Beacon Bulletin, April 2024 Edition

New Councilors sworn in?

Congratulations to our 澳大利亚格里菲斯大学 graduates who have commenced their new term as a Councillor for their local division.?

• Glen Hartwig ('92), Gympie Regional Mayor?
• Naomi Fowler ('01; '04), Division 2 Councillor, City of Gold Coast?
• Shelley Curtis ('19), Division 4 Councillor, City of Gold Coast
• Assistant Professor Nick Marshall OAM ('14), Division 12 Councillor, City of Gold Coast
• Josh Martin ('03), Division 13 Councillor, City of Gold Coast?
• Jared Cassidy ('08; '13), Deagon Councillor, Brisbane City Council??
• Seal Chong Wah ('97), Paddington Councillor, Brisbane City Council?
• Mindy Russell ('12), Division 3 Councillor, Logan City Council??
• Peter Mitchell ('99), Division 2 Councillor, Redland City Council?
• Julie Talty ('01; '05; '10), Division 6 Councillor, Redland City Council?
• Jason Colley ('04), Division 9 Councillor, Redland City Council??
• Aggie Hankin ('99), Division 9 Councillor, Torres Strait Island Region?
• Karl Winchester ('17), Division 6 Councillor, Moreton Bay City?
• Kerri-Marie Cryer ('22), Division 2 Councillor, Scenic Rim Region
• Jennifer Sanders ('11), Division 4 Councillor, Scenic Rim Region??

If we’ve missed you, or someone you know, please reach out to us at [email protected] to let us know. We would love to celebrate your newest career milestone.?

Graduates sweep QLD arts awards

The Matilda Awards were founded in 1987 by theatre critics Alison Cotes and Sue Gough, to celebrate and promote the excellence of Queensland’s theatre industry.?

Announced late February, congratulations to all Griffith graduates recognised.?

• Best Costume Design: Delvene Cockatoo-Collins ('96) and Peter Keavy, Capricorn, La Boite Theatre in Association with QPAC.?
• Best Composition and/or Sound Design: Kate Miller-Heidke ('04), Keir Nuttall ('04), James Dobinson ('08), Joy Weng ('03) and Terry McKibbin, BANANALAND, Brisbane Festival, QPAC.?
• Best Video Design: Freddy Komp ('09), Breathe In, Crossroad Arts.?

50 and not out!

As the Chief First Nations Health Officer at Queensland Health, Haylene Grogan (M Public Administration '06) demonstrates remarkable leadership and dedication to improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities. Additionally, Haylene recently showcased her athletic prowess as a member of the Brisbane Cobra in the Women’s 50 team at the 2024 National Touch League Championships, competing against top teams from QLD, NSW and ACT. With a lifelong passion for sport, Haylene was reminded by the power of sport to unite all people as she stood alongside her deadly teammates, embodying the spirit of community and representing Brisbane. Go Haylene!??

100 and not out!?

Congratulations to Professor Brett Freudenberg (Doctor of Philosophy '09) on publishing his 100th academic article in Australia’s prestigious Australian Tax Forum journal (A* rank). This milestone is the latest for Brett in his professional career, which includes 100 refereed articles, 1337 citations, numerous awards, including a Fulbright Scholarship, mentoring achievements and more. Griffith students are fortunate to learn from Brett in his role as Professor of Taxation.

Connect with Brett here: LinkedIn?

In the fast lane to success

Chloe Prudden (B Physiotherapy Hon '23) continues to excel in her career as an early career Griffith graduate. Graduating with her Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) in 2023, Chloe is now working in dual roles as a Physiotherapist for Grove Racing (V8 Supercars), and Queensland Health as a Principal Policy Officer, where she has contributed to establishing statewide clinical networks and advisory groups and delivering on a $171 million government election commitment to strengthen and improve palliative and end-of-life care service delivery. In Chloe’s QLD Health role, she is also part of the team developing a Queensland Women and Girls’ Health Strategy 2032 and Investment Plan, backed by a new $250 million investment over five years.

Learn more about Chloe here: LinkedIn?

Wonderful Women of Waterford??

Hosted by the Hon Shannon Fentiman MP, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services, and Minister for Women, the 2024 Wonderful Women of Waterford Awards recognised community leaders for exceptional contributions to their community.??

Congratulations to Dr Inez Fainga'a-Manusione (Doctor of Education '22), a Community Research Fellow at Griffith University Logan campus, who was honoured for her community advocacy and amplification of community voice.?

Support your Griffith graduates?

• Join Bonnie Hancock (B Nutrition and Dietetics '14) for the screening of her documentary Diamond of the Sea ?? at the Gold Coast Film Festival on the 26th and 27th of April??

Purchase tickets here: Gold Coast Film Festival Gala Screening?

• Dr Joseph Betts (B Psychological Science '13; B Psychological Science (Hons) '17; PhD Clinical Psychology '22) has opened his Psychology Clinic, Painted Porch Psychology. Joe completed his PhD (Clinical Psychology), focusing on the impact of childhood adversity and interventions in children with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. In the clinic, he works with children and adults on a range of presenting problems and is particularly interested in supporting working with men and boys.

Learn more about Joe’s clinic here: Painted Porch Psychology?

Griffith alumni in profile?

• Professor Professor Cheryl Desha (B Engineering Environment Eng '00; Doctor of Philosophy '10) is reimagining our cities – working with decision-makers to strengthen the resilience of our cities, our communities and our lives.

Read more about Cheryl’s visionary work here: Griffith University Notable Alumni

• Melanie Schinkel (B Creative Arts '03; B Journalism '05) and Christian Stirling (B Communication '03; B Digital Media Production '04) shared their love story which culminated in a Vegas wedding.

Read their Met@Griffith story here: Melanie Schinkel and Christian Stirling

• Brianna Casey AM (BSc (Environment) '99), Bonnie Hancock (B Nutrition and Dietetics '14) and Sarah Parker GAICD (B Leisure Management '95) shared their insights in the March Professional Development webinar.

?? Watch the recording here: Tales of Perseverance, Resilience and Hope

Want more news???

Keep an eye out for the Griffith Alumni eNewsletter hitting inboxes on Thursday 24 April. Email [email protected] if you want to be added to the mailing list.??

Have news to share???

Please share your story with us here: Share your story (griffith.edu.au)?