"...like you're pushing the snowball back up hill"-the experiences of Australian physiotherapists promoting non-treatment physical activity : A qualitative study
Description:
Participating in physical activity is important for maintaining general health. When physiotherapists promote physical activity for the purposes of maintaining or improving a patient’s general health, they are promoting non-treatment physical activity. Physiotherapists have a responsibility to promote non-treatment physical activity to their patients while also providing the patient with treatment for their presenting complaint. This qualitative study explored the experiences of Australian physiotherapists promoting non-treatment physical activity to patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Ten Australian physiotherapists treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions in private practice and outpatient settings were recruited using a social media campaign and snowballing. All interviewees received one $AU20 gift card for participating. Sixty-minute semi-structured interviews were conducted and were transcribed verbatim. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to design the interview guide and analyse data. Transcripts were used to identify emergent and superordinate themes. Most interviewees were female, aged between 25–34 years, physically active and reported promoting NTPA. The superordinate themes that emerged from the transcripts included: Internal and external influences on NTPA promotion, approach taken by the physiotherapist towards NTPA promotion, challenges experienced when promoting NTPA, and skills and training. In conclusion, physiotherapists reported they were well-placed to promote NTPA, but they face many challenges. The perceived inability to motivate patients to become physically active and the need to prioritise patient expectations of hands-on therapy made NTPA promotion difficult. Workplace specific factors, such as having an open-plan clinic environment and having other staff who promote NTPA, were perceived to make NTPA promotion easier. Using effective marketing strategies that portray the physiotherapy clinic as a physically active environment might see patients expect NTPA promotion, making NTPA promotion easier for Australian physiotherapists in the future.
Description:
Participating in physical activity is important for maintaining general health. When physiotherapists promote physical activity for the purposes of maintaining or improving a patient’s general health, they are promoting non-treatment physical activity. Physiotherapists have a responsibility to promote non-treatment physical activity to their patients while also providing the patient with treatment for their presenting complaint. This qualitative study explored the experiences of Australian physiotherapists promoting non-treatment physical activity to patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Ten Australian physiotherapists treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions in private practice and outpatient settings were recruited using a social media campaign and snowballing. All interviewees received one $AU20 gift card for participating. Sixty-minute semi-structured interviews were conducted and were transcribed verbatim. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to design the interview guide and analyse data. Transcripts were used to identify emergent and superordinate themes. Most interviewees were female, aged between 25–34 years, physically active and reported promoting NTPA. The superordinate themes that emerged from the transcripts included: Internal and external influences on NTPA promotion, approach taken by the physiotherapist towards NTPA promotion, challenges experienced when promoting NTPA, and skills and training. In conclusion, physiotherapists reported they were well-placed to promote NTPA, but they face many challenges. The perceived inability to motivate patients to become physically active and the need to prioritise patient expectations of hands-on therapy made NTPA promotion difficult. Workplace specific factors, such as having an open-plan clinic environment and having other staff who promote NTPA, were perceived to make NTPA promotion easier. Using effective marketing strategies that portray the physiotherapy clinic as a physically active environment might see patients expect NTPA promotion, making NTPA promotion easier for Australian physiotherapists in the future.
Description:
Group ceramics exhibition explores the everyday and beyond In November, more than 30 ceramic artists will combine forces for a mammoth exhibition that will look at everyday ceramic ware and functional works with an interesting twist. The exhibition, ‘A New Look - Functional Ceramics’, will show the work of 30+ potters from around Australia who have been invited to show an example of their functional work, such as a cup, a dish or a vase. They have also been asked to take the form one step further and explore a new way of making a similar object, which will be presented alongside the original. This large and challenging exhibition has been curated by Janet Mansfield, a well known and respected potter who has been in the industry for 40 years. Ms Mansfield said that items of functional ceramics evolve as the world around us changes and she hopes that this exhibition will extend the vision of the potters and the viewing public about tablewares. “There is a continuing challenge to make functional work that is contemporary and reflects the needs of society today,” said Ms Mansfield. “Sometimes changes occur slowly but the needs of a society can be identified through the pottery created in a particular time period – this has been the case for thousands of years, with pottery reflecting the time and beliefs of a certain civilisation. “That’s why this exhibition will be so interesting – not only will it show us the ceramics that are defining our time, it will also push artists to think imaginatively. “Sometimes new ideas do not work for the potters, or the public, but it is important to stretch oneself creatively.” Each piece will be individual, reflecting the interests of each potter, ranging from brightly coloured earthenware to more traditional stoneware and rugged wood-fired works. “No doubt there will be some social commentary, some narrative works where there is a story to tell and some that take the traditional into unexpected realms.”
Description:
Group ceramics exhibition explores the everyday and beyond In November, more than 30 ceramic artists will combine forces for a mammoth exhibition that will look at everyday ceramic ware and functional works with an interesting twist. The exhibition, ‘A New Look - Functional Ceramics’, will show the work of 30+ potters from around Australia who have been invited to show an example of their functional work, such as a cup, a dish or a vase. They have also been asked to take the form one step further and explore a new way of making a similar object, which will be presented alongside the original. This large and challenging exhibition has been curated by Janet Mansfield, a well known and respected potter who has been in the industry for 40 years. Ms Mansfield said that items of functional ceramics evolve as the world around us changes and she hopes that this exhibition will extend the vision of the potters and the viewing public about tablewares. “There is a continuing challenge to make functional work that is contemporary and reflects the needs of society today,” said Ms Mansfield. “Sometimes changes occur slowly but the needs of a society can be identified through the pottery created in a particular time period – this has been the case for thousands of years, with pottery reflecting the time and beliefs of a certain civilisation. “That’s why this exhibition will be so interesting – not only will it show us the ceramics that are defining our time, it will also push artists to think imaginatively. “Sometimes new ideas do not work for the potters, or the public, but it is important to stretch oneself creatively.” Each piece will be individual, reflecting the interests of each potter, ranging from brightly coloured earthenware to more traditional stoneware and rugged wood-fired works. “No doubt there will be some social commentary, some narrative works where there is a story to tell and some that take the traditional into unexpected realms.”
Description:
Historically, fantasy fiction has tended to present sexuality and gender in a conservative light. Contemporary authors in this genre have the opportunity to imagine worlds in which they can critique these norms and offer new and subversive alternatives. Elizabeth Moon’s work has been seen by some readers and critics (Mains, et al, Bach) to challenge conservative gender roles, and while in some areas this is evident, a critical reading of her Paksworld series through a feminist lens reveals that her work is still largely restricted by normative notions of gender and heteronormative contexts and ideals. In this thesis I argue that while Moon’s female characters are allowed a certain amount of autonomy, they are still often repressed by those around them, silenced, or subject to male dominance and/or sexual violence. Those women in the novels who achieve a position of social, political or spiritual power are forced to make choices between roles: for example, between being a warrior and a mother, and are not allowed to ‘have it all’. Moon does subvert some familiar feminine tropes – her fantasy princesses for example avoid being married against their will, and her female warriors are more complex than simply being ‘sheroes’. Utilising masculinities and disability theory, I also analyse Moon’s treatment of men and masculinity. While Moon presents several familiar male fantasy tropes, she also portrays some surprisingly subversive men. These men are forced to reimagine and reinterpret their own masculine identities by having to confront ageing, disability, mutilation and loss of personal power while negotiating traditionally masculine homo-social environments. Finally, I argue that Moon’s presentation of sexuality in the Paksworld series is problematic and conservative in that very few of her characters are having pleasurable, consensual sex, especially not outside traditional marriage structures. Furthermore, the Paksworld series is largely heteronormative, with same-sex desire identified predominantly with a character who is presented as an antagonist to Paks. Paks herself is asexual, and I argue that Moon uses this as a way to avoid dealing with the issue of female sexual desire rather than an opportunity to explore asexuality as a valid sexual preference or identity. Overall, I argue that despite some subversive elements, Moon’s characters are still largely restricted by conservative expectations of genre, culture, gender and sexuality.
Description:
Historically, fantasy fiction has tended to present sexuality and gender in a conservative light. Contemporary authors in this genre have the opportunity to imagine worlds in which they can critique these norms and offer new and subversive alternatives. Elizabeth Moon’s work has been seen by some readers and critics (Mains, et al, Bach) to challenge conservative gender roles, and while in some areas this is evident, a critical reading of her Paksworld series through a feminist lens reveals that her work is still largely restricted by normative notions of gender and heteronormative contexts and ideals. In this thesis I argue that while Moon’s female characters are allowed a certain amount of autonomy, they are still often repressed by those around them, silenced, or subject to male dominance and/or sexual violence. Those women in the novels who achieve a position of social, political or spiritual power are forced to make choices between roles: for example, between being a warrior and a mother, and are not allowed to ‘have it all’. Moon does subvert some familiar feminine tropes – her fantasy princesses for example avoid being married against their will, and her female warriors are more complex than simply being ‘sheroes’. Utilising masculinities and disability theory, I also analyse Moon’s treatment of men and masculinity. While Moon presents several familiar male fantasy tropes, she also portrays some surprisingly subversive men. These men are forced to reimagine and reinterpret their own masculine identities by having to confront ageing, disability, mutilation and loss of personal power while negotiating traditionally masculine homo-social environments. Finally, I argue that Moon’s presentation of sexuality in the Paksworld series is problematic and conservative in that very few of her characters are having pleasurable, consensual sex, especially not outside traditional marriage structures. Furthermore, the Paksworld series is largely heteronormative, with same-sex desire identified predominantly with a character who is presented as an antagonist to Paks. Paks herself is asexual, and I argue that Moon uses this as a way to avoid dealing with the issue of female sexual desire rather than an opportunity to explore asexuality as a valid sexual preference or identity. Overall, I argue that despite some subversive elements, Moon’s characters are still largely restricted by conservative expectations of genre, culture, gender and sexuality.
Description:
Recent publicity has focused on the problems created by the usage of illicit drugs in the community. The growing use of illicit drugs throughout the Grampians region and the lack of resources and professional services available to regional and rural areas raise many questions as to treatment options and the accessibility and appropriateness of drug and alcohol and mental health services. Despite the fact that mental health professionals in rural/regional areas are expected to deliver the most appropriate care to individuals with a comorbid drug and alcohol and psychiatric disorder, a number of these rural/regional mental health professionals have limited preparation and experience in dealing with dual diagnosis issues. This phenomenological study focuses on the area of dual diagnosis, specifically the experiences of health professionals who care for clients diagnosed with a serious mental illness and a coexisting drug and alcohol disorder. Results are described in the form of four themes, which emerged from data collected during in-depth interviews with 13 mental health professionals who care for clients with a dual diagnosis. The themes captured in this research will be described using metaphors as headings. The first theme Sink or swim represents mental health professionals’ initial preparation to care for this group of complex clientele. Treading water symbolises mental health professionals’ endeavours to keep their head above water and reflects on their feelings while endeavouring to do so. Rowing against the tide describes mental health professionals’ understanding of clients’ drug misuse, which impacts greatly on the level of care.
Description:
Recent publicity has focused on the problems created by the usage of illicit drugs in the community. The growing use of illicit drugs throughout the Grampians region and the lack of resources and professional services available to regional and rural areas raise many questions as to treatment options and the accessibility and appropriateness of drug and alcohol and mental health services. Despite the fact that mental health professionals in rural/regional areas are expected to deliver the most appropriate care to individuals with a comorbid drug and alcohol and psychiatric disorder, a number of these rural/regional mental health professionals have limited preparation and experience in dealing with dual diagnosis issues. This phenomenological study focuses on the area of dual diagnosis, specifically the experiences of health professionals who care for clients diagnosed with a serious mental illness and a coexisting drug and alcohol disorder. Results are described in the form of four themes, which emerged from data collected during in-depth interviews with 13 mental health professionals who care for clients with a dual diagnosis. The themes captured in this research will be described using metaphors as headings. The first theme Sink or swim represents mental health professionals’ initial preparation to care for this group of complex clientele. Treading water symbolises mental health professionals’ endeavours to keep their head above water and reflects on their feelings while endeavouring to do so. Rowing against the tide describes mental health professionals’ understanding of clients’ drug misuse, which impacts greatly on the level of care.
Description:
Margaret of Anjou's reference to herself as a 'silly woman' in Henry VI is a political ploy to draw attention to her gender, yet indicate her limitless power in the face of male dominance. This paper will map the trajectory of repertoire selection in my 18 years of working as a director and artistic director of actor training in the regional city of Ballarat. I have witnessed a profound shift in the demographic, political and financial realities that shape my practice. Intake numbers have doubled the age of candidates has dropped mental health problems for young actors have increased and budgets have plummeted. After the main struggle to maintain adequate studio time in order to create effective models of actor pedagogy, gender considerations follow. When choosing repertoire for training purposes, issues of equity and the cultural appropriateness of repertoire and teaching tools arise. Linda Walsh Jenkins and Susan Ogden -Malouf suggest 'a feminist critique of theatre shifts the gaze from product to process'. In Ballarat I have programmed female playwrights and directors, double-cast women and men, and staged obscure classical works. I will explore the queries to actor-training orthodoxy inherent in such choices and the challenges faced by actor-trainers working in a #MeToo environment.
Description:
Margaret of Anjou's reference to herself as a 'silly woman' in Henry VI is a political ploy to draw attention to her gender, yet indicate her limitless power in the face of male dominance. This paper will map the trajectory of repertoire selection in my 18 years of working as a director and artistic director of actor training in the regional city of Ballarat. I have witnessed a profound shift in the demographic, political and financial realities that shape my practice. Intake numbers have doubled the age of candidates has dropped mental health problems for young actors have increased and budgets have plummeted. After the main struggle to maintain adequate studio time in order to create effective models of actor pedagogy, gender considerations follow. When choosing repertoire for training purposes, issues of equity and the cultural appropriateness of repertoire and teaching tools arise. Linda Walsh Jenkins and Susan Ogden -Malouf suggest 'a feminist critique of theatre shifts the gaze from product to process'. In Ballarat I have programmed female playwrights and directors, double-cast women and men, and staged obscure classical works. I will explore the queries to actor-training orthodoxy inherent in such choices and the challenges faced by actor-trainers working in a #MeToo environment.
Description:
Our paper critically analyses and theorises the role of women as coordinators and participants in community-based organizations where men comprise the majority of participants. Literature, interview and survey data lead us to suggest that it is "how men are worked with" that determines the effectiveness of women's involvement (author abstract)
Description:
Our paper critically analyses and theorises the role of women as coordinators and participants in community-based organizations where men comprise the majority of participants. Literature, interview and survey data lead us to suggest that it is "how men are worked with" that determines the effectiveness of women's involvement (author abstract)
Description:
As with other industrialized nations Australia's population is aging and older workers are encouraged to work for longer. At the same time, Australia's university sector, which is aging, is being reconfigured through changes that potentially marginalize its older workers as higher education institutions try to become more competitive in a global market. In this context, youthfulness appears to embody competitiveness and academic institutions are increasingly aspiring to a young workforce profile. This qualitative article builds on previous research to explore to what extent ageist assumptions shape attitudes to older workers and human resource management (HRM) practices within Australian universities even when HRM practitioners are well versed in antidiscrimination legislation that (unlike the Age Discrimination in Employment Act in the United States) applies to workers of all ages. Semistructured interviews conducted with 22 HRM practitioners in Australian universities reveal that university HRM practices generally overlook the value of retaining an older workforce by conflating "potential" with "youthfulness," assuming that staff potential and performance share a negative correlation with age. While mostly lower-ranked institutions have attempted to retain older academics to maintain an adequate labor supply, this study finds that university policies targeting the ongoing utilization of older workers generally are underdeveloped. Consequently, the availability of late career employment arrangements is dependent upon institutions' strategic goals, with favorable ad hoc solutions offered to academics with outstanding performance records, while a rhetoric of performance decline threatens to marginalize older academic researchers and teachers more generally.
Description:
As with other industrialized nations Australia's population is aging and older workers are encouraged to work for longer. At the same time, Australia's university sector, which is aging, is being reconfigured through changes that potentially marginalize its older workers as higher education institutions try to become more competitive in a global market. In this context, youthfulness appears to embody competitiveness and academic institutions are increasingly aspiring to a young workforce profile. This qualitative article builds on previous research to explore to what extent ageist assumptions shape attitudes to older workers and human resource management (HRM) practices within Australian universities even when HRM practitioners are well versed in antidiscrimination legislation that (unlike the Age Discrimination in Employment Act in the United States) applies to workers of all ages. Semistructured interviews conducted with 22 HRM practitioners in Australian universities reveal that university HRM practices generally overlook the value of retaining an older workforce by conflating "potential" with "youthfulness," assuming that staff potential and performance share a negative correlation with age. While mostly lower-ranked institutions have attempted to retain older academics to maintain an adequate labor supply, this study finds that university policies targeting the ongoing utilization of older workers generally are underdeveloped. Consequently, the availability of late career employment arrangements is dependent upon institutions' strategic goals, with favorable ad hoc solutions offered to academics with outstanding performance records, while a rhetoric of performance decline threatens to marginalize older academic researchers and teachers more generally.
Description:
In this qualitative research project I investigated the use of library systems by a cohort of students from the University of Ballarat Arts Academy. The purpose of the study was to build a clearer picture of how these students use the library resources for their information-seeking, with a view to improving the provision of library services, resources and training. In particular I aimed to identify whether this cohort had a common approach to information-seeking. In this study I thematically analysed the data from eight think-aloud protocols and semi- structured interviews. Participants were Arts Academy students studying Performing Arts, Visual Arts or a Visual Arts/Education dual-degree who were searching for information to complete an assessment task. With the exception of two second year dual-degree students all participants were first year students. The steps taken by participants in information-seeking were identified and the successes and difficulties they experienced with the library’s systems highlighted. The participants in this cohort did not share one specific ‘information-seeking style’ however I identified some common factors across this group of students. All of the participants engaged in a staged process to source the information they required, although in some cases this process was non-linear. They did not however utilise the full capabilities of the search tools they used or access potentially useful tools and resources which the library provides. A number of participants were reticent about using eResources as they had been instructed not to use internet resources for assessment tasks. As a result of this inquiry I have made recommendations relating to the provision of library training and services, collection maintenance and library record standards. Collaboration between library and academic staff would be required to implement these recommendations to ensure optimum outcomes. Areas highlighted for future research include similar studies with student cohorts from different disciplines and an examination of students’ approaches to choosing a topic or focus for assessment tasks.
Description:
In this qualitative research project I investigated the use of library systems by a cohort of students from the University of Ballarat Arts Academy. The purpose of the study was to build a clearer picture of how these students use the library resources for their information-seeking, with a view to improving the provision of library services, resources and training. In particular I aimed to identify whether this cohort had a common approach to information-seeking. In this study I thematically analysed the data from eight think-aloud protocols and semi- structured interviews. Participants were Arts Academy students studying Performing Arts, Visual Arts or a Visual Arts/Education dual-degree who were searching for information to complete an assessment task. With the exception of two second year dual-degree students all participants were first year students. The steps taken by participants in information-seeking were identified and the successes and difficulties they experienced with the library’s systems highlighted. The participants in this cohort did not share one specific ‘information-seeking style’ however I identified some common factors across this group of students. All of the participants engaged in a staged process to source the information they required, although in some cases this process was non-linear. They did not however utilise the full capabilities of the search tools they used or access potentially useful tools and resources which the library provides. A number of participants were reticent about using eResources as they had been instructed not to use internet resources for assessment tasks. As a result of this inquiry I have made recommendations relating to the provision of library training and services, collection maintenance and library record standards. Collaboration between library and academic staff would be required to implement these recommendations to ensure optimum outcomes. Areas highlighted for future research include similar studies with student cohorts from different disciplines and an examination of students’ approaches to choosing a topic or focus for assessment tasks.
Description:
"This research project explores the possibility of a relationship between Abstract art and Aboriginal art in Australia from the mid twentieth century to present. [...] The investigation commences with background information on the history and origins of Abstraction, including the influence of 'primitive art' upon leading practitioners in this field during the movement's formation, before moving to Australia and focussing on two Australian painters. [...] The text also reflects on the rise of the perception of Aboriginal art from being seen as cultural curios in the mid 20th century to its current status as an internationally recognised art movement."--p. 2.
Description:
"This research project explores the possibility of a relationship between Abstract art and Aboriginal art in Australia from the mid twentieth century to present. [...] The investigation commences with background information on the history and origins of Abstraction, including the influence of 'primitive art' upon leading practitioners in this field during the movement's formation, before moving to Australia and focussing on two Australian painters. [...] The text also reflects on the rise of the perception of Aboriginal art from being seen as cultural curios in the mid 20th century to its current status as an internationally recognised art movement."--p. 2.
Description:
"This study set out to determine if and how men change their approach to fatherhood for reasons other than those prescribed by society, that is, are fathers capable of change for personal and interpersonal reasons. ... The participants needed to have experienced a life event whist being a father."
Description:
"This study set out to determine if and how men change their approach to fatherhood for reasons other than those prescribed by society, that is, are fathers capable of change for personal and interpersonal reasons. ... The participants needed to have experienced a life event whist being a father."
Description:
The Federal Government introduced the Welfare to Work legislation in 2005. The legislation was intended to shift people from welfare to (paid) work, largely through punitive measures such as reduced payments and harsh penalties. Community agencies in inner south east Melbourne were interested in monitoring any harms caused by Welfare to Work and developing policy responses. ‘A local response to Welfare to Work’ (the ALR-W2W project) did this through a ‘story collection’ method, which has enabled us to raise awareness of the issue and have input into policy processes. There were challenges in collecting stories from people affected who might be in crisis, suspicious of anything that looked like a bureaucratic or invasive response, or facing other barriers such as limited literacy, language barriers or mental health issues. This article discusses the methodological issues involved in collecting stories of people affected by Welfare to Work
Description:
The Federal Government introduced the Welfare to Work legislation in 2005. The legislation was intended to shift people from welfare to (paid) work, largely through punitive measures such as reduced payments and harsh penalties. Community agencies in inner south east Melbourne were interested in monitoring any harms caused by Welfare to Work and developing policy responses. ‘A local response to Welfare to Work’ (the ALR-W2W project) did this through a ‘story collection’ method, which has enabled us to raise awareness of the issue and have input into policy processes. There were challenges in collecting stories from people affected who might be in crisis, suspicious of anything that looked like a bureaucratic or invasive response, or facing other barriers such as limited literacy, language barriers or mental health issues. This article discusses the methodological issues involved in collecting stories of people affected by Welfare to Work
Description:
This book is concerned with the history of tourism at the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station at Healesville, northeast of Melbourne, which functioned as a government reserve from 1863 until its closure in 1924. At Coranderrk, Aboriginal mission interests and tourism intersected and the station became a ‘showplace’ of Aboriginal culture and the government policy of assimilation. The Aboriginal residents responded to tourist interest by staging cultural performances that involved boomerang throwing and traditional ways of lighting fires and by manufacturing and selling traditional artifacts. Whenever government policy impacted adversely on the Aboriginal community, the residents of Coranderrk took advantage of the opportunities offered to them by tourism to advance their political and cultural interests. This was particularly evident in the 1910s and 1920s when government policy moved to close the station.
Description:
This book is concerned with the history of tourism at the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station at Healesville, northeast of Melbourne, which functioned as a government reserve from 1863 until its closure in 1924. At Coranderrk, Aboriginal mission interests and tourism intersected and the station became a ‘showplace’ of Aboriginal culture and the government policy of assimilation. The Aboriginal residents responded to tourist interest by staging cultural performances that involved boomerang throwing and traditional ways of lighting fires and by manufacturing and selling traditional artifacts. Whenever government policy impacted adversely on the Aboriginal community, the residents of Coranderrk took advantage of the opportunities offered to them by tourism to advance their political and cultural interests. This was particularly evident in the 1910s and 1920s when government policy moved to close the station.
Description:
AIR8 Exhibition held at University of Ballarat Post Office Gallery 20 October - 27 November 2010. Various mediums including painting, ceramics and digital. AIR8 showcased the artwork of eight artists who had participated in the University of Ballarat's Arts Academy Artist in Residence Program. The artwork exhibited was newly created for the exhibition and/or created as part of the residency.
Description:
AIR8 Exhibition held at University of Ballarat Post Office Gallery 20 October - 27 November 2010. Various mediums including painting, ceramics and digital. AIR8 showcased the artwork of eight artists who had participated in the University of Ballarat's Arts Academy Artist in Residence Program. The artwork exhibited was newly created for the exhibition and/or created as part of the residency.
Description:
Exhibition at Dianne Tanzer Gallery, Melbourne Woollen carpet installations. This body of research investigated decomposition and decline and reusing cast off material to recreate beauty. It commented on excess of ornamentation, waste and re-working history to create a new story.
Description:
Exhibition at Dianne Tanzer Gallery, Melbourne Woollen carpet installations. This body of research investigated decomposition and decline and reusing cast off material to recreate beauty. It commented on excess of ornamentation, waste and re-working history to create a new story.
Description:
Along with useful and perhaps at times desirable introductions, the history of acclimatisation in New Zealand is riddled with examples of what have turned out to be catastrophic importations. Although some importations can be identified as driven by pragmatic reasons and justification, they can also in a philosophical sense be categorised as aspects of a 'Britain of the South'. The importation providing the focus of this paper is that of members of the family Mustelidae, specifically weasels, ferrets and stoats. These animals were introduced during the last twenty years of the nineteenth century to predate on rabbits, an introduced pest that in turn threatened the viability of the pastoral farming industry. The paper maps the historical context, the debate and the epilogue to the New Zealand decision to import an 'immigrant killer', not of rabbits but of iconic ground-nesting birds.
Description:
Along with useful and perhaps at times desirable introductions, the history of acclimatisation in New Zealand is riddled with examples of what have turned out to be catastrophic importations. Although some importations can be identified as driven by pragmatic reasons and justification, they can also in a philosophical sense be categorised as aspects of a 'Britain of the South'. The importation providing the focus of this paper is that of members of the family Mustelidae, specifically weasels, ferrets and stoats. These animals were introduced during the last twenty years of the nineteenth century to predate on rabbits, an introduced pest that in turn threatened the viability of the pastoral farming industry. The paper maps the historical context, the debate and the epilogue to the New Zealand decision to import an 'immigrant killer', not of rabbits but of iconic ground-nesting birds.
Description:
"The study examines two decades in the musical life of Ballarat, a regional city in south-eastern Australia. Beginning at the time of the 1851 gold rush, it covers the period in which Ballarat grew from a rough mining camp to an established city with a socially and ethnically diverse population of over 40,000 people. The thesis pursues the aim of looking at the music practices of the community in ways that will further our understanding of the significance of music in the lives of the people."--Abstract.
Description:
"The study examines two decades in the musical life of Ballarat, a regional city in south-eastern Australia. Beginning at the time of the 1851 gold rush, it covers the period in which Ballarat grew from a rough mining camp to an established city with a socially and ethnically diverse population of over 40,000 people. The thesis pursues the aim of looking at the music practices of the community in ways that will further our understanding of the significance of music in the lives of the people."--Abstract.
Description:
'Contained Worlds' Exhibition held at Dianne Tanzer Gallery, Melbourne, 13 September - 11 October 2008 This research focussed on various aspects of colonisation and the length early european settlers went to in imposing their own sense of order on the Australian landscape through the creation of their homes and gardens. Long standing concerns with the history of women's handcrafts and the decorative arts was given emphasis in this body of work. Utilising a textile based process of cutting, piecing and stitching, the mapped representation of a given piece of land lost its original sense of meaning and was transformed offering multiple new readings.
Description:
'Contained Worlds' Exhibition held at Dianne Tanzer Gallery, Melbourne, 13 September - 11 October 2008 This research focussed on various aspects of colonisation and the length early european settlers went to in imposing their own sense of order on the Australian landscape through the creation of their homes and gardens. Long standing concerns with the history of women's handcrafts and the decorative arts was given emphasis in this body of work. Utilising a textile based process of cutting, piecing and stitching, the mapped representation of a given piece of land lost its original sense of meaning and was transformed offering multiple new readings.