Letters to the editor - Exploring the future
Have your say! Letters to the Editor are most welcome – email lumen@adelaide.edu.au
“Fitzy” and the FJ
Your readers may be interested in some further details about one of the students involved in hanging the FJ off the Uni footbridge in 1971.
One of those mentioned in the Lumen article was the late David Fitzsimons. “Fitzy” was a fantastic middle-distance runner who competed in two Olympics and two Commonwealth Games.
Not only was he a South Australian Olympian, but he also has another bridge achievement in that he was the site engineer for the 120-metre bridge over the railway line on Park Terrace at Brompton, which was named in his honour in 2017.
Bernard O’Neil, Visiting Research Fellow, Department of Historical and Classical Studies PhD (UniSA) 1999
Beer and pretzels
With all due respect to the anonymous author of the letter published under the sobriquet “a senior South Australian legal figure” in the recent “Time issue” of Lumen, I write to correct an error. I was a volunteer barman at the Prosh Prang held at the Thebarton Town Hall (in the 1960s). It was there, not at the Waterside Workers Hall, where there were “scantily clad dancers on stage” including the memorable Big Pretzel.
I took a break from my barman duties to observe the performance of the dancers from the wings of the stage. It was from there that I also saw members of the crowd trying to storm the stage and being repelled, including some of them being bodily thrown back from the edge of the stage on to the seething mass of humanity below.
The scene from behind the makeshift bar of trestles at the other end of the hall was of a wall of empty jugs being thrust at us barmen. The demand was such, the jugs were so crowded together, that beer barrel guns were directing beer jug to jug without the trigger on the gun being released until the keg was empty. At the end of the night, after all but the volunteers had left, the floor of the hall was seen to be covered with a thin sea of beer, etc. After such a great party, a letter was received at the Adelaide University advising that the hall would never be hired out to the University’s students again!
Lou Crotti, LL B 1969
Wombats rock
Associate Professor Wayne Boardman’s letter in the recent time-themed issue of Lumen brought a smile to my face. Assomeone who grew up on the Copper Coast, I am very familiar with the story of copper’s discovery in the region, even referencing Sir Walter Watson Hughes’ philanthropic role in the creation of the University in my job interview.
Professor Boardman suggested the University could consider erecting a statue to the wombats involved in the discovery. I’m delighted to report there is one already in Moonta’s Queen Square. Two little creatures are depicted next to a burrow, as shepherds Patrick Ryan and James Boor both found green copper next to wombat holes, sparking the copper boom which helped fund the creation of the University.
Rhiannon Koch, Media Officer for the University of Adelaide
An indelible impact
John Lowke was my secondary school teacher at Unley High for one year. That was long enough for him to have an indelible impact on my university and industrial career. It was Dr Lowke who said, “You’re too good at maths Harris, you should be an engineer”, so a few years later I enrolled in chemical engineering, working in the long vacations (as one did then) for GMH at Woodville, Cresco at Pt Lincoln, and Shell at Geelong.
While I have lots of fond memories, like Margaret Day OAM (p26 of the recent Lumen) I confirm that “mortarboards went out of fashion for some decades” and I didn’t wear one at my own graduation. My late wife, Merran Sidney Harris, graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Dip Ed after completing a BA at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva, Fiji – no mortar boards, there either.
Adjunct Associate Professor Howard Harris, BE (Chem) (Hons) 1965
Pranks and pipe organs
Having just received my latest copy of Lumen, I was interested in the wonderful article by Dr John Lowke (A new prank revealed!). Dr Lowke is related to me through my mother’s family, who came from Germany to settle in the Barossa Valley, and elsewhere in South Australia.
I was a student at the Teachers College in the University of Adelaide and worked pretty hard to get the qualifications I needed to get a job. I managed to get my B.A. Diploma of Music, Ed. Psychology etc. etc. I even passed my swimming test, done in the old city baths.
To return to the theme of student pranks, during rag week, there was a great float, about the Town Hall organ. At the time, it (the organ) needed lots of renovation/restoration, as it had been neglected for a long time. Various firms had been brought in to “fix it up”, and finally it was dismantled and taken to Tanunda. I’ve been fortunate enough to play this magnificent pipe organ, albeit before it had all the reeds etc. in place. However, it remains a wonderful instrument and will give pleasure to many people in the years to come.
Merrowyn Deacon, Dip. Mus. (1961), BA (1962), Dip. Ed. (1964), all at the University of Adelaide; MA Monash University
Futures launched
Your advert “Launch Your Future” is superb – I relate to it easily. Graduating from the University of Adelaide with a humble BA, I went on over the years to three other universities, ending up the firstAustralian-born headmaster of St Peter’s College (1978–1992), Commissioner of Education for the U.S., among other positions. Adelaide surely launched me.
I have a cherished photo of the executive of the SRC in 1953: Bronwyn Greet, Bob Moore (of early TV fame), Ann Levy (later President of the SA Upper House), and me (as Secretary of the SRC), as we posed before the student ball (which we organised). May Adelaide Uni flourish.
Dr Anthony Shinkfield AO, BA 1955
Contest entries
We invited readers of our recent Time issue to enter our contest with the chance to win one of five autographed copies of Chinese Postman, the latest novel by University literary luminary Brian Castro, or one of five packs of the Waite winery’s Fortified Trio. Readers were asked to discuss their fears and hopes for the future. Here we present some of those entries and name the winners.
Teaching rethink
As an Australian-based founding member of the Human Intelligence Movement, I am concerned about the ethical implications of AI in education. With technology advancing rapidly, we must rethink our teaching methods. Moving away from traditional case studies to hands-on assessments and student-centred experiential learning is essential. This shift addresses the psychosocial aspects and cross-cultural perspectives needed for today’s diverse student body. Starting next year, our new Adelaide University platform will facilitate these changes. I am excited about the potential to create a meaningful learning environment that prepares students for the growing complexities of today’s and future world.
Dr Ankit Agarwal, Program Director Bachelor of Business (Management), University of Adelaide
WINNER - Small acts
There are many reasons for concern about the direction in which our planet is heading – ecosystems collapsing, wars raging, political turmoil. One shouldn’t be blamed for feeling overwhelmed. However, after two years of retirement, I decided to focus on what change I can still bring to this mercurial world, working two days a week in an academic laboratory, sharing my knowledge with the new generation ofstudents. It’s a small act, but a contribution to a future and a world still worth shaping.
Professor Kym Faull, PhD (Ag Sciences) 1974
Poetic endings
The future destroyed?Human. Machine. Asteroid. Or thriving with change.
Faith Blake, BA 2017
Us vs them
I worry about
Boy vs girl
Man vs woman
I hope for
Boy supporting girl
Girl supporting boy
Girl doing "boy things"should be girl doing things
Boy doing "girl things"should be boy doing things
Girl doing "girl things"should be girl doing things
Boy doing "boy things" should be boy doing things
I worry about
Imaginary limitations imposed
The targeting of those who dare
The spiralling into hate of those who don't It shouldn't be
Us vs them
It should be us with them
But the world is raw
People are hurting
And hurt people hurt back
Margaret Gayen, BE (Mech & Sports) (Hons) 2015
WINNER - Societal progress
Whilst the future always seems daunting and never turns out as expected, humankind has proven that it’s up for the challenge.
With education and institutions such as the university sector being instrumental to societal progress now more than ever, we need these institutions to assist with the pace of change and transferring benefits across our community. Otherwise, the risk of AI and other technological advances may not be enjoyed by all.
Amy Brown, B Soc Sc (Psych) 2006
Nice try
I am concerned about not having a delectable trio of aged, fortified wines (10yo Tawny and Muscat and a 20yo liqueur sweet white), created at the University of Adelaide’s Waite winery to get me through the winter of 2025. I hope I win this competition, so that my fears and concerns for the future are reduced.
Emily Wilson, B Int St 2004, Dip Lang 2005
AI issues
One of my main concerns about the future is artificial intelligence. As AI advances rapidly, there’s a risk of job displacement across various industries. Additionally, issues like algorithmic bias, privacy invasion, and the potential for autonomous weapons pose significant threats. Without proper regulation and ethical guidelines, AI could have negative consequences that we may struggle to control. How can we ensure the responsible development and use of Al? Are there any potential benefits of Al that outweigh the risks? What are some ways to address the issue of job displacement caused by Al? We need to consider these issues comprehensively.
Lian Zheng, BA 2022
WINNER - Alienation?
The future is bringing us wonderful advancements and enhancing our living experiences, something I embrace. We can now do everything online without leaving home. But this future is also contributing to personal alienation. Institutions like our University provide social outlets through clubs, social groups, focus groups, and academic pursuits, enabling us to meet different people. Its city location facilitates this, making it easily accessible. This physicality of Adelaide University anchors me. Still being in touch with the Earth Sciences School through the FGC keeps me in touch academically and socially – a good antidote for alienation.
Peter Briggs, BSc 1972
A gift
Many things concern me about the future. I hope for a world at peace, definitely no war. Artificial intelligence can be a good thing, or bad, when misused. I’m unsure about the union of universities – may be better off keeping their own identities. Above all else, at my age, each day is a gift, live it to the full.
Aldona Boudville, BA 1976
WINNER - Dramatic rise
What excites me and equally scares me is the increasing diagnosis of neuro-divergent disorders in Australia. The dramatic rise in ADHD diagnoses in Australia is 300% in the last decade, with older Australians 450%. Statistics show a 41% increase of those diagnosed with autism since 2018. I was diagnosed with AuADHD at 60, and decided to study psychology, as my concern is the unavailability and cost in obtaining a diagnosis, therapy and services. Hopefully in the next four years I will be registered and able to personally contribute, and increased government funding will enable greater diagnosis and treatment.
Wendy Merrington, Grad Dip Psych 2024
Everest mosquitoes
Imagine mosquitoes on Everest at 8,848 metres high. No snow, just swarming insects where ice once ruled. Climbers struggle, not just against thinning air, but against bites carrying disease. This isn’t science fiction. It is our future if we don’t act. Climate change is rewriting nature’s rules, pushing mosquitoes into the Himalayas, melting glaciers, and threatening communities. The world’s highest peaks, once untouchable, are now victims of our negligence. This terrifies me. If Everest is no longer safe from warming, nowhere is. Will we wake up before it’s too late? Or will we watch as even the highest places fall?
Ajnish Ghimire, BA 1976
Renewable energy
I am most excited about renewable energy. The rapid innovations in solar and wind power fill me with hope, but I remain cautious about the infrastructural and policy challenges ahead. I believe that thoughtful planning and inclusive strategies are needed to overcome these hurdles and ensure that the benefits of a cleaner future are shared by all.
Min Zheng, student
Pragmatic steps
My main concerns are the impacts of climate change. Not so much for me, but for the futures of our child and their children. This includes the impacts to our lifestyles, financial issues, politics and community engagement.
I guess it is about maintaining hope, whilst taking pragmatic steps to manage the systemic change in the climate, and how these will impact all our futures.
Andrew Tan, B E (Mech) 1991
Wellbeing
Relationships are central and need to be valued. Personal interactions are essential to enhance mental health. My 15-year-old daughter tells me technology is the future. Technology does have value but not at the expense of excluding people or being deified as the only way forward. We need to care for our planet so that we can care for communities and help people to feel connected to others. We also need to show concern for those who are less fortunate so that people are not left behind or feel left out. Wellbeing for the many not the few.
John Leydon, BSc (Ma Sc) 1983
WINNER - Tomorrow’s problem
What concerns me the most is how strong personalities in international leadership are contributing to global instability and worsening security, leading to political tensions, conflicts, and power struggles.
As a result, global attention andresources are being diverted from long-term challenges like climate change, which require urgent and sustained action. The world’s focus on immediate crises often overshadows the pressing need for environmental solutions, leaving future generations to deal with the consequences of inaction.
Dr Eden Lau, BDS 1999, D Clin Dent 2006
Multifaceted concerns
My concern for the future is multifaceted, but mainly I am concerned with the rise in Trumpism, oligarchy, right wing sentiments, denial of climate change, global rise in lawlessness, and the increasing possibility of war.
Dr Suzette Coat, Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator, University of Adelaide
WINNER - Healthcare equity
What excites me about the future? Women’s health. Australia is making great progress to recognise and address the multitude of barriers facing women in accessing healthcare, and in having their voices heard and their pain recognised. We are leaving behind the term ‘hysterical’ and all its negative connotations; and encouraging clinicians to recognise the vast differences between women and men’s experiences and burden of disease. Let’s continue to strive for equity in healthcare and supporting clinical research that involves women and is conducted for women.
Natalie Heriot, B Health Sc (Hons) 2013, MBA (Health Mgmt) 2024
Corrupt sport
As someone deeply invested in sports integrity, I am increasingly concerned about the future of fair competition. Corruption, doping, governance issues, and the growing influence of gambling pose serious threats to the integrity of sports. Illegal betting and match-fixing undermine trust in competitions, and I believe strongeranti-corruption measures are essential. However, I am excited about the advancements in athlete-centric policies, the push for gender equality, and the evolution of integrity frameworks. My work remains focused on shaping ethical standards to ensure that sports continue to be fair, transparent, and a true reflection of dedication and talent.
Catherine Ordway, LL B 1993, Associate Professor Sport Science, University of Canberra
Slow response
I worry about Australia’s future as climate change issues intensify, bringing extreme heat, devastating bushfires, and droughts. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, especially my hometown in southeast Queensland. I’m especially concerned about the government’s slow response to reducing carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy, but most importantly, I am concerned about climate deniers. If we don’t act now, future generations will face resource shortages, harsher living conditions, and more natural disasters. It frustrates me that despite clear warnings, meaningful action still feels too slow and inadequate.
Lucinda Paech, BA, B Teaching 2021
Launch ads
I do like the new adverts about Adelaide University. I was just wondering if our transcripts could be re-issued from the new University? Good, keep up the good work and dealing with change in a challenging world. I would still like to be involved with overseas students. I was involved in the past and it gave our family a good ongoing contact in Malaysia.
Murray Henderson, B Ec 1976, Grad Dip Teach 1977, Grad Cert Sc Ed 1998
WINNER - New hope
I am excited about the generation of young adults coming in my wake. I feel such hope for the future in the hands of this generation who have been educated throughout their entire schooling in environmental responsibility, the ability to question inequity and entrenched power structures, skills to identify and understand complex feelings in themselves and others, and with high expectations of community.
Sara Lambert, B Mus (Hons) 1993
A degree of concern
Honestly, I’m a little worried about the university merger. Will this water down the value of University of Adelaide degrees? I am currently completing my EMBA at Adelaide and had heard very poor things about the MBA at UniSA. I also know individuals completing the UniSA MBA who in my eyes wouldn’t have made the entry into Adelaide EMBA.
I chose Adelaide because it had a better reputation and was more prestigious, but now my degree will be equivalent in worth to those at UniSA and we will have thesame certificate as of next year.
Matthew Squires, B E (Electrical & Electronic) 2014
No return
The future is terrifying. I have five kids, they are doing okay as loving, kind and generous people, however, I wish they didn’t have such a bleak, hot, dry, catastrophic future ahead of them. My youngest will barely be an adult by the point of no return (2030). We are trying to build a connected community and internal resources to sustain our family, but it hurts to think about what they might face in the decades ahead.
Rachel Brdanovic, BSc (Ma & Comp Sc) 1997, M Sustainability 2013
AI issues
One of my main concerns about the future is artificial intelligence. As AI advances rapidly, there’s a risk of job displacement across various industries. Additionally, issues like algorithmic bias, privacy invasion, and the potential for autonomous weapons pose significant threats. Without proper regulation and ethical guidelines, AI could have negative consequences that we may struggle to control. How can we ensure the responsible development and use of Al? Are there any potential benefits of Al that outweigh the risks? What are some ways to address the issue of job displacement caused by Al? We need to consider these issues comprehensively.
Lian Zheng, BA 2022
WINNER - Unsettling change
The future feels both exciting and uncertain. AI is growing fast, creating amazing opportunities but also raising questions about jobs and ethics. Technologies like ChatGPT and image generators are a little bit scary. Climate change is also a big worry, but new technology gives me hope. Even the University is changing, and while that can be unsettling, it brings new chances to learn and grow along with new opportunities. There’s a lot we don’t know about what’s ahead, but I believe the choices we make today will help build a better future.
Angel Wadhawan, B Comp Sc (Adv) 2022
Poverty trap
Wealth disparity is a critical global issue, with a significant gap between the rich and the poor. The unequal distribution of resources exacerbates poverty, limits access to education and healthcare, and perpetuates social inequality. This disparity hinders the potential of millions,trapping them in cycles of poverty. Providing opportunities for upward mobility – such as education, job training, and equitable economic policies – can help individuals improve their circumstances and break free from poverty. When people have the chance to succeed, it benefits society as a whole, fostering innovation, reducing inequality, and promoting long-term economic and social stability.
Robert Tindale, B E (Comp Sys) 1993
Geopolitics
My biggest concerns for the future are related to the trajectory of the geopolitical situation and the risk of war. Australia seems to be slow to respond in our defence capabilities such as the submarine program, which may be ineffective when these capabilities are eventually realised. The rise in abundance of long-range nuclear weapons and having Trump in power also influences these concerns because the relationships between these parties are egotistic and autocratic, which increase the risk of enactment of these weapons at the detriment to the greater populous.
Thomas Kerr, MBA 2024
Isolation
Universities online! School teachers working from home. Kids taking schooling on their laptop at home. I support work from home but fear the feelings of isolation experienced by the young felt during Covid may return. How will boy meet girl, boy meet boy, girl meet girl and all alternative combinations? Is Isaac Asimov back in fashion?
Bronte Earl, BSc 1974
Security challenges
Cybersecurity is a growing concern as technology advances. With increasing reliance on digital systems, cyber threats pose serious risks (hacking, data breaches, and ransomware attacks). Personal information, all financial data, and national security are vulnerable to cybercriminals. As artificial intelligence expands, new security challenges emerge. Governments and organisations must be increasingly vigilant and invest in stronger protections, while individual online habits will also be tested. Without proactive measures, the future could see more devastating cyber attacks, impacting economies, privacy, and global stability. Let’s hope we can stay ahead of the bad guys.
Mike Maiolo, B Ec 1987
WINNER - AI matchmaker
As a Natural Resource Management grad, I worry that future generations might only “experience” forests through VR headsets and “taste” fresh water from desal plants. But I’m excited too – technology and sustainability are finally dating, and AI might just be the matchmaker we need. Imagine machine-learning-powered reforestation, precision conservation, and climate solutions that don’t just react but predict. The University’s changes mirror this evolution – adapting, innovating, and embracing the future. With a fortified wine in hand, I say: “Here’s to a world where our landscapes are as rich as our drink.”
Daniel Bailey, B Nat Res Mgmt 2006
Meaningful connections
My greatest concern for the future is the growing disconnection between people in-person as social media, online meet-ups and online correspondence take the place of direct, personal, face-to-face interactions. There is an increasing shallowness, hollowness and disposability of social relationships (personal and professional), which is weakening the fabric of society overall, and resulting in individuals feeling and being isolated, emotionally unsupported and lonely. Worse than this, younger generations demonstrate less ability to develop, grow and maintain real, meaningful relationships (personally and professionally), and instead to function in a maladaptively independent, self-focused manner. Where will we be in 50 years?
Carrie Reynolds, M Psych (Clin) 2024
Houses and robots
We reap what we sow, I muse, looking over the four generations of my family living under my roof; who can afford to buy a house now? The robots made our life easier; too easy, putting most out of work.
We dance like puppets as the rich pull our strings, the inept leading the helpless. The broken Earth has forsaken us, as a glance over my withered garden attests, it seldom rains now.
My television blasts celebrity-endorsed products I neither need nor can afford. I fear the future, the manifestation of consequences to the poor decisions ofour past.
Kane Murray, BA (Anthropology & English) 2010
Inherited future
I am concerned with rising inequality in Australia, and asset prices that are expanding far faster than wages. I fear that for my children’s generation, their outcome in life will be determined more by what money they inherit, rather than whether they apply themselves at work.
Andrew Harrison, B Com (Acc) 2001, LL B 2003
WINNER - Honest chat
Artificial Intelligence is an area of great interest and excitement to me. It has, and will, turn education on its head. It is also about teaching students how to use it to help them research and do assignments in an appropriate way. I did have a chuckle recently when I asked ChatGPT to find references for a report I was writing. Chat came up with what looked like great references, however, when I asked Chat, are these real references and I quote: “I’m glad you asked that question...no! I don’t have access to the databases.”
Annemarie Monck, B Com (Mgmt) 2003, BA 2004, B Health Sc (Hons) 2006, M Psych (Clin) 2014
No drama
The future excites and unsettles me. Both hope and fear I see. Climate change shifts in temperatures and weather patterns posing a threat to all, including flora and fauna. We must act now — there’s no time for drama!
Courtney Grindrod, Global intelligence and engagement officer for the University