Endless Smiles...

WOLLONGONG, 18 July 2008 - Today must be a historical and happiest day for Dr Shamsiah and Dr Qian. It was their graduation day after completing their studies at the University of Wollongong. Dr Shamsiah is from Malaysia, completed her PhD in the Faculty of Engineering, while Dr Qian, DrPH, was in the Faculty of Health & Behavioral Sciences, University of Wollongong. All their hopes, hard works, ups and downs during their studies has earned them an utmost happiness and priceless gratifications.

The graduation ceremony was held in the UoW Great Hall. It was a fine and sunny day although a little bit chilly as the wind blew the cool winter air. Happy faces were everywhere around the University compound, with cameras clicking the lights flashing here and there. Families and friends congratulated the graduands, hugging and shaking hands, and even shed some tears.

Congratulations again to Dr Shamsiah and Dr Qian. May the guy with the brown jacket and a pair of sunglasses be motivated and work harder in order to finish his study and be celebrated in the same ceremony sometimes next year. And at that time, he is the one who will be wearing the blue robe with hunter's hat on his head! - WAN AZDIE -

Population Health Congress 2008

The Population Health Congress 2008 was held at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 6-9 July 2008. It was a big congress, having more than 1000 participants attending. I was a poster presenter in the congress and my poster entitled "Measuring Food Insecurity in Wollongong".

We arrived at Brisbane Airport on Sunday morning. Zarizi was so kind he fetched us up from the airport and took us to his home in Moorooka, about 20 minutes drive from the airport, and had a breakfast there. He even let us borrowed his Nimbus to travel around, and we went to Gold Coast 2 days in a row driving his Nimbus. Thanks a lot mate!

Hotel George Williams was where we stayed for 3 nights. It was a 3 star hotel, 15 minutes walk to the congress venue. Had to cross the Brisbane river to get there. It is also adjacent to the Queen Street Mall. The weather was not so good as it was drizzling most of the days, and raining quite heavily one morning when I was in hurry to attend the breakfast sessions on Food security. Thanks that there was a guy invited me to join into his cab.

Overall, the congress was a success and I am sure that everyone enjoyed listening to the presentations and reading the posters, as well as good coffee and food made available throughout the congress.

We arrived back in Sydney on the Wednesday night, and life goes on as usual...