When John Osborne OAM was doing his honours in chemistry he received some advice from his supervisor Dr Geoffrey Cheesman that would stick with him for life.
“The venue for much of my honours work was the outdoors back lane of the department, where I was operating a fluorine production electrolytic cell,” he said, explaining that the Chemistry department was then mainly located in the former Hobart Technical College in Bathurst Street.
“Probably not many people have seen liquid fluorine except perhaps in the early days of the space industry!
“One day when involved with that apparatus, Dr Cheesman came to see me for some good reason, and I will never forget his opening comments: ‘When I was a student … No, I’m still a student, I’ve always been a student.’
“I have always remembered that comment. It continued into my work, including my external MSc during my employment. On many occasions I have passed on my supervisor’s “approach to life” to other people, including my own family.
“I strongly believe it is a good guide to life, with learning and education often being closely related. I believe it can be part of everybody’s life, regardless of their background, skills and occupation.”
John worked as a research chemist at Comalco, Bell Bay, developing a keen interest in environmental science – researching and reporting impacts from emissions. He was a member of the Tasmanian Government’s Environmental Protection Advisory Council and has a strong belief in the importance of education. He sat on the committee responsible for formulating a new Bachelor of Applied Science degree at the University in 1981 and oversaw preparation of the secondary school curriculum as it related to the mining industry. He was also a member of the Tasmanian Chamber of Mines Education Committee.
Now living in George Town, John was awarded the George Town Citizen of the Year in 2023, and his wife, Beryl Osborne OAM (Dip. Teach 1976), received a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014 for service to the George Town community. In 1985 John was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Having volunteered for community groups such as APEX and ROTARY, John and Beryl, now into their late eighties, are still volunteering – welcoming international seafarers to the Bell Bay Seafarers Centre for a few days rest between voyages, which John sees as “an exercise in international friendship”.
Here John shares some reflections on his University days and career and offers some advice to new graduates.
How did your career unfold after graduating from the University of Tasmania?
After completing my honours work, I applied for and was appointed a research chemist at what was Comalco in its aluminium smelter at Bell Bay. Over the 31 years I was there I became Research Supervisor, later promoted to Superintendent and what is often called Chief Chemist. As well as basic research into the aluminium production process from bauxite refining to smelting, part of which I used in my external MSc project and thesis, I also had close contact with high schools, conducting plant tours with senior students and university students, ‘lecturing’ them on the process during their visit. It took them into the ‘real world’, covering material that was not always in standard textbooks. Part of my employment after I have completed my MSc was the setting up of an environment laboratory, dealing with emissions from the smelter and their effect on local grasses and the like. Following that, I became responsible for much of the research and development at the facility.
Soon after retiring from Comalco, I accepted an invitation from a friend to become, of all things, a funeral director and celebrant. That’s a long way from chemistry, but for about 25 years it proved that you can have a different career from your main one, and be just as satisfied in carrying it out.
What impact do you see your work having on your profession, the community, or the world in general?
My employment in industry was not closely connected to the community as such, but stable employment gave me the opportunity to be part of the community and its various organisations. In particular, a three-month trip to Pittsburgh in 1966 on a Rotary International study team, highlighted my interest in the environment.
Why did you choose your degree and what’s the single most important thing it taught you?
In my first year at Hobart High School in 1947 our science teacher was a teacher trainee in a scheme to assist returned servicemen in their occupations. He introduced me to chemistry in such a skilled way that I knew in that year that chemistry is for me. It is hard to pick the single most important thing to me, but in recollecting it would be to listen to the guidance of your teachers; be guided by their knowledge, experience and advice; and get out there and do your best, always regarding those you work with and for.
What’s your best memory from your time at the University?
Mainly it would be the mixture of working and studying on site at the Chemistry Department, getting to know the staff and my fellow students and knowing that the road to success is doing your best.
What would be your advice to newly graduating alumni?
Graduating is just a start. The academic world and the world of employment can often be very different. Whilst your degree is the basis for your employment, there are differences between study and work. Be prepared to make changes as you deal with people in your area of employment, but always do your best.
Thinking about staff and fellow students, who were the biggest influences on your development during your time here?
The staff I worked with and studied under – it’s hard to choose just one. These was no pressure beyond the need for hard work as you got into your studies. You could always talk about your studies and ask for help and advice if you needed it.
Do have special memories of your time in Tasmania, growing up, or studying here? Are there particular places or experiences that have stayed with you?
It’s a great place to live, study, work, and with great organisations to be useful members of. One special memory I have of the Chemistry Department is when an overseas student blew up his small laboratory area through an unexpected mixture of an electric spark and a liquid gas! (He said he was a ‘building expander’, not a ‘building contractor’!) I recently visited the University’s new campus at Inveresk which was most impressive and rather different from the lane in which I did my chemistry work during my honours.
Would you like to share your thoughts about your vision for our island?
It is an uncrowded place with many assets – scenery, agriculture, light and heavy industries. Provided we care for our environment, it can remain as heaven on earth.
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