Reflections

The staff of Avondale College have been busy in 2007.  Read below for a summary of the research, publishing and other activities they have undertaken so far this year.

Honorary senior research fellow Dr Brian Ball was inspired by teenagers at a local Seventh-Day Adventist church to write a new book. The book, Can we still believe the Bible? emphasises the trustworthiness of the Bible and is aimed at senior high school and tertiary students. It is available from Adventist Book Centres for $19.95.

Desktop publisher Ann Stafford of Avondale's audio visual services has been awarded for 'best news photo' in the 2006 Hindson Awards for her photograph of Julie Stefani and Dr Arthur Patrick cutting a cake to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Homecoming. The awards recognise the importance of contributors, and the quality of material submitted, to Record, the weekly newsmagazine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific.

Dr Daniel Renyaud, history lecturer, has published the first study of how the Anzac legend has been portrayed in Australian film and television over 80 years. His book, Celluloid Anzacs, traces the evolving image of Anzac from pro-British city boy to anti-British bushman. "History isn't facts, it's the engagement of people with each other. It's dynamic, it's fascinating," he says.

Dr Malcom Anderson, research development co-ordinator in the Faculty of Nursing and Health, is set to extend his research on the psychosocial consequences of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on family relationships internationally. Dr Anderson recently presented his findings to academic staff members and visiting scholars at The Hong Kong Institute of Education, where he received recognition for the high quality of his work.

A new book by Avondale College lecturer Martin Pieris will introduce Sri Lankans to each other and, despite years of violent unrest, share the optimistic spirit that survives in the country. A photographer and sessional in the Faculty of Lifestyle Education and Visual Communication, Mr Pieris launched 'The Sri Lankans: a portrait of a developing nation' in the Joanne Felk Gallery in June and the book is available from the Avondale College bookshop for $60.

Senior music lecturer Dr Robb Dennis's first placing in the Century Challenge Cycle Tour in May proves he rides as well as he sings. Robb completed the 107-kilometre course from Kariong to Mooney Mooney to Kulnura to Peats Ridge (NSW) in three hours and 30 minutes. Despite having a fall Dennis was able to catch up lost time, eventually finishing three minutes ahead of the winner from the previous year

Senior research fellow Dr Alwyn Salom, 78, passed away in Brisbane's Princess Alexandria Hospital on February 18. A memorial service was held in College Church.

Avondale College nursing lecturer Gwen Wilkinson has presented findings from her soon-to-be-completed PhD at the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Conference in Yokohama, Japan. "I felt privileged to have a paper accepted at an international conference with this status," says Wilkinson. "I want to thank Avondale for the financial assistance it gave to help me attend."