The university city of ARMIDALE, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, is something of a rarity in Australia, where most universities are based in the state capitals. About four thousand students are enrolled at the University of New England, which, together with a couple of famous boarding schools, provides an unexpected academic aspect in a place so far “up country”. Armidale is a city of some natural beauty, especially in autumn when, with its church spires and many parks, it is embedded in a sea of red and golden leaves. At around 1000m, the climate is unpredictable and can be decidedly brisk in winter.