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Staff Bulletin
| RESEARCH OFFICE REPORTImpact of the Sumatran tsunami on the low-lying islands of the MaldivesBefore and after surveys of 13 low-lying atoll islands show that the Sumatran tsunami had only a minor impact on uninhabited islands of the Muldives. This is in contrast to the severe damage and loss of life sustained in the capital island, Male, village islands and resort islands. On 27 April, Professor Roger McLean from the School of Physical , Environmental and Mathematical Sciences (PEMS) presented a seminar on the above topic which detailed his recent research in the area. The results have global implications for island stability, indicating low-lying islands are physically robust, and the geological signature of tsunami on atoll islands is minor. Prof McLean and a team of researchers (including Dr Paul Kench who completed his PhD at ADFA in the early 1990s) present the first observations of the effects of a tsunami on mid-ocean reef islands, based on pre-and pos-tsunami topographic and plan form surveys of 13 Maldivian islands. Results show no substantial island erosion and no significant change in island area. Low-lying mid-ocean coral reef islands provide the only habitable land in atoll nations such as Tuvalu , Kiribati , Marshall Islands and the Maldives . Atoll islands are fragile landforms potentially susceptible to widespread destruction given global warming and sea level rise, and significant alteration during hazardous events such as hurricanes and tsunami. The Sumatran tsunami of December 26th, 2004 generated waves up to 2.5 m high that reached the Maldives 2,500 km away, resulting in over 80 deaths and the permanent abandonment of several islands. Six weeks after the tsunami the group of researchers from UNSW at ADFA and Kensington, University of Auckland and James Cook University visited the Maldives and examined 13 uninhabited islands in the central Maldives where they had established survey benchmarks in January 2002. From these benchmarks they had surveyed cross-beach profiles and island planforms on three occasions prior to the tsunami to document monsoon-driven seasonal island dynamics. These surveys served as a unique baseline from which to assess tsunami impact. In the seminar Professor McLean presented the first observations of the affects of a tsunami on mid-ocean atoll islands, based on pre- and post-tsunami topographic and planform surveys. The results from the Maldives have implications for the stability of low-lying reef islands in general, and for identifying the geological signature of tsunami on such islands.Staff BulletinsIf you have something you would like to contribute, please download and complete the submission form and email the information to newsletter@adfa.edu.au. Inaugural Faculty Seminar - 2 JuneProfessor Joseph Lai, Associate Dean (Research), would like to invite interested academics and postgraduate students to the Inaugural Faculty Seminar to be held on 2 June at 3:15pm. This first seminar promises to be both entertaining and informative, with Associate Professor Robin Prior waxing eloquent on a topic close to his heart: Romancing the Somme and Other Fables from the First World War. (Military historians are often regarded as hard-headed realists. Instead they are the last romantics – flaneurs (that'll make you head for the dictionary!) of their profession, they in fact play fast and work with reality to produce works of the utmost inconsequence which more slowly resemble fairy tales than an authentic depiction of war). The seminar will take place in Rm 152 of the ITEE building (Building 15) with refreshments available from 3:15pm and the seminar commencing at 3:40pm. After the 25 minute seminar there will be a short time available for questions. For catering purposes please RSVP to g.brooks@adfa.edu.au or on ex 8112 by cob on Tuesday 31 May.
ADFA Co-Op Bookshop - Book of the Week“The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Globalized World in the 21 st Century” by Thomas Friedman Penguin, hardcover $49.95 ($44.95 co-op member)"Friedman brilliantly demystifies the exciting often bewildering, global scene unfolding before our eyes, one which we sense but barely understand. With his inimitable ability to simplify complex political & economic issues, he explains how this flattening of the world happened; what it will mean for countries, communities & individuals; and how governments & societies can – and must adapt. The World is Flat is the most timely & essential update on globalization, it's successes & its discontents, powerfully illuminated by a world class writer”. Thomas Friedman is a journalist for the New York Times he has won the Pulitzer Prize 3 times and is the author of From Beirut to Jerusalem, The Lexus & the Olive Tree and Longitudes & Attitudes.
Rebel Sport Discount Day - 27 MayAs a member of Australian University Sport, ADFA students are entitled to a 5% discount at Rebel Sport. As a special offer ADFA students can get 15% off from 0900 - 2100 this Friday, 27 May. The offer is valid at both the Belconnen and Woden stores. ADFA pers need to show their ID to receive this discount. ADFA Military and University staff can also obtain this discount. A further 5% of the purchase value will be given to University Sport and directed towards supporting the University Games. Ty Douglas
'Unseen' a Ceramic Exhibition by Janet Fieldhouse 11 May - 10 JuneThis work is an expression of material culture, rituals of social and religious life, and artifacts which are created to fulfill the functional and spiritual needs of peoples of the Torres Strait. Viewing hours: Mon - Thurs 8am -9pm, Fri 8am-5pm and Sat & Sun 1-5pm Location: The Academy Library, UNSW at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Campbell ACT Contact info: Debra 0402 856 592 or 02 62687 7511
Staff Development Course - 12 July 2005On the 12 July, the Staff Development Unit will be holding a course "Focus: Achieving your highest priorities". The course is for 1 day and will be facilitated by the FranklinCovey Company. There are also a number of brochures available if you require a more detailed outline of the topics to be covered. The estimated cost will be around $300 but at this stage, until final numbers are determined, the exact cost is not available. Please contact Anne Green on 6189 or a.green@adfa.edu.au for further information. FOCUS: Achieving Your Highest Priorities. In the new era of business, success is no longer measured by simply getting things done. It's the people who know how to focus on the most important goals that move their organisations forward-and enjoy a greater sense of job satisfaction. This engaging, highly interactive workshop will help you think differently about how you spend your time and give you the tools to: - Increase productivity by identifying and focusing on your top priorities - Enhance chances of success by setting goals that align with your most important objectives - Keep focused with a planning system that integrates the tools you use (planner, PDA, desktop) - Effectively manage all the information that comes across your desk (e-mail, voicemail) - Reduce stress by recognising and eliminating low-priority activities and distractions ClassifiedsIf you have something you would like to contribute, please download and complete the submission form and email the information to newsletter@adfa.edu.au FOR SALEBedroom suite – white with blue trim – includes chest of draws with mirror, wardrobe and desk. Would suit child or young adolescent. Good condition. $100. Call 0404 091 491. Camry CSI wagon 1998 model. Auto, air-conditioned, cd player, very well maintained, with log books. $10,000.00 ono. Phone 0404 091 491. Free Community LecturesInaugural Faculty Seminar - 2 JuneProfessor Joseph Lai, Associate Dean (Research), would like to invite interested academics and postgraduate students to the Inaugural Faculty Seminar to be held on 2 June at 3:15pm. This first seminar promises to be both entertaining and informative, with Associate Professor Robin Prior waxing eloquent on a topic close to his heart: Romancing the Somme and Other Fables from the First World War. (Military historians are often regarded as hard-headed realists. Instead they are the last romantics – flaneurs (that'll make you head for the dictionary!) of their profession, they in fact play fast and work with reality to produce works of the utmost inconsequence which more slowly resemble fairy tales than an authentic depiction of war). The seminar will take place in Rm 152 of the ITEE building (Building 15) with refreshments available from 3:15pm and the seminar commencing at 3:40pm. After the 25 minute seminar there will be a short time available for questions. For catering purposes please RSVP to g.brooks@adfa.edu.au or on ex 8112 by cob on Tuesday 31 May.
Petro Fedorczenko Memorial Lecture - 1 June 2005Date: Wednesday 1 June 2005 All ADFA Defence and University staff and partners are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Erin Rinaldi, Staff Officer Coordination, ADFA on ext: 8606 by 20 May 2005. Asia Pacific Seminar Series at UNSW@ADFA - 6 JuneMonday 6 June, at 12:10-13:00 Building 21 at UNSW@ADFA, Northcott Drive, Canberra Important Dates
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