22 March, 2012

Formal Dinner with Angela Pearman

On 22nd March the NCV community gathered for the First Formal Dinner for 2012. Formal Dinners are an important part of life at NCV, where the community hears from a distinguished person in the university or wider community. In 2011 the speakers had been public health academic Ms Anne Bunde-Birouste, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre CEO Mr Ton van Amerongen and prominent UNSW law academic Professor Jane McAdam . This time the invited speaker was Ms Angela Pearman, barrister and former ABC Television newsreader.

Angela is a well-known Sydney barrister with an extensive practice in planning and environmental law, commercial law, administrative law and equity. Since 2000 her practice has focused on matters in the Land and Environment Court where she has advised government departments, councils, developers and community groups.

Prior to her legal career Angela was a presenter with ABC Television News in Sydney from 1988 to 2000, during which time she hosted various bulletins broadcast nationally and internationally. Angela was also the inaugural presenter of the “Compass” program in 1989. Prior to 1988 she presented and produced documentary programs for Radio National’s daily “Offspring” program, and presented various live shows on Radio 702 and ABC Classic FM.


During her presentation, Angela reflected on the trajectory of her career, from working initially as a languages teacher, through the media and ultimately to the law. She identified confidence and resilience as two qualities that were important in having a successful career. Additionally, she gave some fascinating reflections on the impact of social media on the law, highlighting the Kony 2012 and Rush Limbaugh campaigns as having important implications for justice. After Angela’s address, Shamila Vijayamanohar, law student and NCV Senior Resident moved an excellent vote of thanks to her for sharing her wisdom with the NCV community.

During the evening attendees were also able to hear a beautiful piano recital by resident Tan Hsuan. Tan is currently completing his Master of Optometry at UNSW, but continues to play piano at a high level in addition to his studies. At the dinner Tan played Schubert’s Impromptu in B Flat. It was a lovely performance.
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