easier to find an available computer, check out the Computer Availability page on the Ask I.T. web-site. Late Nights at The Library The Biological Sciences Library at UQ St Lucia (Building 94) is now open until MIDNIGHT from Monday to Friday during Semester. The pilot will run during semesters 1 and 2 and will be evaluated at the end of the year to determine whether it is to continue. ALL Library users are welcome to take advantage of this new service. We would like your feedback, so please let us know what you think about this new service through Feedback and suggestions, via the blog ‘Blog It! at BSL’, or email the Manager, Biological Sciences Library.
UQ LIBRARY NEWS \| Library Times All UQ Library's are open at their usual Semester times, go here for times.
Academic Calendar Be sure to check out the ‘Academic Calendar’ it contains important information such as; deadlines for enrolling, final dates for course selection, and when classes start each semester, break off and finish. Print it out and keep it in the back of your diary.
Find a place to live while at UQ Finding a great place to live while studying at UQ can really enhance your experience of university life. Accommodation Services provides information and services to assist you to find a home that's right for you, and make your arrival in Brisbane as smooth as possible. Go to accommodation services to learn more.
What happens if you change a course you are enrolled in. From the beginning of the semester until 31 March 2008, No academic penalty and No HECS-HELP/FEE-HELP/tuition fees will apply. After this date beware, from 01 April to 30 April 2008, no academic penalty will apply but HECS-HELP/FEE-HELP/tuition fees will, and it gets worse, from 01 May 2008 to the start of exams both an Academic penalty and HECS-HELP/FEE-HELP/tuition fees will apply.
Changes to University Rules pertaining to examinations in 2008. Students are advised that the following rules relating to examinations apply from January 2008. These changes are very important and you need to be aware of the changes. Full details of the University’s General Award Rules (Part 1A – Assessment) are available here 1. Late arrival to the examination: You may not enter an examination after the first 30 minutes of examination working time. If you arrive after the first 30 minutes, you will not be allowed to sit the examination. 2. Leaving the examination early. You cannot leave the examination room during (a) the first 30 minutes of examination working time; and (b) the final 30 minutes of examination working time. 3. Requirement to take your student ID card to the examination. You must bring your student ID card to the examination. If you don’t bring it, your results will be withheld until you take your card to a Student Centre. If you do not bring your card to a Student Centre within 14 days of the examination, a grade of zero will be recorded for the examination. 4. Due date for lodging special examination applications. If you are eligible to apply for a special examination, you must do so within 5 days of the examination you missed. Note that the timeframe has been changed. Late applications are not accepted. Application forms are available on the myAdvisor website 5. What to do if you become ill during the examination. If you become ill during an examination, you are now required to inform the examination supervisor before you leave the room that you will be applying for a special examination. You have one business day to obtain a medical certificate for that examination (e.g. students who sit an examination on Friday or Saturday have until the following Monday to obtain a medical certificate). Late applications are not accepted.
myAdvisor - Essential Information for Students Many of your questions about student issues can be answered on this webpage. myAdvisor provides essential information about the following topics: Designing your program Enrolment Changing or withdrawing Assessment Student rights & responsibilities Financial matters Graduation Forms online So check it out and if you want further advice or it doesn't tell you what you need to know then come and talk to the staff at the Unit.
UQCareerHub The UQ CareerHub is an online careers and graduate employment service for UQ students. Employment vacancies are listed in real-time because information comes directly from the employer - so check UQ CareerHub regularly for the latest vacancies. Weekly emails will be sent to you featuring vacancies relevant to your discipline. UQ CareerHub is managed by Student Support Services with assistance from UQ faculty staff. Check out the site at http://www.careerhub.uq.edu.au/.

Unit News

Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS)
What is ITAS?
ITAS represents one specific way of responding to the educational needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. ITAS is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who feel they may require instruction which supplements that given in scheduled lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. ITAS should be of assistance particularly to new students making their transition to tertiary study. How does it work?
Students are eligible for up to two hours assistance per week per subject and an additional five hours in total each semester for exam preparation. The amount and frequency of tuition provided is based on the educational needs of the student. Assessment of applications, monitoring, and evaluation processes are carried out by the Associate Lecturers and involve a student interview.
How do I sign up?
If you are a current Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student at the University of Queensland and you wish to apply for ITAS tutoring just contact the ITAS Coordinator of the Unit. To make an appointment to set things up ring 3365 6793 or email your application by completing and attaching the Student Application for Tutorial Assistance form below. Student Application Form.doc
ITAS Tutor Registration
If you are interested in signing up as a tutor for ITAS please fill in the form (below) and return it to the ITAS Coordinator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit, University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072. Your application for registration as a tutor will then be considered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit staff. You will need Acrobat Reader to view and print the file. Application for Tutor Registration.doc.
For all other queries please contact the ITAS Coordinator on 3365 6793 or email.

Goorie Berrimpa Business

Mathew Anderson has replaced Karina Hall as the new President of Goorie Berrimpa. The primary role of the Goorie Berrimpa Student Collective is to provide union support to Indigenous students attending the University of Queensland. In addition to this responsibility, Goorie Berrimpa works to promote greater respect for Indigenous culture across all spectrums of the student community. For further information please contact Goorie Berrimpa by emailing Goorie Berrimpa. If anyone has any suggestions for ways to get the Indigenous students together, eg. Weekends away, BBQ's, whatever, please contact Mathew [contact details for Mathew will be available soon].

Grapevine

UQ research chips away at the past
Who would have thought that the best place to find out when people first came to Australia would be in India, but for University of Queensland archaeologist Dr Chris Clarkson it makes perfect sense. “India is the crossroads between Africa and Australia for modern humans,” Dr Clarkson said. “It really is the stepping stone for modern humans coming to Australia 50 to 60 thousand years ago.” But rather than using genetics to map the early settlement of Australia, Dr Clarkson, from UQ's School of Social Science, is taking a unique angle – he is looking at stone tools. “By looking at stone tools from early sites between Africa and Australia, like those we have found in India, I am trying to understand when and how people came to our part of the world,” he said. “Just like we can trace human lineages through our genes, stone tools might also help trace migrations as people carry the technology with them. This is because people pass on the knowledge of how to make stone tools from generation to generation, creating cultural lineages like those we see in genes. “So if we can find similar technology in Africa, India and Australia at this early time, we may be able to trace the movement of people through these areas, and understand more about their early lifestyles.”
Dr Clarkson said his approach was also redefining how people analyse stone tools. “Previous stone tool research has relied on typology, an old method that simply classifies tools according to what they look like, rather than how they were made” he said. “I have developed a new system based on 3D computer analysis that examines both the way they look and the ways they were made. This gives us a much more accurate way of comparing tools from different sites, regions and time periods.” He said the area of India his research was focusing on was the Kuronool district in Andra Pradhesh, where the archaeological dig is unearthing stone tools found around a former fresh water lake that had been quickly filled up with volcanic ash. “This ash comes from a massive volcanic eruption in Sumatra, about 74,000 years ago,” he said. “The ash is found all over India and even turns up in the Greenland Ice Cores. It was the biggest eruption in over 2 million years. Our excavation will help work out what impact the eruption had on human evolution, and whether it might have caused a population collapse or a human migration event out of Africa to India and Australia.” By digging down five metres, he and his colleagues from Cambridge and Karnataka Universities are able to get a rough picture of life before and after the eruption, and to find out whether modern humans turn up in India before or after the ashfall. Dr Clarkson's work was part of a study published in the journal Science last year, and he said the research was continuing with further trips to the Indian sites planned for 2009. “We are still looking for the ideal site where the human bones occur alongside stone tools” he said. “That would really give us some great material to work with.” (UQNews)

VOLUNTEER WORK:
Notice to Indigenous Practitioners | volunteer opportunity to participate in a workshop with students at UQ Ipswich campus | Monday 12 May 2008 | 1 hour between 1 and 4 pm to work with 40+ students to share your experiences of working with Indigenous communities to expose students to some cultural issues that you believe are important.
I am teaching a course on Ipswich campus in Perspectives in Community and Community Practice for the school of Human Science for first year bachelor students. In this course students are introduced to the idea of community and begin to form some frameworks for community practice. As part of this process the students are exposed to two key areas of community that require specific cultural understandings. One of those areas is working with Indigenous communities. To facilitate this experience I require the help of active practitioners in the field to help the students gain an understanding of cultural issues for their practice framework. If you are involved in any community work with Indigenous communities or know someone who is I would like to hear from you. I am wanting some volunteers to come to Ipswich campus on Monday 12 May 2008 for 1 hour between 1 and 4 pm to work with 40+ students in a workshop context to share your experiences and expose these student to some cultural issues that you believe are important.
Contact: Dr. Greg Story, Course Coordinator BESC1002 g.story@uq.edu.au or mobile 0409 055 175

From Little Things Big Things Grow - The Getup Mob
Peter Garrett called our song "a soundtrack for all Australians" - but without your help, many will never hear it. Buy this song for only $1.69 and it will rocket up the music charts to reach an audience of millions. From your little donation, less than a cup of coffee, reconciliation can grow - but only if enough of us buy the track to make it so popular it echoes in every corner of the country. Make history today for only $1.69. There are no DRM restrictions on this song - which means it is able to be played on all your devices. http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/MakeThisAHit&id=329.

Scholarships, Grants, Prizes & Cadetships

University of Queensland College Accommodation Scholarships \| apply before 20 October There are 20 of the above scholarships available to indigenous students who are seeking college accommodation for the first time at the Gatton or St Lucia campuses of the University of Queensland. Amount: the scholarship is valued at $400 and is to be used to assist with payment of the Caution Money (Security Bond) for that accommodation. This money is returned to the Unit at the end of the year. Written applications, addressed to the Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit should be submitted before 20 October, or as soon as possible. For further details call into the Unit.
Realise Your Dream 2008 \| closing date 30 June 2008 Applications for Realise Your Dream 2008, a professional development award developed by British Council, is now open. The focus is on the creative industries. Anyone who is an Australian residents aged under 30 on 30th June 2008 are invited to apply. There are six Realise Your Dream Awards to be won. Winners receive: A tailor-made professional development visit to the UK. Designed by the British Council in consultation with the winner. A return economy flight to the UK valued at AU$2,500. $8,000 cash to help cover living expenses in the UK. Go to Realise Your Dream 2008 Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.realiseyourdream.org.au/faq.htm for more info on what the judges are looking for, tips, what creative industries they support and many other questions. All application material must be posted online and links sent to Realise Your Dream 2008 at realiseyourdream@britishcouncil.org.au by Monday 30th June 2008 , or (for mailed application material) sent to us at PO Box 88, Edgecliff, NSW 2027 and postmarked on or before the closing date.
The Sally White/Diane Barwick Award $1000 for one year will be offered to a female Indigenous Australian Honours student entering fourth year at any Australian university. Applicants must be carrying out full-time Honours degree research. To apply, the applicant must write a letter about themselves, their honours topic and plans for the future. Send this, an academic transcript and details of personal and academic referees to the address below: Applications and enquiries to the following: Secretary Aboriginal History Inc. GPO Box 3837 Canberra ACT 2601 Go to website:
Freda Bage Fellowship \| closing date 30 June 2008 for study in 2009 Fellowships are awarded to women graduates who are intending to take up or continue postgraduate studies, in a wide range of disciplines including marine biology, architecture, law, literature, radiography, mathematics, social work, archaeology, economics, molecular biology, management, music, information technology and performing arts. The value of the Fellowships is equivalent to an Australian Postgraduate Award ($19,231 in 2006) plus 10%. for a maximum of three years. The deadline for applications to study in 2009 is 30 June 2008. For further information contact the Fellowship Conveners via email or web. The Freda Bage Fellowship is sponsored by the Australian Federation of University Women.
The Spark Fund \| the first round of applications will close 26 March 2008 and successively on 30 June 2008 and 22 September 2008. The Spark Fund provides funding support for young people aged 12-25 years to ‘ignite an innovative idea’ which makes a positive contribution to the community and enhances their skills and experiences. Applications for the Spark Fund can be made all year, with the Selection Committee meeting three times during the year to decide on applications received. Applications for Spark Fund are now open for 2008.
Macquarie University Research Fellowships Scheme (Australia) Macquarie University will offer up to six new postdoctoral research positions commencing in 2009 through the Macquarie University Research Fellowships Scheme. Positions will be awarded on a competitive basis and will be full time for three years. The Macquarie University Research Fellowships Scheme has three main objectives: 1. To provide support at a postdoctoral level to researchers near the beginning of their research career who have an outstanding track record (relevant to opportunity) or who show evidence of excellent research potential. 2. To provide an incubation research period for early career researchers, allowing them to increase their competitive edge in securing research funding from non-University sources. 3. To enhance the research capabilities of existing and emerging areas of research concentration and excellence within Macquarie University. Centre for Research on Social Inclusion is keen to attract suitable applicants to apply for one of these fellowships through the Centre. The Centre for Research on Social Inclusion is an interdisciplinary group of researchers from disciplines such as Anthropology, Sociology, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, and Human Geography. We undertake social, cultural and philosophical research into contemporary social justice issues. Broadly defined, this includes research into the social, cultural, economic, and political determinations of inclusion and exclusion, particularly in the context of globalisation. Issues such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, age, place, and globalisation are explored from a variety of disciplinary and methodological perspectives. Within the broad rubric of social and cultural inclusion, we have five areas of special research strength: Migration, Multiculturalism and Nation; Critical Theory and Social Hope; Welfare, Care and Social Policy; The Postcolonial World and Globalisation; Inclusion and Exclusion in Urban and Regional Spaces.Potential candidates whose interests fit the centre should contact CRSI (crsi@scmp.mq.edu.au) in the first instance, providing an indication of proposed topic of research, and a short CV. Closing dates: Expression of Interest (CRSI Internal) – 25th April 2008, 5pm. Expression of Interest (university)- 1 May 2008 5pm. Full application (by invitation only) - 4 July 2008 5pm More Information on the scheme and application procedure: http://www.research.mq.edu.au/researchers/funding/internal/mqrf. For more information on sponsorship through the Centre for Research on Social Inclusion: crsi@scmp.mq.edu.au
Other Scholarships Other scholarships offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the University of Queensland can be found at www.uq.edu.au/study/index.html?id=1137.
Joint Academic Scholarship Online Network (JASON) JASON is a search engine that contains information about postgraduate scholarships. The scholarships in the database apply to Australian students wishing to study at home or abroad, and to international students wishing to study in Australia. http://www.jason.unimelb.edu.au/.

Employment Opportunities

Position: Cultural Tutor Ngutana-Lui - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies Centre, Inala The purpose of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural tutor position is to enhance the awareness and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture through the presentation of the Ngutana-Lui's Cultural Visitation Program and other cultural performance opportunities as requested by Brisbane Catholic Education. It is expected that this position together with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team positions and programs will contribute in a significant way to Brisbane Catholic Education's commitment to Reconciliation through Education. Applications close 5pm, Friday May 16,2008 An application and information package is available from the CATHOLIC jobs online page of our website www.brisbanecatholicschools.com.au or by contacting Karon Bool at kbool@bne.catholic.edu.au or 07 3033 7584.
Position: 3 x Case Support Workers (Rostered) We are calling for applications from people who are passionate, caring, and energetic and have a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people who will be residing in our Residential care. The Residential Care Service will provide short-term care, assessment and support services and placements for up to four Aboriginal and Islander children aged between 12-17 years. To be considered for this role you must have substantial experience in working in supportive, positive ways with children and young people and their families. Successful applicants will be required to complete the State criminal history checks and must possess or be able to acquire a Blue Card. Possession of a current drivers license is essential. Closing Date 02/05/2008. recruitment@qaihc.com.au or phone 3360 8444
Position: Teacher Aide Kelvin Grove State College is looking for a Teacher Aide (20 hours) to support the academic and cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The position involves supporting teachers with the preparation/enhancement of learning materials. Support activities with the objective of improving learning outcomes of Indigenous students. An application package can be obtained from the main office from the 14 April 8.00-4.00 weekdays. The position is based on annual funding and commences 6 May and concludes 5 December 2008. The applicant must be available to work during school hours 9.00 to 3.00pm. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Applications close Thursday 24 April.

What's On

UQ | What's on this Week
A UQ webpage that gives an overview of events around UQ on a weekly basis or search further ahead. Covering the academic calendar, student matters, seminars and workshops, sporting fixtures, concerts, exhibitions, courses and careers events, graduations, orientation, dinners, receptions and public lectures. Go to www.uq.edu.au/events/ to check it out.

Queensland Museum | Queensland Connections 2008 | First Wednesday every month
Make a note in your diary for the lively and interesting 2008 Queensland Connections Series. This year there will be 20 fascinating talks covering aspects of cultural heritage and our natural environment. Please note that the talks will be at 12.15pm and 1pm. All talks are held in the Theatre, Level 2, Queensland Museum South Bank. FREE ENTRY. Website.
Wednesday 7 May
12.15pm. Timber and iron in the smart colony: innovation in the Queensland lighthouse. Speaker: Peter Marquis-Kyle, conservation architect. A tour of Queensland lighthouses built between 1873 and 1912. 1pm: Dinosaurs and lost dreams: Heber Longman and Queensland's first dinosaurs. Speaker: Dr Sue Turner, Queensland Museum.Discovering dinosaurs in Australia has never been easy but one 'museum man' excelled.

UQ Art Museum | AES+F Group (Russia): Last Riot | 28 March - 11 May 2008
Last Riot is a computer-animated video installation by one of Russia’s most critically acclaimed contemporary art groups, AES+F Group. This three-screen video work is set in a Caravaggio-inspired virtual 3-D world, accompanied by a booming Wagnerian soundtrack. As the narrative unfolds, we witness a battle between androgynous teenagers. The protagonists fight against each other without expression; differences blur between victim and aggressor, male and female. Scenes shift from icy mountain tops to deserts; planes and trains plunge to earth; missiles threaten destruction. Last Riot was shown to high critical acclaim at the 52nd Venice Biennale in 2007 as part of the official Russian Pavilion. Also, in 2007, AES+F were included in biennales in Istanbul and Goetheborg, they received a large retrospective at Mramorniy Palace in St Petersburg, and celebrated 20 years of collaboration with a retrospective at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art. Last Riot has been screened at the Tate Britain and has been acquired by the Tate Modern. Website.
UQ Art Museum, University Drive, St Lucia. Hours: 10am – 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday (closed public holidays). Free parking on weekends.

UQ Art Museum | German Expressionist prints 1900 – 1930 | 11 April - 25 May 2008
Artists such as Max Beckmann, Lovis Corinth, Otto Dix, Erich Heckel, Käthe Kollwitz, Emil Nolde, Max Pechstein and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff feature in this exhibition of German Expressionist prints made between 1898 and 1927. Heckel, Kirchner and Schmidt-Rottluff founded the Dresden-based group Die Brücke in 1905, with Pechstein and Nolde joining in 1906. Railing against the academy and the bourgeoisie, their work favoured raw emotive images that connected with nature and more elemental techniques, particularly the woodcut. In 1911 the group moved to Berlin, where urban themes and the influence of Cubism and Futurism entered their work. This exhibition of over 30 works includes woodcuts, etchings and lithographs. Website.
UQ Art Museum, University Drive, St Lucia. Hours: 10am – 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday (closed public holidays). Free parking on weekends.

Gallery of Modern Art | ‘Sand : Savanna : Salt’ display | until 30 June 2008
The diverse ecosystems and complex geographic environments of Australia's north inspire the works in this exhibition. Sand : Savanna : Salt shows work by Indigenous Australian artists from North Queensland, the Torres Strait, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Creation narratives are often the catalyst for the paintings, ceramics, digital media, fibre and wooden sculptures which reflect such diverse environments as sandy desert, grasslands, and the seas and islands of northern Australia.

State Library of Queensland | Sunday Free films
Spend a lazy weekend watching a free films at the State Library of Queensland. State Library introduces Cine Topics on Sundays: a regular series combining fiction and non-fiction films in exploring themes of current interest. For more information go to the website where you will also find details of the screening value and time.
Sat 3 May Talking Broken
Sun 4 May The Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach*
Sat 10 May The Chant of Jimmy Black Smith
Sun 11 May Dr Ehrlich's Magic Bullet*
Sat 17 May A changing culture

State Library of Queensland | 'Travelling for love' exhibition | 14 February - 01 June 2008
Travel around the world and across three centuries in this intimate exhibition of long distance love. This is an exhibition of letters, diaries, embroideries, photographs and artworks of ten couples who have travelled in and out of Queensland to be with the ones they love. See how the memorabilia of long distance love has changed with the passage of time and new technologies. You can leave your own story of travelling for love in the exhibition or on our website. There is more information about the exhibition and the associated talks, tours and films on-line Venue: Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery, level 4. Entry: Free

Abseiling from the Kangaroo Point Cliffs | 13 November 2007 - 31 May 2008
Enjoy the spectacular views of Brisbane from the top of the 20m Kangaroo Point cliffs, then challenge yourself as you step off their edge and safely make your descent to the ground below. Participants aged 8 years and above are welcome to participate. No experience is necessary. Sessions run daily and include quality equipment including helmet, harness etc and a qualified guide.
Participants should wear enclosed shoes and comfortable clothes. Learn more at OurBrisbane.

Coolamon - carrying the culture - 21 April-5 May 2008
Visit Brisbane Square Library during April and May to participate in celebrations with members of Brisbane’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Through Coolamon, elders and younger indigenous people will share their stories, treasures and insights with the wider Brisbane community. The Coolamon program includes: talks, performances, storytimes, displays, free movie screenings. Location: Brisbane Square Library and outside in Reddacliff Place (the open space at the top of Queen Street Mall, opposite the casino). Website.

Bollyfunk Dance Classes | image of dancers at Musgrave Park Cultural Centre

Bollywood and Hip Hop Dance classes - Bollyfunk Dance | Monday’s 18 February – 15 December 2008 | West End
Bollywood and Funk/Hip Hop dance classes are held every Monday night. Have fun and get fit in a relaxed community atmosphere. Classes are designed for adults, but mature teens may also attend. Children under 12 may attend with an adult. Everyone's welcome - even if you've never danced before. Monday nights 6.30pm - 8.30pm: Bollywood class 6.30-7.30pm; Funk/Hip Hop class 7.30-8.30pm rachaeljacobs@bigpond.com or visit our website at: www.bollyfunk.blogspot.com . Classes also available on Wednesday Nights at Spring Hill.
Where Ahimsa House, 26 Horan Street West End (opposite West End State School). How Much $7 for one class or $10 for both
Contact: Rachael Jacobs, Bollyfunk Dance, 0414 305 600, email: rachaeljacobs@bigpond.com or web: www.bollyfunk.blogspot.com
This image looks like it is taken from inside Musgrave Park Cultural Centre, down on Cordelia Street, West End

8th Biennial Indigenous Art Show & Cultural Festival | 16 - 17 May 2008
A kaleidoscope of Australian Indigenous cultural experiences will be on display at the 8th Biennial Indigenous Art Show and Cultural Festival 2008. It celebrates Australia's oldest cultures, with art and craft from emerging and established artists, workshops in boomerang painting, basket-weaving, Indigenous games and activities, food stalls, musical performances throughout the day, and a strong youth arts contribution. Milpera State High School, Parker Street Chelmer. For more information contact Catherine and Kerrie, Benarrawa Community Development Association Inc. email or (07) 3379 9925

Cultural History Seminar: Shylock in Germany - Antisemitism and the German Theatre from the Enlightenment to the Nazis | 8 May 2008
Why study the history of performance on the German stage in the nineteenth/ early twentieth century? And what can we learn from following representations of the character of Shylock from The Merchant of Venice from 1777 to 1945? In this presentation, Andrew Bonnell will reflect on his recent publication on the topic, and on the extent to which it might contribute to German cultural history, specifically the cultural history of antisemitism in Germany. UQ St Lucia. Web.

Public lecture: Does Humanity Exist? Cosmopolitanism and the Uncertain Foundations of IR | 9 May 2008
Associate Professor Tony Burke (ADFA, will give a research paper on Does Humanity Exist? Cosmopolitanism and the Uncertain Foundations of IR`. The event is part of the Conflict and Security Seminar Series run by the School of Political Science and International Studies. Abstract: The 2005 United Nations World Summit, especially its endorsement of the responsibility to protect and the millennium development goals, may be an indication that efforts to build a working cosmopolitan global architecture are bearing fruit. However its coincided with a renewed emphasis on statism by great powers, exclusivist approaches to asylum seekers, and a confusion of statist and internationalist norms in arguments for preventive intervention by coalitions of the willing. In such a context, a suspicion of universalist ethical norms has been raised by realist and postmodern critics of liberalism alike, often to the tune of Carl Schmitt’s catchcry that ‘whoever invokes humanity wants to cheat’. This paper begins by critiquing the foundations of what Schmitt considers to be an authentic alternative ontology of national statehood and belonging in his Nomos of the Earth, arguing that while it forms the most revealing account of the statist underpinnings of the post-Westphalian system, what is claimed there as given is little more than an elaborate myth of origins. Yet it also acknowledges that cosmopolitanism itself faces a crisis of ontological foundations, one posed by the centrality of the social contract in Kant’s political philosophy, the origins of the idea of humanity in European predations in the New World, and the re-emergence of liberal imperialism. Yet without the idea of humanity, how is any kind of cosmopolitanism possible? In this light, the paper maps out an alternative ontology of the human that might serve as a more credible foundation for a global politics of cosmopolitan justice. UQ St Lucia. Web

The Warm Earth We Know presented by Ted Moore - University of Michigan | 9 May 2008
Based on studies of Earth’s modern climate, we have a fairly good idea how increases in global green house gases will affect Earth’s climate in the future, including higher global temperatures, rising sea level, and more intense storms. Research shows that ~50 million years ago during the Eocene, Earth experienced a “green house” climate similar to that predicted for our immediate future. Will the lessons learned from the Eocene help us to mitigate predicated changes in modern climate? This talk will describe Earth’s Eocene climate as revealed by samples collected through scientific drilling and will explore it’s relevance to modern issues. Ted has a distinguished record of service to three generations of ocean drilling programs. Almost immediately after earning a Ph.D. from Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1967, Ted began participating in scientific ocean drilling. He sailed three times with DSDP, twice with ODP, and once with IODP. His contributions to science were instrumental in developing the field of paleoceanography. Early in his career, he participated in the original CLIMAP reconstruction of glacial maximum temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. While his study areas have included the Arctic Ocean and South Atlantic, he remains partial to understanding Pacific Ocean sedimentation, stratigraphy, and paleoceanography. UQ St Lucia. Web.

QBI Advanced Neuroscience Lecture Series 2008 – Learning and Memory | 14 May 2008
Have you ever wondered how your memory works? Or, why some people achieve better at school than others? Our brain is one of the most complex machines in existence and orchestrates most of our activities from playing the piano to learning to read and speak. The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, is hosting a series of public lectures between 30 April and 28 May 2008. The five lectures will revolve around the theme of Learning and Memory, and will be presented by internationally renowned neuroscientists from Australia and abroad. These lectures are open to the general public - all are welcome to attend. UQ St Lucia. Web.

`The Many Faces of Egypt` (14th Annual Ancient History Conference) | 17 May 2008
This year`s Ancient History Day will feature seven speakers who will present illustrated lectures on different aspects of Egyptian history and art. For more details please contact the School of History, Philosophy, Religion & Classics at the University of Queensland using the contact details below. UQ St Lucia. Web.

National Archaeology Week | 18-24 May 2008
National Archaeology Week aims to increase public awareness of Australian archaeology and the work of Australian archaeologists both at home and abroad, and to promote the importance of protecting Australia's unique archaeological heritage. Held from the 18th to the 24th of May 2008, this exciting nationwide program of events and activities will include public lectures, seminars, exhibits, demonstration excavations and displays. Check out your state for events in your local area. Web.

'Women and witchcraft' - 29 May 2008
Sarah Ferber will present a seminar entitled 'Women and witchcraft' as part of the History Research Seminar Series. Much recent witchcraft scholarship has tended to repudiate earlier feminist readings of the significance of women as witches. The grounds are many but include accusations (sometime well-founded) of over-zealous readings of inaccurate sources. Work based on evidence that a great many trials involved accusations against men has also contributed to the view that feminist history which expressed anger about the misogyny of witch trials and demonology was inadequate from a scholarly point of view, even misguided. Thus, even after numerous works have been published which address this issue, the overall impression is that this is a subject characterised by both interpretative caution and incaution, and political suspicion. Surveying the totality of work on this topic to date, the paper retraces these debates, revealing that earlier overviews have tended to caricature a as polarised a debate for which there is early evidence of discussion conducted in an irenic mode. The paper’s second theme is the importance of considering the interaction between the feminism of the streets and that of the academy in the 1970s and 80s. This paper forms part a broader survey history of witchcraft and demonology in early modern Europe and the Atlantic world. HISTORY RESEARCH SEMINARS, SEMESTER 1 2008. ALL SEMINARS ARE HELD ON THURSDAYS, 4.15-5.30PM. RICHARDS BUILDING (5) ROOM 213. Website.

Native Title Conference 2008: Past, Present, Future | 3-5 June 2008
The annual national Native Title Conference remains the leading Indigenous policy conference in Australia and a flagship event for the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). This year the Native Title Conference will be co-convened by the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) and hosted by the Noongar people, traditional owners of Perth, and the south west of Western Australia. The Noongar people wish for this year’s conference to focus on Koorah, Yira, Boordah – ‘past, present, future’. The 2008 conference will examine how native title can recognise and strengthen the fabric of Indigenous nations: acknowledge the past, respect the people of today and their struggle for recognition, and build a future. The sub themes include: developing young leaders; women’s perspectives on native title; negotiation, mediation and conflict; land and water management; governance; a national voice – Indigenous representation; partnerships; economic development; collective enterprise and private wealth; government and native title; reconciliation; developments in law, policy and practice.The conference is a dynamic opportunity for diverse peoples to come together and engage in debate, including – native title holders and claimants, traditional owners, native title representative bodies and service agencies, the Federal Court, National Native Title Tribunal, Commonwealth and State government agencies, academics, consultants and industry representatives. The conference attracts over 500 participants and 150 speakers, and as well as cultural events and exhibitions. We welcome you to join us in Perth this year and contribute to this important event. Website.

Race, Nation, History: A Conference in Honour of Henry Reynolds | 29-30 August 2008
Race, nation, history seeks to honour the work of Henry Reynolds, one of Australia’s finest historians and one of its leading public intellectuals, on the occasion of his seventieth year. A prodigious author, a renowned commentator and a controversial advocate, Reynolds’ work has profoundly influenced two or more generations of scholarship in history and other fields, and has had a considerable impact in legal and political spheres. He has been likened to the famous English historian E.P. Thompson.
The conference is being sponsored by the Research School of the Humanities and the Research School of the Social Sciences at The Australian National University, the National Library of Australia and the University of Tasmania, and it will take place over two days on 29-30 August 2008 at the National Library of Australia. It is being convened by Professor Bain Attwood, School of Historical Studies, Monash University, and the Research School of Humanities, CASS, The Australian National University; and Professor Tom Griffiths, History Program, Research School of Social Sciences, The Australian National University. Website.

Cool Websites

OXFAM: Close the Gap

Welcome to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library and Information Resource Network (ATSILIRN) website. The Network was established after it was recognised that there was a need for a support and information network for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people working in libraries and for those people servicing the information needs of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia are diverse in their cultures, histories and languages, and so their information requirements are equally diverse. Australia has over 200 distinct Aboriginal groups, plus the peoples of the Torres Strait; of these groups there are approximately 100 languages still spoken. There is also an increase in Indigenous authors writing not only in English but also in their own languages, such as Pitjantjatjara, Yolngu, Aranda, and many others. The Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander cultures are strong within themselves, but trying to make our way through the library and archival worlds has been found by us to be difficult, not only for those Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples working in the field but also for those using information services. Therefore, a need was seen to not only support and inform those working in the field, but also to improve the way librarians, archivists and other information professionals perceive the information needs of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Browse through our site if you would like to know more about ATSILIRN and its services.

The Australian Newspaper Plan

The Australian Newspaper Plan is an ambitious, ongoing project designed to collect and preserve every newspaper published in Australia, guaranteeing public access to these important historical records. There are similar plans for New Zealand's newspapers.

This looks like it is an awesome project. Have alook at the site and what they are doing!

Recent Additions to UQ Library

The recent additions webpage is at library.uq.edu.au/screens/newttls.html.

The Globalization of Political Violence: Globalization's Shadow | edited by Richard Devetak and Christopher W. Hughes

"The events of the 11th of September 2001 revealed most dramatically that globalization has a shadow. While large sections of the world’s population enjoy the perceived benefits of globalization, others seek to utilize globalization for their own politically violent purposes. If 9/11 demonstrated anything, it is that globalization can as readily facilitate violence and insecurity as it can produce stability, prosperity and political order. This edited volume offers important new methodological and multi-disciplinary insights into the study of globalization and political violence. It brings together studies from various disciplines in order to address the precise nature of the relationship between globalization and political violence as it seeks to offer new theoretical and empirical understandings of the types of actors involved in political violence, either as perpetrators or victims. Examples of the studies include the changing character of state militaries and state-to-state conflict under globalization, the emergence of ‘new wars’ fuelled by globalization, the role of state militaries in intervention, new forms of violence directed by states against refugees and anti-globalization protesters, the role of terrorist actors post-9/11, networks for the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the rise of private military firms amongst others. The Globalization of Political Violence will be of interest to students and researchers of politics, international relations, security studies and international political economy." (ref).

Global Rebellion: Religious Challenges to the Secular State, from Christian Militias to al Qaeda | by Mark Juergensmeyer

"Why has the turn of the twenty-first century been rocked by a new religious rebellion? From al Qaeda to Christian militias to insurgents in Iraq, a strident new religious activism has seized the imaginations of political rebels around the world. Building on his groundbreaking book, The New Cold War?: Religious Nationalism Confronts the Secular State, Mark Juergensmeyer here provides an up-to-date road map through this complex new religious terrain. Basing his discussion on interviews with militant activists and case studies of rebellious movements, Juergensmeyer puts a human face on conflicts that have become increasingly abstract. He revises our notions of religious revolution and offers positive proposals for responding to religious activism in ways that will diminish the violence and lead to an accommodation between radical religion and the secular world." (ref)

Books

The Woman and the Ape | by Peter Hoeg

The Woman and the Ape | by Peter Hoeg

"Peter Høeg, author of the international bestseller Smilla's Sense of Snow, has written a fable that explores our human status as inhabitants of paradise lost, and the trade-off between civilization and freedom. The story begins with a captured ape, dubbed Erasmus, a specimen of an apparently new species with a cognitive ability that seems to rival human capacities. Erasmus is rescued from scientific study and experimentation by Madelene, whose husband, Adam, is the zoo director. Escaping to an Eden-like nature reserve, Madelene finds an empathy with Erasmus that develops into a wild sexual liberation. When the pair emerge from Eden to try to stop Adam continuing researches on others of Erasmus' kind, paradise dissolves, and civilization wins out. Read an interview with Peter Høeg. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. " (Amazon)

Paradise Lost | by John Milton

'"Paradise Lost is the great epic poem of the English language, a tale of immense drama and excitement, of rebellion and treachery, of innocence pitted against corruption, in which God and Satan fight a bitter battle for control of mankind's destiny. The struggle ranges across heaven, hell, and earth, as Satan and his band of rebel angels conspire against God. At the center of the conflict are Adam and Eve, motivated by all too human temptations, but whose ultimate downfall is unyielding love. This marvelous new edition boasts an introduction by one of Milton's most famous modern admirers, the best-selling novelist Philip Pullman. Indeed, Pullman not only provides a general introduction, but also introduces each of the twelve books of the poem. In these commentaries, Pullman illuminates the power of the poem and its achievement as a story, suggests how we should read it today, and describes its influence on him and his acclaimed trilogy His Dark Materials, which takes its title from a line in the poem. His observations offer a tribute that is both personal and insightful, and his enthusiasm for Milton's language, skill, and supreme gifts as a storyteller is infectious. He encourages readers above all to experience the poem for themselves, and surrender to its enchantment. Pullman's tremendous admiration and passion for Paradise Lost will attract a whole new generation of readers to this classic of English literature. An ideal gift, the book is beautifully produced, printed in two colors throughout, illustrated with the twelve engravings from the first illustrated edition published in 1688, with ribbon marker." (Amazon)

I was looking for books for myself and Amazon recomended this version of Milton's Paradise Lost. It has an introduction by Phillip Pullman who has written the His Dark Materials series (The Golden Compass). Then I asked a friend for their favourite book and they said The Woman and the Ape (above). Just a coincidence? Yes, but it makes for a nice theme this issue! Ed.

Media Guide

ABC Local Radio	QLD Country Hour Presented by Theresa Rockley-Hogan, the Country Hour explores the issues facing primary industries and rural communities across Regional Queensland and around Australia. Broadcast 12-1pm weekdays on ABC's Queensland Local Radio. A summary of the Country Hour program is available each day at www.abc.net.au/rural/qld/today.htm.	Weekdays	12:00pm
SBS	Living Black Living Black, Australia’s premier indigenous news and current affairs program presented by Karla Grant, is on each Wednesday at 6:00pm on SBS. Living Black is repeated each Monday at 5:30pm and each Friday at 3:30pm on SBS.	30 Apr 4 May rpt 7 May 11 May rpt	6:00pm 5:30pm 3:pm 6:00pm
Radio National	Awaye Indigenous art and culture on Radio National with Daniel Browning . To find out what is on the program this week or to listen to the last four programs go to the Awaye website at www.abc.net.au/rn/awaye.	2 May 5 May rpt 9 May 12 May rpt	3:00pm 6:00pm 3:00pm 6:00pm 3:00pm
ABC Local Radio	Speaking Out Cultural, lifestyle and political issues affecting Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia today. Visit the Speaking Out website to find out what is on this week. Listen to the show on ABC Local Radio or podcast. Broadcast each Sunday at 9:30pm	4 May 11 May rpt	9:30pm 9:30pm
ABC1	Landline Landline is Australia's national rural issues program. The full hour of Landline can be seen on Sundays at noon and is repeated on the following Monday at 11:00 am. Landline is also available on ABC2 Digital Television, Sundays at 5:00 pm. The program is presented by Sally Sara and Kerry Lonergan.	4 May 5 May rpt 11 May 12 May rpt	11:00pm 12:00pm 11:00pm 12:00pm 11:00pm
ABC1	Message Stick "Message Stick is a half hour magazine style TV program about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lifestyles and issues. It features stories, interviews, archival footage, video clips and cooking segments and provides a slot where special half hour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander documentaries can be shown. It allows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to tell their stories in their own way and is the ABC's most recent series to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander's a voice on our television screens" (ref). Message Stick is on ABC1 Monday's at 6:00pm and Sunday's at 1:30pm. Message Stick is also available on ABC2 on Saturdays at 6.30pm and Mondays at 8.30am.	4 May 5 May rpt 11 May 12 May rpt	6:00pm 1:30pm 6:00pm 1:30pm
ABC1	Media Watch "Media Watch is Australia's leading forum for media analysis and comment. Conflicts of interest, bank backflips, deceit, misrepresentation, manipulation, plagiarism, abuse of power, technical lies and straight out fraud: Media Watch has built an unrivalled record of exposing media shenanigans since it first went to air in 1989" (ref). Media Watch is on ABC1 Monday nights at 9:20pm and Wednesday's at 12:20pm. It is also on ABC2 Tuesday's at 7:45am.	4 May 6 May 11 May 13 May	9:20pm 12:20pm 9:20pm 12:20pm

Published by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
ISSN 1448-2568