Diversity discussed

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Tags: centenary-edition, diversity week, equity

Professor Kevin Clements, Phillip Adams and Carmen Lawrence

What started as chatter between medical wards has grown into a international aid project that has won the main prize at the 2009 UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Equity and Diversity Awards.

Presented as a feature of the University’s Diversity Week program, the awards celebrate staff, students and graduates who are pursuing inclusive initiatives.

Nearly 300 people attended the ceremony to congratulate a group of medical students who won the $10,000 prize for their work in setting up the Manali Medical Aid Project (MMAP).

Guests were also treated to a lively panel discussion facilitated by the host of ABC Radio National’s Late Night Live, Phillip Adams, titled “In Others’ Shoes: Possible or Pipedream?”

Panellists included Professor Carmen Lawrence, Australia’s first female State Premier and former Federal Health Minister, and Professor Kevin Clements, Director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at The University of Otago.

“Each year Diversity Week celebrations grow in magnitude and not only help strengthen the bond between staff and students, but the University’s engagement with the wider community,” Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Keniger said.

MMAP has raised more than $30,000 for the Lady Willingdon Hospital and its clinics.

Co-founder James English said MMAP addressed the medical and community needs of the hospital by obtaining sponsorship and support from donors in Brisbane and abroad.

Initiatives funded by the projects ranged in cost from $10 to $9000 and included school vaccinations, health camps in Nepalese shantytowns, surgical interventions for at-risk subgroups and equipment for intensive care.

Second place ($5000) went to student Alan Huynh, who was recognised for his involvement with refugees and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, while a Highly Commended prize was awarded to the UQ-United Nations Millennium Development Goals Project.

Dr Deborah Setterlund, from UQ’s School of Social Work and Human Services, was the winner of the UQ Equity and Diversity Alumni Award for her long-standing volunteer work in Nepal.

A former long-serving staff member, Dr Setterlund was featured in the Summer 2008 Graduate Contact, and works for the Nepal Australia Friendship Association – an organisation of around 150 volunteers.

By Eliza Plant

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