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Bronze artwork worth its weight in gold
3 February. By Carmelle Wilkinson.
Middle Eastern artist Ayad Alqaragholli is the incredible artist behind the popular bronze figure sculptures you’ve seen in many Perth parks, homes, businesses and galleries. An expression of love and peace they are a sight to behold and a tell a tale steeped in rich history and culture.
Journalism student becomes unexpected homegrown hero over holiday period
25 January. By Raquel De Brito.
When Dylan Storer returned home to Fitzroy Crossing for the Christmas holidays, things took an unexpected turn. The Curtin journalism student found himself in the middle of a natural disaster and did what he knew best – report.
First Nations advocate and lawyer an inspiration to a generation
24 January. By Carmelle Wilkinson.
Curtin Business and Law graduate Emma Garlett is a proud advocate and ambassador for Indigenous culture and rights. The 28 year old Nyungar-Nyiyaparli-Yamatji woman is using her passion and talents to change the narrative and fight for social justice.
Curtin’s first cohort of medical graduates, report to frontline
13 December. By Carmelle Wilkinson.
After a year in the field, some of our first-year medical graduates get ready to hand in their ‘p-plates’ and embark on new and exciting medical careers. A recent chat with Commons uncovered the highs, the lows and the many incredible experiences of working as a junior doctor in our WA health system.
Curtin’s head teacher strives to make a difference
29 November. By Carmelle Wilkinson.
If it weren’t for the generosity of a stranger, Curtin’s Vice-Chancellor Harlene Hayne would never have discovered the transformational power of higher education. The developmental psychologist sat down with Curtin Commons to share her incredible career journey from junior lecturer to Curtin’s head teacher.
Star athlete bringing her superpowers to the field
7 November. By Carmelle Wilkinson.
Hockeyroos Captain and Curtin Occupational Therapy graduate says good physical and mental preparation is paramount to success both on and off the field. With a never give up attitude and commitment to making her younger self proud, Jane is a wonderful role model to anyone wanting to chase their dreams.
Oscar worthy visual effects mastermind brings cinematic magic to life
1 November. By Carmelle Wilkinson.
Growing up in the golden era of classic movies like E.T and Jaws had a profound effect on Curtin humanities graduate Brendan Seals. Passionate about filmmaking, the sci-fi movie buff is now a visual effects supervisor for Luma Pictures Melbourne, working on some of Hollywood’s biggest action films.
Reducing carbon footprint major step towards well-being of planet
25 October. By Carmelle Wilkinson.
Through his Singapore based company Unravel Carbon, Curtin chemical engineer Marc Allen and business partner Grace Sai are helping businesses around the globe reduce their carbon footprint. The climate change champion believes drastic changes now, could ensure the wellbeing of the planet tomorrow.
Actors push disability boundaries in new Curtin production
14 October. By Carmelle Wilkinson.
It was in the oncology ward as a little girl, where Australian actress and Curtin Honorary Doctorate Kate Mulvany discovered a love for books and storytelling. The proud patron of the Hayman Theatre, recently returned to Campus to mentor Curtin theatre arts student Crystal Nguyen in her lead as Richard in the university’s modern reboot of the Shakespearean classic.
Creative spotlight
For Creative Spotlight, Curtin graduate and Perth-based artist James shares some of his favourite murals he’s created over the years, including his most recent murals at Curtin Bentley and Padbury Shopping Centre in Perth, WA. Taking inspiration from his surroundings, James’ murals remind us of the powerful beauty and diversity of WA’s native flora and fauna that can often be forgotten or left behind in our ever-growing materialistic world.
Juicy reads from our past…
Missed out on some of our previous articles? Never fear – we have them all here.
From tragedy to triumph: Carrolup artworks help in healing Education: The biggest weapon to fight any war Kalgoorlie engineer strikes political gold as first female MP for Swan in 101 years Fashion creatives adapt to new consumer priorities as Curtin’s Fashion Course celebrates 20 years Curtin staff giving program invests in future of students Hospitality trailblazer on quest to revitalise Perth’s social scene
Beyond the vivid colours and beautiful symbols, Aboriginal art can make a powerful impact on cultural preservation, reconciliation and change. A recent European fashion tour by Curtin graduate Dr Amanda Healy and founder of luxury resort wear label Kirrikin, has helped launch Aboriginal art, fashion and culture on the international runway.
A champion in her field, and the first Curtin female researcher to win WA Scientist of the Year, Professor Kliti Grice is a dedicated educator and mentor for WA’s evolutionary scientists of tomorrow. Highly regarded for her research into mass extinction events that have shaped life on Earth, she is a leading Australian scientist answering some of Earth’s big Science questions.
As the Dean, International for the Faculty of Health Sciences at Curtin University and more recently Dean of Gender Equality, Inclusion and Diversity, Dr Jaya Dantas is a firm believer in the power of education and is passionate about bridging the gap between refugee and migrant populations.
With no known cure or effective treatment, the debilitating inner ear disorder Meniere’s disease is wreaking havoc on sufferer’s lives. Curtin Meniere’s researcher Dr Daniel Brown is working extensively on new therapeutical approaches to Meniere’s and is committed to finding effective treatment.
As lithium demand increases around the world, it is starting to look a lot like iron ore of 20 years ago. With hopes it will one day replace fossil fuels, Curtin graduate and Rio Tinto’s Managing Director of Battery Materials Marnie Finlayson speaks to Commons about the future of mining.
When Curtin graduate Brittany Garbutt invested $100,000 of her savings to start her pretzel business in 2017, she had no idea it would become the popular brand it is today. With 11 stores across Australia and more on the way, the Founder of Pretzel Australia shares her secret to sweet success.
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A ‘commons’ is a space that is shared by and benefits a community.
Our commons is a cultural and virtual one, reflecting the ideas and experiences shared by a proud and distinct Curtin community living in Western Australia and around the world. We hope that this space will inspire us to stay connected in ways that are beneficial to our lives, families and communities.
Acknowledgement of Country
Curtin University acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which Curtin Perth is located, the Whadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation; and on our Kalgoorlie campus, the Wongutha people of the North-Eastern Goldfields.