THE GRADUATE UNION
NEWSLETTER JUNE 2022
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IN THIS ISSUE GU Collegiate 4 June Monthly Luncheon 5 Reciprocal Clubs Drinks Night
GU Promotions 6 Christmas In July Lunches 7 Christmas In July - Private event menu
Reciprocal News Reciprocal Clubs in Singapore
8 • Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Alumni 9 • National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) - The Kent Ridge Guild House - The Suntec Guild House - The Mandalay Guild House
Review 10 April Monthly Luncheon
Member’s Contribution 12 Poems by Life member Louis A Coutts
Graduate House News 13 Direct access from Parkville station to Graduate House soon 14 2022 Midyear Annual Appeal Graduate House: 60 years a Residential College
16 • Interview with Avinash Rao 20 Mehak Masood - Creating linkages between economic growth and climate action in Pakistan
22 March Melba Group Luncheon -
From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage
23 Melbourne Press Club Iftar Dinner 24 Organisations patronage and feedback APMD Groups
25 • Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals’ Association (VASSP) Inc.
25 • Turkish Teachers Association of Victoria (TTAV) 26 Residents and Members Ramadan Iftar Dinner 26 Graduate House Student Group (GHSG) Activities
Editor: Shirley Ho Email: shirley.ho@graduatehouse.com.au/ publications@graduatehouse.com.au All images used in this publication are the resources of The Graduate Union and public sourced domains.
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MONTHLY LUNCHEON Wednesday, 1st June 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Sister Brigid Arthur’s topic is Justice for the people seeking asylum in Australia. Dine In: Members $37, non-members $42. Virtual attendance: Members $10, non-members $15
RECIPROCAL CLUBS DRINKS NIGHT Friday, 10th June 5.30pm onwards
Bringing together our members with members from our reciprocal associations and friends of the University. More details on page 5. Drinks at Members and non-Member’s prices.
BRIDGE NIGHT
Wednesday, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th June 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, 14th June 7:30am – 8:30am Members and their guests are welcome to join Resident Members for a hearty breakfast at Graduate House. Free for Resident Members, Members $12, non-members $20.
WOMEN’S FORUM Wednesday, 15th June 10:00am for 10.30am start The topic of this forum is Flood, Fire - How least to manage how we live in fire and flood prone areas 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.
JUNE EVENTS
BOOK NOW: (03) 9347 3428 admingh@graduatehouse.com.au www.graduatehouse.com.au
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GU COL L EGI ATE
Monthly Luncheon (Hybrid event)
W E D N E S DAY, 1 S T J U N E
Sister Brigid Arthur an Australian Brigidine sister, educator, refugee advocate and activist on social issues
Topic:
“Justice for people seeking asylum in Australia”
ABN 55 610 664 963 | IARN A0023234B
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G U CO LLEGIAT E
Inaugural
Reciprocal Clubs Drinks Night to be hosted by the Chairman Friday, 10th June, 5.30pm onwards at Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton Drinks at Members and non-Member’s prices. To book: call 03 9348 3428 or email admingh@graduatehouse com.au This event is the first in a series of initiatives aimed at bringing together our members with members from our reciprocal associations and friends of the University. ABN: 55 610 664 963 | IARN: A0023234B
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GU PR OMOTI O N
Christmas in July Lunches are back! No need to wait till December to enjoy Christmas food fare Available every Wednesday in July (6th, 13th, 20th, 27th July 2022) Lunch 12:00pm - 2:00pm
In the month of July, members and guests are welcome to hold Christmas-themed private parties at Graduate House (See Menu on page 7) Booking is required 6
G U PRO M OT IO N
Christmas in July Function Menu available 1st – 29th July 2022 Set menu for lunch or dinner - Table service is 50/50
Entrée Seafood salad (gf) Herb crusted beef with dijon cream sauce Spinach and mushroom quiche (v) (vegetarian option)
Main Course Seasoned turkey breast with cranberry and chestnut stuffing served with roasted vegetables and gravy Grilled salmon with pineapple salsa served with green pea and pumpkin puree (gf) (df) Spinach and ricotta ravioli with creamy mushroom sauce (v) (vegetarian option)
Dessert Plum pudding with custard brandy sauce (v) Mixed berry pavlova (gf) (v) Summer fruit salad (v+) (gf) (gf) gluten free (v) vegetarian (v+) vegan (df) dairy free
Two courses I $62.00 per person Three courses I $72.80 per person 7
REC IPROCAL NEWS
Reciprocal Clubs in Singapore The Graduate Union holds reciprocal arrangements with the following prestigious clubs in Singapore: • National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) • Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Alumni Club. Members of The Graduate Union seeking accommodation and club facilities in either of these clubs can obtain a letter from our office and make individual arrangement before travelling.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Alumni NTU Alumni Club is a membership-based club set up in 1986 and serves as a platform for the alumni to collaborate with each other and in doing so cultivate a lifelong relationship with their alma mater. It provide opportunities for professional growth, personal development, and networking through social, cultural, and recreational activities. The Club occupies a tranquil and scenic site on the hill crest of One-North Park and members benefit from the usage of club facilities; and with affiliate clubs, they enjoy discounts at a wide range of merchant partner outlets. The nine-storey clubhouse of the NTU Alumni Club hosts a variety of amenities and services including a fully equipped gym, swimming pools, sauna, steam room, cafe on Level 3, TV and reading rooms, boardrooms, ballrooms, a child care centre and (because it houses also The Graduates’ Family Club) even a mini kiddy’s water park. With your Graduate Union membership, you, our members, are guaranteed a warm welcome when you choose to stay at the NTU Alumni Club. We, in turn, extend a warm welcome to their members when they choose to reside in Graduate House when visiting Melbourne. NTU Alumni Club 11 Slim Barracks Rise (off North Buona Vista Road) Singapore 138664 Phone: +65 6777 1101 www.ntualumni.org.sg
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R EC IPR O CAL NEWS
National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) The National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) is Singapore’s premier graduate club offering a common meeting ground for graduates from local and recognised foreign universities. Membership with NUSS opens up vast networks of opportunities with fellow graduates and professionals who share a like-minded intellectual heritage and experience. Besides being prestigious, exclusive and convenient, an NUSS member can also enjoy the facilities of three Guild houses and these venues provide the perfect backdrop for all business and leisure needs and at the same time, meets the unique needs of graduates that no other social clubs can match.
Food lovers can enjoy the choices of restaurants offered – be it fine dining, café or alfresco, these exclusive eating establishments will meet most taste buds with the delectable creations of award-winning chefs! Other facilities include comprehensive sports and recreational facilities, development programmes and a multitude of exciting events and activities. The reciprocal club arrangement between The Graduate Union and NUSS means that our members can also enjoy all these facilities that the three Guild houses affiliated with NUSS offers. The Kent Ridge Guild House is the largest of the three guild houses managed by the NUSS. It offers a plethora of facilities including a fitness centre, a swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, restaurants, bars, karaoke rooms, and billiard and function rooms. Situated within the NUS campus, it is a great place to unwind and meet up with fellow friends and graduates. Kent Ridge Guild House 9 Kent Ridge Drive, Singapore 119241 Phone: +65 6467 4711, www.nuss.org.sg
Kent Ridge Guild House
The Suntec Guild House
The Suntec City Guild House (SCGH) ia a premier city club that offers connection to the business community and provides an intimate gathering for members and their guests amidst the vibrant ambience of city life. The Bar and Bistro offer a selection of tasty comfort food and carefully crafted Western and Asian cuisines, aimed to entice our members’ taste buds. With superbly-appointed function rooms, as well as professional services, delightful entertainment and leisure facilities, SCGH is a great place to entertain and be entertained. Suntec City Guild House 3 Temasek Boulevard (Tower 5) #02- 401/402 Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983 Phone: 6779 1811, email: secretariat@nuss.org.sg The Mandalay Guild House is nestled within the Novena district, offerring an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of busy city streets. Housed in an iconic two-story black-and-white bungalow, the society’s third Guild House exudes classic colonial charm with the comfort and familiarity of modern design. It houses a restaurant, bar, seminar rooms and sports and fitness centre.
The Mandalay Guild House
Mandalay Guild House 2 Mandalay Rd Singapore 308206 Tel: 6586 3290
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REVIEW
April Monthly Luncheon Wednesday, 6th April 2022
The Secret Life of Chemicals We were honoured to welcome our guest speaker to the April Monthly Luncheon, Professor Alfred Poulos, who spoke about his book, The Secret Life of Chemicals, published in 2019. Prof Alfred Poulos has worked in universities, research institutes and hospitals in the UK, USA, Canada and has published over 150 papers in the international scientific and medical journals. While his medical and scientific research has been wide and varied, it has chiefly focused on the role fats play in health and disease. His recent interests are in nutrition, and in the chemical pollutants present in our food, water and the environment. The Secret Life of Chemicals provides a guide to the many chemicals present in the environment, and their connection to disease including cancer, heart disease and auto-immune disorders. Below is a summary Professor Poulos’s talk. Humans are exposed to a staggering variety of chemical pollutants. Sources of these pollutants include •
Agriculture -APVMA
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Plastics
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Paper
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Water
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Electronic waste
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Motor vehicles/transport
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Power generation
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Pharmaceuticals/supplements > 19, 000 FDA
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Cosmetics
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Clothing
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Cleaning
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Food additives
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Building and construction
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Mining
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Smelting
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Landfill waste
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Fire retardants
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Industry
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Some appreciation of the problem of chemical pollution is apparent from the USA Toxic Substances Inventory which lists more than 80,000 industrial chemicals. The Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority lists more than 3000 herbicide, 1300 pesticide and fungicide chemicals while there are 90,000 registered therapeutic goods, mostly drugs and supplements registered with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. Plastics in particular are a major source of pollution. There are many different types of plastics. In addition to the plastic polymers and monomers, plastics may contain a variety of other chemicals including initiators, antioxidants, dyes/inks, flame retardants, light stabilisers, plasticisers, lubricants, whitening agents, and antimicrobials. Environmental degradation of plastics results in the slow release of the various chemical components. Tiny plastics particles, referred to as microplastics, are also generated from the breakdown of plastics and are now found everywhere including the oceans, rivers, lakes and even in reservoirs and tapwater. They are of particular concern because of their ability to bind other chemicals, including pollutants. After being released into the environment, pollutants can be taken up by animals and plants. They have also been detected in human tissues such as in the blood and brain. Environmental chemicals have even been detected in breast milk in some of the most remote parts of the planet (e.g the Faroes Islands). The source of chemicals taken up are many and varied; and include food and food containers, drugs and supplements, water, indoor and outdoor air, smoking/ vaping, surgery/prosthesis/dental, cosmetics, soaps and other detergents. A major source of chemical exposure for many people within their occupation and there is considerable evidence that workplace chemicals can cause diseases. There are mechanisms in our bodies for detoxifying and eliminating chemical pollutants. One particular protein, cytochrome P450 plays an important role but there is increasing evidence that there are slight differences in the genes for this protein (and many other proteins), referred to as polymorphisms, and it is likely that these differences probably affect the efficiency of detoxification and excretion of many pollutants.
R EVI EW
A key question is whether exposure to the very small amounts of apparently non-toxic doses of the great number of chemical pollutants released into the environment from the many different sources is affecting our health and wellbeing. To determine whether our exposure to the small amounts of individual pollutants can cause disease, we have relied on animal studies to assess likely toxicity. Unfortunately these studies rarely take into account the fact that human exposure to a pollutant can take place over long periods of time – even years. Certainly the number of diseases, including for example cancer, respiratory and skin diseases, that are caused by gradual occupational exposure to non toxic amounts of different workplace chemicals is an indication that long term chemical exposure is potentially harmful.
Professor Poulos is currently working on another book called “Obesity in the 21st century”. Here are some brief notes on the subject.
In addition, toxicology studies carried out on animals rarely take into account potential synergistic effects of chemical mixtures. That is when the combined activities of different chemicals produce effects greater than that predictable from a knowledge of the effects of each individual drug. Before approval for the use of a particular chemical is given, these factors should be taken into account.
This book is aimed:
Finally, as it has been shown repeatedly that chemically stable substances, such as for example DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), fluorocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls break down very slowly and can accumulate in the tissues of animals and even humans, so this should be considered before approval is given for their use.
It is somewhat sobering that, with a large proportion of the world’s population living in developing countries — with barely having enough to eat — the developed world is faced with an “epidemic” of obesity — an epidemic which greatly increases the risk of many different diseases. The emphasis on prevention of obesity has been on diet but diet is but one of many factors which play a role in the development of obesity. This book will look at these factors, and the latest research into how they contribute to the development of obesity, and the many different methods that are being used to treat and prevent obesity. •
to provide the latest and up-to-date information on research into the causes, health consequences and treatment of obesity
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to educate and advocate for healthier lifestyle choices, a better understanding of diet and weight loss programs, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
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to enable a general reader to take informed action to reduce the likelihood of putting on weight and to reduce their risk of developing chronic illnesses
We look forward to the release of ‘Obesity in the 21st century” and hope that Professor will be available to speak at our luncheon again in the near future.
Thank you Professor Poulos, for informative talk on The Secret Life of Chemicals!
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M EM B E R’ S CO NTRI BUT I ON
AUTUMN Unworried scene of autumn peacefulness, blushed with gold splashed leaves upon their silvered slender limbs. The freshly bladed meadow quiet in the sun stilled afternoon, irregularly pierced o’er its twisting valley by meandering brooks. The silent hills unstirred by rested wind. This timeless beauty passed by speeding time; this host of holy peace afar from rushing man is passed by man and just as soon forgot.
AUTUMN TWO I say farewell to summer those long and lingering days and look to coming winter with sadness in my gaze. Oh! winter’s solemn warning That to the earth I go on that last summer morning like those loved long ago. - by Life member, Louis A Coutts
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G R A D UATE H O USE NEWS
Direct access from Parkville station to Graduate House soon
Parkville walkway marks end of Metro tunnelling A vital Metro Tunnel connection linking the future Parkville Station to Victoria’s world leading education and health precinct beneath one of Melbourne’s busiest arterials is now complete.
Tunnel services and Parkville Station. Travel data shows that it will take 33 minutes to get to Parkville from Watergardens Station and just 18 minutes from Caulfield.
The excavation of the pedestrian link below Royal Parade marks the end of four years of tunnelling on the Metro Tunnel ahead of the city-shaping project’s opening in 2025.
Parkville Station, like all other Metro Tunnel stations, will connect seamlessly to Tullamarine Airport via the new airport rail line being built through Melbourne’s west, with passengers being able to get from Parkville to the airport in just 24 minutes.
Passengers arriving at Parkville Station will have direct access to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Women’s Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the University of Melbourne and other key medical and research institutions, including Graduate House, through a 44-metre-long underpass. The walkway also sits outside the Myki ticket gates – creating a quick and easy connection for local residents and workers as well as rail passengers, without having to wait at busy traffic lights on Royal Parade. The end of tunnelling is the culmination of years of hard work deep below the city to build a better train system for Victoria, removing 1.8 million cubic metres of soil and rock to create the twin nine-kilometre tunnels and five new stations. In just three years’ time, passengers on the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will be able to get direct to Parkville without changing trains. Passengers on every other metropolitan rail line will need one simple interchange at Flinders Street (to Town Hall Station), Melbourne Central (to State Library Station), Caulfield or Footscray to access Metro
The underpass was built by installing sections of hollow steel poles called canopy tubes in layers. The canopy tubes provide a structure to support the ground above the area being excavated for the underpass. Five sections of canopy tubes – around 220 tubes in total – were drilled horizontally into the ground and injected with grout before the underpass was excavated below. Once excavated, the surrounding ground in each section was reinforced with a combination of sprayed concrete, rock bolts and steel girders. When finished, the Metro Tunnel will create capacity for more than a half a million additional passengers per week to travel during peak times across Melbourne’s train network. For more information, go to: metrotunnel.vic.gov.au
Source: https://www.innercitynews.com. au/parkville-walkway-marks-end-of-metrotunnelling 13
GRAD UATE HO USE N EWS
2022 Midyear Annual Appeal Funding the future Graduate House Residential Scholarships The Graduate Union was established as a membership association in 1911. It was not until 51 years later, in 1962 — following the purchases of the terraces Leicester Street and the establishment of Graduate House — that we accepted our first graduate students. During these 60 years our graduate residents have come from all over Australia and overseas. We have worked tirelessly to offer them a quality residential experience to enhance and support their university postgraduate studies. The contributions many of our residents have made to our college, to their university, and to their future careers have been immense. We at Graduate House are proud that we have played a role in the quality of this experience. Throughout the past 60 years numerous students have expressed their indebtedness for the financial assistance Graduate House provided to support their postgraduate study and residential experience. Typical is the following by Juanjuan Wu, who was the recipient of the 2018 Margaret Watson Travelling Fellowship and the Robert Heaton Research Support Award: “This was my first visit to Britain and Europe. Its influence on me is surely life-changing. My sincere thanks again for all of the help and support extended to me by Graduate House …”
We know how much the bursaries, awards and other financial assistance we have offered in the past to assist graduate students has been valued. Imagine what Residential Scholarships could achieve in providing rich college experiences to students who otherwise might not be able to avail themselves of such an experience. No more succinct indication of the value of living at Graduate House could be given than that provided by Avinash Rao in the interview with him in this edition of the Newsletter: “It’s a community of scholars as well as a community of friendship – friendships that can last a lifetime.” Also featured in this issue is Mehak Masood (pages 20-21), a resident of Graduate House from 20172018 and recipient of the 2018 Graduate House Bursary award. Having come out of two years of lockdown, we are refreshed and buoyed with confidence in our future such that we have decided that a major focus of this year’s Midyear Annual Appeal will be on providing Full or Part-Residential Scholarships.
Please support our 60th Jubilee Year fundraising drive to establish Graduate Residential Scholarships Our confidence in the future is such that in celebrating the 60th anniversary of Graduate House we want to assist more graduates to have a life-changing experience by offering for the first time full or partresidential scholarships.
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We know that for many students the cost of college residency is prohibitive – not surprisingly, many extremely worthy students who have great potential to contribute fully and significantly to college life, are unable to afford this cost. We want to address this.
G R A D UATE H O USE NEWS
Please contribute towards us establishing full or part-residency scholarships in this 60th jubilee year Our Midyear Annual Appeal is focusing on providing full or part-residency scholarships. Full residency costs approximately $25,000 a year. If 10 people each contribute $500 we could offer a student $5,000 towards their residential fees If 20 people each contribute $500 we could offer a student $10,000. If 10 people each contribute $1,000 we could offer a student $10,000. And if 25 people each contribute $1,000 we could offer a student a full Residential Scholarship of $25,000 Perhaps you are in a position to fully fund a named residential scholarship of $25,000 in honour of (or in memory of) someone special. This could be a one-off donation – or the basis for ongoing support. We are inviting Members and Corporates to become involved in this new initiative. All monies contributed to our 60th Year Jubilee Residential Scholarship Annual Appeal will provide residential support for graduate students – none of it will be used for ongoing costs of The Graduate Union or Graduate House. Please join us in enriching the graduate university experience for special and potential Graduate House residents.
A mailout will be sent out to all Members in the next week seeking your support to this most worthy Annual Appeal. Please join us in this new venture.
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GRAD UATE HO USE N EWS
Celebrating “Graduate House: 60 years a Residential College” Graduate House welcomes Undergraduates and Postgraduates! Graduate House is now opened to students enrolled in their first degree from any university in Melbourne. This initiative is well received and strongly supported by Sally Capp, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne (see The Graduate Union Jan/Feb Newsletter) Continuing our interview series with residents, Councillor of The Graduate Union, Emeritus Professor Martin Comte OAM sits with Resident member Avinash Rao to hear from this young man on his experience of living in Graduate House.
Avinash Rao, Resident at Central Wing, Main Building
Why did you choose to live at Graduate House. Actually, I didn’t choose to live at Graduate House. When I went to the website of The University of Melbourne and looked for Residential Colleges, Graduate House wasn’t listed there. I applied to three or four colleges and Newman College called me first. This was in my 1st semester and I had an interview and it went well. The problem was that they did not have a vacancy then but offered me a place for the 2nd semester. They mentioned that there was a place called Graduate House and 16
suggested that I should have a look and consider staying there for the 1st semester and then move into Newman College in the 2nd semester. So I came to Graduate House and have never looked back. I’m still here even though I have recently graduated; I will be moving out soon. Newman College kept contacting me but I told them that I would be staying on at Graduate House. I just love living here; the people are very interesting and also very supportive.
G R A D UATE H O USE NEWS
What was the attraction of Graduate House? Many things. I really like the rooms in Graduate House. (I’m living in the Centre Wing.) I’m not criticising the rooms in Newman College, but there is something special about the rooms here. It’s important if you’re studying that you feel comfortable in your room. I also love the community here; I like the sense of maturity in the students and this is important if you are studying at the graduate level. I’ve been here for more than two-and-a-half years; I moved in in 2019 and was here during all of the lockdowns. I was in a good place; they managed everything extremely well. What were the particular challenges for you living during COVID? I play a lot of sport and engage in other physical activity through the gym, but during COVID everything was closed; these communities were closed. This was the most challenging thing for me. But at Graduate House itself, we managed very well. Meals, for example, were delivered close to our door so that we didn’t have to go outside to eat. Which degree have you just graduated in? A Masters degree in Data Science. Had you ever stayed in a college or boarding school earlier on in your studies? Yes. In India we don’t call places like this ‘colleges’ – we call them ‘hostels’, and during my undergraduate studies I lived in a hostel for the entire four years. I was used to student living by the time I came here. What are some of the differences between your earlier hostel experience, and living in Graduate House? I think the major difference is the culture. Unlike in India, here you meet people from many different backgrounds and countries – and you get to learn about their culture. This has been very interesting for me. Apart from that I have loved all of the support I have received here. Did you have any problems adjusting to differences in meals? In the beginning I didn’t like it a lot. I really like a healthy lifestyle so I would mostly eat things like broccoli and chicken and so on. But I gradually got used to the food. 17
GRAD UATE HO USE N EWS
Did you have any particular concerns when you first moved into Graduate House? At first I was a little worried that I might say or do the wrong thing because I did not fully understand the culture and did not want to offend anyone. And this also depends on the personality of the person. If you tend to be shy it might be particularly difficult. But I am somewhere in between being an introvert and an extrovert. Happily, I didn’t find it difficult to adjust and quickly made a few friends: from China, Italy and other parts of Europe. I have made some lasting friendships. What was it like fitting into university studies in a foreign country? Were there major differences between here and India? I did my undergraduate degree in India in computer science. The courses there were more theoretical. The courses I did at The University of Melbourne were more practical. This was a good thing because if you’re doing anything related to engineering you need practical experience as well. Another difference is that here there are more options to choose. I was in the Faculty of Science, but I was able to apply to choose electives in another department. For example, I was very interested in Ethics and I was permitted to choose a subject in this field. I was able to study in other areas that I thought had a relationship to my main focus. This was a very positive experience. I understand that you have been strongly involved in activities in Graduate House. Yes, when I came here in 2019, prior to COVID, I was involved in organising new activities – including a Diwali party, celebrating the Indian Festival of Lights. We also organised other events, including ‘Exploring Melbourne’ and sporting activities. I even organised a table tennis tournament. Then, in 2020 and 2021 I helped out in various ways and was also Duty Manager. This involved welcoming new members who came to live here, and I would help them with any problems they had. I loved doing that. In addition to this I joined a local Parkville cricket club and still play with them; we won the premiership last year! As an avid cricket player and someone who loves sport, you made a good choice in coming to Australia to study. In fact, I was accepted to enrol at the University of Edinburgh at the time I was accepted at The 18
University of Melbourne. And I chose Australia because of Australia’s reputation as a sport-loving country. I’m pleased you chose Australia, and I’m sure that many people at Graduate House feel the same. I am the Chair of the Fundraising and Benefactions Subcommittee of our Council and we are wanting to establish Residential Scholarships to assist students to live here during their graduate studies. There are some students who would benefit greatly from the experience but they are unable to pay the full residential fee. Do you have any suggestions to guide us? What are the benefits of living in a college such as this? What can it give students that they otherwise would not have? What can we say to people whom we are asking to donate to help us establish Residential Scholarships? For people like me, if you are coming from a different country and you live in an apartment by yourself - you are isolated; you basically live in a bubble. You tend only to mix with other people from your country. But if you live in a college you get to know people from many countries and cultures. Another benefit is that you will meet people who are studying similar courses as yours – and even working on the same assignments. You can support each other. You are living in a community where people have similar goals. It’s a community of scholars as well as a community of friendship – friendships that can last for a lifetime. Do you have any other advice to give us? I find that several other colleges organise some formal events for all students. These could be social functions or having guest speakers. And at least once a week there is a ‘formal’ dinner that everyone attends. I like this approach. It’s another way of bringing everyone together as a community. I’m very aware that as the end of the semester is approaching, and students are studying for exams or writing their final papers, it can be a period of increased stress. I think it would be most helpful to arrange sessions to assist them. This could include sessions to help them with stress, or give them exam preparation techniques, or assist them with essay writing. I know that some other colleges do offer this kind of support.
G R A D UATE H O USE NEWS
Another thing I have thought about is that in orientation week at the beginning of each semester, the other residential colleges have a ‘presence’ on the university campus. But Graduate House is never represented. The same applies to sports activities and occasions when the clubs across the university and the colleges are featured. It would be nice if Graduate House also had a ‘stall’ on these occasions. These are such useful observations and suggestions. We need to give them serious consideration. Finally, I want to ask if you are now applying for jobs in Australia I am in the process of doing this now. Prior to coming to Australia I had three years experience
working in a consultancy firm in New Delhi after graduating with my first degree and this gave me some valuable early experience. And during my Masters degree I did an internship with a startup company in Melbourne. In addition. I worked for an entire year with Data 61, which is part of CSIRO. All of this has been valuable experience as I set out to find a full-time position. I really wish you well in your search. In addition to your undoubted professional and technical skills you also have outstanding people skills – never underestimate the importance of this! Graduate House has been particularly fortunate in having had you living with us and contributing so richly to our community. Thank you.
North West Metropolitan Cricket Association (NWMCA)’s Premiership Winners 2021. Avinash Rao Wis standing 4th from left
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GRAD UATE HO USE N EWS
Mehak Masood
Creating linkages between economic growth and climate action in Pakistan
Mehak Masood was a resident at Graduate House in 2017 - 2018 while pursuing her Master of Environment degree at The University of Melbourne. During her stay with us, she was actively involved in the events at Graduate House. She was appointed to Membership and Marketing subcommittee in March 2018. At the 2018 AGM meeting, Mehak was presented with the Graduate House Bursary award. The aim of this award is to support the coursework studies of our Residents. Mehak has since returned to her home country, Pakistan. We are so pleased that Mehak has kept in touch with us and shares her story, featured on the Australia Award Pakistan website. The UN Women theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’, recognising the contribution of women and girls around the world who are building a more sustainable future for all by leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation and response. In honour of all the women working to make tomorrow’s world sustainable, Australia Awards is celebrating the achievements of alumna Mehak Masood. Mehak received an Australia Awards Scholarship in 2018 to complete a Master of Environment (Climate Change stream) from the University of Melbourne. Returning from Australia in January 2020, she started working as a Climate Change Technical Adviser at the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) Pakistan, where she developed the climate change portfolio. In this role, she contributed to curbing climate change in Pakistan by providing technical support to the Ministry of Climate Change to achieve its climate action goals and targets set in the Paris Agreement. 20
“My job portfolio included supporting the Ministry of Climate Change in Nationally Determined Contribution revision and ambition raising, which is an example of the successful implementation of the Paris Agreement’s goals and targets,” says Mehak. A Nationally Determined Contribution is a climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts. Each Party to the Paris Agreement must establish a Nationally Determined Contribution and update it every five years. Mehak supported the Ministry of Climate Change and the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority to revise Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contribution by devising policy recommendations and a framework for the technical mitigation working group. She also supported the Ministry to develop policy options for achieving permanent abatement of nitrous oxide emissions from nitric acid production in Pakistan. Mehak’s effort and support led to inputs incorporated in chapters 4 and 10 of the Government of Pakistan’s Updated Nationally Determined Contributions 2021. She has also been engaged as an environmental and social safeguard compliance expert on projects funded by the United States Agency for International Development and the World Bank. Mehak is now excited about transitioning into the corporate sector. She has taken up the position of Manager Sustainability and Climate Change in Interloop Group, a leading global textile manufacturer and exporter. She is enthusiastic about leading dynamic projects that aim to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and develop voluntary carbon markets and a sustainable traceability materials supply chain,
G R A D UATE H O USE NEWS
“In a nutshell, my 24 months in Australia was a rocket booster for my academic, professional and personal trajectory,” Mehak says.
as well as focusing on carbon disclosure, water stewardship, and waste and circularity. Mehak believes she has made lifelong friendships with fellow alumni. She describes her two years in Australia as a time of self-discovery, recognition, motivation, perspective change, paradigm shift and sharpening of her leadership abilities. During her time in Melbourne, Mehak worked as a project assistant and auditor in the Green Impact Program with the Melbourne University Sustainability team. Her work supported the group as exemplars of sustainable, equitable community through their campus operations, environment and engagement activities.
Mehak now plans to work more cohesively with all stakeholders to strengthen the climate finance portfolio in Pakistan, particularly the private sector. “With my work sector transition, I will focus more on the private sector and the opportunity to tap into Voluntary Carbon Markets,” she says, noting that she also wants to develop a business enabling environment for green professionals, especially women. Source: https://australiaawardspakistan.org/ stories/mehak-masood-creating-linkagesbetween-economic-growth-and-climate-actionin-pakistan/
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GRAD UATE HO USE N EWS
March Melba Group Luncheon Review From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage Professor Judith Brett, who is Emeritus Professor of Politics at Latrobe University, spoke at the Melba Group Luncheon on 25th March. The topic of her presentation is “From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage.” Melba Group is a gathering of like minded women who meet monthly, usually on the last Friday of the month at Graduate House to network and discuss topical issues. Professor Brett outlined the progress of the Australian electoral system from the 1850s to the 1920s. Originally, she said, Australians knew less about how our electoral system developed than we knew about English rotten boroughs”. Eventually, the system which came to be known as “The Australian Ballot”, included innovations such as compulsory voting, the secret ballot, the preferential voting system and voting on a Saturday. In the past some electoral systems involved saying in a loud voice who you were voting for. Tenant farmers and others felt pressured to vote a certain way. In other places the ballot papers were coloured so other people could see who you chose. Australia did not invent the secret ballot but made it practical through characteristics such as compartmentalised voting
booths, and printed ballot papers which could be marked simply. Previously, voting on a Saturday was not common. Neither was postal or absentee voting. Mid week voting disenfranchised students who couldn’t travel and unionists who needed to be able to vote at the closest booth. Any voting arrangements which made voting more difficult ran the risk of disenfranchising sectors of the population. Fair voting demanded impartial public servants to administer the system. This did not always occur. Similarly there were differences in whether women or First Nations people could vote. Further developments came with the debates on Federation. Now the Australian voting system is robust and Australians’ trust in government is witnessed by the acceptance of registering for compulsory vaccination, unlike in the United States. The majority of people in Australia turn out to vote, giving legitimacy and more equality in decision-making. Without compulsory voting we would not have implemented Medicare or integrated new migrants who became citizens. We now have a fully functioning multicultural electoral system. This summary is provided by Elizabeth Owen, a journalist and an attendee at the March Melba Group luncheon
From left: Sheila Byard, Jan Harper, Barbara Hall, Judith Brett, Jenny Doull, Gael Wallace, Margaret Sawyer and Emily Shell
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G R A D UATE H O USE NEWS
Melbourne Press Club Iftar Dinner 28th April, 2022
The Melbourne Press Club and the Australian Intercultural Society hosted the 2022 Media lftar Dinner at Graduate House on 28th April. The event, held in combined rooms in the Stella Langford Wing was attended by 80 guests. The attendees consisted of members from a crosssection of Melbourne’s diverse society who came together to reflect, meet, engage in conversation and enjoy the traditions of hospitality that are an important part of the Muslim community.
During the evening, the panellists addressed this year’s topic, “Conflation of religion and nationalism in authoritarian rule”. Among the guest who attended the Iftar Dinner was Father Bob Maguire, pictured below, with Hospitality Manager, Mrs Rosie Ellul.
This year’s panel were (pictured above, from left): •
Mahmood Fazal; Journalist
•
Tony Walker; VC Fellow, La Trobe University
•
Karen Percy; MEAA Media President
•
Ali Moore; Journalist
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GRAD UATE HO USE N EWS
We thank the following organisations for their event bookings at Graduate House in March -April 2022 Australian Society of Music Education (ASME) Victorian Chapter Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) Victorian Division Committee Australian Intercultural Society Australian Italian Lawyers Association Australian Professional Thermography Association Inc. Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN)
Melbourne Medical School (MMS) Melbourne School of Population and Global Health Melbourne School of Professional and Continuing Education (MSPACE) Melbourne University Car Club Mental Health First Aid MHFA Michael Quin Oncology One Pty Ltd Opticum Pty Ltd
Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) Manufacturing Division
Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller Incorporated
Committee of Convocation
Parkville Conference of St Vincent de Paul
Department of Infrastructure Engineering
Peter MacCallum
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Phoenix Australia - Centre for Post-trauamtic Mental Health
Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Graduate House Student Group (GHSG) Holy Trinity St. Nicholas Russian Catholic Church Homes Victoria Howard Pascoe (private event) Institute of Senior Officers of Victorian Education Services
Probus Club of Carlton Parkville Quiet Revolution Group Retired Veterinarians Group RIC Business Development and Innovation Rotary Club of Carlton Rotary District 9800 Foundation Committee
Institution of Civil Engineers
Slavery Links
Jane McCredie (private event)
Social Transformations and Education Academic Group
Melba Group Melbourne Graduate School of Education
Victorian State Secondary Past Principals’ Association (VASSP) inc.
Thank you for your feedback Accommodation feedback:
Meeting Services feedback:
I've had a very comfortable and productive stay at Graduate House. Staff and residents have been most friendly and welcoming.
Thank you Rosie. Your organisation and support of our event was excellent.
Graduate House is a wonderful environment for study and research. I do hope that I can visit again soon. Best regards, Professor Dale Pullin
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Dr Chelsea Hyde Melbourne Graduate School of Education
G R A D UATE H O USE NEWS
Academic and Professional Meeting Development (APMD) Groups Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals’ Association (VASSP) Inc. (VASSP) Inc. held their reunion lunch for past principals on 24th March. The past Principals have been organising their reunion luncheons at Graduate House since 2018. Thank you for choosing Graduate House for your annual get together.
Turkish Teachers Association of Victoria (TTAV) TTAV held their event at Graduate House on Saturday, 7th May with 40 attendees. The association is an organisation that aims to facilitate communication and cooperation between teachers of Turkish in Victoria & Australia. TTAV have been organising their functions at Graduate House since 2015 and we are grateful for their patronage.
Full House in the Bistro Photo taken: 30th March
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N EWS F R OM GRADUAT E H OU SE
Residents and Members Ramadan Iftar Dinner Held on Friday, 8th April, Residents members and members enjoyed a sumptuous feast of Ramadan festive fare ranging from lentil soup, dried dates, grilled meats, salad varieties to platters of sweets and pastries including the all time favourite, Baklava. Thank you GU chefs - another great job! The word, Iftar means the meal taken at sunset to break the fast after a day of fasting.
Graduate House Student Group (GHSG) Activities
Residents members enjoyed a evening of Origami in the Johnston Library on 8th April, learning the art of folding paper into 3D subjects, under the guidance of Resident member, Victor Sun, an advance skilled origamist. Movie Nights were also enjoyed by Residents in the months of April and May.
Origami Evening
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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
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