Robert Hardingham
After being a staff member in the 1970s at Kelvin Grove Teachers College, Robert Hardingham returned in 1990 as Assistant Dean of Education for the newly combined Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Kelvin Grove Campus.
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Challenges for a New Era
When I joined the staff of Kelvin Grove Teachers’ College in 1970, it seemed the only goal was to prepare teachers for the State of Queensland. Twenty years later as part of QUT, I found myself in an institution with far more challenging and complex goals. Modern universities are complex institutions: they conduct research, they prepare students for the world of work, they serve their local communities, address state needs and contribute to national goals. But they do more: they use their expertise and resources to help in the development of other nations, particularly the less fortunate ones. The QUT Faculty of Education at Kelvin Grove was always at the forefront of these international developments. I found myself at the centre of some of these developments.
In 1994, I was delighted to secure a contract with the International Education Agency of Papua New Guinea. My task was to lead a team upgrading the qualifications of indigenous teachers in the international schools of PNG. The contract signing ceremony was the beginning of a great relationship between QUT and PNG. It was an unforgettable experience for me to see our two cultures coming together. I saw this project as a win-win outcome – while the needs and aspirations of the indigenous teachers would be met, I would gain a great understanding of this fascinating culture and form many life long memories. I was overwhelmed by the hospitality shown to me: the dancers, the dignitaries and the feast were all part of the rich tapestry of our Northern neighbours. Most of the teachers graduated three years later with a Bachelor of Education degree. This very personal and unforgettable experience, culminated in an emotional graduation ceremony in Port Moresby in 1997.