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Discovery Sprints

Discovery Sprints Team

This project brings together a multidisciplinary team of animators, communication designers, educators, psychologists, creative educators, technical specialists and design and animation students. The project partners are the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY), Le Mana Pasifika and the National Rugby League (NRL).

Sivanes Phillipson

Sivanes Philipson

PROJECT LEAD

Sivanes is Professor and Chair of Education at Swinburne University of Technology. Sivanes’ passion to make a difference in young people’s lives has remained strong over a 30-year career in public relations, marketing and teacher education in Asia and Australia. Sivanes works with children, youth and families of diverse communities to carve pathways to successful futures, and is enjoying learning and dreaming with the talented young people in the Discovery Sprints!

Nicki Wragg

INVESTIGATOR

Professor Nicki Wragg is Dean (Interim) of Swinburne’s School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship. Her cognate discipline is Communication Design, and her collaborative research combines communication design, technology and design education, is interdisciplinary and industry-engaged, and generates communication design solutions that respond to people and social contexts. Nicki has loved watching the growing confidence of the students in the Discovery Sprints, as they push their ideas and illustrative skills further.

Nicki Wragg
Steven Murdoch

Steven Murdoch

INVESTIGATOR

Steven is a Senior Lecturer in Animation at Swinburne University of Technology. His research explores diverse applications of animation practice, process and production within creative, technical and social contexts. Steven has over 15 years of teaching experience in animation and digital media design, collaborating with community groups, industry and educational partners to develop, deliver and evaluate animation projects and curriculum. Steven leads by doing and enjoys engaging the students in multiple forms of animation. He has particularly been inspired by the intuitive patterns designed by the students.

Wendy Goff

INVESTIGATOR

Wendy Goff is Associate Professor in Swinburne’s School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education. She is passionate about ensuring that all children, youth and families have the same opportunities to thrive, realise and reach potential. Wendy feels enriched, humbled and inspired by working alongside the incredible youth, families and community members participating in the Discovery Sprints.

Wendy Goff
Lyn Kee

Lyn Kee

INVESTIGATOR

Lyn Kee is a Research Fellow in the Department of Education at Swinburne University of Technology, bringing over six years of experience in educational research. Her research focuses on culturally and linguistically diverse students, evaluating student welfare and support systems, and analysing graduate outcomes. Lyn is dedicated to supporting and enhancing students’ educational and learning experiences. She is grateful to be part of the Discovery Sprints team and enjoys sharing this transformative journey with the community members, remarkable youth, and their families.

David Stevens

INVESTIGATOR

David is an experienced Animation Technician at Swinburne University of Technology with over three decades of experience. As an award-winning cinematographer, he brings a blend of technical expertise and artistic excellence to his role. His innovative approach has not only garnered recognition in cinematography but has also contributed to the growth of the animation industry. At Swinburne, David inspires students and colleagues with his passion, enriching the learning environment and nurturing the next generation of creative minds. His dedication and contributions make him a valuable asset to both the institution and the broader creative community.

David Stevens

Acknowledgements

The Sa’ili le ala project is generously supported by the Federal Government Safer Communities Fund. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Maryanne Pale, Prof. Stephane Shepherd, and Mr. Jason Rogers, who made invaluable contributions during the early stages of this project, especially during the grant application process and the establishment of our cultural advisory group. Their contributions and dedication laid the foundation for our endeavour, setting the stage for the meaningful work that continues to unfold. Additionally, we express our gratitude to Brent Silva and Pauline Poloai from NRL (VIC) for their continuous support. 

We would also like to thank the following cultural advisory group members for being an integral part of this journey, shaping its trajectory and ensuring its cultural resonance.

Anthony Sofe
Laumanu Kylie Puamau
Rita Seumanutafa-Palala 
Temese Leilua
Phillip Start

SPRINT LEADERS

Michele Murray         
Malcolm Trumper    
Dr. Simon Lloyd          
Alyssa Smedley           
Dr. Jack Parry              
Isaac Westerlund

Sprint 1, 2 & 3
Sprint 1, 2 & 3
Sprint 1 & 2
Sprint 1 & 3
Sprint 2
Sprint 3

YOUTH WORKERS

Jacinta Pati    
Spencer Fatuleai
Sprint 1, 2 & 3
Sprint 1, 2 & 3

FILM PRODUCTION

KAS Creations Film & MediaKlayton Stainer 
Zané StainerChristine Chu

 

SPRINTERS

Imogen Craddock        
Kai Keith Djeng            
James Pappalardo      
Carissa Sarmiento      
Marianne Bravo
Anndrew Herbohn 
Catherine Sugiarto
Sahar Hachem             
Zoeanna Upadhyay      
Joshua McBeath         
Frank Mensah Bonsu  
Marley Goninon

Sprint 1, 2 & 3
Sprint 1, 2 & 3
Sprint 1, 2 & 3
Sprint 2 & 3
Sprint 2 & 3
Sprint 2 & 3
Sprint 3
Sprint 2
Sprint 2
Sprint 2
Sprint 1
Sprint 1