Singapore, Cutler Report, Plans, Budgets and Rugby

Dear Colleagues,

It has been a few weeks since my last post. A busy time - but I know that the same is true for us all.

I was in Singapore for a few days for a series of events. The opening of JCU's new campus there went very well, with representation from both the Australian and Singaporean Governments. This important moment in our University's history was followed by a well attended Graduation Ceremony. A PhD was conferred along with an Honorary Doctorate, to Dr Henry Heng, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Almost 1000 people attended the Ceremony. These events were followed in turn by a very happy alumni function. It was terrific to catch up with JCU alumni, based in Singapore, some of whom studied at the University in the 1980s.

The National Innovation Review Report was delivered a short while ago. Dr Cutler's report is very wide-ranging, as the terms of reference promised. It was terrific to see a focus on tropical science, knowledge and innovation being recommended as "an immediate national innovation priority". This is a green paper, with white paper and funding decisions to come, and it is great to see national acknowledgement of what we know is a significant national opporrtunity.

Closer to home, a great deal of work has gone into finalising faculty and division plans for the next triennium. These link clearly to the University Plan and promise to drive towards achieving our strategic intent to build a brighter future for life in the tropics worldwide. We are finalising the 2009-2011 budget in light of these plans. It isn't an easy time to be a University right now and we will need to manage carefully. We're not alone in this. All universities in Australia are looking to the numerous reviews to be concluded so the funding position of higher education can be improved.

Last evening, JCU beat Army to win both the Commander's Cup (women) and Chancellor's Cup (men). JCU's women dominated, with a final 19-5 scoreline. The men's game was much closer, with the lead changing several times in the last 20 minutes of the game. JCU's men came through, though, in a 28-27 nail-biter. Congratulations to both teams. The games were played with great spirit and great pride on both sides.

Cheers,
Sandra