These important developments have resulted in this edition of Alumni magazine having a distinctly NorthWest flavour.
On the research front, we have a focus on longer-term funding to support work that is distinctively for and from Tasmania. We have seen mission-aligned research projects funded,
Introducing Rebecca Cuthill and Rob Blandford.
including a new Drought Resilience Hub for Tasmania, new Antarctic funding with partners the CSIRO and Australian Antarctic Division, and a new MS Research Flagship at Menzies. The Tasmania Project has analysed 11,000 community survey responses, which has supported decision-making through the COVID period by policymakers, industry
Rebecca Cuthill, Acting Executive Director, Advancement, has welcomed recently appointed Associate Director, Alumni Relations, Rob Blandford, to the Advancement Office. Rob Blandford said it was wonderful to arrive at a time of great energy, as the University focuses on
partners and community partners.
contributing to a bright future for Tasmania.
Our climate scientists continue to make a substantial
“In my previous institution, I spent 14 years working
contribution to the world’s understanding of the great
in an engineering faculty and subsequently in an
questions of our time and here – uniquely positioned in
alumni relations team,” Rob said.
Tasmania – we are seeking to help our place be a beacon
“I come to the University of Tasmania with a great
to the world in embracing a carbon-positive future.
enthusiasm for our alumni community and its enormous
While scale is not a measure of our success, we have
strengths and capacity to make a positive difference.
evidence that having a deeply place-based approach
“Rebecca and I are grateful for the work undertaken by
is not an impediment either. This deeply mission-based research focus produced
Rebecca’s predecessor, Kate Robertson, who recently retired from her position. We look forward to continuing
the largest research income ever last year, and we
the relationships and conversations already underway.”
expect to exceed that again this year.
The Alumni team welcomes your feedback and is here
What’s important is that investment is focused on
to make sure that you feel a sense of connection to your
creating positive impact for Tasmania and Tasmanians, and from here using our distinctive strengths to have
University. We are creating an environment to provide you with life-long opportunities to access educational,
an impact for the world.
cultural and artistic engagement. We will introduce you
A mission for the longer term
and connection.
Changing our focus from one which is measured
We invite each of you to play a special role in
by scale to one which is place-based is a long-term
strengthening our alumni community to be a
strategy, reaching out to 10 years or more. The support
network of volunteers who not only support each
within the University and the wider community is
other but can also influence the direction and the
indeed encouraging.
success of this institution.
to your peers to enable you to build circles of support
The world is also taking interest in what we’re doing. Word has got out that something interesting is happening here. One of the reasons people are interested is because we are starting to achieve results around things that universities and communities have been grappling with for a long time – like student access and impactbased research. This isn’t easy. It’s about having a shared long vision and having the tenacity to stick with it and work together to navigate some of the tough patches. Indeed, it relies completely on working together. We want to thank all who share this vision, who have helped create it, and who are contributing to it. We hope it will increasingly serve to strengthen your sense of pride and belonging to the University of Tasmania. Professor Rufus Black, Vice-Chancellor
Rebecca Cuthill and Rob Blandford at the official opening of the West Park campus in Burnie.
| ISSUE 52 | 2021
New knowledge is at the heart of our mission
Creating opportunities for connection
alumni M A G A Z I N E
UNIVERSITY
