Obituaries Australia

Dr Jacqueline Holman made it against all the odds. As a young person her disabilities resulted in numerous hospitalisations, and operations. Yet in 1970 she graduated with Honours in psychology from the University of Sydney, then travelled to Kansas, USA and completed both her Masters and Doctorate in psychology, specialising in developmental psychology.

Jacqui returned from the States to a position at the Mitchell College of Advanced Education, then moved in 1978 to the Australian National University, where she progressed through the ranks of Senior Tutor, then Lecturer, then chaired the committee for the program in clinical psychology offered here.

Jacqui's research, resulting in numerous conference presentations and publications, both in Australia and overseas, concentrated initially on early childhood development. She worked extensively with developmentally disadvantaged children, and after work at the ANU became something of an authority on the effects of television viewing on children's behaviour. More recently, she moved into research in the area of lifespan development, where she worked on issues relating to ageing and independence behaviour among the elderly. In her University role, however, she will be best remembered by her students who found her a sensitive and understanding teacher and supervisor, who understood the complexity of the theoretical arguments, but who could translate them into testable research plans and practical intervention strategies in a clinical setting.

As a representative of psychology in the community, Jacqui became involved in many areas. In this context she was a member of several editorial committees for Australian journals, and was used as a reviewer by many more. She was involved with the ACT community in the Health Commission, with Handicapped Citizens Associations, with preschools, and with the Schools Authority. Jacqui died tragically after a short illness in June this year. Vale Jacqui, Rest in Peace.