annual report - utas.edu.au

Annual Report2020

Dear Colleagues

2020 was a challenging year for sport at all levels. From the professional level to community competitions and programs, COVID impacted employment, revenue, media profiles and participation.

UTAS Sport and active campus programs proved resilient. That we live in Tasmania, a state that has managed COVID well, has certainly been an advantage. It was also an advantage that our clubs operate on a volunteer, not-for-profit basis, without huge budgets. Plus, the University developed effective plans for returning to activity.

Critically, clubs, UniGym members, and social sport participants were prepared to adopt and comply with COVID-safe practices. This allowed resumption of training and competition. In fact, following COVID lockdown, sport and fitness led the way in the reactivation of our campuses.

Readers of this report will recognize that 2020 was also an outstanding year of performance for many of our clubs. Our AFL, cricket, football (soccer), hockey, rugby and rowing clubs all excelled in their competitions, representing the brand of sport and the University admirably. These results reflect exemplary leadership from our club coaches and committees.

Off-field, UTAS Sport and Recreation Staff played an active role forging program partnerships with several internal stakeholders, including:

• Careers and Leadership Development

• The TUU

• Infrastructure, Services and Design

• Riawunna

• Student Living

• Campus Transformation Teams

We thank you for your support and commitment, and for helping us improve the lives of our students.

Regards,

Donald Knapp Director of Sport

Director of Sport Report

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Elite Athlete Report In 2020, a total of 71 student-athletes across 24 sports were supported by the UTAS Elite Athlete Program.

Break down by faculty / school• Arts, Law, & Education: 16

• Business & Economics: 9

• College of Health: 26

• Science, Engineering, & AMC: 20

Break down by sport• AFL: 1

• Athletics: 4

• Canoe Slalom: 1

• Cricket: 11

• Freestyle Football: 1

• Gymnastics: 2

• Hockey: 12

• Karate: 1

• Lawn Bowls: 1

• Mountain Biking: 1

• Netball: 5

• OzTag: 1

• Rowing: 10

• Sailing: 5

• Snooker: 1

• Sport Climbing: 1

• Squash: 3

• Surf Life saving: 1

• Swimming: 1

• Tennis: 1

• Triathlon: 1

• Ultimate Frisbee: 1

• Underwater Sports: 3

• Water Skiing: 1


Sports AwardsThe University of Tasmania Sports Awards were delivered virtually. Multiple nominations for Blues Awards, Volunteer of the Year, Club of the Year, and Sportsperson of the Year were put forward for efforts in 2020.

• Club of the Year: University of Tasmania Football (Soccer) Club

• Volunteer of the Year: Robert Mason (Soccer)

• Commonwealth Bank Sports Person of the Year: Jay Hennicke

• Full Blue: Jay Hennicke

• Half Blue: Amy Bain (Rowing), Giorgio Radenti (Rowing), Lily Fisher (Rowing), Sam Hall (Rowing)

• The 2020 Sport Person of the Year (sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank Corporation) was freestyle footballer Jay Hennicke. Jay represents Australia, whilst also studying a Bachelor of Arts and Law degree.


Social SportIn semester 1 of 2020, we intended to run our regular competition of Monday Night Basketball, Tuesday Night Futsal, and Wednesday Night Netball. Due to COVID-19, the season did not go ahead. However, despite having less students on campus, we still registered 288 students.

In semester 2, we decided to run a smaller, more condensed season of two nights per week. Basketball and netball took place on Monday night and Futsal on Tuesday night. We ended up with 18 teams in total. The season was successful and in each sport, a winner was crowned. The basketball was won by Team OK (a team of students studying at AMC, architecture, and sciences). Futsal was won by Cheetahs (decided by penalty shootout), and Netball was won by Game of Cones (a team of AMC and Nursing students). Social sport employed four student umpires for the season.

Semester 1• 41 teams

• 288 students registered – this would have grown, as in the first week, teams usually register extra players

• Considering we had less students on campus, this was not a bad outcome

• No games were played as we postponed the competition the week we were about to start

Semester 2• 18 teams

• 144 students registered – competition was smaller, as not many students were on campus

Course / faculty Number of participants

AMC 34

Medicine 30

Education 28

Engineering 12

UTAS (students put this down instead of what they are studying)

9

Health science 6

ITC 5

Architecture 4

Nursing 4

Physical science 4

Aquaculture 2

Arts 2

Business 2

IMAS 2

Total 144


University of Tasmania Athletics Club Inc (Est. 2015)

The 2019-2020 season was another successful one for the Athletics Club. They won both the Athletics Tasmania Men’s Championship Trophy (Harrier Cup) and the Blake Trophy, which is awarded to the Club with the most collective points in the Open & Junior age groups across all Tasmanian Championship events.

In addition to our overall Club results, there were several outstanding individual performances that we would like to acknowledge. Stewart McSweyn claimed a trio of Australian Records in the 1,500m, 3,000m and 10,000m events and was announced on the Australian Team for the Tokyo Olympics.

Milly Clark produced an Olympic qualifying time for the Marathon in a bid to contest her second Olympics after competing in Rio in 2016.

Membership has grown with the club recording a record number of members to start the 2020-2021 season, with an increase of student members who have chosen to support the University Club.

Club Teams Achievements• Athletics Tasmania Harrier Cup – Overall Men’s

Championship Award 2019-2020 (5th consecutive year)

• Athletics Tasmania Blake Trophy – Overall Championship Award 2019-2020 (2nd consecutive year)

Individual Achievements• Australian Open 10000m Record

– Stewart McSweyn (plus Tasmanian Open record)

• Australian Open 3000m Record – Stewart McSweyn (plus Tasmanian Open record)

• Australian Open 1500m Record – Stewart McSweyn (plus Tasmanian Open record)

• Tasmanian Open Half Marathon Record – Milly Clark

• Tasmanian Open Javelin Record – Emily Canham (plus Tasmanian U20 record)

• Tasmanian Open Pole Vault Record – Raphaela Corney (plus U19/20 records)

• Tasmanian U15 Pole Vault Record – Zoe Laurenson

• Australian Masters Athletics Best Individual Performance – Geoff Gibbons

• Athletics Tasmania Open Male Athlete of the Year – Stewart McSweyn

• Athletics Tasmania Open Female Athlete of the Year – Milly Clark

• Athletics Tasmania U20 Male Athlete of the Year – Harvey Chilcott

• Athletics Tasmania Athlete of the Year Throwers Award – Hamish Peacock

• Athletics Tasmania Athlete of the Year Out of Stadium Distance Award – Nick Earl (Male)

• Athletics Tasmania Athlete of the Year Out of Stadium Distance Award – Milly Clark (Female)

• Athletics Tasmania Athlete of the Year In-Stadium Distance Award – Stewart McSweyn

• Athletics South Open Athlete of the Year – Nick Earl

• Athletics South U20 Athlete of the Year – Liam Shelton

• Athletics South Masters Athlete of the Year – Cathy McKeown

• Athletics South Doreen Frawley Award – Indy Brideson

2020 Membership DetailsStudents 31

Staff/Alumni 13

Other 73

Board of ManagementPresident Mikayla Genge

Executive Officer Tracy Canham

Director Stuart Morse

Director Stuart Corney

Director Nadine Wiggins

Director Ben Brockman

Director Kate Davie

Records Officer Indy Brideson


Tasmania University Boat Club Inc (Est. 1923)

The Boat Club had another very successful season in 2019-20.

The club retained the State Pennant for the most points awarded, as well as the Hydro Cup. At the Rowing Tasmania State Club Championships, the club won 12 State titles. For the Interstate regatta, 10 rowers and two coaches were selected for state representation. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the Rowing Nationals and the Interstate Regatta did not proceed.

Club Teams Achievements• Rowing Tasmania State Pennant

• Hydro Cup

At the State Club Championships, the following titles were won:

• Under 19 Women’s coxed eight

• Under 23 Men’s coxless pair

• Under 21 Women’s coxless four

• Senior Men’s Para single

• Under 19 Women’s coxed quad

• Under 19 Women’s singe

• Under 19 Women’s coxless quad

• Under 21 Women’s coxless pair

• Under 19 Women’s coxless four

• Senior Women’s coxless pair

• Under 21 Women’s coxed eight

• Under 17 Women’s single

Individual AchievementsThe following rowers and coaches were selected for the Tasmania Interstate crews

Men’s Youth eight• Tom Messer

• Hamish Johnston

Women’s Youth eight• Kate Oliver

• Sophie Robinson

• Amy Bain

• Lilly Fisher

• Daisy Pilkington

• Shaun Finlayson Coach

Men’s Senior Penrith Cup• Angus Paynter

• Sam Casey

• Par single

• Michael Taylor

• Matt Robinson Coach

The following received a half Blue for Rowing:• Amy Bain

• Lily Fisher

• Sam Hall

• Giorgio Radenti


Staff/Alumni 36

Other 57

Committee MembersPresident Mick Casey

Vice President Lloyd Luck

Treasurer Jo Doyle

Secretary James McIntosh

Other Jono Craven

Amy Bain

Sam Hall

Debbie Schrader

Roxanne Casey

Tim McDermott

Mark Stott

Coaching PanelHead Coach Mark Stott

Women’s Coach Shaun Finlayson

Women’s Coach Andrew Fisher

Women’s Coach Chris Harris

Men’s Coach Roger Moore

Junior Women’s Coach Amy Bain


University of Tasmania Cricket Club (Est. 1989)

The UTAS Cricket Club continues to improve both on-field and off-field as we strive to be the Club of Choice in Tasmania, with quality coaches, managers and facilities.

We have over 50 participants in our development program for boys and girls aged 5 to 10 years old. We also have 12 youth league sides, one senior women’s side and four senior men’s sides. The highlight this year has been the success of entering a new community side in the Southern Cricket Association. This provides greater opportunities for our students to participate in cricket all season.

Unfortunately, the Nationals Division 1 Twenty20 tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19. However, there is a lot of excitement for the tournament next August on the Sunshine Coast. At the time of writing, we’re currently leading the Club Championship for season 2020/21. This is a great reflection of our on-field strength. We’re also fortunate to have a high-quality coaching group, including former state and national players Damien Wright, Kristen Beams and Ben Hilfenhaus.

Club Teams Achievements• Club Championship 2020/21 – currently 1st Place

2019/20 Results:

• Club Championship 2019/20 – 6th place

• Under 15 Boys Premier League – Twenty20 Premiers, One-Day runners-up

• Under 17 Boys Premier League – 4th Place

• Nationals Div 1 Twenty20 competition – 9th place

Individual Achievements• Nuwan Kavinda – CTPL Men’s Team of the Year;

Tasmania Futures League selection

• Andrew Kealy – CTPL Men’s Team of the Year

• Sasha Moloney – CTPL Women’s Team of the Year

• Charles Rose – Cricket Tasmania Chairman’s Merit Award for Service to UTAS Cricket Club Clayton Braddick – CTPL Men’s 3rd Grade Player of the Year & 3rd Grade Batting Average

• Gordon Kerr – CTPL Men’s 2nd Grade Player of the Year

• Callum Ritchie – CTPL Under 15 Boys Bowling Aggregate

• Sam Truloff – Tasmania Futures League selection

• Tayla Wigg – Victoria Indigenous side

• Amalia Clifford – Victoria Indigenous side

• Chloe Abel – Awarded Tasmania Tigers Rookie Contract 2020; U/18 Tasmania Captain

• Louis Smith – Under 15 Tasmania side

• Zac Phair – Under 19 Tasmania side

• Tim Paine - Australian Test Captain & contracted player

• James Faulkner - Tasmanian Tigers/ Hobart Hurricanes contracted player

• Jake Doran - Tasmanian Tigers/ Hobart Hurricanes contracted player

• Tim Ward - Tasmanian Tigers contracted player

• Sasha Moloney - Tasmanian Tigers/ Hobart Hurricanes contracted player


Staff/Alumni 38

Other 221

Board of ManagementPresident Charles Rose

Vice President & Treasurer Gene Phair

Secretary Maddison Blazely

Student Representative Dominic Rawlings

Coaching PanelDirector of Coaching Ben Harrison

Head Coach Men’s Cricket Damien Wright

Senior Development & Skills Coach (Female Cricket) Kristen Beams

Senior Development Coach James Craig

Bowling Coach Ben Hilfenhaus


University of Tasmania Lions Football Club (North) (Est. 1923)

The Football Club participated in an opt-in roster with three other clubs from our division one competition and five from the NTFAs Premier Division for The Boags St George Shield.

As it was not a recognized roster, no premiership points were awarded. The only requirement was to field one team per club. Our coaches could give more exposure to our second tier players, as the majority of our more senior players were locked down in other states. Off-field, our supporters and non-playing personnel had the opportunity to be involved, even though restrictions were still in place.

Our new uniform was not worn for the 2020 roster. The media was still involved in launching the new name and uniform in March 2021.

Club Teams Achievements• Participated with not much success unfortunately

Individual Achievements• No awards or dinner night held this year due to Covid


Staff/Alumni 10

Other 14 (Only one team this year)

Committee MembersPresident Wayne Thompson

Vice President Grant Preece/John Carter

Treasurer Adrian Bott

Secretary Matthew Richards

Other Gayle Thompson Brendon Thompson Brad Tuffin Brodie Tiernan Karen Whyte Racheal Harris Lauren Chanall Will Geysing

Coaching PanelDirectors of Coaching Brodie Tiernan

Directors of Coaching Chris Smith

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Tasmanian University Football Club (South) (Est. 1936)

2020 was difficult, with much uncertainty and, ultimately, reduced seasons for all three teams.

However, the entire squad showed great resilience and leadership, with all three teams representing the University in their respective league finals. The men’s reserves made it all the way to the OSFA grand final but fell short against our arch-rivals, Hutchins.

The completion of the 2020 season saw the departure of long-time senior coach Ben Beams. Over the years, Ben has instilled a great culture and created a legacy that will ensure ongoing success at the TUFC.

We are excited to welcome Ben Van Kraanen as the new senior coach for 2021. His experience and enthusiasm for developing footballers is a perfect fit for our young, talented squad. The excitement for season 2021 is already on show at pre-season training, with fantastic numbers on the track.

Club Teams Achievements• Reserves 2020 Runners-Up

Individual Achievements• OSFA team of the year representatives – Connor

Barling, Simon Vandervelde, Josh Fogarty, Blake Waight

• OSFA Trainer of the year – Belle Anderson

• OSFA Volunteer of the year – Theresa Martin


Staff/Alumni 14

Other 50

Committee MembersPresident Matthew Martin

Vice President Nat Gulliver

Treasurer Patrick Taskunas

Secretary Marek Matuszek

Other Luke Bartulovic

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University of Tasmania Hockey Club (Est. 2015 amalgamation of men’s and women’s clubs)

Sadly, COVID-19 held up the season after our first game. We recommenced the season in July 2020 under a different format to ensure that we could get as many games into the season as possible.

The club had a good number of teams make the finals across all grades. Our Men’s Premier League team made it to the Grand Final and our Men’s 5th grade won the premiership after coming second for seven grand finals.

Sadly, we lost one of our most treasured members, Barry Holmes. Barry was a great bloke, a true gentleman, and an excellent clubman. He will be greatly missed.

The club looks forward to the 2021 season being (hopefully) a little more stable and bettering our 2020 results.

Club Teams Achievements• Men’s Premier League 2nd place in the

Southern Hockey League

• Men’s 5th Grade 2020 premiers

Individual Achievements• Ella Holmstrom – SHL Women’s Frist Grade

Best and Fairest

• Rowena Hamer – SHL Women’s Second Grade Best and Fairest

• Cat Oermann – SHL Women’s Fourth Grade Best and Fairest

• Premier League – SHL Play the Whistle Award

• Chloe Abel – SHL Umpire of the Year


Staff/Alumni 4

Other 90

Committee MembersPresident Corrina Smith

Vice President Peter Bolton

Treasurer Alexandra Irwin

Secretary Greer Wells

Other General Committee Bridget Hutton General Committee Andrew Mitchell


Tasmania University Rugby Union Football Club (Est. 1933)

Despite the impacts of COVID-19, the UTAS Rugby Club enjoyed a year of growth. We are well placed moving into the 2021 season. Notably, the club excelled under the instruction of a new coaching body, with Matt Jensen and Maira Behrendt (former Brazilian national 7s representative) respectively taking on our Men’s and Women’s sides.

After several seasons playing in the second-tier competition, the club celebrated the return of the Mens XVs to the State’s first division competition. They took out victories against the Hobart Harlequins and Hobart Lions. Our women’s side combined with the Taroona 7s team for 2020 and enjoyed an undefeated run in the last four rounds. This culminated in a nail-biting, two-point, state final victory against the Hobart Harlequins.

In 2020, the club held many events to show its appreciation for the valuable members of its community and continued to foster a spirit of inclusivity. Our annual Ladies and Sponsors Days as well as Old Boys games were enjoyed by all.

As we look to 2021, the club would like to thank its sponsors, players, coaches and spectators for their support. We look forward to seeing you next year.

Club Teams Achievements• Senior Womens 7s team won the state title

• Senior Mens XVs made their return to Division 1

Individual AchievementsWomens Senior 7s:• Georgia Stewart – Women’s Best and Fairest & State

Womens Player of the Final

• Lucy Baumann-Lionet – Best Fresher

• Michaelyne Arumbi – Top Point Scorer

• Laura Jepson – Coaches Award

• Viivi Hokkinen – Captains Award & Players Player

Mens Premier XVs:• Angus Peters – Reg Beesley Award & Best Back

• Jarrod Mabo – Best Forward

• Edward Jones – Players Player

• Jordan Rhodes – Best Fresher

• Joshua May – Top Point Scorer

• Zac Pregnell – Presidents Award

• Matt Jensen – Clubman of the Year


Staff/Alumni 18

Other 21

Committee MembersPresident Joshua May

Vice President Ellis Cox

Treasurer Bede Donnelly

Secretary Georgia Stewart

Other Patron Anthony Kube General Committee Addi Mandala General Committee Remi Parsons General Committee Angus Peters 2020 Life Member Ged McAffery

Coaching PanelSenior Womens Coach Maira Behrendt

Senior Mens Coach Matt Jensen

Sentior Womens 7s Captain Georgia Stewart

Senior Mens XVs Captain Zac Pregnell


University of Tasmania Football (Soccer) Club (Est. 1949)

The world game is hitting new heights at the UTAS Sports Club of the Year (2020), based at Olinda Grove on Mount Nelson.

As one of UTAS’ biggest sports clubs, we’ve always built our community on fun and friendship. We’re increasingly ambitious for success and silverware as well.

We have more than 170 adult players registered across nine different teams (six men’s, three women’s). We’re also in the first-year of re-booting our youth system, in partnership with Strike Soccer School. Our new Under 13 boy’s side is a good first step towards a bigger long-term youth set-up, including girl’s sides.

We’re keen to build for the future through a great value-for-money youth program. As a university club, we also recognise our duty to offer quality opportunities and pathways for young Tasmanians.

We also held Hobart’s first Social World Cup tournament, with England running out inaugural champions. The tournament attracted more than 150 players (mostly from outside UTAS and our club), and was a great advertisement for diversity, football and the University.

If you’re new to Hobart (especially as a uni student), and love the world’s favourite sport, please look to us as your new footballing home. You can expect a group of people that care about you, offer a great sense of belonging, and want to achieve together.

Club Teams Achievements• Southern Mens Championship – Runners-Up

Individual Achievements• Mark Astley - 200 games

• Zoe Lovell - 200 games

• Zoe Hinds - 100 games

• Tash Hinds - 100 games

• Ali Herbert - 100 games

• Sophie Young - 100 goals


Staff/Alumni 60

Other 56 (including 6 youth)

Committee MembersPresident Rowan Dix

Vice President Ellisa Bowditch

Treasurer Robert Mason

Secretary Amey Jambekar


University of Tasmania Frisbee Club (Est. 2017)

The Ultimate Frisbee Club maintained high levels of activity despite the impact of COVID-19. The club held its second annual Winter Ultimate Frisbee tournament with participants travelling from Hobart to attend for the first time.

Several of the highest performing players were given the opportunity to play for Tasmania in Victoria’s National Div 2 March Madness tournament. Weekly pick-up style leagues were ongoing, with solid participation and an influx of new members.

The club is looking forward to sending off another set of players to Canberra, where they’ll compete in the Division 2 Nationals in April 2021. In December, the UTAS Frisbee Club changed its processes for greater membership retention, financial security, and club culture to ensure longevity.

The club is excited to introduce a new annual Launceston Outdoor Frisbee Tournament, which will be commencing in late March.

Club Teams Achievements• Solidified relationship with Tasmanian Ultimate

Association in Hobart with the inaugural tri-annual competition

• The UTAS Frisbee Club won their North vs South Competition

• The UTAS Ultimate Frisbee Club sent 9 members to Victoria to represent Quoll Tasmania

• 15 UTAS frisbee members participated in the Hobart’s state wide tournament 2Hat

Individual Achievements• Simon Wagner received veteran award for the club

• Sarah Davis obtained Women MVP

• Jed Saville was awarded Mens MVP

• Ed Hesline was nominated Off-field Spirit

• Tommy Macqueen was chosen for the On-field spirt award

• Nic Rowlands was awarded best defender


Staff/Alumni 4

Other 18

Committee MembersPresident Tommy Macqueen

Vice President Josh Rowlands

Treasurer Sarah Davis

Secretary Simon Wagner

Public relations Josh Brooks

UTAS representative Aran Barnes


Tasmania University Volleyball Club (Hobart) (Est. 2016)

Early in the year, COVID-19 affected our participation in the Southern League. We planned to have two teams in the competition, but since many of our members struggled to adapt to online learning, we could only enter one.

However, we established a strong COVID-safe training protocol, and managed to start men’s and women’s closed intense training, on top of the open social training. We conducted close to 60 training sessions in total between late July to early Dec. This is close to what we would run in a year. The club also purchased new uniforms and training gear, so that we can be more competitive in 2021.

Club Teams Achievements• Southern league Division 2 Women’s 3rd place

• Run close to 60 training sessions after COVID lockdown

• Started Men’s and Women’s competition training

Individual Achievements• Nelson Hinds and Masayuki Tatsumi - silver medal

for Division 1 men’s Southern League

• Masayuki Tatsumi - silver medal for the state league 2020

• Masayuki Tatsumi – Selected to be an Echidnas player


Staff/Alumni 15

Other 9

Committee MembersPresident Masayuki Tatsumi

Vice President Nelson Hinds

Treasurer Emma Savage

Secretary Maya Lovelock-Dodos

Other Aniq Asri – general committee member


UTAS Sport Staff

Jarrod StephensSport Team Leader [email protected]

Keegan PopowskiElite Athlete and Competitions Coordinator [email protected]

Don Knapp

Director of Sport [email protected]

Jennifer McGeeSport and Recreation Officer [email protected]

Kate HarlandBookings and Facilities Officer [email protected]


Sport FoundationThe University of Tasmania Sports Fund assists students to participate in university sporting clubs. It’s designed to support student-athletes in their academic and sporting endeavours.

BE THE DIFFERENCE AND DONATE NOW

Why donate?The Tasmanian University Student Association’ (TUSA)’s clubs have been offering sporting opportunities for student cohorts for many years. Clubs provide sporting and recreation for students, staff, alumni and other friends of the University community.

Club memberships are open to students, staff and alumni. Sporting clubs compete in local, regional, state and national competitions; recreational clubs conduct adventure activities in unique and exciting environments; and instructional clubs provide courses in a variety of martial arts and other self-disciplines.

The UTAS Sports Fund assists students to participate in university sporting clubs. The fund is designed to support student-athletes in their academic and sporting endeavours.

With your help, students at the University of Tasmania have the opportunity participate in a community that encourages and delivers fun, friendship, fitness, self and university pride.

Your donation will help our clubs to:

• Invest in equipment

• Increase membership numbers

• Participate in state and national competitions

How much can i give?No matter how much you give, you can make a difference.

Smaller donations can be used to hire a training facility

Larger sums could contribute to the uniforms for a club

Major donations could fund representation at a national or international tournament or competition.

Make a Donation utas.edu.au/sport


https://www.utasalumni.org.au/university-of-tasmania-sport-fund?_ga=2.183612581.283312204.1612134279-192646207.1568937325

https://www.utas.edu.au/sport

facebook.com/UTASLife

University of Tasmania, Private Bag 61, Sandy Bay, TAS 7005

[email protected]

utas.edu.au/sport

STAY CONNECTED

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annual report - utas.edu.au

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