LIBERTAS 2 - · PDF fileIn this edition of Libertas I heartily ... Mark Harrison as well ... piano, the roaring fires, the appropriate

LIBERTAS 2

NOVEMBER 2015 VOL 25 #2 ISSN 0813-8923

LIBERTAS

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I love rugby, in fact you could say I’m a little bit crazy about it. As I write this I’m suffering from a lack of sleep having woken at 3am to watch Australia defeat Argentina to take a spot in the Rugby Union World Cup Final.

Those who follow rugby closely will have noticed the resurgence of the Australian team under coach Michael Cheika. To my eye they’ve played like a team who love what they do. Wallabies player Sekope Kepu commented on the

resurgent team, “[we’ve] really come a long way. I’m really really loving my rugby and [in] this tournament so far, the team’s grown. I feel there’s a lot more love… It’s a special team to be a part of.”

As I’ve reflected on the year and especially our Alumni Reunion, I have been struck that this is how many of our former residents feel. There is a sense that Jane is indeed a “special team to be part of” a unique experience for life. There is a sense of community and “love” that people have for the College and each other. It therefore should come as no surprise that Jane always performs well in inter College sport.

This year we’ve worked hard at rolling out a comprehensive rebrand strategy

for Jane which has modernized the look and feel of the College marketing

material and brand (including Libertas). Our Facebook and other social media sites are

now regularly updated to reflect timely information. In the words of Sekope Kepu, “Something our people can be proud of”.

In this edition of Libertas I heartily commend Joanna’s article on our 65th Birthday celebrations and Reunion held

earlier in the year. It was a most enjoyable event to be part of. You can also look forward to more events in the near future. In this edition you’ll hear from our current Senior Fellow and

his vision for Jane Fellows to be more involved in College life.

As I enter my third year at Jane as Vice Principal I haven’t really had much time to pause and reflect, but it’s my hope that as the College moves forward we would seek to preserve this special uniqueness and “love”. It’s our vision that you, valued members of the Jane community, will stay engaged with us and our brand for life.

Mike Jolly is the Vice Principal of Jane and has spent time working as a journalist. He edits and produces Libertas.

LOVE AND RUGBY

Mike JollyVice Principal

The Magazine of the Jane Community

There is a sense that Jane is indeed a “special team to be part of ” a unique experience for life.

Love and Rugby 01

From the Principal 02 Student Club Committee President Report 2015 03

Jane Reunion And Jane’s 65th Birthday 05

Photos: Alumni Event 07

Birth of Libertas 09

Photos: Jane Sports 13

Jane Fellows 15

Jane Play 16

Research Trip to Tasmania 18

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In 2015 we have been celebrating Jane’s 65th Anniversary. In many ways this has been a momentous year for the College, even though on the surface little appears to have changed. We have been able to finish the year with a small surplus in the accounts, thereby ensuring that the College did not operate for two consecutive years at a loss. We have also re-confirmed that Jane will stay where she has always been, in the beautiful grounds at Elboden Street. Earlier in the year the land on which the College stands was transferred from the Crown to the University, and that has changed the nature of our relationship with UTAS. Discussions with the University about a possible move for Jane have concluded that her present location remains the best option. But in staying put we have also had to recognise that we need to fight hard to remain successful on this site.

We will face emerging challenges next year from new accommodation providers in the heart of Hobart, and we need to continue to sell the Jane lifestyle to potential students. The mix of students at Jane this

year has reflected broader trends in the composition of students at the University of Tasmania. Just 50% of the College come from Tasmania, and the remaining 50% are almost evenly divided between international students and interstate students. This trend is likely to continue, and we are working hard to make Jane the accommodation of choice for all students.

An energetic Planning Day in October has given us the basis for a new approach to aspects of life in Jane. We are keen to fit with the University’s ideas of enhancing the student experience by extending the range of co-curricular opportunities on offer, and we will be working hard next year to identify new personal development opportunities for Jane residents. We will also be working hard to establish additional sources of income from conference trade and vacation accommodation. We hope by the beginning of first semester

2016 to have WiFi available in all the rooms, and this will greatly boost the attractiveness of Jane for current

and future residents. Ultimately, the long-term future of the College will depend on our capacity to

maintain and develop the buildings we have, to modernise without losing the great traditional college lifestyle and ethos. This is something to which the whole College Community can

contribute in all sorts of ways, and you can expect to hear more from us soon!

A wonderful highlight of the year was the Alumni Dinner, held in the College Dining Room on 4th September. Former students from as early as the late 1950s through to the modern era were present. The relaxed and happy atmosphere in the room showed that

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

We have also re-confirmed that Jane will stay where she has always been, in the beautiful grounds at Elboden Street.

Mark Harrison Principal

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the Jane spirit, forged in the very early years, remains as alive and flourishing as ever, and to see so many former “inmates” enjoying each others’ company and reliving old memories was very heartening for those who remain determined to see Jane flourish for the next 65 years. That Jane spirit lives on, and will fire us up for another memorable year in 2016.

Mark Harrison is the current Principal of Jane Franklin Hall

STUDENT CLUB COMMITTEE PRESIDENT REPORT 2015

2015 has been an exceptional year for Jane Franklin Hall. From the sports to the arts, the social occasions and study, there has never been a dull moment. Every person who was a part of this experience will not deny that this year has been unforgettable.

This year the college went through some big changes. We welcomed the new Principal, Mark Harrison as well as a whole new group of 100 first year residents. Even with the new arrivals it was pleasing to note the strength of the college. Not physical strength, but strength built through friendships and the collegiality of Jane. As many former Raiders told the residents at the first Formal Dinner, the friendships you make at Jane will last a lifetime.

This year the Jane Alumni Committee held their Return to Jane Alumni Dinner as a part of Jane’s 65th Birthday, and the University of Tasmania’s 125th Birthday. I had the privilege of attending this dinner. It was amazing to see alumni who had not seen each other for 20 years embrace and recall times past.

After the decline in numbers in 2014, this year welcomed a larger cohort of new residents widening the community. This helped enthusiasm

and motivation within College helping residents to make the most of the year ahead.

Sports have been, and will continue to be a large part of life at Jane. Jane

offers students a wide range of activities where you are able to see camaraderie form, and friendships blossom.

An exceptional effort from all sports teams secured the boys Intercollege Sports Cup, while the girls missed out with a couple of marginal losses. A

Jessie-Mae Branch

As many former Raiders told the residents at the first Formal Dinner, the friendships you make at Jane will last a lifetime.

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huge congratulations to all those who participated and supported in Jane sports.

Jane residents continued to demonstrate their skills and talents in the Arts. The Jane Art Show hosted a tremendous amount of high quality entertainment, each piece with its own creative flare. The headline act was the annual Jane Play. The cast should all be applauded for their level of professionalism and humour, as it was an experience loved by all. Finally, the Valedictory Dinner. It was an occasion filled with emotion as we farewelled those who have made Jane their home for up to four years. Over time, residents from Jane grow to be iconic members of the community. But while these residents take their step into independence, we can be certain that they will return and continue to make Jane what it is. The choir’s

performance at Valedictory dinner further underlined the College’s spirit, when residents and Fellows joined them in singing a rendition of “Hey Jude”.

Exciting times are on the horizon for Jane Franklin Hall. 2016 is a year not to be missed with ideas and plans of the Jane Council and Administration, working alongside the new teams of Resident Fellows, Resident Assistants and the incoming Student Club Committee.

Jessie-Mae Branch studies Law at the University of Tasmania. When not at Jane she can be found relaxing at Nutgrove Beach or at home on her family’s farm. She is planning to return to College in 2016.

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Some slightly risqué chants, grace in Latin and a five-course feast unlike any the College kitchens have produced before, were just some of the highlights of the “Return to Jane” reunion in early September.

Held in the College dining hall as part of the University of Tasmania’s Welcome Home Week, the event jointly celebrated 65 years since the founding of Jane and the 125th birthday of UTAS. With over 70 attendees including the

“1977” group, a cohort of former Jane girls who had not been together since leaving College 38 years ago, the dinner offered a terrific chance to catch up with people they had not seen for many years. For one guest, “It was great to get back up to Jane, and be allowed to have a look around, see what’s changed and what hasn’t.”

“The highlight was just being able to reflect on the old days and share

stories and hear about what changed both before I moved in and since I moved out with other’s who attended.”

The Jane Alumni Committee’s attention to detail was also appreciated with another guest praising the “very welcoming and convivial atmosphere”. “I was impressed by the organisers’ attention to detail: the candlelight, the piano, the roaring fires, the appropriate college-photo placemats, the beautifully wrapped surprise presents - so much evidence of thoughtful

JANE REUNION AND JANE’S 65TH BIRTHDAY

Joanna Rosewell

The highlight was just being able to reflect on the old days and share stories

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planning and generous hospitality.”Perhaps the evening was best summed

up by another alumnus of Jane:“It was gratifying to feel reassured that Jane, even in this era so different from my long-ago student days, remains an oasis of civilised values!”

The Jane Alumni Committee is currently looking for contacts for each year group of residents. Each contact would be the “rep” for that year, engaging alumni they know, making contact with alumni, passing on contact details to Jane and offering advice on the best way to get people involved with events and college activities. The

contact person would not have to be a member of the Jane Alumni Committee but would need to be active in supporting the aims of alumni activities at Jane. We are still writing the job description, so please let us know what you think the “reps” should do! Send an email to [email protected] or call us at the Jane Office for more information.

The Jane Alumni Committee is: Joanna Rosewell (Chair), Lisa Gibson (Secretary), Daniel Aitken, Mike Jolly (Vice Principal) and current Jane students, Jessie-Mae Branch (Student Club President 2015) and Bec Hyland (Student Club President 2016).The Jane Alumni Committee is currently looking for

contacts for each year group of residents.

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ALUMNIEVENT

Photos: Rosie Hastie

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THE BIRTH OF LIBERTAS

As I arrive at Libby’s home I can’t help but take in the views down the valley across Hobart to the Derwent river. It’s a beautiful location, 900 meters above sea level she tells me. Libby’s lived here for 40 years which I note is handy because it isn’t too far from Jane. She lives with her husband Peter and disabled daughter Frances who requires much care.

Libby has a friendly voice and a softly spoken, thoughtful demeanour, she strikes me as a humble person willing to get involved and serve. We sit down over tea.

Libby tells me she first came to Jane Franklin Hall as student in the 1960’s. There’s a gleam in her eye as I ask what she enjoyed most about her time at Jane.

“I was 21 when I arrived at College which was nice because I was able to fit in with the third years as well as kick around with the first years. Being in a group of people around the same age, there was a real sense of companionship and bonding.”

Libby laughs warmly as I ask what it felt like to be a fresher at Jane (back then an all girls College).

“I’d heard there were some fresher

initiations at Jane but these didn’t worry me too much. One of these involved us having wear bathing caps at University for a whole day. We also underwent an ‘interrogation’ in what now is the Senior Common Room by a group of the Christ College boys,” she says.

“Residents at some of the other Colleges weren’t so fortunate with initiation. One resident got left up the top of Mount Wellington wearing ‘very little’, only later to hitch a ride down and was thankfully ok.”

While at University (and Jane) Libby studied a Bachelor of Arts degree specialising in linguistics. She moved to Sydney studying librarianship at the University of New South Wales. She returned to Northern Tasmania in 1972 to Burnie, working as a librarian. In 1976 she came back to Hobart with her husband who was appointed as Senior Curator of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

Upon her return to Hobart she was approached by Dr. Mary Fearnley-Sander, (then Jane Principal) to see if she was interested in the history of the College and in encouraging ex residents to stay in touch with the College via a newsletter.

There’s a gleam in her eye as I ask what she enjoyed most about her time at Jane.

Libby Mercer is something of a quiet achiever. She has worked behind the scenes at Jane as the College archivist for many years. I caught up with her recently at her home. This is her story and the story of the first Libertas.

Mike JollyVice Principal

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“I was responsible for editing the newsletter...” Libby says, “In 1984 under new Principal David Daintree, Libertas was born out of the the newsletter I edited… Newsletter No.4 was named Libertas. So although I did not produce the first newsletter I did produce the first Libertas.”

While she later relinquished the editing of Libertas, Libby’s work on archiving continues today. She points to a computer and scanner sitting on a desk. There’s a large pile of paper next to it.

“It’s a big task I’ve been doing a little bit at a time when I can” she says.As we conclude the interview I realise Libby’s life and involvement with College and Libertas seem almost woven around each other. In her words “as I found out more things, Jane gradually sucked me in… in a good way. I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.”

Newsletter No.4 was named Libertas. So although I did not produce the first newsletter I did produce the first Libertas.

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JANE SPORTS

Photos: Jane Student Club, Joshua Lamont

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JANE BALL2015

Photos: Paul Redding

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JANE FELLOWS

University life is different these days. Busy students, often with part-time jobs, focus on getting a qualification that equally often doesn’t yield the expected jobs outcome. Meanwhile, within a highly competitive marketplace and diminishing dollars, universities focus on research standings and cut costs through more and more online offerings. As these factors come into play, there is the danger of these special years of educational growth and personal development turning into another transaction; lecturer as disembodied impersonal provider and gatekeeper, and student as supplicant customer.

We become Fellows of Jane Franklin Hall because we strongly believe that university life should embody a community spirit of collegial scholarship. On the surface this is manifested by taking an interest in College life, contributing to scholarships, and by participating in Fellows’ dinners. However, we also are charged with remaining relevant, engaged, and active participants in the development of Jane colleagues from students into empowered graduates who can contribute positively to society. This duty means that we need to periodically examine what we are

doing and what we can do to make the “Jane difference”.

Over the next few months, alongside the College Council, Fellows will be considering how we can contribute more actively to the transition of Jane residents into university life, and value-add professional skills and knowledge

as graduation approaches. In today’s competitive job market,

it’s important to stand out from the crowd, and we certainly wish that for all of the Jane family. To that end, we will be having some “hot house” sessions to develop proposals that mesh with Council’s strategic vision, and continue to differentiate Jane as a hall of residence that is inclusive, dynamic, and a place to develop a life of learning with mates for life.

If you are a current resident, relative, alumni, or just friend, then please share

any ideas on the role of Fellows with us – we are genuinely interested in your input and it makes a change from navel gazing! If you are an alumnus who shares our vision and would like to contribute as a Fellow in carrying Jane towards a brighter future, then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

John Kertesz is the Senior Fellow of Jane Franklin Hall. He is currently the Lecturer in Applied Learning in the Faculty of Education. Although he sometimes occupies an office on the top floor at Hytten Hall, you are more likely to find him in cyberspace. This is because all of his teaching is online – hopefully more like eHarmony than a call centre! John served for 20 years as an Intelligence officer in the Australian Army before becoming a teacher of Japanese in Tasmanian schools. In his spare time he is learning to play the harp.

there is the danger of these special years of educational growth and personal development turning into another transaction; lecturer as disembodied impersonal provider and gatekeeper, and student as supplicant customer.

John Kertez

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2015 marked Jane’s 26th and possibly best play. In an annual event that continues to demonstrate the diversity of talent and expertise that our residents have, the 2015 play was another success for the college. I was lucky enough to direct my fourth Jane Play and this year gave me another experience that I will never forget.

This year more than others, I and the college have been flooded with compliments and congratulations as those who attended left having

experienced both an enjoyable and memorable evening of entertainment. These compliments are testament to the time and effort that the cast and crew put in to perfecting the performance. Auditioning began in April and rehearsals hit full steam at the beginning of semester two. Considering the hectic schedule at Jane and each student having a busy University schedule the end result was truly a credit to all involved.

The 2015 Jane Players presented See How they Run, which is an English comedy written by Philip King. The play relies heavily on mistaken identities, doors and vicars and is set shortly after the end of World War II. Most notably the play had a large amount of physical comedy that its actors met with great enthusiasm and skill.

This year I was joined by Bronte

Leonard as co-director. While directors tend to get a lot of the credit for shows, we are both of the belief that most of the credit for this year’s production must go to the cast: Rachel Kumar, Beth Whittem, Prasaanth Reddy, James O’Brien, Miles Deka, Stephen Cronin, Jess Jeyasingham, Arad Khodarahmi

and Pep Salmon. I must also thank the backstage crew and everyone else

who took up the challenge of being involved in the play.

2016 offers a new opportunity for Jane Play and the Jane community. Whether you have acted before or not, make an effort to get involved in this important and entertaining part of college life.

Heath Whiley was a student at Jane 2010 and has been a Resident Fellow at Jane since 2014.

JANE PLAY2015

Heath WhileyResident Fellow / Director

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March to June 2015 was my second research trip to Tasmania. Having visited in 2010, I am extremely fortunate that I was able to reconnect with volunteer groups and individuals and foster these relationships for what I hope is a life-time. There is deep connection between Ireland and Tasmania as evidenced by their entwined histories, people, landscapes and even their climates.

Altogether, 162,119 men and women were transported to Australia, from its establishment as a colony in 1787, until the last convict ship docked in Western Australia in 1868. Of this number, some 24,658 women were transported to Australia up until 1853, of which 8,686 or more than a third were Irish. From 1842 until the end of transportation to Van Diemen’s Land in 1853, over three

thousand women were transported on nineteen ships from the Grangegorman Penitentiary in Dublin to Hobart in Van Diemen’s Land, now Tasmania.

My PhD research focused on seven of these ships. Statistics, although important and

necessary, can produce quite dry results, however, what I have always found infinitely more interesting are the individual stories, the women and what happened to them. Like Judith and Margaret Byrne, sisters from Louth who stole a pair of shoes, like Mary Sherridan, who was involved in a theft in a brothel, Margaret Colgan, convicted of the murder of her elderly neighbour, (although it is highly

likely her husband framed her).

Living in Tasmania and going to Maria Island, Port Arthur, Ross Female Factory, Cascades Female Factory, the Penitentiary Chapel, or attending live theatre productions at these sites creates a greater and more intimate understanding of what Irish convict women went through.

I have noticed throughout the years of my research that people in Ireland want to know about what happened to our Irish convicts in Tasmania, whilst Tasmanians want to know more about the back story, the social,

My residency in Jane Franklin Hall and research trip to Tasmania was a very special experience in my life.

Bláthnaid Nolan

RESEARCH TRIP TO TASMANIA

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political and economic climate in Ireland in the nineteenth century that led the transportation. My proposed future research will in some way bridge that gap. An Institutional History of Grangegorman Penitentiary – A Flagship Penitentiary will be the first institutional of Grangegorman, the penitentiary, ever undertaken. in 1836, the Grangegorman Penitentiary was the first exclusively female prison in the British Isles.

My residency in Jane Franklin Hall and research trip to Tasmania was a very special experience in my life. The concept of a residential college was a complete anathema to me as it was something I had never experienced before but one that I thoroughly enjoyed. The staff and residents at the College made sure my time at Jane was an enjoyable one. Lastly, my thanks go to Bruce and Virginia Rosen, without whom none of this would have happened.

Bláthnaid Nolan is a PhD graduate of University College Dublin. She resides in Ireland and came to the College as a visiting fellow from March to June this year. Her research interests include (female) convict transportation from Ireland to Van Diemen’s Land in the nineteenth century. She hopes to secure funding to complete an institutional history of the Grangegorman Penitentiary in Ireland.

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Jane Franklin Hall6 Elboden Street, South Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7004

Phone: +61 3 6210 0100Email: [email protected]: www.jane.edu.au