The 19-year-old go-getter is hard at work making those goals a reality.
The Bachelor of Animation student has exhibited work atGOMA, illustrated a children’s book, worked on a short film in Sydney, was named ‘Aspiring Young Business Woman’ at the Women in Business Awards, and is off to the UK on a study exchange – and that was just the past 12 months.
“It’s been absolutely crazy,” she says.
“There have been a lot of late nights, but you only get one life and you’ve got to chase your dreams.”
This year, Sam will be based in the UK on an exchange program at Falmouth University, whose alumni include famed children’s illustrator Laurence Anholt and Turner Prize-nominated artist Tacita Dean.
“I still can’t believe it – Falmouth is the number one university in the UK for the arts,” she said.
“Being over in the UK is also a great opportunity to do work experience at studios in London and build up my portfolio, which will give me a competitive edge in the industry.”
While juggling her studies and chasing internship opportunities, she will also be working on illustrations for several children’s books.
“I’ve got four books on the go this year – I have trouble saying no!” she said.
“They are commissions, so the authors send me the manuscripts and I produce the illustrations.
“I think film animation and childrens books go hand in hand, and it’s allowed me to tap into a new audience.”
After graduation, Sam has her eye on an internship with animation studios like Disney or Pixar.
“I have had meetings in Sydney with Disney to talk about future projects,” she said.
“My dream would be to do an internship with Pixar or Disney in the US after I graduate.”
Sam said the Bachelor of Animation had helped her hone her technical skills and focus her ambition.
“The teachers have been great, and at film school everyone lives and breathes movies and loves animation,” she said.
“I went in with a pretty established style, but the course has already helped me improve my drawing skills, taught me so much about collaboration and given me insight into the business.”
Sam’s stunning 3D printed dress is the centrepiece of Griffith’s ongoingRemarkable campaign, and featured on the Today Show in the US before hitting catwalks across Europe and Asia.
It’s a project he describes as “the highlight of my design career”.
“It took me about 400 hours to model this dress on the computer and it ended up comprising 25,000 to 30,000 individual pieces,” he explains.
The gown was specifically folded to fit into a 3D printing machine and came out fully assembled in one individual piece — making it one of the first of its kind.
The collaborative international project highlighted the incredible potential of 3D printing technology.
“We want the next generation of designers to see that there is a real place and ever growing demand for this type of expertise.”
From his beginnings as a hand French polisher restoring antiques in England — using centuries old techniques – Sam’s transition into the world of 3D printing and the field of fashion is not as unlikely as it may seem.
His first apprenticeship sparked a love of craftsmanship — a theme ever present in his career and at the forefront of his latest work.
From here he began making his own furniture before moving to Australia in 1997.
“I was intrigued by furniture that had been cut so accurately, so I started to look into how it had been made and that’s when I came across digital technology,” he says.
“From there I became interested in industrial design, which led me eventually to fashion.
“Fashion allows for a new kind of craftsmanship and it’s one that I believe will revolutionise what it means to work in the industry.
“We are already seeing the very same software that is used to build aeroplanes now used to create hats, shoes and clothing.
“3D printing really does change the way we work and what is possible.”
Professor Ned Pankhurst opens the conference with warm welcome to participants.
On 17th and 18th of January 2018, the Griffith Asia Institute, with generous support of the The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, hosted a conference on “Debating China and International Order: Contending Perspectives on the Rise of China”. Leading scholars from Australia, mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States debated and exchanged views on what the rise of China means for international order. Griffith University’s Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Ned Pankhurst and the Co-PIs of the MacArthur project “How China Sees the World” Professor Kai He and Dr Huiyun Feng opened the conference with warm welcome and an introduction to the MacArthur Project.
The participants approached the conference theme from different theoretical and empirical lenses. Kai He and Huiyun Feng’s paper on “international order” provided the basic conceptual basis for the discussion. Their definition of international order unpacked the “international order” into three levels (norm-based, power-based, and rules-based) and three issue-areas (security, political and economic). They argued that China may only challenge the US-led international order in the economic arena, but not on other issue areas.
Norms, culture and history
Two panels looked at China’s challenges in regards to norms, culture and history. Yuan-kang Wang (Western Michigan University) proposed a definition combining rules and norms into institutions and he tested two historical cases in East Asia’s regional order change, i.e., the Ming-Qing transition (1616-1683) and the Westphalian system after the Opium War (1839-42). Fangyin Zhou (Guangdong Foreign Studies University) presents another historical case of the Ming Dynasty, emphasising how different emperors’ roles influenced China’s foreign policy behaviour in history. Haig Patapan (Griffith University) chaired the panel and Andrew Phillips (University of Queensland) served as discussant.
Etel Solingen Chaired another panel with Baogang He (Deakin University) as discussant, which emphasises ideas, norms and culture in shaping international order. Mark Beeson (Western Australian University), questioned China’s “ideational influence” as an important element in the underlying structural transformation of the international system. Chih-yu Shih (National Taiwan University) further unpacked the concept of “Tianxia” and the different ontological understanding of Tianxia and its implications. Sun Jisheng (China Foreign Affairs University) focused on the relevance of Chinese traditional values and ideas, and how they influence the Chinese perceptions of international order as well as China’s foreign policy behaviour, particularly after the 19th Party Congress.
Institutions and global governance
(L to R) Professor Jisheng Sun, Professor Steve Walker, Professor Kai He and Emeritus Professor Prof Colin Mackerras.
Liberalist scholars argued that China’s rise is benefiting significantly from the existing order, therefore, China’s rise may not change the international liberal order. Colin Mackerras (Griffith University) chaired a panel engaging the liberal arguments on global governance and institutions, with Etel Solingen (UC Irvine) as discussant. Shiping Tang (Fudan University) predicted that the future of the current international order in which it will become less West-centric, more bottom-up, and more regionalised and fragmented. Xinbo Wu’s (Fudan University) paper argued that the existing liberal hegemonic order is essentially an American-led and Western-centred one, and that China will search for a “liberal partnership order”, preserving and even expanding the liberal features of the current one. China will then pursue incremental adjustments and not a drastic overrun of the order. Bradley Thayer (Oxford University) emphasised the significance of US primacy and proposed a “Primacy 2.0” grand strategy to address the China threat. He stressed that the United States should simultaneously reaffirm its commitment to the liberal world order, balance against Chinese influence, and directly challenge the Beijing Consensus by touting Western values.
Another panel chaired by Bates Gill (Macquarie University), with Jeffrey Wilson (Murdoch University) as main discussant, focused on China’s leadership and its role in global economic governance. Xiaoyu Pu (University of Nevada) emphasised the “Trump factor” and the impact of its inward looking perspective on the international order. He stated that China’s more active role in global governance was not necessarily a challenge to the existing order, stating that Beijing could even co-lead the order. Xiao Ren (Fudan University) suggested that throughout the past 40 years of reform and opening-up, China was mainly shaped by the existing institutions —or the rules– and is now shifting to help to shape a new global economic governance. Etel provided a comparison of China now with Germany before World War I from a domestic perspective. Her presentation suggested that the internal dynamics and domestic differences might not direct China onto Germany’s choice.
Power transition and regional order
Tapping into the current popular realist argument of the “Thucydides’s Trap,” the two realist panels discussed the power transition and its impact on regional order. Andrew O’Neil (Griffith University) chaired a panel with William Tow (Australian National University) as discussant. Mingjing Li (RSIS, Nanyang Technological University) analysed the possible impacts of the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) on China’s relation with Southeast Asia but suggested that China would not be able to fundamentally transform regional strategic order. T.V. Paul (McGill University), emphasised the importance of considering the Indo — Pacific region in the analysis, as China’s power will be balanced and contained by other powerful actors, and that China’s rise is unlikely to produce a hierarchical or a typical balance of power system in the Indo — Pacific region. Xuefeng Sun (Tsinhua University) suggested a “partial hierarchical” order with the US as the dominant superpower in regional security hierarchy, along with other regional self-help states (i.e. China and Vietnam).
(L. to R.) Professor Shiping Tang, Fudan University, Professor Etel Solingen, University of California Irvine, Dr Bradley Thayer,University of Oxford, Professor Xinbo Wu, Fudan University
Stephen Walker (Arizona State University) chaired a panel with Bates Gill as discussant targeting directly Graham Allison’s recent work on the “Thucydides’s trap”. Steve Chan (University of Colorado), opened the debate by questioning the concept, and its main claim that when a rising power catches up to an incumbent hegemon, the danger of war between them increases. Chan challenged the theoretical foundation and the logic, as well as the scholarly contribution of the work, cautioning its misleading impact on Sino — American relations. Feng Liu (Nankai University), echoed Chan’s critique on misreading historical records of great power interactions and suggested that a relative peaceful transition was highly possible because the two contemporary great powers would try their best to manage a series of risks, escalations, and non-militarised conflicts in their geopolitical rivalry. David Welch (University of Waterloo) joined the debate, arguing four main points:
this metaphor misread Thucydides;
it would not apply to the current US — China case even if it did not misread Thucydides;
it distracted our attention from alternative pathways to Sino — American conflict that were indeed worrisome; and
it was dangerous, because policymakers might believe it.
The Conference was closed with Kai He and Stephen Walker’s final remarks on how to proceed with an edited volume. The two-day conference was a success with broad discussions, debates, and conversations. The outcome of the conference will provide a major contribution to scholarly debate in the fields of China’s international relations as well as IR theory in general.
More information about the How China sees the World project can be found online.
The final group of Griffith University students undertaking unprecedented internships at Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) have taken up their positions as the countdown to the Games gets a full head of steam.
One hundred and thirty new recruits arrived for duty at the Ashmore offices of GOLDOC early on a warm January Monday morning, ready to play their part in the staging the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).
“It’s a rare opportunity to have an internship with an international organisation involved in an event on a world stage,” Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning student, Emma Davis, said. “This kind of work experience going into my second year is really unique.”
Emma will join the Sustainability and Legacy team for her 12-week internship.
“I’ve grown up with a passion for sustainability, knowing the importance it has in everyday life. I can bring that knowledge and passion to my team in implement strategies at the Games.”
Business student and sports fanatic, Harry Rodgers, will channel his energies into working as a Spectator Services Deployment Supervisor intern where he will be involved in the implementation of training to volunteers pre-Games, and engaging with volunteers and deploying the venue workforce (volunteers) during the games.
“Griffith offered this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and as sport is my passion I didn’t want to miss this chance to use what I’ve learned in the classroom in a real practical work environment,” he said.
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Commerce double degree student Madison Harding admitted to some butterflies as she arrived on Monday morning to take up a role as a spectator experience intern with the Spectator Experience team.
“I immediately felt at home,” she said. “This is going to be my office and partial home for the next few months. I’m really looking forward to it.
“I think this experience will help shape some of the decisions I will make down the track beyond graduation. I want to start using some of the things I’ve learned and bringing those skills to life.”
The interns will be immersed in key activities leading up to and during the Games, working across Functional Areas within GOLDOC. Many will be working with GOLDOC staff at Games venues. Theunique partnership — the first of its kind in the world – allows student interns to complete an academic program wrapped around the internship.
Georgina took out the award with a stunning performance of Glitter and Be Gay and When Did I Fall In Love after a day of gruelling workshops and interviews with the judging panel.
The $20,000 prize was presented at a gala ceremony at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre this month, and will allow her to travel to New York to undertake further studies.
It was a case of third time lucky for the talented musical theatre star, who was shortlisted for the award twice before.
“Winning this is huge – it is essentially recognition from the industry, and to have that stamp of approval is such an honour,” she said.
“I can’t lie – it’s a pretty great way to start the year.
Queensland Conservatorium Director Professor Scott Harrison said the award was a “remarkable achievement”.
“This the most significant recognition for musical theatre in the country,” he said.
“Georgie was one of our first graduates from the Bachelor of Musical Theatre, and since then her career has gone from strength to strength.
“The success of our alumni reflects the calibre of teaching and learning happening at the Conservatorium – our students are given a world-class music education and are ready to make their mark in the industry when they graduate.”
Georgina most recently performed in My Fair Lady under the direction of Julie Andrews as an ensemble member, and understudied the lead role of Eliza Doolittle. Her other theatre credits include Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins (Arts Centre, Gold Coast) and Sue Snell in Carrie (Brisbane Powerhouse).
She will use the endowment to undertake further studies in New York.
“My time at the Con felt like an amazing introduction to the industry, but I don’t believe that you ever stop learning,” she said.
“I can’t wait to get to Broadway and soak it all up – it’s really the home of musical theatre.
“I plan on spending a couple of months over there doing workshops in singing, acting and dance and seeing shows – it’s a dream come true.”
The Rob Guest Endowment Award was created following the death of one of Australia’s finest musical theatre performers, Rob Guest OBE. In recognition of his achievements in the musical theatre industry, the Rob Guest Endowment was established in his honour to help emerging young performers in the musical theatre industry.
“This has always been our long-term strategy – but none of us would have dreamed of this happening when we were starting out,” Mr Gillespie said.
“For an organisation of Deloitte’s scale to bring an established emerging technology team in-house is a huge step forward for the industry, and it has allowed us to get our foot in the front door and take on bigger projects for bigger clients.”
Well Placed Cactus previously collaborated with Deloitte Digital on an award-winning three-storey interactive garden installation for ANZ in Sydney’s Martin Place.
The company also developed cutting edge immersive experiences for the Australian Open and National Museum of Australia.
Mr Gillespie said that after winning Griffith’s Innovation Challenge competition, the trio decided to take a leap and form their own company just months after graduating.
“We used the prize money to pay our ASIC fees and get started,” he said.
“We had nothing to lose, we were all recent graduates and none of us had families or mortgages.
“And to be honest, it was really our only option.
“Brisbane had been a boom town for the games industry, but that all came to an end after the Global Financial Crisis.
“So we worked for discounted rates, and did lots of great work for smaller clients.”
Mr Gomez said the team’s original mission was simple: “we wanted to make cool games”.
As the company matured, the team staked out a position in a relatively new field. They began to design games with purpose – from cognitive testing games for recruiters to educational interactive games for museums, and training simulators for fire and rescue services.
“We rode the wave of technology, and tried out a lot of the new hardware as it was being developed,” Mr Gillespie said.
“It’s really exciting- I believe we can solve some of the world’s really complex problems by using games technology.”
Both Mr Gillespie and Mr Gomez said their time at Griffith had given them a good grounding in the games industry and a network of mentors.
“The best thing about the courses at Griffith was that they fused the technical and creative – and that has been essential to our success.
“And because our courses were taught be people from within the industry, we had a great network of contacts when we graduated.”
“The games design degree is designed to equip students with the complex skills they’ll need to carve out a lasting career in the industry,” he said.
“As well as learning the fundamentals of game design, our students can specialise in everything from concept art and 3D computer imagery to game development.”
Mr Moyes said the success of games alumni was testament to the calibre of the course at Griffith.
“We have graduates working around the globe on the industry’s top titles – several of which are developed here in Brisbane.”
“Their talent was nurtured and guided by our lecturers, who include some of the country’s leading game designers and developers,” he said.
“Our students also have fantastic opportunities to collaborate with Griffith Film School filmmakers and animators, Queensland College of Art illustrators, 3D designers and artists, and musicians from the Queensland Conservatorium.”
A group of international researchers will examine the changing state of strategic and tactical behaviour within the Indo-Pacific region at next month’s Australia-India-Japan trilateral workshop in Brisbane.
Run by Griffith University and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two-day event will bring together experts and academics from educational institutions and government agencies across its participating countries at Hotel Jen, in the CBD.
Workshop attendees will provide insights about the potential international impacts of the changing regional dynamic, as well as recommendations on ways in which cooperation between Australia, India and Japan — and other states — can stabilise and secure the region. The workshop will focus in particular on the means being used to alter the status quo, their effect on the region’s existing order, and how they may be countered.
Topics to be covered include the acceleration of nuclear proliferation in the Indo-Pacific; increased acquisition of new weapons systems; greater use of paramilitary forces; the potential emergence of ‘grey-zone’ warfare in the region; economic statecraft and more.
“The Indo-Pacific sits at the epicentre of shifting global and regional dynamics, and is marked by enormous uncertainty and opportunity,” Professor Byrne said.
“This workshop builds on Australia’s interest in working with regional partners, India and Japan to explore the challenges ahead and identify opportunities for cooperation that will promote regional peace and stability.”
Also joining the discourse will be Mr Julio S Amandor III (Security, Justice and Peace Cluster — Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Manila), Professor Shutaro Sano (Deputy Director, Centre for International Exchange, National Defense Academy of Japan), and former senior Japanese defense official Mr Hideshi Tokuchi.
For more information about Griffith Asia Institute, see its website.
Griffith University welcomed delegates from the Reserve Banks of Fiji and Vanuatu this month for the 2018 DFAT Pacific Banking Fellowship program, in pursuit of achieving effective policy outcomes in the South Pacific region and completing joint working papers with researchers.
At the three-week program’s welcome ceremony, Ms Heidi Piper, the Director of Griffith International, described the Fellows – who will also be the crucial members of the long-term collaboration between the central banks and Griffith – as significant ambassadors for the university and Australia.
Dr Parmendra Sharma and Professor Fabrizio Carmignani
“It’s an excellent example of engagement with policy institutions; we’re talking about Griffith engaging and working with central banks in the Pacific region on issues relating to central banking and monetary policy,” Professor Carmignani said. “So, it’s an example of engagement, it’s an example of research that has an impact.
“From this project, we expect a number of outcomes, including papers – right now we have five working papers – and they’re developing into academic papers that will be published but they are also papers that will guide and support central banking and policy making in those countries.
“It’s a great example of what we can achieve when we engage with policy institutions.”
During the program, which officially concluded with a celebratory lunch on 25 January, the Fellows undertook practical learning sessions about the key ingredients of scientific research, including instructions on research questions, data, analysis, literature review and the significance of research, among others.
​”It’s really been a team effort and a number of GBS and AFE colleagues have participated in the program in different forms, including as instructors and facilitators,” Dr Sharma said.
“The AFE colleagues, in particular, are now an important part of Team SP – in 2018, among others, they will continue to mentor the Fellows and co-author at least five working papers to journal submission. The support of GBS/GI/IBDU has been fabulous as usual.”
The program also generated a breadth of positive feedback from the delegates’ group.
One Fellow said the program had “transformed and renewed my understanding and appreciation of the important aspects of research processes that must be observed in our workplace and academia”.
Another praised the “interesting and wonderful learning experience”, saying that the program had left them “fascinated”.
“I have received lectures delivered by professors at Griffith University, presenting the needed ingredients of scientific research and in-depth econometrics techniques and research writing skills delivered in the simplest way possible,” they said.
“It has enriched and enhanced my knowledge that I can’t wait to put into practice in the coming weeks of the fellowship. I also look forward to draft research proposals and further continue with research papers at the workplace during the year when I return home.”
The SPCCB Fellowship Program follows therecent signing of Memoranda of Understanding with several South Pacific central banks, a commitment that began in 2015 and will see Griffith continue to help shape policy and enhance its engagement with Asia and the near Pacific and to consolidate its reputation as one of Australia’s most Asian-engaged universities.
With the 2018 AFL season looming, Lia Ferguson has been immersed in one of the busiest times of her year.
As Brand and Marketing Coordinator for the Gold Coast Suns, Lia is devising and delivering strategies to ensure the Suns continue to grow in terms of identity, longevity and community support in what is an ultra-challenging sporting and business environment.
Lia joined the AFL’s 17th franchise in March 2014, during the final year of a Griffith University business degree majoring in Marketing and Human Resources.
“I took part in Griffith’s Industry Mentoring Program and was fortunate to be mentored by Kelly Ryan, the Suns’ former General Manager of Stadium, Consumer and Community. It gave me great guidance and insight into how a major sporting organisation works,” says Lia.
“It showed me how entities like the Gold Coast Suns are large but also intimate and intricate, with so many elements contributing to their overall operation.”
When a marketing position opened up at the Suns, Lia finished her Griffith degree while working part-time. Along the way she received the University Medal for Academic Achievement and was a three-time recipient of the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence.
Growing up in Adelaide, where she supported the Adelaide Crows — “of course, I’m now a Suns supporter through and through,” she says — Lia played AFL at school and has also lined up with the Burleigh Bombettes women’s team on the Gold Coast.
Her role at the Suns is a neat fit, although there are many challenges for a group striving to thrive in a non-traditional AFL market and against other factors unique to the region.
“Going to the footy isn’t as ingrained here on the Gold Coast as in the traditional markets down south,” says Lia. “If the weather’s nice here during winter, footy has to compete with other options like the beach, theme parks and other sports for people’s consideration.”
“Our aim is to market the Suns as both a sport and an overall entertainment experience, particularly to the non-traditional football fan, to families, and to those in the 25-35 age bracket who likely haven’t grown up with AFL.”
Outside the turnstiles, Lia puts her Griffith degree to work in other ways, most notably her small business oodle & co, which exemplifies Lia’s love of dogs by marketing dog-related homewares, accessories and activities.
“As the pet following on social media took off, I saw an opportunity to provide products for dog owners — bags, mugs, magnets, cushion covers and so on,” says Lia.
“That soon extended into other activities. Our Paws at the Park initiative is the Gold Coast’s first and largest dog community event. Aligned with the Animal Welfare League, this year we attracted 10,000 people, more than 80 market stalls and raised more than $5000 for the AWLQ.
“It’s going really well and we have plans to grow it even further, although my four-year-old cavoodle, Piper, is the real star. She already has 13,300 followers on Instagram.”
The plight of a Gold Coast girl with a rare muscular condition has inspired the support of a Griffith University graduate, two international students and the Gold Coast Community Fund. Their aim is to raise enough money to buy a life-changing special vehicle.
Seven-year-old Izzabelle Burns lives with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, an exceptionally disabling condition that involves joint contracture in two or more areas of the body. Its devastating impact is similar to that of quadriplegia.
Izzy’s grandparents, Stephen and Kerri-Lee Burns, are her prime carers and while they have embraced the role with love and dedication, the challenges are many. One of the biggest is transport.
“On school days, Izzy travels with her grandmother while her motorised wheelchair follows behind in a maxi taxi,” says Gold Coast Community Fund coordinator Mr Malcolm Tucker, who graduated from Griffith with a Bachelor of Information Technology in 2002.
“The cost of the maxi taxi is incredibly burdensome for Stephen and Kerri-Lee, which is why we’re hoping to raise $45,000 to help buy a specialised vehicle so that Izzy can be driven by her grandparents to school each day and on other outings, just as every seven-year-old would enjoy.”
International students Daniel Igoe and Joseph Corsentino became involved with the project while at Griffith in 2017 as part of the Study Abroad program. From Ryder University in New Jersey, the pair compiled a video that can be found on the Transport for Izzabelle fundraising page at chuffed.org.
“Through their care of Izzy, Stephen and Kerri-Lee have been blessed to see her grow every day and witness just how special and how intelligent she really is,” says Malcolm.
“Izzy will go into Year 2 at Oxenford State School next year and it would be wonderful to make things easier for her and her grandparents.”
The Gold Coast Community Fund is an incorporated body that was established in early 2000 by some of the city’s leading business figures.
Griffith Film School student Samantha Zaleski dreams of making her mark in the world of animation, film and design.
uggling her studies and chasing internship opportunities, she will also be working on illustrations for several children’s books.
