THE GRADUATE UNION
NEWSLETTER JA N UA RY/ F E B R UA R Y 2 0 2 2
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With effect from January 2022, The Graduate Union Newsletter will be published bi-monthly. To keep you connected and up-to-date, we will be publishing The Graduate Union Events and Announcements Update Flyer in the non-Newsletter months.
CONTENTS 3
Message from the Lord Mayor of Melbourne
GU Collegiate 4
2022 GU Collegiate Year at a glance
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February Events
Promotions 6
A college for undergraduates and postgraduates
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Chinese New Year themed lunch/dinner
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Hospital stay at Graduate House
Features 10 Graduate pathway story
by Resident Member Neharika Bajracharya
12 Celebrating 60 years as a residential college 13 Interview with Ashley Viegas 15 Interview with Stefan Wojcik 16 The future for babies
by Member Louis A Coutts
18 Community donations are helping newly arrived Afghan refugees settle in
19 Corkman Irish Pub re-emerges outside Graduate House
Graduate House News 20 Members Christmas party 22 Events in December 2021 Carlton Primary School graduation Women’s Forum group Dr Lyn Martin’s 90th Birthday Organisation’s patronage
24 Reciprocal Clubs Associations 26 Notice of Election 2
MESSAGE FROM THE LORD MAYOR OF MELBOURNE
Melbourne is a thriving knowledge city and one of the world’s top destinations for higher education. I welcome the move by the Graduate Union to accept undergraduate students as residents in Graduate House for the first time in 2022. Students can be enrolled at any of Melbourne’s fantastic universities to access accommodation at Graduate House. The Graduate Union had its earliest beginnings in Collins Street in the heart of Melbourne in 1911 and has helped to build our city’s fantastic ‘Town and Gown’ connections; connecting students and academics with Melbourne business leaders. Melbourne is a city where you can live, study and play, all within walking distance. Historically, Graduate House has provided accommodation for graduates and visiting academics. I know that the liveability and offering of Graduate House will improve and become more dynamic through welcoming aspiring undergraduates. The City of Melbourne has always had a strong connection with Melbourne’s universities, and we are excited to see the educational and social benefits that can result from having undergraduates mixing and living with those who are now pursuing post-graduate study. This is a win-win move for everyone concerned. I congratulate Graduate Union on this initiative.
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GU COL L EGI ATE
2022 GU Collegiate Year at a glance We thank you for your support in attending and promoting these functions.
GU Collegiate Recurring Event Month
Italian Conversation Lunch
Residents’ Monthly Special Morning Luncheon Breakfast
January
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—
February
1st, 15th
March
Bridge Nights
Women’s Forum
College Table
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8th
2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd
16th
—
1st, 15th
2nd
8th
2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
16th
11th
April
5th, 19th
6th
12th
6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
20th
—
May
3rd. 17th
4th
10th
4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
18th
13th
June
7th, 21st
1st
14th
1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
15th
July
5th, 19th
—
12th
6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
20th
—
August
2nd, 16th
3rd
9th
3rd, 10th, 17th, 14th, 31st
17th
19th
September
6th, 20th
7th
13th
7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
14th
—
October
4th, 18th
5th
11th
5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
19th
14th
November
15th
9th
8th
2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
16th
—
December
6th
—
13th
7th, 14th
14th
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GU Collegiate Single Date Event Residents’ Chairman’s Members Christmas In July Cocktail Party Christmas Party Party
Month
Welcome BBQ
Ramadan Iftar Dinner
GU AGM Dinner
March
25th
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—
—
—
April
—
8th
—
—
—
—
May
—
—
26th
—
—
—
July
—
—
—
29th
—
—
December
—
—
—
—
2nd
16th
Advance notice will be given if any of these events are cancelled or rescheduled.
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G U CO LLEGIAT E
BRIDGE NIGHT Wednesday, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd February 7:15pm – 9:30pm A fantastic opportunity to play social bridge. All levels of bridge players welcome. Player fees: Members $2, non-members $5. Food and beverages at bar prices.
SPECIAL MORNING BREAKFAST Tuesday, 8th February 7:30am – 8:30am Members and their guest are welcome to join Resident Members for a hearty breakfast at Graduate House. Free for Resident Members, Non-resident Members $12, Non-members $20.
ITALIAN CONVERSATION LUNCH Tuesday, 1st, 15th February 12:00pm – 2:00pm Enjoy lunch while learning to speak Italian with an experienced teacher. Members $12.00, non-members $20.
WOMEN’S FORUM Wednesday, 16th February 10:00am for 10.30am start The topic of this forum is “Australia Day - how should we celebrate it? Should we celebrate it? Should we change the date?” The Women’s Forum group extends invitation to new members and welcomes new ideas. Discussions are held in an informal and friendly atmosphere. The group then adjourns for lunch in the dining room. The forum is free. All are welcome.
Please note that there is No Monthly Luncheon in February. The first Monthly Luncheon for 2022 is the March Monthly Luncheon. Details will be available in the next issue of our Events and Announcements Update Flyer.
FEBRUARY EVENTS BOOK NOW: (03) 9347 3428 admingh@graduatehouse.com.au www.graduatehouse.com.au
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PROMOTI O N
GRADUATE HOUSE an Undergraduate and Graduate College The safest place to stay in Melbourne. Graduate House provides high quality college-like accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as for graduates of all universities, disciplines, backgrounds and life stages. We offer variable stay durations from just one night to weeks, months, semesters or years at a time
We provide : • Bed linen • Weekly housekeeping • Wi-Fi • Utilities (electricity, gas, water) included in rent • Short term accommodation – one night, a few weeks • Long term accommodation – months, semesters, years
Accommodation options: •
Single room private bathroom
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Double room private bathroom
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Apartments with double room separate lounge and private bathroom and laundry
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Fully furnished studio apartments
Barkly Place and Barry Street
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PRO M OT IO N
Happy Chinese New Year
恭喜发财
Enjoy a Chinese New Year themed lunch/dinner at Graduate House Lunch 12:00pm to 2:00pm; Dinner 6:00pm to 7:30pm Friday, 11th February 2022
Main Roast duck (gf, df) Sweet and sour fish fillet (df) Chinese vegetable stir fry (v, gf, df) Fried Hokkien noodles (df) Steamed rice (v, gf, df)
Dessert Sticky rice pudding (v, gf, df) (gf) gluten free (df) dairy free (v) vegetarian
Lunch prices: Members: $12; Non Members: $20;Loyalty Card Holders: $15 Dinner prices: Members: $15; Non Members: $20; Loyalty Card Holders: $18
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PROMOTI O N
Graduate House Affordable and safe accommodation for patients, hospital visitors and medical staff — Melbourne CBD
Need a place to stay while having, or recuperating from, specialist medical or surgical treatment? Visiting a loved one in hospital? Consider Graduate House. Graduate House:
Patients
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offers accommodation for patients, families, friends and carers; is affordable, safe and trusted with friendly, welcoming and genuinely caring professional staff; is suitable for those from regional Victoria, outer metropolitan Melbourne and interstate; has variable stay durations, from one to a few nights or weeks; is clean, with quiet rooms, and comfortable communal areas; has breakfast and weekday dinners included, and delicious, healthy food; has car parking – secure and cheap with online booking/payment and contactless automatic car plate recognition; is within walking distance of the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Children’s Hospital, the Royal Women’s Hospital, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and St. Vincent’s Hospital; and is a tram ride to the Epworth and Alfred Hospitals.
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Alison and Richard Harcourt sent thanks to Graduate House for the hospitality they received during a ‘respite’ stay. “We appreciate the courteous and helpful approach shown by all members of the staff. All the comfortable and well-equipped apartments that we occupied faced on to University Square. “Thank you, Graduate House.”
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Graduate House is suitable for: the period before full-stay admission; after discharge to recuperate and while arranging for transport home; and • out-patient consultations and treatments (cancer therapy; day surgery; dialysis, dental, mental health, etc.). Schemes that subsidise patient accommodation: • Victoria: Ph: 1300 737 073 https://bit.ly/3cgdEKp • Tasmania: Ph: (03) 6222 8225 www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/hospital/ptas • NSW: Ph: 1800 478 227 www.health.nsw.gov.au/transport • South Australia: Ph: 1300 341 684 https://bit.ly/3l65NTZ • Western Australia: http://bit.ly/3rJYeVq • Northern Territory: http://bit.ly/3eDuUfo •
ACT: https://bit.ly/3etUzr5
Visitors and Hospital Staff
Graduate House is suitable for: • parents with children in hospital; • families and friends supporting loved ones in hospital; and • carers, allied health, medical and NDIS support staff.
To make a booking or for any enquiries, please go to: www.graduatehouse.com.au/medistays/ or contact us on +61 3 9347 3428 or admingh@graduatehouse.com.au.
PRO M OT IO N
Pricing (per night) Single and double rooms (without kitchens) as well as self-contained apartments are available. Prices range from $125 to $185. *for Members, prices range from $105 to $155 Royal Children’s Hospital Royal Women’s Hospital
Royal Melbourne Hospital
The University of Melbourne
Comprehensive Cancer Centre Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Epworth Hospital
Alfred Hospital
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FEATUR E
Graduate Pathway Story by Resident Member Neharika Bajracharya
Neharika’s first day in Melbourne in 2019, enjoying hot coffee in Melbourne’s crisp.
Neharika was a resident at Graduate House during the pandemic. She recently graduated with a Masters in Accounting and Finance from The University of Melbourne , and is now working as a graduate internal auditor at HLB Mann Judd, a chartered accounting firm based in Melbourne. Here we learn a little more about Neharika’s ‘graduate pathway’ story. What was your educational background? What did you study at university and why did you choose this course? I was born and brought up in Nepal, however, I completed my tertiary education overseas, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Bangalore, India. For my Masters, I always saw myself moving to Australia, where choosing The University of Melbourne was very easy, given its reputation and ranking for accounting in the world (ranks 16th). The university experience I gained here has been a life
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changing one, and I will always look back on it fondly. I cultivated lifelong friendships during my time at university, and learned resilience during the pandemic in Melbourne. I’ve always had a keen interest in understanding various financial and accounting principles and exposure to auditing during my Masters made me realise my passion for the subject, therefore I started my career as an internal auditor. I look forward to seeing how my career journey unfolds! What did you learn during your tertiary education – not just academically, but what ideas did you form and what perceptions? Did any of your views change significantly when you went to university? My Masters degree has been one of the most important phases of my life, not only because of how crucial this degree is to my career, but mainly because
F EATU RE
of the various industry insights I had access to. I did miss out on many networking opportunities due to the pandemic, however, the resources my university had made me well equipped for job hunting. I really do believe that networking is very crucial along with an actual degree. This I have come to learn over the past two years. I used to be very shy, but now I believe I am more confident in meeting new people and building connections. This is personal growth and I am learning new skills every day. What is your earliest memory of having an interest in your field? This is surely funny but seeing the ever-gorgeous Eva Green as an accountant in a James Bond movie (as a kid) really made me want to become an accountant myself. I think subconsciously that characterisation led me to this path! Did you have any residencies, internships, or anything else that ultimately led you to where you are today? I worked as a consultant for the City of Melbourne as part of my Masters, and that experience made me realise my passion for consulting and was crucial for my decision to go into this advisory and consulting industry. Other than that, I was fortunate for the opportunity of being a Treasurer for Graduate House Student Group, which helped me build meaningful connections and a chance to engage actively with Graduate House’s residents, which has certainly prepared me for my job today. What are the goals of your company/organisation and what are you ultimately trying to achieve? The goal of the company is to provide excellent auditing and consulting services to our clients. I find myself greatly fortunate to be working with the firm. I certainly wish to further my skills through either CA or CPA courses. Ultimately, I want to be an expert in my field backed up by years of professional experience, and commencing my career with HLB Mann Judd is an ideal start. Who has been the biggest influence on your life and what lessons did that person teach you? I must say my dad has been the biggest influence in my life. He has always been so inspirational. He taught me patience and gratitude. And of course, my mum, who is this sweetest person herself, constantly teaching me to be kind to others with her loving and kind gestures! What were some of your major milestones? I guess for me it has to be finishing my Masters during the pandemic. Like every other international student around the globe, not being with my family and experiencing the pandemic alone was very difficult, let alone trying to finish my studies during that period. Apart from that, receiving the Global Graduate Merit Scholarship from The University of Melbourne
in recognition of the hard work I put in during my undergraduate degree, and receiving an award for securing the highest marks for “Business Law” in the Business Faculty during my undergraduate studies are some memorable accomplishments which make me very happy. What is the most important thing that can make you successful at your job? Integrity and being adaptable. These two are key in being successful at my current role, and for that matter, in the auditing industry itself. Especially with the changing circumstances, being able to adapt to client’s demands quickly and delivering work efficiently becomes vital. What are you working on for the future? For now, I am just focusing on building my professional experience. I am excited to see what the future holds! What is your next goal? Do you have an ultimate goal that you are working towards? Yes! To be a trustworthy auditor. The next step for me would be to understand the industry very well and understand what suits me most. Auditing itself has many areas, and I am yet to discover the one I am fond of the most. What advice would you give graduates? I would strongly recommend networking. Connect with your university’s guest lecturers, connect with people who work in companies of your interest, connect with recent graduates who have secured a job, and ask them pertinent questions that will help in building necessary skills recruiters look for in an applicant. There is no harm in putting yourself out there, and having patience is key. Things will work out in the end if smartly approached. What do you like doing when you are not working? While being at Graduate House during the first few lockdowns, I really grew fond of cycling. My friends and I used to cycle around the 5km radius and try out new coffee shops and bakeries! Sadly, my friends are not in Melbourne anymore, but I keep the tradition alive and try to cycle three to four times a week. It’s good exercise and the weather recently has gotten kinder too. Other than that, I love baking and cooking, which I find very therapeutic! Anything else you would like to add? I would like to thank Dr. Bennett for this wonderful opportunity to share my story! Graduate House has been an integral part of my life in Melbourne, and I am very grateful for the memories. And to all the recent graduates, have faith and keep reaching out to people. You never know what might just work out!
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FEATUR E
Double bed with sitting room, furnished by VWG (Victorian Women Graduates Association) to commemorate the pioneer women of the University. This photo was featured on the front cover of The Melbourne Graduate dated 1st September, 1962
Double bed with sitting room in the William Berry Wing
Opening of Graduate House Stage One in July 1962. From left: Sir Leslie Martin (chairman of AUC), Chancellor Sir Arthur Dean and Vice-Chancellor Sir George Paton
Single bed with ensuite bathroom
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Barry Street apartments
Stella Langford Wing self-contained apartment
Barkly Place apartments
Double bed room in the main building
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Graduate House : 60 years a residential college 2022 marks sixty years since the first terraces of Graduate House was opened as a residential college. The inspiration of Melbourne Graduate House came about following the establishment of London House in 1930, to provide quality residence for graduates from the Commonwealth, USA and Europe. Acknowledging a similar need for The University of Melbourne, Gladstone Terrace was seen as a suitable model when it became available in 1957. Over the next five years, gradual refurbishment work began to take place.
Ashley Viegas
Resident at Barry Street apartment
The first stage of Graduate House was officially opened by the chairman of Australian Universities Commisson, Sir Lesley Martin on 13th July, 1962. This was followed by two other stages of the building schedule. The first resident was Brian Alec Parker, an MA candidate from London, who moved into 228 Leicester Street in 1962. Brian graduated in 1964 from The University of Melbourne, one of only 18 that year, with a Master of Arts degree. Joining him in residency were six other postgraduate students and over the next decade, the number of residents at Graduate House grew to fifty four. In the last two decades, more extensions were added to meet the need for college accommodation in Carlton. Today Graduate House houses 145 accommodation rooms with 31 offsite apartments. Thirteen of these apartments are on the 7th floor of 50 Barry Street and eighteen are at 24 Barkly Place. Graduate House provides high quality college-like accommodation and is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled at any university in Melbourne, as well as for academics, researchers and clinicians visiting universities, research institutes and medical precincts in Melbourne. Variable stay durations are available. For rates and facilities, please refer to pages 6 or check our website for more details. As we welcome back students to their various campuses in Melbourne in 2022, we also extend a very warm welcome to our new residents and we thank them for choosing to make Graduate House their home away from home. We recently spoke to two new residents, Stefan Wojcik and Ashley Viegas and discussed college life and careers. Here are their stories.
Tell me something about yourself. I was born in India and went to college in a state called Gujarat, which is on the western coast of India. After I graduated I went into the restaurant industry for a few years and then moved to Miami in the USA for four years. There I worked as a chef for a cruise ship company, which gave me a wonderful opportunity to travel and meet people from many nationalities and cultures. I then moved to Australia in 2018 and now have Permanent Residency. And now you are about to commence another a course here? Yes, I will begin a course in Workplace Health and Safety in February. I would like to work in a food manufacturing facility or become a Council Health Inspector. This would entail inspecting restaurants, commercial kitchens, and food self-service areas and the like. In addition to my studies this year I will be working two days a week in a local restaurant on the banks of the Yarra River. The restaurant focuses mainly on modern Australian food, incorporating local and seasonal ingredients sourced from Victorian farmers and suppliers.
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FEATUR E
What led you to Graduate House? I was attracted to the idea of living with and meeting people from other schools or colleges who have different experiences, and making new friends. Besides that, I like living in the city. When I enquired, Daniel Clark pointed out to me that accepting undergraduate students is something new. Already I can say that the best part of living here is living with other students and the conversations we have; asking how they’re going etc. How did you come to know about Graduate House? I came across an advertisement in realestate.com.au and this connected me to the General Manager of Graduate House, Daniel Clark. I moved in about three months ago. I’m living in one of the Barry Street single unit apartments which gives me my independence but also opens-up the possibility of meeting other students. I’ve met some of the other residents and expect that more will move in when students begin the university year.
Are there any other social activities that you could suggest? There could be a ‘game’ night or a ‘movie’ night, for example. I personally like cycling; perhaps some residents might like to form a cycling group or a walking group. These are activities I picked up after I moved to Australia. Are you familiar with any parts of regional Victoria? These are so many places that one can travel to by train for day (or weekend) trips. Yes, I particularly like the Grampians. And I’m familiar with places like the Mornington Peninsula, Bendigo, Geelong and so on. Would you be willing to host a meeting for residents just to get to know each other better? And, perhaps, to arrange some social activities? Yes, I would. And it would be lovely if we could have such meetings here [at Graduate House in Leicester St.].
How do you feel about living with both undergraduate and graduate students?
Have you found Graduate House to be welcoming of people regardless of their cultural background etc.?
It’s exciting. I think there are benefits from having a mix of students – undergraduate and graduate, and students from a range of cultural backgrounds and different ages.
Yes it is. So far, most of the students I have met are from overseas.
Are there any other attractions in living in a residential university college? Most university accommodation is centred around the city and this in itself is a further attraction. And the young ‘vibe’ is appealing, of people studying and working towards their various goals. Imagine that you meet someone on a tram and they tell you that they’re looking for somewhere to stay whilst studying at university: what might you say to them? Give them a ‘spin’! I’d tell them to have a look at Graduate House. Its close proximity to the city can be important; we’re right on the edge of the city. The affordability of the Barry Street apartments is also a winner. And we have our privacy. Is there a common meeting room at Barry Street? No, but this would be nice. Based on your experience of the past three months, what can we do to make your stay even more enjoyable? What can we do to make the living and studying experience even richer? Perhaps once a month we could have a meeting so that everyone has the opportunity to know each other.
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What are you most excited about in living with us? I really love the cultural diversity amongst the people whom I’ve already met. And I’m looking forward to more places in the CBD opening up and – as a chef – visiting more local restaurants. As a very experienced chef I have to ask you what your favourite Indian dish is. I would say Jackfruit Curry. It’s a seasonal dish and I love it.
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Stefan Wojcik
Resident at Barry Street apartment What are your thoughts about meeting-up with both graduates and undergraduates? I’ve had experience living with graduates in private student houses and they’ve always been super nice. Already, I’ve come to know a graduate student who is living on my floor and she is lovely. She has even cooked some food for me and given me good advice about my studies. To know someone who is friendly like this is amazing. Even though we live in separate apartments it’s good to know people are there to help and care. I’m sure that when more students settle-in I’ll get to know others as well.
Tell me something about your background. I went to Northcote High School but after VCE my parents moved to Geelong, so I went to Deakin University in 2018. But I was struggling finding what I really wanted to do and half-way through the year came to Melbourne and went part-time. Then came Covid and I feel that two years has been taken away from my life. Online teaching and learning was not for me. During this period I stayed in several student houses but deferred my studies and worked at various jobs. Now I want to live much closer to campus as I enter my second year at Melbourne University. I’m really ready to start and am very excited. I’m enrolled in a Bachelor of Science. At this stage, I’m thinking of eventually going into teaching. Before deferring from university I did a ‘breadth’ subject in ‘school experience’ and it inspired me. It was at Genazzano College in Kew and the VCE coordinator also inspired me and I’ve kept up the contact. With your experience in so many student houses you were clearly in a position to make an informed decision in choosing Graduate House. Why did you choose it? Having my own space – a single bedroom, kitchen and bathroom – and not having to share it with anyone. Living in shared houses can drive you up the wall at times! Being so close to campus – pretty much on campus – is also great; I can just walk to my classes. When I first heard about the possibility of living at Graduate House I was a bit confused because I’m not a graduate, but then someone explained to me that this is a new initiative. I was so happy.
What do you think are other attractions about living in a college that has both graduate and undergraduate students? I feel that this building (in Leicester Street) offers more possibilities for meeting students than the apartment building I’m in Barry Street. It’s hard to socialise in a building that only has apartments. So I’m looking forward to coming here as well. I also think it’s good to live where people are committed to study. And for someone like me to have a one-bedroom apartment that I can afford is great; I don’t have to share anything! I know that you’ve only been living here for a very short time, but can you suggest anything we can do to make the experience for undergraduates like you even better? There needs to be many more people living here. There’s hardly anyone on my floor at this stage, but I guess it will change soon when the semester begins. Then there will be more life. It needs to be well advertised. It would be good if we could meetup once a month and we could perhaps arrange other activities. And I think that living in a place like this is a great way of learning about other cultures. The reception in this main building is amazing; they get on to everything quickly and are really helpful. But I think you need to stress more the link between the Barry Street apartments and this main building here. I’d like to come here for things as well: it’s a really cool place.
How did you find out about Graduate House? I saw it on realestate.com.au. If it hadn’t been there I wouldn’t even have thought it was a possibility because it’s called ‘Graduate House’. And now there’s a big banner outside saying it’s accepting undergraduates as well. Make it known!
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FEATUR E
The future for babies by Member Louis A Coutts
photo source: https://www.gettyimages.com.au/
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F EATU RE
Just before Christmas I was in the car park of our local shopping centre. I had a Woolworth’s trolley and was looking to redeem my two-dollar coin, but Woolworths have so many models of their trolley that not any of them fitted and I was about to leave my trolley with my two bucks. I was then confronted by a guy who was modestly but neatly dressed and a diminutive woman with a lovely face. The guy told me a story that he and his wife had been sleeping in their car for three months and wanted to spend a night in some accommodation that cost $85.00. He wanted to know if he could retrieve the two dollars from my shopping trolley. My immediate reaction to these importunities is that these people are on the make. But somehow or another I rejected that reaction. I have spent too many days of my life in Court, listening to witnesses, cross examining them or listened while they are being cross examined. I have interviewed thousands of people in my work and somehow or another, I have developed a sense about people. Either rightly or wrongly I decided that these people were genuine. I had about ten or eleven dollars in change in my pocket and handed it to the lady who graced me with a lovely thankful smile. The guy took my trolley in the hopes of finding its mate that would release another two dollars and I walked off. As I went back to my car, I passed a new Porsche and a new Bentley SUV. Collectively worth perhaps $700,000.00 and I reflected on the incongruity of people who didn’t need money and those who did. That evening I was overcome with remorse. That couple only wanted $85.00, and I had three hundred in my wallet when they approached me. I could have given them a fifty dollar note and wouldn’t have missed it. But I didn’t and I felt terrible and still do. A couple of days later I set off with one of my sons to join the family at a place I had rented on a bay some couple of hundred kilometres north of Sydney. On the first day out, we stopped for lunch at a place which promotes itself to sell health food. While sitting waiting for our lunch a young woman turned up with a pram and as she turned the pram around, there sitting contentedly was one of the most beautiful babies I had ever seen. She wouldn’t have been twelve months old. Her large deep blue eyes examined the world and settled on me. Hell, I had goose pimples and we made faces to one another. But then we moved on.
The next day we stopped again for lunch at a place called Picton and sat outside the café to have our lunch. Nearby was a table and benches at which three young ladies were sitting. They were so young that I would have called them “girls” but I was reminded that my wife used to chastise me for using that term to describe young women. There was a pram next to the table and one of the young women reached in and lifted out an almost newly born baby and cuddled it while she gave it a bottle. The scene of those young women, rejoicing in one another’s company and expressing delight about the tiny child sucking contentedly on its bottle sent more goose pimple down my spine. A little while later, all those scenes of the destitute couple and the mothers with babies Kaleidoscoped in my mind. There was something wrong and I couldn’t put my finger on it, and it kept troubling me. The scenes were all different, but they all troubled me, and I kept trying to get the Kaleidoscope to focus. And then it did. I am sure the destitute couple would have been loved as babies. Certainly, the woman knew love as she expressed it to me when I handed over the small change from my pocket. But they ended up begging for a few dollars and I wondered what cruel fate life had handed them. I then turned my mind to those lovely babies and wondered what life holds for them. I know they are going to grow up in a planet that we have messed up for them. But what worried me most is that gradually they will become part of our consumer society. In this bazaar that we call the economy, these babies are potential consumers. In fact, they are already consumers for all the baby stuff that is being sold in the marketplace. There is no love in the marketplace where money is the currency. How will these lovely babies cope as they gradually become full paying member of the consumer society? Will they have a Porsche and live by the sea or will life be that grind of finding the next dollar to keep a roof over their head? I suddenly felt that everything was so unequal. There is so much inequality where decent people are doing it tough on homeless streets and billionaires can spend billions on a space flight. I was saddened to think that there is not enough love in our world of commerce, and I felt for those lovely babies who sooner or later will have to find their way in this society of inequity.
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FEATUR E
Community donations are helping newly arrived Afghan refugees settle in
Two thousand Afghan refugees are settling into the inner city with the help of volunteers and donations from the local community.
Mr Nowell said that AMES was working on finding long-term housing, getting them vaccinated, and preparing them for the next few months.
Businesses and residents have donated millions of dollars’ worth of clothing, food and toiletries to those most in need with the help of migrant services organisation AMES Australia.
“We’ve secured 500 family homes so far and we’re looking for another 500 over the next few months,” he said.
AMES Australia spokesperson Laurie Nowell said that there had been an “amazing response” from individuals and businesses to help vulnerable families. “So far we’ve had nine tonnes of clothing, beds, nappies and toiletries worth more than a million dollars donated so it’s been a big effort,” Mr Nowell said. “We’ve also provided them with culturally-familiar meals like Afghan bread from Dandenong and hot meals from local Middle Eastern restaurants.” “Normally refugees would have those things when they come but as these families were forced to flee their home quickly with only their clothes and passport and they’ve been catapulted out of their normal lives.” Currently the refugees are housed in five temporary accommodation sites, including three student apartment blocks in the inner city. Families have been enjoying their temporary home in Carlton and are taking full advantage of the new Lincoln Square playground.
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“We’re working with them to provide healthcare, mental health counselling, torture and trauma counselling, setting them up with English language tuition, bank accounts, and talking to them about education and employment.” AMES has also set up a messaging system in Dari and Pashto to communicate important information about events like the earthquake, daylight savings and protests in the city. Mr Nowell said the best thing the community could do to help now was to donate money to help refugees settle into their new homes and buy household items. “The best thing people can do is donate money, and also make friends if they turn up in your neighbourhood to help them feel welcome,” Mr Nowell said • News source: https://www.innercitynews.com.au/ community-donations-flood-in-for-newly-arrived-afghanrefugees
F EATU RE
Corkman Irish Pub re-emerges outside Graduate House
The demolished Corkman Irish Pub has re-emerged as an artwork at University Square, as part of a new public art commission from the Melbourne City Council. Situated just around the corner from where the pub once used to be, the artwork is in full view from the front of Graduate House.
by Irish artist Sean Lynch, who says the artwork speaks directly to the infamous demolition of the building. ‘Distant Things Appear Suddenly Near’ emphasizes objects and understandings of space that have been marginalized in the continued growth of the modern city,”
Many generations of students and residents in the Carlton area have enjoyed gathering at The Corkman Pub and it was one of the few remaining live music venues in the vicinity. Standing for 160 years (since 1856),The Corkman Irish Pub was completed during the gold rush and was a two-storey brick and bluestone building covered with a white render with it’s interiors and exteriors being altered from time to time by previous owners.
The public works will remain for the next 18 months on University Square in Carlton. For more details, go to: https://bit.ly/3g1Y0Vu
‘Distant Things Appear Suddenly Near’ is a new public art commission from the Melbourne City Council that recreates the façade of the Corkman Hotel. Created
Sadly the Corkman Irish Pub is no longer in existence but Graduate House is alive and well! This year we look forward to welcoming undergraduates into full residential accommodation. New non-resident members are always welcome. Drop in for coffee anytime during our opening hours and check out this Carlton gem! Or visit our website at www.graduatehouse.com.au
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GRAD UATE HO USE N EWS
Members Christmas Party We welcomed members and guests to the last collegiate event for 2021, the Members’ Christmas party, on Friday, 10th of December, held in the combined Stillwell and Ian Potter meeting rooms. The party venue was decorated with colourful Christmas trimmings, with each table having a beautiful poinsetta as centrepiece and bonbons for every seat. Taking centre stage on the floor was the Christmas tree adorned with ornaments, ribbons and blue lights. Members and guests started arriving from 5.30pm onwards and were greeted with drinks and canapés in the Phillip Law Members’ Lounge. Santa arrived on time and as always, didn’t disappoint, providing an unending supply of lollies and sweets. Entreés were served when everyone was seated and dinner followed soon after. The highlight for the evening was special guest singer, Ms Stephanie Angelini who delighted the crowd with Christmas songs, singing intermittently in between meal courses and belting out many popular songs. Members enjoyed a free flow of tea and coffee with their dessert and many remained after dinner to savour the Christmas atmosphere. When Stephanie took the microphone again with more upbeat tempo songs, the room was instantly transformed into a dance floor with members and their guests grooving to the music. The Graduate Union is grateful to all for contributing to this wonderful festive function. We thank you for your support and look forward to another great year in 2022.
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G R A D UATE H O USE NEWS
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GRAD UATE HO USE N EWS
Events in December 2021 Carlton Primary School Graduation The 2021 Grade 6 students from Carlton Primary school convened on Wednesday, 15th December at Graduate House to celebrate their end-of-primary school days. Together with their teachers and families, the 64 students attended the Graduation ceremony which included speeches, presentations, awards, recognitions and then followed by songs and dances.
The Women’s Forum group The last forum for 2021 was held on Wednesday, 15th December. As with previous end-of-year forums, the December session does not have a specific topic and the ladies have instead brought along with them their memories, reminiscence and laughters to share. The Women’s Forum will return on 16th February 2022.
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G R A D UATE H O USE NEWS
Happy Birthday Lyn! Dr Lynette Martin celebrated her 90th Birthday party on 3rd December, in the combined Stillwell and Ian Potter room.
2009 and is a regular patron to our collegiate events, namely the Monthly luncheons and Member Christmas parties.
The party was attended by 52 guests. Lyn has been a member of The Graduate Union since
Thank you Lyn for choosing to celebrate your milestone birthday at Graduate House.
We thank the following organisations for their event bookings at Graduate House in December 2021 Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Education Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE) AMA Arts Group Australian Asian Association (AAA) Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM Vic)
Languages and Literacies Education (LALE) Melbourne, Graduate School of Education Dr Lynette Martin Marilyn Cobain - Victorian Fellows Luncheon Melba Group Melbourne Business School (MBS)
Cancer In Primary Care Group, Department of GP, MMS
Melbourne Graduate School of Education
Carlton Primary School
Modern Language Teachers' Association of Victoria(MLTAV)
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILTA VIC) Section City of Melbourne Electrical and Electronic Engineering Workshop Institute of Senior Officers of Victorian Education Services (ISOVES)
PC4 Planning Day Probus Club of Carlton Parkville Retired Veterinarians Group Robert Marquez Rotary Club of Carlton Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Slavery Links Department of Infrastructure Engineering Victorian Fellows Lunch
One CRM Program
Tomiko Morell
Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller Incorporated
Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning
Parkville Conference of St Vincent de Paul Paul Harris Society
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GRAD UATE HO USE N EWS
Reciprocal Clubs Associations
Members travelling interstate and overseas may take advantage of reciprocal arrangements with other residential colleges and associations. Members can obtain a letter of introduction from Graduate House and make individual arrangements with associations before travelling.
The Association of College and University Clubs (ACUC) Graduate House is also a member of ACUC the leader in providing reciprocity, education and information exchange for university-based associations throughout the world. Established in 1978 and with nearly 100 university associations worldwide, ACUC promotes collegiality, social interaction and enhanced communication among members of academic and professional communities.
Australia Commercial Travellers’ Association Sydney, New South Wales Kathleen Lumley College North Adelaide, South Australia
The University Club of Toronto Toronto, Ontario The University Club University of Regina Saskatchewan
The Kelvin Club Melbourne, Victoria
University Club of Victoria University of Victoria British Columbia
New South Wales Masonic Club Sydney, New South Wales
France
The Royal Society of Victoria Melbourne, Victoria University Club of Western Australia University of Western Australia, Western Australia University House Australian National University Canberra
Canada Dalhousie University Club Dalhousie University Halifax The Faculty Club University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario McGill Faculty Club and Conference Center, Faculty Club Montreal, Quebec University Club University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan University of Alberta Faculty Club University of Alberta Alberta The University Club of McMaster McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario The University Club at Queens Queen’s University Ontario
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New Zealand Auckland University Club Auckland (Non-residential, meals available and help given in finding accommodation)
Singapore The National University of Singapore Society, (NUSS) Kent Ridge Drive Singapore
Six Cottages in France Cottages available in Lot, Dordogne, Tarn, Gascony, Provence, Haute Provence, Pyrenees
NTU Alumni Club (off North Buona Vista Road) Singapore
Hong Kong
Fakultetsklubben Svarta Räfven Karolinska Institute Stockholm
Graduate House University of Hong Kong Hong Kong
India Baramati Club Sayali Hills Baramati Pune, Maharashtra PYC Hindu Gymkhana Pune, Maharashtra
Italy ESU di Padova Padova Universita’ degli Studi di Sassari Public Square University Sassari, Sardinia
The Netherlands (Holland) Amsterdamse Academische Club University of Amsterdam Amsterdam Faculty Club Utrecht Universiteit, Netherlands
Sweden
Stockholm University Faculty Club KonFerensservice Stockholm
United Kingdom The Burn Glenesk, Brechin, Angus (occasional short term accommodation for overseas graduates) Goodenough Club (formerly London House) Goodenough College London Oxford & Cambridge Club Pall Mall, London The Royal Society of Medicine Wimple Street, London The St James’s Club & Hotel Park Place, St James’ London The St James’s Club Manchester
G R A D UATE H O USE NEWS
United States of America
Hilary J. Boone Center University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky
The University Club University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Brown Faculty Club Providence, Rhode Island
Ida and Cecil Green Faculty Club University of California San Diego,California
The University Club University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma
The Campus Club University of Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota
Johns Hopkins Club Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland
The University Club University of Wisconsin – Madison Madison, Wisconsin
The Campus Club University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas
NC State University Club Raleigh, North Carolina
University Center Club The Florida State University Tallahasee, Florida
The Bellevue Club Oakland, California
Campus House Buffalo State College Buffalo, New York
Northeastern University Faculty Center Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts
Carolina Club The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, North Carolina
NSU Faculty Club Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Cincinnati Faculty Club University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio
The Ohio State University Faculty Club Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio
The Club at Spindletop Hall Lextington, Kentucky The Club at UC Santa Barbara University of California Santa Barbara, California
Prospect House Princeton University Princeton, New Jersey
The College Club of Boston Boston, Massachusetts
The Quadrangle Club University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois
Colonnade Club University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia
The Rutgers Club Rutgers University New Brunswick, New Jersey
Columbia University Faculty House Mail Code, New York
Stanford Faculty Club Stanford University Stanford, California
The Diamond Club Temple University Philadelphia, Pennysylvania Edmondson Faculty Center University of Southern California Los Angeles, California The Faculty Club Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas The Faculty Club at UC Berkeley University of California Berkeley, California Faculty-Staff Club San Diego State University San Diego, California Harvard Club of Boston Boston, Massachusetts Harvard Faculty Club Cambridge, Massachusetts
UCLA Faculty Center University of California Los Angeles, California University Club University of Rhode Island Kingston, Rhode Island University Club The University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa
The University Club of Boston Boston, Massachusetts The University Club of Grand Valley State Allendale, Michigan University Club of Indiana Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University Club of Louisville Louisville, Kentucky The University Club of MU University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri University Club at Penn University of Pennyslvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania University Club San Francisco San Francisco, California University Club of St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota The University Club at The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama The University of Washington Club Seattle, Washington USC University Club University of Southern California Los Angeles, California Wellesley College Club Wellesley, Massaachusetts
University Club Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona
Whittemore House Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis, Missouri
The University Club Michigan State University Lansing, Michigan
Willits-Hallowell Conference Center Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts
The University Club University of Massachusetts Amherst, Massachusetts
The Women’s Faculty Club University of California Berkeley, California
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GRAD UATE HO USE N EWS
THE GRADUATE UNION - COUNCIL Notice of Election Nominations are hereby called for the election of three (3) Council members to hold office for three years from the date of the annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday, 26th May 2022. Any other vacancy occurring prior to the close of nominations will be included within this election. The terms of current Council members are set out in the tables below. The elected members who are retiring in May 2022 and eligible for re-election are indicated by the asterisk*. An Election Kit, available by application to the Returning Officer, contains the following essential information for any member who seeks election to Council: 1. the Nomination Form; 2. The Graduate Union Nomination and Election to Council Regulation; 3. forms for completion by the nominee to inform Members of their qualifications, experience and skills for governance; 4. declarations to be signed; and 5. other relevant information. Members should note the following key dates in 2022: - Opening of Call for Nominations - Close of Nominations - (if ballot is required) Election Material is to be submitted - Close of Voting
2nd February 10th March 17th March 20th May
The Election Kit is available from The Graduate Union offices or website, or by application to the Returning Officer at the postal or email addresses below: PO Box 265, Mount Waverley, VIC, 3149
ronritchie@optusnet.com.au
The closing date and time for Nominations is 10th March 2022, 4.00PM. The completed Nomination Form and other forms provided in the Election Kit should be lodged by post to the Returning Officer’s address above or by email (signed, scanned and as an attachment) to ronritchie@optusnet.com.au or placed in the ballot box at the offices of The Graduate Union. The completed Nomination Form is to be received by the Returning Officer by the stated closing date and time. Ronald G Ritchie Returning Officer Date: 13/01/2022 Elected Council members as at 31st January 2022 Until May 2022 Mr Vincent Mirabelli* Mr Keith Ryall Dr Max Stephens*
Until May 2023 Ms Molina Asthana Mr Martin Comte Ms Natalie Gray
Until May 2024 Ms Mary Kelleher Mr Muan Lim Ms Jane Tisdall
Appointed Council members as at 31st January 2022 Until September 2022 Mr Vincent Morfuni QC
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THE GRADUATE UNION of The University of Melbourne Inc.
220 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia Telephone: +61 (0)3 9347 3428 Australian Business Number: 55 610 664 963 Incorporated Association Registration Number: A0023234B
ww.graduatehouse.com.au