The
Graduate Union Newsletter May 2017
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Contents GU Collegiate 4 May Monthly Luncheon Professor Prakash Singh 5 Coming Monthly Luncheons 6 College Table Thas A Nirmalathas 7 John Cain Foundation Monthly Luncheon 8 Annual General Meeting and Dinner Jo Fisher
Features 9 Multicultural Women in Sport 10 Professor Profiles Professor John Stillwell 14 Graduate Pathway Ria Bleathman 16 Queen's Birthday Award The Outback Angel
Review
26 Variety – The Children’s Charity Finn's chariot
Happy 90th Birthday Roy Hardcastle AO
27 Vale Paul Carlin
Academic and Professional Development Meetings 28 March 2017 Listings
Other Sections 30 Discovering Melbourne 31 Oaktree Graduate House Live Below the Line $2 Lunch 32 Innovation Bike helmet 33 Extracurricular Sense of purpose = healthy heart 34 Feedback and Prize Winners
17 March Women's Forum 18 Monthly Luncheon Diana Butler OAM
Graduate House News 21 Seen at Graduate House James Harpur
CEOs Sleep Rough
22 Vaccination Day 23 Roaring Twenties Gala Ball 24 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions grant
Musical Residents
25 generationYOU
Residents pack a punch
9
Don't Forget The first session of four with Scott Fisher is on Thursday, 27th April at 7.00pm. Seminar is FREE
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GU Collegiate Tues 2nd, 16th
MAY
Italian Conversation Dinner
6.00pm
Come along to dine while learning to speak Italian with an experienced teacher. Members $15, non-members $20.
Wed 3
rd
MAY Thur
3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
MAY
Monthly Luncheon
12noon for 12.30pm
Professor Prakash Singh will speak on management and marketing Resident Members $10, non-resident Members $30, general public $40 and concession $35.
Bridge Nights
7.20pm for 7.30pm
Join in a game or learn to play the card game Bridge. Enjoy a shared platter for supper, as well as tea and coffee. Members $2, non-members $5.
Wed 10th
MAY
Live Below the Line $2 Lunch
12.00midday to 2.00pm
You pay $2 (plus an additional donation please). We give this to Oaktree for the education of youth in extreme poverty. $2 plus more - bring many - book ahead
Tue 12th
MAY
Meet and Greet
12.00pm for 2.00pm
Join new and returning Resident Members over dinner and drinks to discuss collegiate matters. Free for Resident Members, non-resident Members $20.Free for Resident
Wed 17
th
MAY
Women’s Forum
10.00am for 10.30am
Join the discussion on “Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder?” and stay for lunch if desired. Forum is free. Lunch is at Member and non-member prices.
Fri 19th
MAY
College Table Discussion
12.00 noon for 12.30pm
Thas A Nirmalathas will lead discussion on Electrical and Electronic Engineering Members $12, non-members $20, loyalty card holders $15.
Thurs 25th
MAY
AGM and Dinner
12.00 noon for 12.30pm
The 105th Annual General Meeting (members only) is followed by the AGM dinner with guest speaker Jo Fisher Resident Members $10, non-resident Members $30, non-members $70.
BOOK NOW
via our website, by phone 03 9347 3428, by email admingh@graduatehouse.com.au or at reception, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton
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Monthly Luncheon
3rd May
Professor Prakash J Singh Head of the Department of Management and Marketing, The University of Melbourne Dr Prakash J. Singh is Professor and Head of the Department of Management and Marketing at The University of Melbourne. Professor Singh’s expertise is in operations and supply chain management across a number of sectors, including transport and logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and the public sector, as well as in the not-for-proďŹ t and voluntary industry sectors. His research has been published in many leading journals and he has obtained Australian Research Council Discovery, Linkage and Industrial Transformation Training Centre grants. An experienced educator, Prakash has taught at undergraduate, postgraduate and executive levels, and in custom programs. He has also been engaged to provide consultancy advice to a number of organisations.
When Wednesday 3rd May
ABN 55610664963 | IAR No. A0023234B
12.00 NOON for 12.30 pm RSVP by Monday 1st May Where Graduate House Cost $10 Resident Members $30 non-resident Members $40 general public $35 concession
Bookings (03) 9347 3428 Email: admingh@graduatehouse.com.au Website: graduatehouse.com.au
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COMING
Monthly Luncheons
First Wednesday of the Month Wednesday 7th June Mr David Beauchamp Topic: The 19th century notables of Leicester St. The engineer, the inventor, the academic, his brother, the industrialist and the soprano.
Wednesday 2nd August Mr Tony Pooley Topic: Offshore safety and environmental management - giving advice to governments.
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College Table
Thas A Nirmalathas will lead the discussion on
“Electrical and Electronic Engineering�
Friday 19th May, 12NOON for 12:30PM Usual dining room prices apply College Tables are informal collegiate lunch-time discussions on challenging issues in a graduate school field
Thas is Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The University of Melbourne. He has been Head of Department, Director of the Melbourne Engineering Research Institute, and Laboratory Director and Program Leader of National Information and Communications Technology Australia (NICTA) and the Australian Photonics Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). He also founded the Melbourne Accelerator Program (MAP). Book online at www.graduatehouse.com.au by phone +61 3 9347 3428, through email to admingh@graduatehouse.com.au or at the venue, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton. 6 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
Monthly Lunch, Wednesday, 17th May, 2017 A seated lunch is held at Graduate House on the third Wednesday of each month. The lunches feature expert speakers on a variety of topics and are a convivial way for progressive thinkers to meet to discuss issues of importance in Victoria.
Hon Richard Wynne MLA Victorian Minister for Planning The Hon Richard Wynne will present the updated Plan Melbourne. Elected Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Richmond in 1999, Richard has held several portfolios, including Minister for Housing and Local Government and Minister for Planning. Currently he is CoConvener of the State Municipal Coordinating Committee and a Member of the Housing and Local Government Policy Committee. Plan Melbourne is the blueprint for Melbourne's strategic planning and urban development. Plan Melbourne Refresh is a commissioned review undertaken in light of population, housing and transport issues across Melbourne. In launching the updated plan, Minister Wynne will present his strategic vision for the city and participate in a question and answer session with the audience. When: 12.30pm – 2.00pm; Wednesday, 17th May Where: Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton Cost: $40 ($30 concession – pensioners, full time students) BOOK HERE: https://www.trybooking.com/PPUG For information about the John Cain Foundation contact: secretary@johncainfoundation.com.au www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 7
THE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING DINNER AND
2017
Thursday 25th May with Guest Speaker
Jo Fisher from MAPP (Master of Applied Positive Psychology) to APP (Applying it) in the business world
AGM (Members only) 5:30PM - 6:30PM AGM Dinner (non-members welcome) 7:00PM for 7:30PM
Jo Fisher is Managing Director of Jo Fisher
Executive Group (www.jofisher.com), comprising JFE Search, FlexExecutives, JF Career Transitions, and Spectrum Leadership Advisory. The Jo Fisher Group is an international Australianowned leadership advisory and global search firm, with Australian locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, and 23 international offices. Jo Fisher is an entrepreneur and expert in leadership acquisition, talent development, career coaching, and impactful leadership strategies and practice. Her sector expertise includes education, healthcare, government, technology and not-forprofits. Jo’s passion is to assist clients and their organisations to flourish and thrive, and to diversify their leadership in terms of gender, age and ethnicity, across executive and board appointments. Bookings RSVP by Wednesday 23rd May 2017 Telephone (03) 9347 3428 Website www.graduatehouse.com.au Email admingh@graduatehouse.com.au Venue 220 Leicester St, Carlton, 3053
ABN 5561066496
Jo is a Telstra Business Women’s Awards State winner.
Prices $10 Resident Members $30 non-resident Members and for one of their guests $70 non-members $65 non-member concession
IAR No. A0023234B
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FEATURE STORY
Multicultural Women in Sport Multicultural Women in Sport (MWIS) is a newly founded group that aims to encourage the participation of women from multicultural backgrounds in sport safely and inclusively. It was founded by Molina Asthana, lawyer in the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, Board member of the Law Institute of Victoria, President of the International Law Association and board member of numerous community and professional organisations.
Molina Asthana is an active supporter of sport
The Board for MWIS includes prominent lawyers, journalists and Chief Executives including Cam Vale, CEO of Baseball Australia; Samantha Gash, world renowned endurance runner and corporate lawyer; Kashif Bouns, General Manager of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation; Auskar Surbakti, award-winning reporter and presenter; Vickie Saunders, founder of the Sponsorship Consultants and global educator on athlete sponsorship; and Del Irani award-winning journalist. Multicultural Women in Sport held their inaugural panel discussion on the 23rd March with Margot Foster, Olympian and Chair of Vicsport, Chyloe Kurdas, an Australian
Football League Women (AFLW) expert commentator and writer, and Mary Daw who at just 15 was one of the 12 players to represent Victoria in the new AFL Female Diversity Championships. The panel explored the barriers for women of all backgrounds in sport and the best practices to encourage increased participation. In her opening speech on the night of the panel launch, Molina spoke of the various barriers and the reasons as to why she formed MWIS. "Most women are expected to be homemakers, and the perception is that sport makes women lose their femininity and appeal in the marriage market, as does being an argumentative lawyer such as myself," she said. Since migrating from India, Molina increased significantly her participation in sport and was recently appointed a Commissioner on the AFL South East Commission. She is also a Cricket Australia Ambassador. "Sports has increased my confidence, given me the strength of mind and body, helped me overcome stressful situations
and generally helped me get accustomed to the Australian way of life and the workforce," she said. "I feel that it is very important that ... women are encouraged and given the chance to participate in fitness and sporting activities and not just remain spectators or merely support their male family members," she added. Explaining that sports is a means with which to assimilate into Australian life, Molina also pointed out that sport assists women to overcome issues of isolation and depression and gives them confidence, self-belief and the strength to come out of abusive relationships. It will also help them get support from peers as part of sporting groups and develop the spirit of camaraderie. Information Specialist at Graduate House, Rebecca Abraham, has been involved with MWIS, beginning her assistance with the group during their first event. MWIS will soon offer exclusive volunteering opportunities for Resident and non-resident Members. Stay tuned.
Panelists and the Board of Multicultural Women in Sport
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FEATURE PROFESSOR PROFILES
Professor John Stillwell Professor of Mathematics, University of San Francisco and Life Member Graduate Union
P
rofessor John Stillwell sits in the back of the bistro wearing a bright orange shirt, somewhat illuminated further by the sun's rays. He talks with great excitement as he explains his family history in relation to Graduate House: he is the nephew of Frank Stillwell, of the Stillwell Room. “I knew him as a child though not very well because he was a rather stern and quiet man. He wasn’t very good with children,” says Professor Stillwell. Frank and his three sisters were all graduates of The University of Melbourne. Frank, who studied geology in the early 1900s, was invited to the Mawson Expedition to Antarctica in 1911. After voyage, Frank Stillwell filled in for Mawson at The University of Adelaide while Mawson was on a speaking tour and subsequently went on to become a well-regarded geologist. Frank’s three sisters were also graduates of The University of Melbourne. The oldest was Effie who a young John Stillwell did not know, because she passed away when John was eight years old. She had gone to India for decades as part of a missionary organisation, where her objective was to be a doctor for Indian women who were not allowed to see male doctors. Frank's sister Florence was a chemistry graduate and became
the first woman to gain thence a Master in Chemistry degree. The third sister, Olive, completed an Arts degree and also went to India where she became head mistress of a School in Calcutta. She returned to Australia in the early 40s when India was approaching Independence. “I knew Florence and Olive the best. Florence was the only one who married although she didn’t have children but she liked children and used to hold parties at her house for all the children in the Stillwell family,” he says. “She also gave me a lot of her books. I still have them. Science books and also literature. She had an eclectic taste in reading, so I’ve sort of inherited the taste for both science and literature from her.” And as the tale unfolds, it turns out that both Effie and Florence were good at mathematics: Effie came top of the State of Victoria at the end of year 12 in 1894 and Florence was second in 1896. Like this mathematical streak, the Stillwell family seems always to have had a relationship with The University of Melbourne, Professor Stillwell having been a student here, as was one of his sons. “It’s been almost continuous really through the generations,” he says. He gained a Bachelor of Science degree studying chemistry and physics. In the end, however, the family love and natural talent for
mathematics led him to choose a career path in this field, as did his interest in Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem which more or less establishes that mathematics is not complete and thus statements in the language of number theory can neither be proved nor disproved. Professor Stillwell explained that as an undergraduate student, he was lucky to have had rather indulgent teachers and professors who let him pursue these specific interests for both his honours and masters theses. Though not at that time offered as specialty subjects, these academics facilitated an education that stemmed from his interests – possibly the best thing that teachers can do – and supervised him in a manner that allowed his exercise of academic independence. John admits, “I had a very good education in calculus and the ideas around calculus. I didn’t realise this until later when I met students in America who didn’t have this background.” “There were two professors – Love and Cherry. Nominally Professor [Eric Russell] Love was pure mathematics and Professor [Thomas MacFarland] Cherry was applied mathematics but they had both come through Cambridge in the time of G H [Godfrey Harold] Hardy who was a legendary teacher and mathematician, but also a fellow who wrote textbooks and educated students very
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first year but they didn’t teach it at The University of Melbourne." When he began at MIT and had the opportunity to learn topology he found that it was entirely different from what he had expected. He was very disappointed, failed the subject, gave up on it and pursued logic.
Professor Stillwell, grand-nephew of Frank Leslie Stillwell of the Stillwell Room, is a Professor of Mathematics at The University of San Francisco.
rigorously,” he says. “He thought English mathematics needed a kick in the pants and had not kept up with the latest trends in France and Germany and he thought he could lift it to that level by teaching calculus very rigorously, which he did. My Professors inherited this attitude and they passed it onto me.” This sound and comprehensive education in mathematical analysis, particularly the relationship between logic and analysis, led eventually to his research interest these days. However, when he went to graduate school at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) he found himself floundering with many subjects. Though adept at mathematical analysis and logic (as he had essentially self-taught for the latter) he had a lot of trouble with algebra and topology.
"I dropped out of topology and I got a C in algebra which is virtually a fail," he says. "I was carrying this burden because I liked the idea of topology. In fact, when I was a first-year student [at The University of Melbourne] we had a Professor from Germany called Professor [Felix] Behrend who also came from this very rigorous and deep school of mathematics and he believed in teaching students hard stuff." "One of his other innovations – and I suspect it was his idea – was to have first year students give talks to the other students and staff at lunch times. I gave a talk on topology because I thought this is a fun subject. I’d read a little bit about it and it was intuitive, things about knots and twisting shapes and seeing how far you can distort things, so you can give a nice talk on this with a lot of pictures, and I was excited about the subject in
Professor Stillwell then completed his PhD on infinite computations and in 1970 started as a lecturer in Mathematics at Monash (a position that he had been promised after a Monash Professor saw one of John’s presentations during his masters year) a post that he kept for 31 years until 2001 when he felt that the things he was interested in were not taught as much. Why the shift in subjects offered? Mathematics, he felt, became more of a service subject for engineers and other scientists. “When I started, mathematics was 'king'. You could teach almost everything you wanted in mathematics because for some reason the 60s brought mathematics to the pinnacle of the sciences. It was gradually put in its more minor place over the decades." It was around this time that Professor Stillwell had begun corresponding with someone from the University of San Francisco who was writing a book and sending John chapters for his opinion. Everything fell into place. That fellow became an Associate Dean, the Dean was a mathematician, and they wanted to hire John. “I thought this has happened at just the right time, so I went over there to try it out for a semester and said yes, I’ll join you.” He started in 2002 and has been there ever since for one semester a year. “Part of the reason they
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wanted me was because of the books I had written. In turn, I wanted to continue writing books and thought that if I have one semester of teaching, in the other semester I can spend time writing.” “It has s worked out very well. It’s a pleasant university to work in and a pleasant city to live in. My wife and I go there for one semester each year and spend most of the rest of the year in Melbourne, which we also like. I’m really happy that it’s turned out this way. It took a long time.” From a student of mathematics to a teacher of mathematics, I ask if he sees any evident differences between learning mathematics, teaching mathematics and even writing about mathematics. “Teaching maths is the best way to learn maths,” he says. “As a student, I was not a very good learner. I would write detailed notes and the lecturing style in the early 60s typically was that the lecturer would write everything on the board, so I’d simply copy it down. I would feel a little frustrated that I didn’t understand it at the time, but I would look at my notes afterwards and gradually it would sink in.” He would read books if he was interested in the subject, finding that reading about the subject would help him learn just as quickly as he could from lectures. This meant that when it came to Professor Stillwell teaching, he empathised and sympathised with students and any difficulties that they had with understanding complex mathematical principles. He would take the pressure off by drawing diagrams by way of explanation. In so doing, he realised that although his greatest efforts were going into teaching the students, he was, inadvertently, learning more himself.
As Professor Stillwell has taught across the antipodes, it was interesting to gain his perspective on some of the differences between Australia and America, but in order to maximise the wonderment quotient the conversation veered towards whether mathematics differs among cultures, alien cultures. In a presentation entitled ET Math: How different could it be for the SETI [Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence] Institute, the research organisation founded by Carl Sagan and Jill Tarter, Professor Stillwell talked about whether intelligent aliens would have the same basic ideas about numbers and geometry as us, and, if they did, whether they would express these ideas in the same manner. “If we’re trying to recognise alien signals it’s often thought that we should look for signs of mathematics in the signal. The talk was showing that even some of the basic maths that we do, like a times b equals b times a can be interpreted in many different ways (see diagram below),” he says. He takes a notepad in front of him, clicks the pen and begins creating a diagram. He draws two rectangles.
“Obviously it’s the same rectangle. Then I played with the idea a bit and showed that a times b equals b times a can be arrived at in other ways — so aliens who didn’t have eyes, for instance, this wouldn’t occur to them, probably. But if they could count, they could talk about the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and they could come to the idea of addition, then they could come to the idea of multiplication and through a rather tortuous process they could prove that a times b equals b times a.” So if the situation ever arose of talking to aliens who don’t have eyes they might think of a times b equals b times a in an entirely different way because we know at least two different ways of talking about it. “If you’re looking for mathematics in alien signals you’ve got to be prepared to think of very different ways of interpreting signals,” says Professor Stillwell. Understanding the historical background of a field is how you can immerse yourself into a certain topic area, from interpreting alien signals to provability. In his books, Professor Stillwell expresses the importance of understanding the historical
a
b
ab
a
ba b
Even some of the basic maths that we do, like a times b equals b times a can be interpreted in many different ways
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background of today’s mathematics. “This not only makes it more interesting, but I seldom appreciate a subject until I know where it comes from,” says Stillwell. “I think this is true of many students too. They want to know why is this important. If I tell them where it came from very often they understand better why it’s important."
"The world of today certainly runs on mathematics. We are constantly using technology which ultimately depends on mathematics, particularly electronic technology. But mathematics is very satisfying in the sense that you're mastering a certain field of thinking. Mathematics is learning how to think, in a certain way – an accurate and logical way and there’s always a need for accurate logical thinking," he concludes.
If you are a professor interested in being interviewed for our Professor Profiles please get in touch at publications@graduatehouse.com.au
Professor Stillwell and his wife Elaine Stillwell at Graduate House.
VCA and MCM celebrate 150 years Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (MCM) is launching ART150 to celebrate 150 years of visual art at the VCA and its predecessor institutions. ART150 will reflect upon a rich and distinguished history by hosting a program of exhibitions, workshops, public lectures and events, running throughout the year. The program includes exhibitions, Indigenous arts and culture, film and TV, music theatre and dance. “For 150 years, the Victorian College of the Arts and its predecessor institutions have nurtured the talents of many of Australia’s best-known and most-treasured artists,”said Director of the VCA, Professor Su Baker. “This anniversary promises to be a very exciting year." For more information visit art150.unimelb.edu.au www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 13
GRADUATE PATHWAY
Movin' on up Why luck doesn't have much to do with building a national business, says Ria Bleathman
A
fter studying economics in Tasmania and completing a cadetship with the Commonwealth Bank in Hobart, Ria Bleathman, founder and director of Five Consulting, a national infrastructure consulting business, found herself running a global debt portfolio. The sudden uplift in her career was intensified by being in a foreign language environment trying to master the language whilst, at the same time, dealing with the upheavals in the global financial markets due to the collapse of the Berlin Wall and, soon after, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. Perhaps serendipitously, perhaps purely accidentally, nevertheless, she moved to Frankfurt with Deutsche Bank and later expanded further into cross-border corporate finance. She then transferred to Wall Street working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). “The NYSE was a once-in-alifetime experience,” admits Ria who also learned the iconic hand gestures used by traders. “There was so much intensity because everyone was screaming out their orders trying to close-out deals on behalf of clients.” While in New York City, she completed a compressed MBA through New York University focusing on global portfolio management and risk assessment. This enhanced her knowledge of international capital markets and their drivers, and of the impact
of changes in one variable on others. “It was very valuable. The language of global markets is a global language, so you can talk to someone in Tokyo, Buenos Aires or Cape Town and we all understood each other because we all spoke the same language,” she said.
and now she applies this same logic testing approach to establish the veracity of investing in different forms of public infrastructure.
After achieving her postgraduate qualifications she returned to Australia to settle with her family. The challenge of having a family (three children under five at that time), incited questions including 'How do you keep your skills current?' and 'How do you get back into the workforce?' Thankfully at that time, the internet had become ubiquitous, allowing Ria to set up a small business and work remotely from home while still being able to look after her children.
“Irrespective of whether I was in London as a global dealer or in management consultancy, I never really set out to be either of these things, but that’s how it turned out. The moral of that story is that you just get on with it and opportunities will always arise,” she said. “People say that I am very lucky to have a successful and interesting career, but I don’t think that it is about luck, as if by chance. It’s about being prepared for when opportunity arises. It’s about making your own luck. Opportunities often present as problems or difficulties, even disasters, in my life, but that is when the best opportunities occur although it’s not easy to see this at the time.”
She started a small desktop business in proof-reading and editing PhD theses and other academic publications. This allowed to work in her kitchen, with her children around her. If they needed help, she was thus readily available to deal with their various “misadventures”. Although she was editing text, Ria realised that she was doing much more: logic testing and critically analysing these documents. What she does now in her business, Five Consulting, she explained, started from this logic mapping. From there she set up a framework to work through the processes of testing and validating an investment proposition. This system was broadly adopted by government
Although Ria admits that she never really set out intentionally to build a national business, she created her own opportunities.
Building a Business As Ria began to build her business, she developed her own brand and began structuring her rhetoric. Being strategic with her language ensured that it shaped client perceptions and assumptions about her business. No longer was she running a ‘small business from home’, rather she was running a ‘national business’ of which she is the managing director. “I had to change the language to
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environmental implications of business activities and how Five Consulting aims to be a socially responsible business. Outside of her work, Ria spends time volunteering for good causes, such as with the UK-based charity Grow Movement which has an international network of volunteer business consultants like Ria who are matched with entrepreneurs across African nations to assist them in building sustainable businesses. “It’s the very basics: What is your product? Where is your client? and What is your distribution channel? We analyse these three components of theirs and, from there, build up a business plan,” explained Ria, who offers free consulting to these entrepreneurs via Skype.
Ria Bleathman shows that hard work and resilience pay off.
empower myself in the eyes of a very discerning client base. Even though I was running my business off my kitchen table, no one had to know that!” Today Five Consulting works in delivering public infrastructure for various governments. “I’m involved in all six steps of major infrastructure delivery, that is, doing the initial concept analysis and then the business case investment analysis, and then there’s looking at procurement, tendering, commissioning the building and, after it’s commissioned, going back and determining how well they’ve achieved all the goals they set out to achieve,” she said. Ria travels around Australia reviewing major, high value, high risk public infrastructure projects. “I have worked on nearly every
new hospital in Australia and many of the sports stadia, schools and water projects. The ultimate goal of my involvement is to enable projects to be delivered on time, on budget and achieve the benefits that are envisaged at the outset,” she said. Through her business, Ria has adopted a “systemic” approach used irrespective of how testing times can be. She has employees who depend on her, and who have a vested interested in the business. “I occupy the centre of a certain system, and what I generate helps a whole lot of other people. We have to understand that we live in a social system and we need to respond to, as well as, contribute to that system.” Accordingly, Ria has a sustainability statement, that considers the financial, social and
She recalls one woman who was selling fish in and around the capital of Malawi (a country in southeastern Africa). This particular lady wanted to buy a boat to expand her business, so Ria helped her analyse her own business, build up the business plan and then use this business plan to approach the banks for finance. The investment was a success and she now has a respectable local business, with around six employees and supplies to order from the cafés in and around the capital. “I often get asked what is the secret of success for a woman, but I don’t think we should look for secrets, as I don’t think there are any; and gender is irrelevant. I think most importantly you just have to be determined and work hard – always be looking for opportunities. The harder you work, the luckier you get – it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy!”
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QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY AWARDS
The Outback Angel “The Outback Angel” Sandy Kelly received the Medal (OAM) of The Order of Australia in The General Division 2017 for service to the Indigenous community of North Queensland. A long-time resident of Mareeba, in far North Queensland, Sandy, 75, began her journey to becoming the Outback Angel working for Frontier Services, caring for the aged in remote and isolated Aboriginal communities. Her remarkable dedication has also seen her adopt a family in Cambodia - in addition to her own three sons and four grandchildren - where she volunteers every two years. The following excerpt is from Sandy's friend, Fiona Hudson, who describes Sandy with great warmth, pinpointing the many ways her friend has been a tireless contributor to those who need help. Sandy doesn't just do her job, she lives it and loves it with her whole being. She thinks 'outside the box', notices everything but doesn't make assumptions. If it takes a year of visiting a client before being invited inside their home she makes the most of every moment with them on the front step ... Sandy has undoubtedly gone above and beyond what is expected of someone in a similar position when working for Frontier Services as coordinator (North West Isolated Care) 1993-2001. The NWIC service provided Aged care and HACC services from Mornington Island in the north to Birdsville west to the Northern Territory border and east to Nellie. The area she covered was over
three hundred thousand square km or twice the size of Victoria. She did this job for nine years, spending some 70% of her life on the road. She would often camp on the side of the road to avoid spending precious funds on herself. She slept with her dedicated and loving dingo dog Sally by her side. Not many people, let alone women, would do this for their work. Sandy isn't one to take no for an answer when she knows she can make something important happen. She regularly coordinated the seemingly impossible saying “I have been given boundaries, rules and regulations but I thread them with elastic and stretch them to meet the needs at the time". A client in remote Burketown lived in the shell of a caravan and was struggling. Sandy made calls and wrote letters trying to get government agencies to buy him a donga (a transportable cabin) or the like to no avail. She stretched her funding and pulled out the pennies saved by sleeping on the road and bought an old caravan for $1,000. Sandy then proceeded to 'do it up' herself and proudly towed it all the way over rough dirt roads to Burketown. When she arrived with a big smile and a 'Da Da daaaaa' expression her client cried and cried, and so did Sandy. Incredibly, the client paid her back every cent of that thousand dollars over a 12-month period. As another example of her amazing generosity, Sandy had a young client in the Gulf who suffered from
Batten disease (a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease). NWIC provided care for her for many years in her home till she passed away. At times Sandy would go up and care for her client in her own time so the family could go away for the weekend for a break. One wet season Sandy had to assist a young mother in Burketown by providing her son with some emergency respite care. It was a delicate situation as the boy had an intellectual disability and all the roads were closed. As expected her budget didn't contain enough money to hire a small plane so she had to start thinking fast and hard. Sandy did the math and decided she could hire a plane if she rented out all the cargo space and sold the spare seat to a tourist. Well it came off beautifully with a very small profit to buy the boy a take away meal. Thank goodness for the elastic entwining of those rules and regulations. Over the years Sandy has faced many significant challenges with her work, especially in Aboriginal communities. Alcohol, drugs, domestic violence, fighting between local clans, lack of funding, bad weather, poor or lack of transport etc. Most people don't have to consider these issues, let alone all at once. Sandy NEVER complains or interferes, she just accepts what is happening at that point of time and carries on with her work to the best of her ability.
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REVIEW
Women's Forum Review
Wednesday 15th March
How to help the needy without encouraging the greedy
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What can I do to support a worthy charity? First of all, research and decide which charity is the most effective in the use of donations.
Decide which charities you are able to support (and why) and stay with that.
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If donations are by Direct Debit, check with your bank as to who is authorised to cancel the Direct Debit.
If a charitable organisation has an administrative support base (check how much donation goes to that), we need to check the percentage before giving.
It is easy to be confused about who is needy, who is greedy (e.g., people in government have an assured "safety net" - retirement pensions, operas etc, yet they are the ones making discussions about the general population). Many organisations (including government) have more temptation opportunities to access corruption.
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When the world was a smaller place and people lived in local communities, most people knew who were the "deserving poor" and could make sure they were adequately taken care of, and withdraw the support when their need was no longer necessary.
Financial assistance may require budgeting and educating prior to receiving donations. A sound baseline for charitable giving is the old saying of "give a man/woman a fish and you feed them for a day, teach them how to fish and you feed them for life."
In small communities (e.g., schools) they can build up a 'bank' for access by children in need, as identified by individual class teachers who can discretely assist the children in 'renting' a uniform, text books, pens, etc.
To quote Jesus Christ "the poor are always with us". Also in this age the resounding message to the young should be "the resources of the earth are finite". The lesson to be learnt here is to use both sides of the page.
The next forum is on Wednesday, 17th May with the topic
Is beauty really in the eyes of the beholder? The forum is free. Lunch is at Member and non-member prices.
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REVIEW
Monthly Luncheon with Diana Butler OAM From Tasmania to Tanzania
The patient asked the doctor if he was going to let him die - the usual course with such a diagnosis. Taking a deep breath, acknowledging that he had neither equipment nor expertise, the doctor got some ketamine, opened the textbook and took out the appendix! “Hearing those stories, I felt compelled to assist, and with the help of some nurses, we raised enough funds for a generator,” she said. After that, she approached Rotary and received sponsorship – a shipping container filled with medical aids and a generator.
Diana Butler was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her humanitarian work
Diana Butler OAM is the Chief Executive of the Care For Africa Foundation, a humanitarian aid group providing much needed support to the poor communities of Tanzania.
at which she is now After Hours Manager. A young doctor relayed to her the experiences of her father’s work in a remote area in Tanzania in a small 34-bed hospital with no running water or electricity.
At the April Monthly Luncheon Diana shared her story and the stories of the many people she has met during her humanitarian journey.
The doctor shared the story of how when she was working with her father, she would hold a candle while he would operate. His role as surgeon began one day when a gentleman came in with acute and life-threatening appendicitis. There was silence.
For her, the story began in 2006 when she was an emergency nurse at the Launceston General Hospital,
But Diana was curious to see what happens with goods that are donated to these impoverished nations. “It was also a sense of respect for the people who had given to us, as well as the people who were receiving the donated goods.” She then began her fact-finding mission, discovering that Tanzania was one of the poorest countries in the world – in 2016 it was the fifth poorest country – but with a stable government, contrary to other developing nations. "There are 57 states within Tanzania," explained Diana. Tarime, one of the states, has a population of 340,000 people and an urban population of 36,000. "At that time, there were only three qualified doctors, two hospitals and 150 beds in this state."
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“I will never forget the day, sitting under a tree, seeing all these people. There was no running water. They had no health care and no education. I was actually overwhelmed with grief. I was like this little girl who burst into tears, seeing this hopeless situation – orphans, poor people – and something came over me. I said to myself 'What are you going to do?' 'Are you going to sit there and cry and have pity on these people, or are you going to stand up and say you will help to make a difference?'” “From that moment on, I stood up and I said to the people, I will help you. I need your stories, and I’m here to help you. I made a deal within myself and to the people. So often we see people in developing worlds, particularly in abject poverty, where a pretty little blonde comes along saying that she will help, but it gets too tough and she walks away. And this is the reality, and this is why the people have such a massive distrust - whether or not this particular blond would ever be back.” She returned to Australia and thought that it was all very well to make a commitment to these people, but sustainability was key. With Peter Hewitt, she thence set up the Care For Africa Foundation, registering the organisation with Rotary. Eleven years later and Diana Butler has a registered organisation in Australia, registered Non Government Organisation in Tanzania and a trustee body, and is working with the United Nations (UN) on the Integrated Community Development template. She looks after a basic population base of 34,000 people in the areas of health and wellbeing. “When you look at people that live in abject poverty, and talk about $2 a day that people are living on? I will tell you now, many of our people live on…I don’t
know, out of subsistence farming. There is simply no money, let alone $2.” "When you come in to a community," said Butler, "you think about what is needed," and her work as a nurse has equipped her with the skills to be able to triage – that is, to assign degrees of urgency to decide the order of 'treatment'. It is water, sanitation and hygiene – essentially the UN WASH program, which Care For Africa has adopted for working in partnership with the Tanzanian government. Education and social enterprise are the basic templates, but everything else is a jigsaw puzzle with pieces fitting into place. “It’s really exciting because we have aligned ourselves now with the UN Sustainable Development Goals … so this is a really nice template that we actually work on together with the UN,” she said. Water is one of the ways that Care For Africa assists these communities. "It is the most confronting thing to see people that have not got access to safe and clean water. I remain incredibly perplexed, here in Australia when I turn the tap on and have a drink of water," she said. She recalls a day in 2007 when taking volunteers out to a community in remote Tanzania. It was hot. Diana and her team had been travelling for 45 minutes. The children they saw were weak. They later learned that the children were collapsing in class because they needed water. This prompted their team to get funds and build a well. After so establishing, health and wellbeing improved, and the children were delighted both to come to school and to drink fresh water. She tells us the story of Matana, and the women who would wake
up early in the morning and walk for hours so that they could be back home with their families with fresh water. “The wonderful thing is that we are putting water wells in, we are making a difference and that is where our reward is. You see the water flowing … you see the children lining up in schools.” "Attendance rates in schools have increased," says Butler, "due to water wells and the access that children now have. They are also able to grow plants and vegetables. Women are able to give birth – how else can women birth in those communities without water?" Ten deep-water wells, going through to the artesian basin, have been installed, costing US$15,000 and involving also an American organisation for well drilling. Diana's team also runs an education program when they put in a well, setting up a well committee. The signage accompanying the wells has the Care For Africa branding and the slogan ‘water is life’. They have also developed water harvesting processes, whereby the runoff from productive water use is cleaned and re-used. “If you’re putting in clean water you need to do sanitation. In the community it is open defaecation. Now we have a toilet in the school. Thanks to Care For Africa, it is the first rural sanitation in Northern Tanzania. We worked very closely with the UN for the design and construction of these school-based toilets. This is about breaking the cycle of infection through hygiene as well."
Health Clinics Health clinics were the foundation for Care For Africa. “Being an emergency nurse, I thought 'What does an emergency nurse do when they go to rural Africa where there is no healthcare?' Set up a mobile health clinic. In hindsight it has
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been the best thing that we could have ever, ever done. I have got no education in the aid world, but what we did, it gave us inroads to the people." “We would sit and listen to the stories, and they would tell you all the health problems, and they needed water, so it was basically the foundation of our fact-finding mission.” Care For Africa health clinics have become quite a sophisticated program, including a memorandum of understanding with the Tanzanian government. They employ more Tanzanian staff than they do Australian staff in their clinics. They also have a buddy system, working with other clinical and medical officers, local pharmacists, public health officers, and social workers. “The social workers are very important for us to deal with because there are so many complex social issues,” Diana says. They will see 3,000 children every year – all primary school aged children. For each child, they undertake a basic triage and de-worming. They also run an education program. “It is the most cost-effective thing that you can do in the developing world,” she said. “Half a cent per child, and we are looking at children who are playing in the dirt. They walk far distances per day, so giving just half a cent gives children a chance to actually digest something.”
“And that’s what underpins everything that we do.” At the clinics they also collect data, like height, weight and arm circumference. These measurements become the basis for monitoring and evaluation. They also run a general practice (GP) clinic with nurses testing children for malaria and undertaking simple GP work. Diana shows us a picture of “Mary”, a product of domestic violence. Mary was just 13 when she was burned. As she grew older, her face, pulled by ever tightening scar tissue, began to move toward her chest. “How do you help a young lady in the back of Africa survive? They’ve got to carry water on their heads. So we partnered with Rafiki, a Western Australian group who perform plastic surgery, and flew into Tanzania,” she said. Every year that Diana returns, she follows up on patients like Mary. “We said to Mary, would you like to go to boarding school? There’s a lovely little boarding school in Tarime township.” Mary, of course, accepted this offer, so Care For Africa found a sponsor. She is now at St Jude’s, safely away also from the violence at home.
Education is another way that Care For Africa helps. "We found that a lot of teachers had only received education until grade four." Now they have a teacher sponsorship program endorsed by the World Education Fellowship Trust and UNESCO. “Teachers are so keen to learn and brainstorm ideas,” said Diana. She tells the story of an elderly gentleman, around 62, who was in a lesson on magnets. He had been teaching in a community school. Suddenly he had tears running down his face. He said that he had been teaching about magnets his whole life but he had never see one. “I remember that day standing under the tree and looking at that hopeless situation, and it is a lesson for us all in life: if we do just focus, it is phenomenal. I can see the difference - the difference that we are making to people on the other side of the world. It is the most rewarding thing and though I know I have a massive journey, it is a journey of many people working together.” Thank you Diana! We were very honoured to have you speak at Graduate House about your amazing work.
They are now working with the government on a program to deworm the children when Care For Africa is not present. “Everything that we do is about developing capacity in the people. It is not us coming in, doing their work and leaving. It’s about giving them that step up in life, structure, and support so that they can do this themselves,” she said.
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GRADUATE HOUSE NEWS
Seen at Graduate House The 2016 Vincent Buckley Poetry Prize Winner International poet James Harpur visited Graduate House earlier this month. James was the winner of the Vincent Buckley Poetry Prize in 2016 for his newest book In Loco Parentis. In our August 2016 Monthly Newsletter we published an interview with James as part of our special Poet Profile series. Available online at www. graduatehouse.com.au/poet-profiles-james-harpur-and-the-mythicallanguage-of-poetry this interview has been translated into Italian by Francesca Diano at https://emiliashop.wordpress.com/2017/03/17/james-harpur-e-illinguaggio-mitico-della-poesia
James Harpur was the winner of the 2016 Vincent Buckley Poetry Prize.
CEOs Sleep Rough 22nd June, 2017 - St Vincent de Paul's (St Vinnies) CEO Sleepout is back again this year to raise funds for the homeless and disadvantaged. Kris Greenwood, Director of FMI Innovations - a Melbourne-based software design and development company in the facilities and property management sector - is also the 2017 St Vincent de Paul's Ambassador for the Sleepout. While participating in the 2016 Sleepout (noting also that it was extremely well organised), she viewed a "touching presentation" in which St Vinnie's introduced some of the beneficiaries of the service. "Incredible stories of normal people who have found themselves in the depth of poverty through circumstances that could hit any one of us," said Greenwood. Homelessness in Melbourne is a persistent problem. Statistics from the 2016 Biennial Street Count showed that 247 people live on the streets of Melbourne, a 74 percent increase in two years. Earlier this year, Melbourne Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle announced the plan to effectively ban sleeping rough in the city, later proposing a bylaw to the city council. Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton told The Age that some rough sleepers are not legitimately homeless, but camping out to "shake people down for money."
Melbourne City Council recently voted to change the bylaw to outlaw makeshift camps after large camps of homeless people near Flinders Street Station in January clashed with police. "There is an issue with ‘professional hagglers’ who influence genuinely homeless people and they make it difficult for our City Council and our police force," said Greenwood. "By raising money through the CEO Sleepout we can help to intervene before people in need get to be rough sleepers and start to clean up our streets by reducing the numbers who slip through and become legitimately homeless." To register for the CEO Sleepout or donate to a CEO, visit www.ceosleepout.org.au/
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GRADUATE HOUSE NEWS
Vaccination day was a success Vaccination day at Graduate House was back again this year thanks to Vaccin8@work and the Immunisation Coalition. Around 150 people were vaccinated against the flu on the day, ahead of the new deadly flu strain hitting Australia. "I think it went very well," said Susanne Sperber, Communications Specialist of the Influenza Coalition. "A lot of people got vaccinated and everybody was helpful in spreading the message," she said. Sperber says that it is still important to get vaccinated."It's still the ultimate preventative strategy."
"Vaccines are safe. Vaccines do work. If you look at the statistics, vaccination is one of the biggest successes in preventing infectious diseases, apart from sanitation," "Why would you expose your child to a disease that's potentially life threatening, when there is a safe vaccine there?" Melina Sarris from Channel 7 and Jonathan Kearsley from Channel 9 were also at Graduate House on the day to cover the event. The reporters interviewed many guests, the segment later airing April 6 on Channel 7 News, as part of their feature on the deadly flu strain
in Australia. Both also braved the injection, acknowledging that their youth was no longer also a defence. Graduate House thanks all the Residents and Members who attended. Remember to stay safe during the winter months, and always do what you can to protect yourself (and thus others)from sickness.
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The GraduaTe union presents the
2017 ROARING THE
· FUNDRAISING GALA ·
2nd September 2017 at Graduate House
Resident Members $45.00 graduate students $55.00 non-resident Members $65.00 concession $110.00 general public $120.00 No BYO (drinks at bar prices) Book by 28th August, 2017 THE GRADUATE UNION of The University of Melbourne
220 Leicester St, Carlton, Australia, 3053 Phone: +61 3 9347 3428 Email: admingh@graduatehouse.com.au Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au
ABN 55610664963 | IAR No. A0023234B
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RESIDENT NEWS
Prestigious grant by European Commission awarded to past Resident develop nanomaterials for biomedical applications. [Nanomaterials are chemical substances or materials that are manufactured and used at a scale that is 10,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair]. He will be moving with his wife, previous Resident and inaugural President of the Graduate House Student Group (GHSG), Annelies Van de Ven, to London in a few months.
Mattias and Annelies will move to London after the Marie Curie win
Previous Graduate House Resident, Mattias Björnmalm, was awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) grant by the European Commission. The fellowship is extremely competitive, with just under 9,000 proposals considered by the organisers in this round. Mattias will be commencing his postdoctoral position at Imperial College London, continuing his research on using strategies from science and engineering to
Dr Björnmalm said of the fellowship: “I’m looking forward to working with Professor Molly Stevens and her world-class interdisciplinary biomaterials team at Imperial College London. Their extensive experience in materials science and cell and tissue biology will be key for investigating these challenging topics." Congratulations Mattias! Residents and Members in postgraduate study can search the website for current awards and opportunities at www.graduatehouse.com.au/learn-here/awards-andopportunities Follow us also on social media to stay abreast of other opportunities.
Musical Residents show off skills during group jam Residents have began music nights, an open invitation for anyone musical or otherwise to participate in a friendly group session. Any song can be requested to be played along to, participants joining in with their chosen instruments, from guitar, percussion and wind instruments to voice. "Anyone is welcome to come along and request any song," said Scott Nelson, an organiser of the group. A limited number of small instruments, as well as the piano, are provided and Residents may also come along with their own instruments. For all resident activities, contact GHSG President, Riyan Stephan, via the Resident Facebook page. 24 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
RESIDENT NEWS
Upskilling at generationYOU Residents Parisa Shiran and Chen Xin have been sponsored by Graduate House to attend the annual generationYOU conference. Held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre in April, the conference is curated towards providing relevant information for millennials who are ready to enter the job market. The day will see a series of speakers from a diverse range of organisations including Envato,
Ashurst, BLKMGC, Melbourne Theatre Company, Department of Premier and Cabinet, and more. "I was lucky to be one of the two residents to be sponsored by Graduate House," said Parisa. "I am looking forward to attend the event as I have long been looking for a place where I could develop the necessary skills I will need as a graduate in the job market after I finish my studies."
You can read Chen and Parisa's reflections of their time at the conference in the June newsletter and on the blog. www.graduatehouse.com.au/ learn-here/latest-news/
Residents pack a punch A self-defence class, organised by Residents, taught males and females some basic protective moves to use when needed. Trainer Howard Kimber covered a range of self-defence techniques for quick reaction to bear hugs, wrist grabs, hair pulling, choking, knife attacks and attempts to suffocate. The three males and five females involved are interested in bringing Mr Kimber back for more advanced classes in a few weeks, saying that though they felt better equipped to address an 'attack' situation through the use of a range of moves, they could do with a bit more training! Priyanka Rajani, the organiser and Resident Representative on the Membership and Marketing subcommittee, said that she was happy with the night. "I quite enjoyed the experience especially since [the trainer] focused on how we could use our existing strength, as men or women, to manoeuvre our way out of tricky situations no matter the size of our opponent!"
Residents learn how to protect themselves in potentially hazardous situations
Members are welcome to book rooms for activities and functions. Learn more at www.graduatehouse.com.au/meet-here/ meetings-and-functions/
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MEMBERS NEWS
Variety – the Children’s Charity raises funds for child with genetic disorder Variety – the Children’s Charity has raised $9,000 for a special walking frame for a young boy with a genetic disorder that affects his physical development. Finn, who is almost three years old, has CLIFAHDD - contractures of the limbs and face, hypotonia, and developmental delay. He is at a critical developmental stage where he must learn the everyday movements that most of us take for granted. Intensive specialist physiotherapy has taught him to sit up, but young Finn requires additional support from a costly walking frame to assist him further with basic physical movements. The frame is a remarkable engineering feat which will enable Finn to experience being upright, bearing weight with his legs and, in time, helping him learn to walk.
Finn with his new chair and Ken, having a special moment
Finn’s tearful parents, five-yearold sister, grandmother and great grandmother, all attended the celebration where Finn’s chariot was presented. “As we watched Finn having a ball with his new Chariot it struck me how this specialist device was transforming not only his life, but also importantly that of his Mum, Dad and sister,” said President of The Graduate Union, Dr Ken V
Finn and his chariot
Loughnan AO who is also Vice President of Variety The Children’s Charity. The future of young Finn and his family is looking brighter thanks to the generosity of Variety and friends.
Life Member Roy Hardcastle celebrates 90th birthday Life Member of The Graduate Union and member of Rotary Carlton, Roy Hardcastle celebrated his 90th birthday at Graduate House on the 11th April, 2017. He was presented with a cake specially designed by our culinary team - a glorious chocolate and blueberry cake. From all of us at Graduate House, happy 90 years young, Roy! 26 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
MEMBERS NEWS
VALE Paul Clement Carlin CARLIN, Paul Clement 14.07.1940 - 07.04.2017 We were saddened to learn that Paul Carlin, aged 77 years, passed away peacefully on 7th April 2017. Graduate House and The Graduate Union extend their condolences to his family, particularly his sisters, and his children Peta, Matthew, Rowena, Jerome and Chantelle, as well as to his friends and colleagues, particularly those of the Rotary Carlton Club who have met to lunch here on Tuesdays with Paul over many years. For us here, Paul expressed to all staff regularly and most kindly his appreciation, as well as his passion for education. He is sorely missed.
End Trachoma by 2020 presentation at Graduate House Rotary Melbourne has launched an initiative to help meet the World Health Organisation's goal to end trachoma by 2020. At an exclusive presentation night at Graduate House, optometrist Lien Trinh spoke of her involvement with 2020, working with Rotary to develop projects focused on the prevention of trachoma in Australia. Trinh, the first recipient of the Rotary Global Grants Scholarship (GGS), has worked as an optometrist in developing countries, such as Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea. Lien's concern for poor global eye health in developing countries was also evident back in Australia, particularly in the remote outback. "Australia is the last developed
country in the world where this infectious disease still persists," says Trinh.
It has been almost one year since the project began being developed by Rotary.
"That is, not a few infections of trachoma that lead to blindness, but hundreds - this disease scars the eyelids, turns the lashes in, causes intense pain and scratches the front part of the eye," she said.
Until now, much of the work has been focused on building relationships, understanding communities and their aspirations.
If not treated properly, what is an entirely preventable bacterial infection - trachoma - can cause irreversible blindness. Her involvement with 2020 also sees Trinh exploring partnerships outside of trachoma, in areas of sanitation, hygiene, and child and family health which she says will assist in fostering the reduction of infectious disease in communities.
"I feel incredibly fortunate and proud to be part of our team. We are focused on doing the right thing by our least advantaged Indigenous Australians," said Trinh. "We are looking for opportunities to empower them, support them, and provide them with the means to be able to be clean, healthy and access the quality of life our mainstream Australians have."
"I work alongside a team of Rotarians - Rob McGuirk, Kerry Kornhauser and Dr Murray Verso to develop resources to engage and raise awareness among Rotarians of this most worthwhile cause," said Trinh.
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Academic and Professional Development Meetings The following groups from The University of Melbourne have convened meetings, workshops and seminars at Graduate House in March 2017 Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN) - Board meeting 8th March 12 attendees
Centre for Health Policy - Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Health, Designing Economic Evaluation Alongside Clinical Studies, Practical Methods for Health Economic Evaluation 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st March 134 attendees
Department of Accounting - The Australian Accounting Hall of Fame, 8th Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony 15th March 104 attendees
Department of Finance Lunch Meeting 17th, 24th, 31st March 15 attendees
Department of Infrastructure Engineering Staff Meeting, Iran-Australia Water Group meeting 7th, 14th March 61 attendees
Faculty of Business and Economics PhD Student Society 31st March 60 attendees
Melbourne School of Engineering Finance and Planning 28th March 11 attendees
Research, Innovation and Commercialisation - Professional Certificate in Education, Network of Schools 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th March 222 attendees
University of Melbourne Commercial - Graduate Certificate in Clinical Teaching (Day 2) Effective Clinical Teaching/Effective Clinical Supervision 1st March 30 attendees
The patronage of organisation Members in charitable, not-for-profit, government and professional development sectors is acknowledged, as is that of our many Members who organise functions. Australian Society for Music Education (ASME) Victorian Chapter 8th March 9 attendees
Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) 2nd March 18 attendees
Australian Asian Association (AAA) 15th March 6 attendees
Australian Food Hygiene Services Food Safety Supervisors Course 6th March 17 attendees
Australian Professional Thermography Association (AUSPTA) - AGM and Conference 17th March 40 attendees
Australian School of Applied Management (ASAM) - Women and Leadership 7th, 8th, 9th, 21st, 28th, 30th, 31st March 147 attendees
Carlton - Parkville Probus Club 14th March 70 attendees
Carlton Rotary - Lunch, Dinner, Board and Heritage Cluster Meetings 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 28th March 168 attendees
CRC for Spatial Information (CRCSI) Board Meeting, Participants' Forum 25th March 50 attendees
International Coach Federation (ICF) Victoria: Building Your Coaching Business 2nd March 30 attendees
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Academic and Professional Development Meetings International Institute Management Development (IMD) Alumni - CHINA 8th March 22 attendees
Interpoint Events - SCIP Conference 14th March 100 attendees
John Cain Foundation Lunch Event 2nd, 15th March 70 attendees
Lesley Bawden - International Women's Day Dinner 8th March 40 attendees
Lunch Meeting
Melba Group Lunch meeting 31st March 18 attendees
Melbourne University Car Club Inc 22nd March 20 attendees
Ex PAV Group
Michael Quin - Ex PAV Group 29th March 12 attendees
Modern Greek Teachers Association of Victoria (MGTAV) 1st, 16th March 10 attendees
Order of St. John 6th March 8 attendees
Organisation Development Australia (ODA) - Dean Williams 29th March 20 attendees
Parentshop - Magic and Emotion Coaching, Tough Conversations 3rd, 20th March 43 attendees
Phoenix Australia - Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health, Board Meeting 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st March 60 attendees
Priyanka Rajani - Self Defence Class 29th March 8 attendees
Ripponlea Institute – VET Applied Language Workshop 27th March 18 attendees
Rylands of Hawthorn and Rylands of Kew - Retirement Village 1st March 20 attendees
Supply Chain Logistics Association Australia (SCLAA) 2nd March 8 attendees
Slavery Links 15th March 4 attendees
Social Education Victoria (SEV) Committee Meeting 1st, 10th March 142 attendees
Swinburne University of Technology Swinburne Department of Education 2nd, 16th March 6 attendees
The Florence McCredie Symposium Royal Children's Hospital Dinner 29th March 24 attendees
The Graduate Union Collegiate Events and Governance Meetings 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, 29th March 388 attendees
The Public Land Consultancy Roads Governance 22nd, 23rd March 20 attendees
The Public Land Consultancy
Turkish Teachers Association of Victoria (TTAV) 7th March 16 attendees
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 29
Discovering Melbourne Graduate Union Members are all over Australia and the world. This month we present to you the latest Melbourne gems that might be explored, whether you are temporarily passing through the world's most livable city, or you reside here.
Melbourne
Melbourne Cat Cafe
Knowledge Week High Tea for Children Until 25th April The Langham 1 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006 Thanks to the good folks at The Langham, Smurf-themed high tea for children is on every weekend until the 25th of April. Take the kids for a 'smurftastic' selection of cakes, macarons, fairy bread and more. Bookings are now open for the exclusive Smurfs Children's High Tea experience. www.ariabar.com.au/
State Library Victoria 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Misty's Diner
30 Guildford Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
765 Gilbert Rd Reservoir
Coffee and cats. Need more be said? Following 103-105 High Street Monday 1st May – the popularity of the Prahran VIC 3181 Sunday 7th May feline focused cat cafe in Americans are well Taiwan, where visitors "Know, Now, Next�. renowned for their daring can have a cuppa and pet The week-long festival culinary creations, from some friendly felines, brings together leaders the Cola donut to the Melbourne now has its in the arts, technology, freakshake. With the sheer very own. business and science from creativity behind these around the world to share foods, it seems remiss not There is a broader social good element to this cafe their ideas about shaping to try! - all cats are rescue cats the future of the city Enter Misty's Diner. and provide an option for with Melburnians. The Famed for their towering those who are prohibited program features more from having pets at home. burgers (think calamari than 70 events. rings with bacon and a few Bookings essential. Learn more at patties for good measure) mkw.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ to their chips and desserts catcafemelbourne.com like deep fried twinkies and deep fried cheesecake, you can also choose a good old fashioned Cherry Pie. www.mistysdiner.com.au
If you have any recommendations for places or events of interest for our Members and Residents, email publications@graduatehouse.com.au 30 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
Oaktree is run by a small team to pursue an audacious goal: young people working to end extreme poverty in our lifetime. For Oaktree, extreme poverty is unacceptable. This belief has turned into informed action, and a powerful social movement. Oaktree focuses their help across the Asia Pacific, working with over 10 local partners on projects in the region. www.oaktree.org
Graduate Union is hosting a Live Below the Line Lunch Event
10th May, 2017
This is an Oaktree Campaign Pay $2 per person for lunch* When a young person is educated, they do not just learn grammar and mathematics. They amplify their voice to have a say in their future. Education is the game-changer. Sashenka Worsman, CEO of Oaktree, will present at the 10th May $2 Lunch to explain how we can all assist to remove extreme poverty. *Pay $2 for lunch on the day. *Give more as an extra donation - e.g., the balance of what you would have paid for your lunch or more! Your $2 plus your extra donation will be given (100%) through Oaktree to young people to receive educational opportunities and to break out of the poverty cycle. Bring many. This lunch is from 12.00 midday to 2.00pm in the Graduate House dining room. Booking ahead will help with catering.
Education is the most powerful tool we have in the fight against poverty
Sashenka Worsman, CEO of Oaktree
WHY $2? Imagine what it would be like going about your everyday life with just $2 to spend on everything. That’s food, accommodation, transport, medicine - $2 for every single cost. That’s the reality for people who live below the extreme poverty line. $AU2 is the Australian equivalent of the extreme poverty line, adjusted to reflect the real cost of items in Australia.
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 31
Innovation
Bike helmet innovation could save lives A helmet with indicating lights could save hundreds, if not thousands, of cyclists' lives on our busy streets and roads. The Lumos helmet was made with rider safety in mind. Cyclists currently raise their arms to indicate turning left or right, but have no way of showing whether they are slowing down.
VicRoads strongly recommends that cyclists wear reflective strips on their ankles, as the circular pedalling movement illuminated by vehicle headlights is particularly attention-grabbing. Wearing a highly reflective vest or material strips elsewhere on the body and bicycle helmet is also eyecatching.
The helmet has flashing lights for left and right turns, as well as a prominent breaking light for when the cyclists slows down or stops. Developed by Jeff Chen and Ding Eu-Wen, who were at Harvard University studying engineering, the project was put to crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, raising more than $800,000. A wireless remote is clipped onto the handlebars, with buttons for left and right indication. An accelerometer triggers the break lights. An iPhone app monitors battery levels and other core functions. The helmet retails for US$169. VicRoads recently released a statement urging cyclists to use lights when riding at night or in dark areas. VicRoads crash statistics show that 16 per cent of all fatal and serious injury crashes involving riders in Victoria, between 2011 and 2016, happened at night. “We know that many cyclists do not use lights while riding at night, which places them at a much greater risk than riders who do use lights,” VicRoads Executive Director Access and Operations, Robyn Seymour, said. VicRoads recently released a video showing the great difference between a visible cyclist and riders who do not wear the appropriate reflective clothing or use lights.
Watch the video at www.facebook.com/vicroads/ Learn more about Lumos Helmets here https://lumoshelmet.co/
“Riders who don’t use lights on their bikes are not only breaking the law but are effectively making themselves invisible and this creates a much greater risk of being involved in a crash. “Cyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users and we want them to do everything possible to improve their visibility and safety at night, which is why our message is ‘Look bright, use your lights’.” 32 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
Extracurricular
Sense of purpose in life? Your heart will thank you for it.
After reviewing 10 relevant studies, and data from more than 137,000 people, researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York have found that a healthy heart is linked to having a sense of purpose in life. Lead study author, Randy Cohen MD, said that developing and refining your sense of purpose is associated with a 23 percent reduction in death from all causes and a 19 percent reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, or the need for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) or a cardiac stenting procedure. "Our study shows there is a strong relationship between having a sense of purpose in life and protection from dying or having a cardiovascular event," said Dr Cohen. “Prior studies have linked a variety of psychosocial risk factors to heart disease, including negative factors such as anxiety and depression and positive factors such as optimism and social support,” said. Alan Rozanski MD, study co-author and Director of
Wellness and Prevention Programs for Mount Sinai Heart at the Mount Sinai Health System. He says that based on these findings, future research should now further assess the importance of life purpose as a determinant of health and well-being and assess the impact of strategies designed to improve individuals’ sense of life purpose. As part of our overall health, each of us needs to ask ourselves the critical question of ‘do I have a sense of purpose in my life?’ said Dr Cohen. "If not, you need to work toward the important goal of obtaining one for your overall well-being.” What are examples of a 'sense of purpose'? If you are a parent, it might be your children. If you are concerned about our planet, it might be the environment. For our Graduate Union the purpose is 'education for social good' and we hope that all our Members and friends, particularly those searching for this 'sense' will contribute actively to such.
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 33
FEEDBACK Rosie and her team do a great job. I have been having meetings here for years and would not look anywhere else. The function room and spaces were great, and the food is excellent. Thank you! Veronica Shingler, AURIN We have a number of functions at Graduate House annually. We find for a number of years that the Hospitality Manager, Rosie Ellul, has a most effective and efficient way of operating. The food was excellent. Rosie and her staff make us feel most welcomed. Greg Robinson, IMD Melbourne Alumni Organising our function at Graduate House was very easy. All staff members were helpful and accommodating. No request was too difficult. Tables were well placed in an intimate but not crowded room. Spacing at tables was comfortable allowing easy communication. Acoustics were very good. The quality of food was excellent and the quantity appropriate. We received many compliments on both. The staff were excellent, pleasant, helpful before, after and during. They made the organisation a pleasure. Barbara Wellington, J K & B J Wellington The group from Women's Forum come to lunch after a fruitful discussion. We aways enjoy good conversation, good food and a chance to meet up with new colleagues. No improvements needed. Thank you all. Margaret Mayers I particularly appreciate the warm friendly atmosphere, the quiet areas, the Women's Forum, the Monthly Lunches. Since my husband died in May 2016, Graduate House has been a centre for new beginnings. Jo (Patricia Joan) Elvins
The process of organising the function was incredibly easy, efficient and personal. I felt at every step of the way, Rosie's full attention was focused on making things as easy for us as possible and working with us to deliver the best event possible. She was accommodating of our requests, even when they may have fallen outside of the usual way of doing things. I always felt that she had our best interests at the forefront and was as invested in the success of the evening as much as we were. The function space worked perfectly well for our needs. We utilised a number of different spaces for the various stages of our event and they all generally worked very well. We worked with Rosie and the chef to come up with some really special dishes for the night. The quality of the food was outstanding, we had many favourable comments from guests about the food. The serving sizes were generous without being overly so. I had barramundi and it was perfectly cooked - that's impressive when you are serving 100 people! All the staff I encountered were so helpful, efficient and professional. Rosie, Bill and Daniel went above and beyond to assist in every way possible. Rosie in particular with her calm and attentive way of working, instilled great confidence in me from the first time we met, that those things which were out of my control - that is, the service and delivery on the night, would be done well. And it was so. Annie Dolan Department of Accounting, The University of Melbourne
The lucky feedback-giver for MARCH is Jo Elvins who won a bottle of Emeri De Bortoli Chardonnay Pinot Noir Your feedback is important Submit a Dining Room Feedback Form to be in the Monthly Draw AND to be in the running for the Year-End Prize of a $500 Coles Myers Gift Voucher 34 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
9347 3428 mingh@graduatehouse.com.au www.graduatehouse.com.au
uaTe
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union of The universiTy of Melbourne inc.
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The GraduaTe union of The universiTy of Melbourne inc.
The Gradua 220 Leicester Street VIC, Austr
D onati on Form
The Graduate Union 220 Leicester Street Carlton VIC, Australia, 3053
Donation Form
D onat i on For m 2 0 1 4
From its establishment in 1911, Members Donation Formhave lived, learned and met together to continue the experience of ‘the meeting of the minds’ beyond university as they entered the workforce, had families, became leaders, From its establishment in 1911, Members have lived, learned and met volunteered across the world andofretired. together to continue the experience of ‘the meeting the minds’ beyond university as they entered the workforce, had families, became leaders, volunteered across the world and retired. Members built the organisation through great generosity
These in the form of These donations of funds and buildings, bequests and sponsorship, Members built the organisation through great generosity in the togetherform withof volunteer pro work. We seek always to honour donations ofand funds andbono buildings, bequests and sponsorship, together with volunteer and proofbono work. Wecontributing seek always to honour this legacy and to foster a culture active and membership. this legacy and to foster a culture of active and contributing membership.
PleasePlease give give to our unique association of graduates. to our unique association of graduates. giftdeductible is tax deductible and acknowledged in in TheThe Melbourne Graduate Your giftYour is tax and acknowledged Melbourne Graduate (please specify if you wish to remain anonymous). (please specify if you wish to remain anonymous).
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Carlton, Victoria The GraduaTe union To send220 Me Leicester a reMinder Street, To send in a cheque or puT Money inTo The Gu accounT Australia, 3053. www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 35
DONATION
Phone: 03 9347 3428 Email: admingh@graduatehouse.com.au Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au
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36 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B