Postgraduate Conference 2024

16th Annual Interventions and Intersections HDR Conference 2024

Tuesday the 19th and Wednesday the 20^th of November
Level 7, Parramatta City Campus, Western Sydney University.

Conference Description

2024 marks the 16^th Annual Interventions and Intersections Conference, and this year’s theme, UNITY: Embracing Humanity, Community, and Opportunity, is about bringing people together, celebrating shared values, and creating pathways for growth and development. The aim is to showcase the postgraduate work being undertaken in the school, and to emphasise how your project contributes to a broader understanding of how we can build more inclusive, resilient, and thriving communities.

“Unity” aims to provide a platform to all HDR students to show their vibrant and multifaceted research.

As it is a face-to-face HDR conference, “Unity” will incorporate a range of exciting and informative workshops, keynote speakers, paper presentations, live music and food across two exciting days.

Program

Full Unity Conference Website Conference Program (PDF, 5053.69 KB) (opens in a new window)

Call for Papers

“Call for Papers” is currently open!

Calling all HDR researchers!

It is time, once again, for the annual Interventions and Intersections Conference. For the past fifteen years, every November we have emerged from our solitary research and embraced each other’s ideas and work in the collegial atmosphere of the annual HDR conference. This year we the committee are excited to invite all our fellow students to once again gather together to experience and interrogate the challenges and joys of contemporary research at this year’s conference, “Unity” .

This year’s conference theme is about bringing people together, celebrating shared values, and creating pathways for growth and development. The aim is to showcase all postgraduate research being undertaken at the School, and to emphasise how your project contributes to a broader understanding of how we can build more inclusive, resilient, and thriving communities. . Your presentation does not have to conform to the theme of the conference. Our primary aim is to allow you to showcase your work, workshop it with a community of researchers, and present your research in a supportive and open environment. It could be a traditional research paper, a creative exploration like poetry or short fiction, or an innovative presentation; but all approaches are welcome and encouraged

This year there are two presentation options: a fifteen- to twenty- minute talk or a five to ten-minute creative option. Please submit your choice of length, as well as a Title, Abstract (150-300 words), and Biography Blurb (Name, Discipline, Degree, and a couple areas of scholarly interest) to postgradconference_hca@westernsydney.edu.au by 14 October 2024!

We’re looking forward to listening to your research this November!

2a. Subsection 1: Proposals

Please submit an abstract for either:
* 15-20 min presentation, or
* 5-10 min creative work presentation (including poetry, short fiction, film, design, music)

Submissions are due by October 21st.

Please email a 250-word abstract and brief bio to postgradconference_hca@westernsydney.edu.au

Keynote Speakers

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Melina Marchetta 'The Rules of Humanity' The primary purpose of novels is to entertain. Maybe? Most writers get to touch on a plethora of intended themes, and then there are those that creep into our writing. I've grown to love the "creepers". It means that I've had dialogue about diversity, mental health, cultural appropriation, genocide, ageing and so much more that has found its way into my novels. Most times it's been the characters that have brought these issues to my attention, and I'm forever grateful. Melina Marchetta is a bestselling author and script writer, published in more than twenty countries and eighteen languages. Her much-loved Australian classic, Looking for Alibrandi, swept the pool of literary awards when it was published in 1992, and was released as a 2000 film, adapted by Marchetta, winning an AFI Award amongst other awards. In 2009 she won the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award from the American Library Association for Jellicoe Road. Her fantasy series, The Lumatere Chronicles, was highly acclaimed and award-winning, and her novel The Piper’s Son was longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award. She lives in Sydney.
Joseph La Posta 'Multicultural is mainstream in NSW' One in three people in NSW were born overseas and half of us have at least one parent born overseas. We have more than 310 ancestries and speak more than 283 languages at home. Join Joseph La Posta, Chief Executive Officer of Multicultural NSW as he takes you on a journey around the multicultural landscape that is New South Wales. Joseph will share his personal journey to become the leader of one of the most dynamic organisations in the NSW public sector and highlight some recent case studies that will define how NSW is continuing to embrace its diversity. Through programs that bring our community together in times of crisis, Multicultural NSW plays a lead role, building and advancing connections and relationships. From providing language services to other public sector agencies, to developing strategies that support refugees to settle in New South Wales, Joseph is the strongest advocate for the work he and his team do in this space. Joseph knows that people who feel like they are making a difference bring meaningful engagement to the work they do – a key driver to attracting people to a public service agency like his. Come along to find out why skills like yours are key to the success of agencies like Multicultural NSW. Joseph La Posta is the CEO of Multicultural NSW. Joseph is driven to improve access and services for our newest Australians. He is also passionate about supporting established communities to preserve and nourish their cultures and language. Under Joseph’s leadership, Multicultural NSW has developed a new strategic vision, grown to 110 full-time staff and more than 1,100 interpreters and translators, leading the NSW Government’s response to community relations, refugee settlement, and supporting individuals from refugee-like backgrounds. Joseph is a strong advocate for gender equality. He increased the number of women in the Senior Leadership Team from 25% to 60% and has worked toward achieving equal representation of men and women on the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the NSW Anti-Slavery Commission and the Board of TAFE NSW. Additionally, Joseph is the former Chairperson of Sport NSW and a former Advisory Board Member of the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA). Professionally, he was previously a General Manager at a private leadership and development consultancy and a former State Manager for the AFL (Australian Football League) in NSW/ACT.

Masterclasses

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From Complex to Clear: Enhancing Your Thesis with Clarity and Style In a thesis, complex ideas need to be communicated with clarity and precision to engage and persuade readers. This masterclass is designed to help participants transform dense academic writing into clear, accessible, and effective prose. Participants will explore practical techniques for reducing jargon, improving sentence structure, and enhancing the overall flow of their writing. Through interactive exercises, students will learn how to refine their thesis for readability without sacrificing depth or academic rigor. The session will guide students in clarifying their arguments and creating a more cohesive, compelling thesis. Whether you’re in the drafting or revising stages of your thesis, this workshop will provide you with valuable tools to elevate your writing style and make your ideas shine. Dr. Stacey Sherwood is an Associate Lecturer in TESOL/Linguistics at the School of Humanities and Communication Arts. She earned her PhD in 2021 from the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour, and Development. Her research focuses on sociolinguistics, language variation, and acquisition, with notable projects on social meanings, Indigenous Australian languages, and Japanese sociolinguistics. She is a member of the Australian Linguistics Society, and she has received multiple awards, including the Australian Postgraduate Award.
"Interwoven voices: The Art and Power of Intercultural Writing This session will focus on how our cultural backgrounds, lived experiences, thoughts and worldviews—referred to as cultural conceptualizations—impact our writing and contribute to the richness and innovation of texts across various disciplines. We will begin by discussing how these cultural conceptualizations are reflected in writing, using examples from authors of diverse backgrounds. Next, we will analyze the motivations and strategies for effectively embedding these cultural elements in our writing practice. Participants will learn how adopting an open, intercultural mindset and transcultural attitudes can enhance their writing and interpretation skills. Additionally, they will explore ways to engage with different cultural systems while reflecting on their own experiences to improve their writing. Thuy Dinh is the Research Curriculum and Learning Coordinator within the Researcher Development team at the Office of Research, Enterprise, and Global. In this position, she oversees the HDR Supervisor Development program, the HDR Professional Development program, and various researcher development activities. Thuy earned her PhD from Monash University in 2015 and has a background in Cultural Linguistics, intercultural communication, and curriculum development. She has published peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters in these areas. One of her research interests mainly focuses on how cultural conceptualizations are entrenched in texts and visuals.

Musicians

Over the two days of the conference, the Sydney Meya Conservatory of Chinese Music will entertain attendees with music that will showcase a unique fusion of traditional Chinese and Western music, creating an unforgettable cross-cultural experience. Chinese instruments—including the erhu, guzheng, pipa, and dizi—will join with the Western accordion to bring both Chinese and Western classics to life.

On day one the group will perform for all conference attendees, and on day two they will run a masterclass discussing their instruments and the evolution of their group. On both days they will play during lunch. Pieces performed will include 'The Jasmine Blooms', 'Spring Returns', 'Sentiments of the Water Town', 'Cai Wei', 'Spring Arrives at the Xiang River' and 'Libertango'.

Min Dong (Meya), a young flute musician, the founder of the Sydney Meya Conservatory of Chinese Music, is also directing the Chinese Music Ensemble course at the University of New South Wales. Meya graduated from the Conservatory of Music of the Central University for Nationalities, majoring in Chinese bamboo flute under the tutelage of well renowned flute professors in China. Her music videos on Youtube and other social media platforms has attracted millions views and fans internationally. In 2002, she won the gold medal in the Dandelion National Instrumental Music Competition. In 2007, she was awarded the Gold Medal by the Chinese Ministry of Culture for the Beijing International Competition. In 2023, Easy to Learn and Play: A Basic Tutorial for Popular Flute Music was published, providing a simple and efficient learning pathway for traditional music enthusiasts. In 2024, the publication gained widespread attention, with reports from Xinhua News Agency, China News, and Oriental Metropolitan Daily. Notably, People’s Daily and China Daily conducted exclusive interviews that detailed personal experiences. In the same year, the author received the Outstanding Instructor Award in the Overseas Group at the 3rd “Dunhuang Cup” National Chamber Music and Ensemble Competition.
Xinyi Ge has been studying the Guzheng for 18 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance and a master’s degree from the University of New South Wales. In 2019, she won first prize in the finals of the 9th Asian International Art Competition. In 2021, she earned the bronze medal in the youth group of the 2nd “Dunhuang Cup” Chinese National Chamber Music Ensemble Competition. In 2024, she performed a concerto with renowned Erhu master Zhu Changyao at the Sydney Opera House. That same year, she was invited to perform the Guzheng at Sydney Town Hall for the Australia Chinese New Year Gala. As an actor, she also contributed to the organization and preparation of the 2024 “National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival Gala” for Chinese students in New South Wales, providing strong support for services to Chinese students. She is currently a Guzheng teacher at the Sydney Meya Conservatory of Chinese Music.
Jiafang Li is a Sydney-based pipa player and educator who began studying the instrument at six under Yaqiong Lv. She further honed her skills with Yuxia Wu and Weiwei Lan and was part of the Qiongyin Pipa Ensemble in Beijing. She has won numerous gold awards in both domestic and international competitions, including top prizes at the Beijing Sunshine Youth Children’s Art Festival and the “Dunhuang Cup” Pipa Showcase. Since moving to Sydney at 17, Jiafang has been actively performing and engaging in cultural exchanges at venues such as the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney, and the Chinese Garden of Friendship. She is a member of the Australian Pipa Association and has worked closely with the SCM Chinese Music Ensemble as both a performer and a former principal of the plucked strings section.
Jessen Pan started learning Guzheng and modern Guzheng at the age of six, under Meiliang Xu in Chaozhou Zheng School. During this period, he participated in many competitions and performances and won awards, such as gold awards in the Guangdong Province "Stars Torch" competition and the special gold award at the Hong Kong "Golden Bauhinia Award". From 2019 to 2022, he led the University Chinese Music Orchestra to hold and participate in many Chinese cultural concerts, and served as a concert master and soloist during this period. Then he came to Australia in 2023 and participated in many East-West exchange concerts with Meya Conservatory of Chinese Music.
Yutong Wu, erhu performer. Recipient of the Gold Prize at the Guangdong Province Sixth Chinese National Instrumental Music Competition in 2019. Served as erhu concertmaster and gaohu soloist for the Chinese Orchestra at Macau University of Science and Technology from 2018 to 2022. Participated in numerous exchange performances across the Hong Kong and Macau regions, including televised New Year’s Eve concerts. In 2024, performed at the “Charm of Hua Xia" concert at the Sydney Opera House, the NSW Chinese Student National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, the Australia-China Mid-Autumn Charity Gala, and the Meya Conservatory of Chinese Music 9th Anniversary Concert.
Xianyu Qiu, born and raised in Taiwan 1989-, is a classically trained musician in both the Erhu and Piano, and is widely recognized in Taiwan's music scene. With over 20 years of experience, he has collaborated with artists across Europe and Australia in composing, performing, and creative projects. His unique blend of traditional Chinese influences and modern music continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Q earned his bachelor’s degree in Music from Chinese Culture University, Taiwan. He has won several prestigious music competitions and has performed the Concerto with Zhu Changyao, the Erhu master, at Sydney Opera House. In 2024, awarded the Gold Medal at the Dunhuang Cup Chinese Chamber Music Competition. Performed a concerto with renowned Erhu master Zhu Changyao at the Sydney Opera House. Invited by the Australia Chinese New Year Gala to perform Erhu at Sydney Town Hall. In 2011, winner of the Chinese Music Association’s Taiwan String Soloist Competition. In 2009, collaborated with the Taipei Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra at the National Concert Hall, Taiwan. In 2008, awarded First Prize in the Four Seasons Youth Music Competition (Professional Group) as an Erhu soloist.
Dachun Lin，started learning the accordion at the age of five and has been engaged in performance and teaching for over 50 years. From 1978, he studied for a bachelor’s degree at Xinghai Conservatory of Music, and later pursued a master’s degree at Beijing Normal University. Representing Xinghai Conservatory as an accordion soloist, he performed self-composed solo pieces such as ‘March in Wanquan’ at various music concerts. He also performed in France and various countries in the Americas, collaborating with accordionists from around the world to play Latin American, Chinese, and European classical accordion music. After graduating with a Master’s degree, he served as the First president of the Shenzhen Accordion Association and is now a teacher at the Sydney Meya Conservatory of Music.
Sophia Zhao, come from Shanghai, China.She started learning the erhu with renowned teachers at the age of 8 and participated in the Shanghai Workers' Cultural Palace band. In 1988, She arrived in Sydney, Australia, and performed at the Spring Festival Gala at Town Hall from 2016 to 2020. She have participated in college performances and performed multiple times at the Chatswood Cultural Centre concert hall. She joined the Huaxia Orchestra for performances. Recently, on July 30, 2024, She was performing at the Sydney Opera House alongside the famous erhu player Master Zhu Changyao, and on September 15, 2024, She performed at Town Hall with the famous erhu player Teacher Li Fuwa. She have participated in the various community events in Sydney and am passionate about the heritage and promotion of Chinese music.
Fang Tao Lydia is a young guzheng player. At the age of 8, she is currently teaching guzheng at Miya College of Chinese Music in Sydney. He studied at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. He was invited to the China Cultural Center in Sydney, Australia to participate in the Sydney Tea and the world · Yaji as a guzheng guest soloist.In 2014, he won the gold medal of the A group of Guzheng professional youth in Anhui Special Students Culture and Art Exchange Competition. In 2014, he won the silver Award of Guzheng in the 8th Chinese Culture Five Continents Tour of the Chinese Youth Literary and Artistic Talents International Art Exchange. In 2014, he won the gold medal of the 8th Hong Kong International Youth Art Festival Guzheng Competition. In 2016, he won the Outstanding Talent Award of the first "Evergrande Central Plaza" Cup Metro Fashion Spokesperson Competition in Hefei.
Christian Laki has had several rock/pop bands which featured his music being featured on both television and radio both in Australia and overseas. He also composed music for and performed as a bass player with various jazz ensembles, such as the UNSW Jazz Group featuring Daniel Pliner on keyboards and Tim Firth on drums, The Sydney Law Review Band and The Pyramidic Jazz Trio – both featuring Alon Ilsar on drums. He has composed music for film trailers and short films (professionally), and feature films (as part of his masters studies). As a talented multi-instrumentalist, he has provided private music instruction to students across various age groups in multiple disciplines including singing, guitars, basses, keyboards, song writing, and composition in multiple styles for more than 30 years. He also performs regularly with MADS, the Sydney University Madrigal Society both as a singer and an instrumentalist playing both Renaissance lute and guitar. He completed his Bachelor of Music at the University of New South Wales in 2000 with an emphasis on bass studies with Ron Philpott and Craig Scott at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, jazz group studies with Dr. Alister Spence and Dr. Sandy Evans, and classical composition studies with Gordon Kerry and Anna Pimakhova. Additional coursework included orchestration and Early Music with Dr. Christine Logan and North Indian Classical music with Dr. John Napier which has a particular influence on his treatment of rhythm. He later completed a Master of Music at the Australian Institute of Music in 2022 where he specialised in film music composition with Dr. Phillip Johnston, electronic film music composition with Dr. Mark Oliveiro, and orchestral composition with Dr. Philip Eames and Anton Koch. He is currently completing a Doctor of Musical Arts at Western Sydney University under the tutelage of Associate Professor Bruce Crossman, John Encarnacao, and Associate Professor Andrew Milne in order to further develop his creative practice of realising his own rock/pop/Hungarian style of composition with the symphony orchestra.
Song writer, musician, studio musician and music tutor. Plays electric, acoustic steel, acoustic nylon, and 12 string guitars, as well as banjo, ukulele, mandolin and ruan. Has studied at the Conservatorium of Music Open Academy and was part of the Conservatorium Jazz Band under the direction of Bassist Brendan Clarke. Currently in third year at Western Sydney University, studying Bachelor of Music and then wishes to complete Masters in Music Performance. Music Awards: Has received four ACE Awards (Australian Club Entertainment awards) for best backing band in clubs. Has received five MO Awards (Australian Entertainment Awards) for best backing musicians in clubs. Backed, performed, and toured with such artists as: From Australia: Normie Rowe, Jade Hurley, Johnny Young, Warren Williams, Marty Rhone, John St Peters, Nathan Foley, Little Pattie, Judy Stone. From New Zealand: Allison Durbin (Musical Director 13 years), John Rowles, Tania Rowles. From Hong Kong: Frances Yip (Australian Musical Director). From the USA: The Drifters, Sounds of the Supremes, Songs in The Key of Motown, Kings of Country, Kenny Rogers/Dolly Parton Tribute, Elvis to the Max. From Greece: Themos Mexis, Demis Roussos. From Italy: Fiordaliso, Marcella Bella. Instrumentalists: Martin Lass, Danny Elliot, Joey Fimmano, Ian Cooper, Vov Dylan. Has toured with artists in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan. Has worked on the production show “Mamma Mia” at the Lyric Theatre for 18 months and have been part of the pit band for many school musical productions. Currently working with: “The Prince Experience” Prince Tribute Show. “The Show Must Go On” Celebrating Queen. “Freedom” George Michael Tribute. “Latin Icons” Santana, Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estephan Tribute. “The Music of Michael Jackson” Michael Jackson Tribute. “Celebrating the Music of Phil Collins”.