THE GRADUATE UNIONÂ
NEWSLETTER MAY 2019
Contents / GU Newsletter
CONTENTS GOVERNANCE 3
New President of The Graduate Union The Hon Diana Bryant AO QC
GU COLLEGIATE 5 6 7
May Monthly Luncheon Dr Helen Szoke AO May College Table Dr Angelito Calma AGM Dinner Ms Deborah Glass OBE
FEATURES 8
How music lessons led to an OAM
MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS 24
Exploring the Historic State of Victoria by Ms Shabnam Daliri
25
A Simple story by Life Member, Mr Louis A Coutts
ACADEMIC and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS 22 OTHER 17
May John Cain Foundation Luncheon David Lewis
21
Innovation Inland rail offers agricultural savings
REVIEWS 10
April Monthly Luncheon Associate Professor Kate MacNeill
12
March College Table Associate Professor Gregory Harper
13
February Women's Forum
in March 2019
Extracurricular Growing ethical leadership in Australia 26
Feedback
27
Diamond Jubilee Campaign Contribution Form
GRADUATE HOUSE NEWS 14
Universities need to listen by Robert Bolton
15
Hockey Half Blue Dr Barry McKeon
16
Insights into Meditation 2019 GHSG Committee
18
The Skeptic in the Library Star of the South at Graduate House
19
General Sir John Monash Foundation Seen at Graduate House
20
Retired Veterinarian Group Australian Institute of International Affairs
GU Merchandise Diamond Jubilee Cufflinks Designed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the purchase of the Gladstone Terrace by The Graduate Union. These elegant 82.5 sterling silver cufflinks contain a three-wing motif, inspired by The Graduate Union’s logo. $104.00 — sterling cufflinks $195.00 — sterling cufflinks with diamond inset. Available for purchase at reception or online at www.graduatehouse.com.au/merchandise
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Governance / GU Newsletter
New President of The Graduate Union The Graduate Union is proud to announce the appointment of The Hon Diana Bryant AO QC as The Graduate Union’s 17th President since our organisation’s incorporation in 1957. This appointment is for a term of three years until 2022 and with the potential for another threeyear term. Justice Bryant has had a distinguished career in the law. She was the inaugural Chief Federal Magistrate of the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia (now the Federal Court of Australia), before being appointed Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia – serving in this latter role from 2004 to 2017. Justice Bryant holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from The University of Melbourne and a Master of Laws degree from Monash University.
The new President of The Graduate Union, The Hon Diana Bryant AO QC. Photo source: ABC.
She began working as a legal practitioner in Victoria in 1970, and was a partner in Phillips Fox in Perth, Western Australia, from 1977 to 1990, practising as a solicitor and counsel in family law. She was also a Director of Australian Airlines from 1984 to 1989. Returning to Melbourne, Her Hon practised law at the Victorian Bar, specialising in family law and de facto property disputes. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1997 and was a founding member of the leading independent Chancery Chambers. Throughout her career Justice Bryant has worked to further women in the law. She was involved in establishing Women Lawyers of Western Australia and has been a Patron of Australian Women Lawyers since 2009. Her role as Patron has been in recognition of her support for women lawyers and her efforts to promote equality of opportunity for women in the community. Diana is also a member of the Australian Association of Women Judges. Diana Bryant QC was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2012 for “distinguished service to the judiciary and to the law, particularly to family law policy reform and practice, through the establishment of the Federal Magistrates Court, and to the advancement of women in the legal profession”. Another recent
achievement was her induction into the Western Australian Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018 in recognition and celebration of her many significant contributions. Justice Bryant chairs a working group for the Hague Permanent Bureau in relation to Article 13(b) of the Child Abduction Convention, while also working with the National Judicial College to facilitate workshops for the judiciary throughout Australia. She is currently Judge in Residence at Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne. We congratulate Justice Bryant on her appointment as President. Diana will officially take the reins after the next Annual General Meeting to be held at Graduate House on 30th May. We thank outgoing President, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO, for his dedicated and outstanding service to this Association. Appointed as the 16th President in 2015, Ken has been an active, committed and much-respected President. He will be continuing his work as International President, Variety the Children’s Charity, helping and empowering kids up to age 17 who face sickness, disability or disadvantage; as well as in his new role as Chairman of the Biosciences Research Centre (AgriBio). vvv
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GU Collegiate / GU Newsletter
GU COLLEGIATE Influenza Vaccination Day
Monthly Luncheon
Bridge Nights
Influenza vaccinations are available for all Members. Non-members, university students and staff are welcome (subject to availability).
Dr Helen Szoke AO Oxfam: Tackling Poverty Together
Join in a game or learn to play the card game Bridge. Enjoy biscuits, tea and coffee.
Vaccination is FREE.
Resident Members $10 non-resident Members $30 general public $40, concession $35
Members $2 non-members $6
10:00am to 4:00pm Tue, 30th April
12:00pm for 12:30pm start Wed, 1st May
6:50pm for 7:00pm start Wed, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th May
Italian Conversation Dinner
Special Morning Breakfast
Women's Forum
Dine while learning to speak Italian with an experienced teacher.
Non-resident Members are welcome to join Resident Members for a hearty breakfast at Graduate House.
Come along to discuss 'Gardening and the place it has in our lives'.
Members $17 non-members $25
Free for Resident Members non-resident Members $20
The Forum is free. All are welcome. Lunch is at Member and non-member prices.
6:00pm Tue, 7th, 21st May
7:30am to 8:30am Tue, 14th May
10:00am for 10:30am start Wed, 15th May
College Table
AGM and Dinner
Dr Angelito Calma on Higher Education.
The Annual General Meeting (Members only), followed by the AGM Dinner with guest speaker Ms Deborah Glass OBE
BOOK NOW
Members $12 non-members $20 Loyalty Card holders $12 12:00pm for 12:30pm start Fri, 17th May
Meeting: 5:30pm Dinner: 7:20pm for 7:30pm start Thu, 30th May
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via our website: www.graduatehouse.com.au by phone: (03) 9347 3428 by email: admingh@graduatehouse.com.au or at Reception.
GU Collegiate / GU Newsletter
Monthly Luncheon Oxfam: Tackling Poverty Together
With guest speaker
Dr Helen Szoke AO
Dr Helen Szoke AO is Chief Executive of Oxfam Australia and a strong advocate for foreign aid and international development, human rights, gender and race equity. Dr Szoke previously served as Australia’s Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner and as the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner. She is both a Vice-President and a board member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), and the ACFID Humanitarian Reference Group (HRG) Champion. She sits as an Executive Board Member for Oxfam International.
Wednesday, 1st May 2019 12:00NOON arrival for a 12:30PM start
Graduate House 220 Leicester Street, Carlton
Bookings Tel: (03) 9347 3428 Email: admingh@graduatehouse.com.au Website: graduatehouse.com.au/ coming-events
Helen was appointed a member of the Council of The University of Melbourne on 15th May 2018 and is a Board member of the Cranlana Foundation. She has contributed her expertise on a number of advisory groups investigating racism, bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment, in both government and government agency organisations, and in medical professional bodies. Dr Szoke is a graduate of The University of Tasmania, Deakin University, and has a PhD in Public Policy Regulation from The University of Melbourne.
Cost 10 Resident Members 30 non-resident Members $ 35 concession $ 40 general public $ $
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GU Collegiate / GU Newsletter
College Table Dr Angelito Calma will lead the discussion on Higher Education. Dr Calma is a Senior Lecturer in Higher Education and holds a Doctor of Education from The University of Melbourne (2009) and a Graduate Diploma in Education Studies from The University of Queensland (2001). From 1998 to 2006, Dr Calma worked overseas teaching at the undergraduate level in the following areas: quantitative methods in business, introductory business/management, and business for students in economics, commerce, business, accounting, human resource, finance, and multimedia arts. In his current role, he is responsible for quality assurance, teaching, research and in-staff development programs, including the Tutoring in Higher Education program. He is particularly interested in the overlap between education and business. Dr Calma worked previously as Project Manager and Researcher at the Centre for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE) at The University of Melbourne and as a Content Manager in Professional Programs and Pathways with CPA Australia (Melbourne).
Friday, 17th May 2019 12:00NOON arrival for 12:30PM start
Bookings Telephone: (03) 9347 3428 Email: admingh@graduatehouse.com.au Venue: Graduate House 220 Leicester Street, Carlton Cost: $12 Members, $20 non-members, $ 15 loyalty card holders
ABN: 55 610 664 963 | IARN: A0023234B
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GU Collegiate / GU Newsletter
Annual General Meeting and Dinner Thursday, 30th May 2019
Ms Deborah Glass OBE is the Victorian Ombudsman, appointed for a 10 year term in March 2014. Deborah was raised in Melbourne and studied Law at Monash University.
AGM: 5:30PM to 6:30PM Members only Dinner: 7:00PM for 7:30PM Members, guests and non-members.
After practising law briefly in the city, she joined a US investment bank in Switzerland in 1985. She was appointed to the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission at its inception in 1989, where she became Senior Director, instrumental in raising standards in the investment management industry. Deborah moved to London in 1998 where she became the Chief Executive of the Investment Management Regulatory Organisation. In 2001, she joined the UK Police Complaints Authority, and in 2004 became a Commissioner with the new Independent Police Complaints Commission of England and Wales (IPCC). She was the Commissioner responsible for London, and for many high profile criminal and misconduct investigations into police conduct. Deborah was appointed IPCC Deputy Chair in 2008, carrying operational responsibility for the IPCC’s regional Commissioners, and was awarded an OBE for her service in the New Year Honours List in 2012. As the Ombudsman, Deborah is committed to ensuring fair and reasonable decision making in the Victorian public sector and to improving public administration. She holds a firm belief in public sector integrity and the protection of human rights.
Bookings RSVP by Monday, 27th May 2019 Telephone: (03) 9347 3428 Email: admingh@graduatehouse.com.au Venue: Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria
Prices $10 Resident Members $30 Non-resident Members $35 Concessions $40 non-members ABN 55 610 664 963 | IARN A0023234B
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Feature / GU Newsletter
Setting the standard – how 40 years of music lessons led to an OAM Mr Robert Brown OAM seems pleasantly surprised when people mention his Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM), which he received in the Queen’s Birthday Australian Honours List in September 2018 for service to the performing arts, particularly through music. Arguably, it could be said that Mr Brown’s award has been 40 years in the making. While he claims to be ‘semi-retired’, he continues to be heavily involved in music teaching and is currently President of the Mitcham Orchestra and of the Adelaide Eisteddfod Society, and Vice-President of the Music Teachers’ Association. He also works with the Women’s Vocal Group Encounter, the Flute Society of South Australia and the Music Teachers’ Association of South Australia. The teaching of the recorder and flute has changed significantly from his days of teaching in the 1970s. Mr Brown says he first started teaching music from his home in 1974 and in schools in 1978, and since taught the full spectrum of students, from primary to secondary school levels and beyond. Students nowadays are dealing with a range of different learning challenges from those in the past, he says. He describes students of this time as also having different expectations from the students he knew when he learnt music. “Students today want more instant results — probably from their use of computers and IT. People before were more prepared to be patient.” Technology, along with the fast pace of life, seems to have sped up the
Mr Robert Brown at Government House, Adelaide, with wife Felicity, after being presented with the OAM. lives of his students, he says. “Kids also do a lot more. They have no time to practice and sometimes I am not sure when they sleep.” When teaching today’s youth, Mr Brown says he often takes different tactics and methods to engage their interest in order for them to improve and find their own motivation.
keeps you going always, as there’s always something there — a catalyst — always something new around the corner.” He is very positive that once a student improves and gains confidence with their instrument, options and opportunities really begin to open up for them. “We are all beginners sometime,” he says.
Mr Brown’s own education in music was completely different. He gained a Diploma of Music with the Flinders Street School of Music (also known as the School of Music of the Adelaide Institute of TAFE) in the mid-1970s. This School was later to be amalgamated into the University of Adelaide in the early 2000s.
Aware that an instrument can be rewarding both as a solitary pursuit and as a group activity, he remains committed to music and the benefits that it can give. “I’ve had about 50 years behind the flute but I got into it in Grade 5 when told by my mother that I could not learn piano. Then I asked for violin, and got a no, and then I asked for flute and by then, she couldn’t think of a reason why I couldn’t do it.”
Robert sees music as its own reward, comparing it to art. “Music is a very good social outlet. That’s what
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Feature / GU Newsletter
Still committed to the flute, which he describes as his ‘main instrument’, Robert continues to play in the quintet of which he has been a member for 22 years. This quintet has only performed publicly eight times but he is not particularly perturbed by this. “We don’t actively run around looking for concerts to play. We just enjoy getting together and having a play.” Mr Brown is also interested in how different musical genres are impacting on the teaching of music. “There’s a lot of interest in pop music areas and trying to have events that deal with pop music and not so much classical; and more music teachers are giving it a go.” Describing how jazz has seen an enormous revival in secondary school students, particularly through the work of James Morrison and his Academy of Music in Mount Gambier, Mr Brown acknowledges that there often needs to be someone with a high profile to champion older musical causes and genres to students. Looking back at the receiving of his OAM, while he says he doesn’t have any specific goals, he does hope to keep on doing more of the same. “For the Adelaide Eisteddfod I am excited to be providing more competing and performance opportunities, with prize money. The important things are the performance opportunities, enabling other organisations to provide experiences for more people, and for more music education, music teacher organisations, and support for the professional development for teachers.” Providing music teachers with professional development opportunities is another area of interest for Mr Brown. With a requirement for 20 hours every three years, Robert notes that this should be about providing ‘20 hours’ of new ideas and inspiration, as well as more education and knowledge to assist
Mr Robert Brown OAM teaching a student in 1994. and motivate teaching along the way, he says.
professional photographs to complete the day’s pageantry.
Proud of his OAM, Mr Brown says he was delighted with the day at Parliament House and impressed by how smoothly and well-organised the event was. “The ceremony was actually three months after the announcement (in June) and the event itself had people perform from the military, who are usually brass players, and who performed the Vice Regal Salute prior to Advance Australia Fair.” An incredibly wellrehearsed event, he says the actual ceremonies were conducted over three days, with the recipients receiving an official letter and
Mr Brown concludes by reflecting that there are many unsung heroes in the community who also deserve such recognition. “We should be nominating people who have delivered; and normally these are people who are eligible for the Australian Honours. People should think about normal people in their community to nominate.” vvv
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Review / GU Newsletter
April Monthly Luncheon Review Wednesday, 3rd April 2019
Associate Professor Kate MacNeill At the April Monthly Luncheon, Members had the opportunity to listen to Associate Professor Kate MacNeill, Director of the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Arts, talk on the topic of ‘Collecting and Exhibiting the Work of Women Artists’. Professor MacNeill’s talk was a discussion of the place of women artists in society and the discrepancy in how we attach value to the artistic works by men and women. Professor MacNeill began by showing some examples of exhibitions of works by women artists. One such exhibition is So Fine: Contemporary women artists make Australian history which includes artworks by living women artists that re-tell Australian history from the point of view of women. Another example is Unfinished Business: Perspectives on art and feminism exhibition at the ACCA (Australian Centre for Contemporary Art) which is an explicitly feminist exhibition featuring artworks from women in all areas of activity (music, performance as well as painting) and from women’s movements of different areas. In addition to these women-only exhibitions, there are organisations that are committed to collecting women’s artworks. One outstanding example is The Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art at the Brooklyn Museum (New York) which has exhibited monumental works of art by women that have sparked fruitful conversations about the role of women artists in contemporary society.
“Why is it important,” Professor MacNeill asked, “to have these focused exhibitions?” An analytical investigation in 2014, she reported, found that nearly 60% of the artwork exhibited in galleries and museums are by male artists, 34% are by women and the remaining 6% are collaborations Associate Professor Kate MacNeill between the two. This shows the Professor MacNeill also showed the marginalisation auction record of the top 100 works of women artists and their art in by value. The highest is $450 million the galleries, and in society and art for Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator history in general. Mundi, with only 10 works by Professor MacNeill noted that “the women that are in this group. “The problem is that since galleries and discrepancies in value attached to art exhibitions have limited funding, the work by male and female artists they tend to purchase male artworks are extreme.” But why is this the because they attract more people”. case? The remainder of Professor At the same time, it is proven that MacNeill’s talk was a discussion of when a work is shown in a gallery, these reasons. its value increases. This is an issue She explained that we need to ask a about which the art market and few other questions first: ‘How do we collectors are aware. After being value art?,’ ‘What has been the history displayed at an exhibition, the work of art?” and ‘How does that influence will be acknowledged, for instance, our reception of art in the present?’ ‘as shown in the National Gallery To answer these questions, Professor of Victoria’, therefore bringing MacNeill referred to many studies these women artists to the light and research that showed the ways in competition with their male in which women’s work is valued counterparts. less. One of the most surprising, to
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Review / GU Newsletter
the audience, was the rather nonacademic but relevant study done by a group of researchers who realised (through 'big data analysis') that “if a woman was selling an item on eBay, and a man was selling the exact same item on eBay, the price that was bid for the item was higher if it was being sold by a man”. How could this be? Professor MacNeill responded, “we know that women’s labour has been devalued over time”. It is the same in the art world: since we tend to collapse the identity of the artwork with the artist, the gender of the artist determines the value assigned to that artwork. This means, Professor MacNeill concluded, “the relation between the economic position of women and the social position of women in society more generally feeds into the value that we attach to the artwork by women . . . So my sort of conclusion from this is we should not limit ourselves to promoting women in the art world — we certainly need to do that — but we should focus on the issue of gender equality in society more generally”. Professor MacNeill then proceeded to discuss some of the other factors that contribute to this underappreciation of female artworks. Another reason, she explained, is that throughout the history of art, the notion of talent and artistic genius has always been a gendered (that is masculine) concept — the idea that all the creative powers are not worldly but otherworldly and possessed by men. Professor MacNeill noted that this assumption is not limited to the visual arts. In music, auditions are
now being held behind a screen in order to hide the gender of the musician. Some places go to such lengths as to carpet the floor in order to muffle the sound that women’s shoes might make when entering and exiting the audition room. They take all these measures to ensure that the musician is judged on the quality of their art/music and not on historical presumptions and innate biases about the relation between gender and artistic creativity and genius. Indeed, Professor MacNeill reported that a study on the effects of the screen found that the screen increased by 50% the probability that a woman would pass from the preliminary round to the next. She noted that it is more difficult to mimic this in the visual arts because the style often points to the gender of the artist. A second reason that contributes to the lack of representation and appreciation of women’s artworks is the canon. In the arts, the canon refers to all the masterpieces of past artists which comprise the history and tradition of art in a society. The work of the present is often valued against the work of the past — the value of a contemporary work of art is determined based on whether and how it fits in the canon. The canon, therefore, often casts shadows on how we value the art of the present. This problem gets more complicated since, as Professor MacNeill noted, “the canon is predominantly made of work by male artists who produced their masterpieces at certain historical times in which a particular gender relation existed in the society”. This means that “we need to interrogate the canon and
the privilege they have in this regard in addition to uncovering the works of women artists”. Professor MacNeill also addressed a third contribution to the underrepresentation of women in art: the problem of the gap in the collection. When art collectors and historians are able to purchase a work of art (when they have secured funding for this purpose), they prefer to buy missing artworks of their existing collections, which are mostly by male artists, in order to fill in the gaps that exist in these collections, rather than purchasing and collecting the works of women artists. Although this is an understandable challenge for art collectors who would like to complete the narrative of the life and works of a certain artist, “what does it mean for the future of art,” Professor MacNeill asked, “if we continue to spend significant amounts of money to fill in the gaps?” Leaving the audience with this question about the place of women’s art in society, Professor MacNeill concluded her talk by saying that we need to build alliances with women working in all areas who are promoting the cause and rights of women in order to change the socio-economic status of all women, including women artists, in society. vvv
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Review / GU Newsletter
College Table with Dr Gregory Harper Friday, 15th March 2019
Discussion on Agriculture It is openly acknowledged by academics that food and the agribusiness industry are facing a world-wide shift. One such academic is Associate Professor Gregory Harper, who is keenly aware of the challenges fuelled by growing resource insecurity and climate change, the rapid globalisation of food chains and increased consumer demand for sustainable produce. This industry faces many uncertainties it must seek to address. Addressing the College Table participants (‘the table’) in March, Dr Harper led a fruitful discussion concerning the future of Australian agriculture. Dr Harper is Associate Professor and Business Development Director of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation in the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences at The University of Melbourne. Australia remains fertile ground for innovation in the food and agribusiness sector. Despite this, the commercialisation of such innovation is often not pursued. Dr Harper experienced this first-hand when working in research and development with the CSIRO’s Division of Animal, Food and Health Sciences, and in managing the strategic science portfolio of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). He suggested that the industry may require new models for connecting people and resources across the production process and in the exploration of new markets. Dr Harper expressed that the collective nature of the Australian community can be lost due to the individuality of groups within the agricultural sector, resulting in a lack of action on key issues. “Change is dependent on all parties in the innovation system” he noted. Given
the complex nature of such issues, there is often divisiveness between agricultural groups about what is best practice when it comes to implementing preventive measures. The table largely agreed that informed conversation between all groups in our community, including Indigenous land owners, civil society, government and industry, is vital to effecting change. Dr Harper stressed the need to draw on this collective awareness to ensure excellent scientific research in this area. The table examined the commercial delivery of Australian agricultural science and noted the importance of independent bodies such as the CSIRO in delivering accurate, evidence-based information to the public. Asking “What is driving us? … What do we want most out of our food?”, Dr Harper recognised that the traceability of our food has become an increasingly important factor in consumer purchasing decisions. Consumers want to know where their food is coming from, how it ended up on their plate and the associated production costs – whether that be to individuals, animals or the environment. The sustainability of meat production, including the environmental costs in terms of water use, pollution and land degradation, is a pertinent issue for many Australians. As a result, markets and consumers are looking for alternative protein sources. While some of these are plant-based, there is also a growth in appetite for new and different types of protein. Witnessing a rise in kangaroo meat consumption in recent years, the table discussed the logistics of harvesting such meat on a significantly larger scale than is
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Dr Gregory Harper currently practiced. Some reports* have shown that replacing cattle and sheep with kangaroos could contribute as much as 10 per cent to Australia’s emissions reduction target of 30 per cent by 2020. This is because kangaroos have a different set of microbes to help their digestion and as a result produce minimal amounts of methane. Moreover, kangaroos do not require the large amounts of water needed by traditional livestock as they have evolved on the driest inhabited continent on Earth and can survive for relatively long periods without consuming much water at all. Despite this, the table noted that the cultural significance of the animal might make it difficult for the community to accept this as a viable option. Dr Harper drew the attention of the table to methods used in some cultures and religions, including the Islamic tradition, to acknowledge that the animal is being killed for the purpose of food, as a way of showing respect for the animal’s life. Australian attitudes to innovation opportunities within the agricultural sector was also discussed, including genetically modified crops and advances in agriculture technology. Dr Harper and the table discussed the hesitation of the community to
Review / GU Newsletter
consider seriously geneticallymodifiable practices, despite the potentially positive outcomes for community health and nutrition, resource availability and in addressing climate change concerns. The table expressed the importance of strict monitoring and regulation of such technology and discussed the potential social and political issues that may arise as a result. On the future of agriculture technology, Dr Harper spoke about how machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are being employed to help farmers find more efficient ways to protect their crops from weeds without harming important insect ecosystems. In addition, biometric technology is being used to study how people around the world respond emotionally to certain foods through a sophisticated analysis of factors that affect the enjoyment of our food. The evolution of such technologies will assist in determining the future of the Australian food and agriculture industry, from growing and harvesting to transportation and delivery. Innovation opportunities within the agricultural industry will become increasingly important as the nation addresses pressing factors such as climate change, population growth and food security concerns. Dr Harper and the table provided an insightful discussion on the challenges facing the Australian food and agriculture industry, now and in the future. We look forward to thoughts from our Members on how we might work together on these challenges. vvv *Retrieved 12th April 2019 from http://www.ecosmagazine.com
Women’s Forum Review
Wednesday, 20th February 2019 Why is academic accomplishment undervalued in Australia in comparison with, for example, sport? Below are some salient points from the forum. 1. Sport is an important part of Australian culture dating as far back as the early Colonial Period. Among the first organised sports in Australia were cricket, Australian Rules football, rugby, tennis and horse racing. 2. Sport has shaped the Australian national identity through events such as the Ashes, the Melbourne Cup and the Australian Open. Australia is well represented in international sports events, e.g., the Olympics. 3. Some people's lives are centred around sport and practices - so to them, sport is more interesting and has more appeal than academia. Also, the Australian climate is conducive to watching sports and outdoor sports-related activities. 4. The media plays an important part in Australia's sporting scene, with many events televised and also broadcast on social media. There are many sports-related television and radio programs and magazine publications dedicated to sport. 5. Australian sport has also been the subject of Australian-
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made films such as The Club, Australian Rules, Phar Lap and Footy Legends. A nation needs to have all of its people as educated as possible to be fulfilled and successful. Sport and academia can be balanced with equitable government funds allocated to both sporting and academic achievements. It is often thought that private schools perform better than public schools, but new analysis has shown otherwise. With all things being equal, it may seem that the only factors that are making the difference are the teachers and the students in public schools themselves, who defy expectations and labelling. There are many successful academics from public schools. It is interesting to note that attendance at art galleries, theatres, arts and non-sportrelated events can be as well attended as a major sporting event. We are very fortunate to live in Australia which provides both sporting and academic opportunities not available in many other countries. vvv
The next Women’s Forum is on Wednesday, 15th May 2019 with the topic 'Gardening and its place in our lives'. 10:00AM for 10:30AM start. The forum is free. Lunch is at Member and non-member prices.
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Graduate House News / GU Newsletter
Universities need to listen to what students want from their degrees by Robert Bolton, Education Editor, Financial Review University students have become “customers” and if universities are uncomfortable with that idea they are out of touch. The Chief Executive Officer of study support service, Studiosity, Michael Larsen, said a survey of student experience showed the demand-driven system has shifted what students expect to get from higher education and many universities are running hard to catch up. The survey asked 1,100 students to rate their satisfaction with university education. Nearly 49 per cent said they did not believe the course they were studying was worth the money it cost. More than 55 per cent said it would “take years to pay off my student loan”. That was despite the fact only 16 per cent thought what they learnt at university could have been learnt in a job. And only 10 per cent felt that the quality of what they learnt at university was not of a high standard. “Value is a big part of the student experience,” Mr Larsen said. “Everyone in society has become a consumer. Services like Netflix and Menulog have changed expectations. The availability and immediacy of those services has raised the bar for what students experience.” He said the demand-driven system meant everyone who wanted to go to university could get there. But combined with the high cost of a degree there were far more people
Studiosity survey results in the system who felt they weren't getting value for money. “Not all universities see students as customers and are quite confronted by that idea. That's a shame. Universities need to improve the student experience,” Mr Larsen said. Student responses to the survey question “Was your degree worth the money?” included, “I feel many people still go out from uni unprepared because they haven't actually experienced the world”, “It's very theoretical, not very practical based learning like you deal with in the workplace” and “what I am learning seems more theory based and not very practical”. The Chief Academic Officer at Studiosity and former Pro-ViceChancellor, Learning and Teaching, at Sydney University, Professor Judyth Sachs said the survey results suggested that the quality of university education was not in question but the high cost showed that there was a disconnect as far as
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students were concerned. Professor Sachs says universities are out of touch. “Universities have to do more on employability, on soft skills and being able to work in a team.” She said nearly 19 per cent of students in the survey said that they did not feel as if they had learnt enough to be job ready. “In some professional areas like engineering and psychology this has been going on for a long time. But for arts degree or generalist science degrees there has to be an employability focus. “It's government policy that universities respond to performance indicators,” Professor Sachs said. The most important of these was the government’s Quality Indicators of Learning and Teaching (QILT) survey of attrition, retention and employability which will feed into the new performance-driven funding from 2020 should a Coalition government continue.
Graduate House News / GU Newsletter
The Australian Labor Party has also said it will look at performance funding if it wins power in May.
university; it's large, informal and chaotic but they're expected to perform."
“It's about making the universities more accountable. Given government is spending more money than ever on higher education, it has to get more accountability and responsibility from unis.”
“I was Provost at Macquarie University for 12 years. Retention rates were high. But we found lots of the first in family didn't have the cultural capital to be self-supporting.”
She said universities also needed to pay more attention to engagement in the first months of an undergraduate degree which was where there were high levels of drop-out. “There's a broad disconnect. Students come to uni without any peer group. Lots of them don't know how to navigate their way. Especially if they're first in family and alone at
She said a drawback of the QILT survey was it pushed universities to focus on “technocratic” solutions when what they needed to think about was how to ensure students were successful. “We're not just talking about academic terms. It's the value-add of soft skills, it's about producing productive and successful citizens.
Hockey Half Blue for Life Member, Dr Barry McKeon
Among international students, 42 per cent thought the degree was not worth the cost and of these 37 per cent said they didn't feel they'd learnt enough to be 'job ready'”. Mr Larsen said, “With the cost of higher education on the rise, proving consistent value-add will be a challenge for universities.” Only 16 per cent of students in the survey said their experience of university was better than they expected. One of them added, “I thought it would feel more like a community.” vvv This article was originally published in the Financial Review on 25th March 2019
Life Member, Dr Barry McKeon recently received his Hockey Half Blue Certification. It took only 67 years! A ‘blue’ is an award earned by athletes at a university for competition at the highest level. It is awarded at British, and some Canadian, Australian and New Zealand universities. A ‘half blue’ is a sportsman who substitutes for a full blue or who represents the university in a minor sport. After having casually mentioned to us that he had not received his certificate at the time, Barry was overwhelmed by the tremendous effort and diligence of all those involved in getting him his certification, particularly Mr Thomas Lutwyche, Sport Performance Coordinator, Melbourne University Sport and his staff, who verified the Half Blue, had the certificate prepared and printed and obtained the new Vice Chancellor’s signature!
Barry McKeon, first left on seat, and the Melbourne University Hockey Team, at the Intervarsity Carnival in Sydney, 1951
Barry already has it framed and hung on his wall. Congratulations to Barry, well deserved and well worth the wait! vvv
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Graduate House News / GU Newsletter
Insights into Meditation On 5th April, we welcomed Venerable Dr Vimokkha Mendhino, who, along with Ms AnAn and Ms Kelly Puriyakorn from the Buddhist Society of Victoria (BSV), gave an insight into the art and practice of meditation. The session was attended by 55 Members and guests and held in the combined Hewlett and Taylor Rooms. Dr Mendhino started with an introduction about the foundations of mindfulness, awareness and consciousness. He encouraged reflecting deeply with mindfulness and awareness over the whole body by watching, knowing and seeing the four postures and movement of the body. Dr Mendhino said that by contemplating using the breathing in-and-out technique and a one-pointedness of mind, and letting-go at the same time, we are letting our entire body flow into a relaxation mode, thus achieving full consciousness in the most natural way.
Dr Mendhino (centre) with Members and guests
Throughout the two-hour session, Dr Mendhino explained and walked the audience through body movement exercises to demonstrate how meditation works. Thank you, Venerable Dr Vimokkha Mendhino. Thank you also to the Buddhist Society of Victoria for organising the event. Venerable Dr Vimokkha Mendhino lives in Bangkok, Thailand and makes a mission trip to Melbourne once a year. We are grateful that he could fit our session into his busy schedule. To Members and guests who attended the session, BSV would like some feedback and are happy to return to Graduate House when Dr Vimokkha visits Melbourne again. Please contact us with your thoughts. vvv
Dr Mendhino demonstrating body movement exercises
Congratulations, 2019 GHSG Committee! We are proud to present the newly elected 2019 GHSG (Graduate House Student Group) Committee members. Established in 2014, the GHSG has a succession process to ensure that the activities and programs are continued with the ever-changing population at Graduate House. President: Hema Preethi Vice President: David Mussoff Secretary: Mugdh Setia Treasurer: Muhammad Mossavir Ahmed Events Coordinator: Faraz Khalid Sports Coordinator: Radhika Agarwal Publicity Coordinator: Merium Kazmi vvv 16 / www.graduatehouse.com.au / ABN 55610 664 963 / IARN A0023234B
Promotion / GU Newsletter
The May John Cain Foundation Luncheon presents
David Lewis who will discuss 'Over-use of a shrinking resource: can we save the Murray-Darling?' Numerous reports tell us the Murray-Darling basin is in crisis. How has this happened and what can be done to save the nation's largest river system? David Lewis is well placed to examine the vexed problem of the Murray-Darling basin. His academic discipline and long experience in government and political advice guarantee informed, dispassionate analysis of the problems in land management and political decision making which have failed this, the nation's most important river system. Join us to hear David's ideas and discuss the policy solutions needed to save the Murray-Darling. About the speaker: David Lewis worked as Adviser to the Victorian Minister of Water Resources, Andrew McCutcheon. He later became Director of Water Rights and Markets, responsible for developing water trading and establishing extraction caps. He now teaches water policy part-time at The University of Melbourne.
When:
12:30PM, Wednesday 15th May 2019
Where:
Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street Carlton
Cost:
$40; concession $30
Bookings:
https://www.trybooking.com/BCERA www.graduatehouse.com.au / ABN 55610 664 963 / IARN A0023234B / 17
Graduate House News/ Seen at Graduate House / GU Newsletter
The Skeptic in the Library Many thanks to Member, Mr Peter Hogan for donating a copy of The Skeptic magazine every quarter to our Graduate House Library. The Skeptic is published four times a year by Australian Skeptics Inc. Since the first issue was published in 1981, The Skeptic has printed articles on a vast variety of sceptical subjects ranging from alien abduction to zombies. There was even an article on the electroencephaloneuromentimpograph, a machine that was used in the B. J. Palmer Chiropractic Clinic around the 1940s. In the latest issue, Vol 39 no 1, March 2019, there are articles about recalcitrant chiropractors, a misty-minded wellness centre, the evolving phenomenon of citizen science, the real science behind the curse of Tutankhamun, and much, much more. vvv
Star of the South at Graduate House On Tuesday, 2nd April, the founder and CEO of Star of the South, Mr Andy Evans, visited Graduate House to meet with Council Members Peter Rogers and Keith Ryall, and the Editor of The Monthly, Mr Nick Feik. Andy is involved in a project to build Australia's first offshore wind farm. This will be located off the coast of Gippsland with a capacity of 2000MW – contributing significantly to Victoria's power generation capacity in Bass Strait and linking with the power distribution network made available with the closure of the Hazelwood Power Station. The Star of the South is named after a ship which brought immigrants from England to the Gippsland region in the 1850s. Just as this vessel contained hopes for a bright new future for her many passengers, the wind farm project will create a new and much-needed era of opportunity for the Gippsland and Latrobe Valley region and its people. Following the recent granting of an exploration licence from the Federal Government due to the location of the wind turbines in Commonwealth waters, detailed technical feasibility
From left: Mr Nick Feik, Mr Andy Evans, Cr Keith Ryall and Cr Peter Rogers. studies will be undertaken over the next three years. If successful, construction of the wind farm would be completed within a further five to six years. The project is being supported by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, a leading international offshore wind and infrastructure developer. Progressing the project in the current political context around energy is challenging, but Andy believes it will “ultimately provide diversity in the
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overall generation mix in Australia and help reduce carbon emissions." The offshore wind farm is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10.5 million tonnes annually, and provide as much as 20 per cent of Victoria with clean energy. We thank Andy for his visit and for providing this opportunity to learn first hand about this exciting and important project for Victoria. vvv
Seen at Graduate House / GU Newsletter
General Sir John Monash Foundation
Cr Molina Asthana and Miss Kimberly Gundani
Ms Annemarie Rolls, CEO of the General Sir John Monash Foundation (left), and Ms Bianca Moore, Director of Operations and Donor Engagement, in front of the portrait of General Sir John Monash in the Stillwell Room. On Thursday, 14th March, the CEO of the General Sir John Monash Foundation, Ms Annemarie Rolls and the Director of Operations and Donor Engagement, Ms Bianca Moore visited Graduate House to meet The Graduate Union CEO/ Head of College, Dr Kerry Bennett. Annemarie and Bianca were excited to learn about Graduate House’s history and connection to General Sir John Monash GCMG KCB VD (1865–1931) as the founding President of The Melbourne University Graduates Association (now The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne) from 1911 to 1912, before he commenced his war service in 1914. This connection provides a wonderful synergy between the Foundation and The Graduate Union. They were photographed in front of a portrait of General Sir John Monash in the Stillwell Room at Graduate House. The portrait is by W. B. McInnes and is a reproduction of an original painting held in The University of Melbourne Art Collection which was gifted to Graduate House by Miss Benticle in 1979.
The General Sir John Monash Foundation was established in 2001 and its mission is to invest in outstanding Australians from all fields of endeavour who demonstrate the leadership and ability to deliver outcomes and inspire others for the benefit of Australia. Its purpose is to raise funds for, and to administer, Australia’s own postgraduate scholarships – the John Monash Scholarships – to foster leadership, expertise and international networks, as well as to build Australia’s capabilities for the future. The John Monash Scholarships are amongst the most important postgraduate scholarships currently available in Australia. To date, the General Sir John Monash Foundation has awarded 182 Scholarships. We are hoping to develop a close and mutually beneficial relationship with the General Sir John Monash Foundation, to bring together John Monash Scholars and our Membership of graduates of all universities, disciplines, ethnicities and life stages. vvv
On the 29th March, Graduate House Council Member, Ms Molina Asthana (left) met with Ms Kimberly Gundani who is completing her Master of Law (Juris Doctor) studies at Monash University. Ms Gundani won the Miss Grand Australia 2018 and is aiming to become a lawyer who represents children and young people in the Family Court. After 11 years with the Victorian Government Solicitor's Office, Cr Asthana recently established her own legal and business advisory practice. She is regularly seen at Graduate House giving her time, expertise and support to earlier career graduates, and introducing them to career and social networks. vvv
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Seen at Graduate House / GU Newsletter
Enjoying a Long Lunch since the 1990s – Retired Veterinarian Group by Member, Dr Andrew Turner It would be an understatement to say that the Retired Veterinarian group enjoy a long lunch, having commenced their tradition of luncheons in the early 1990s. This tradition has enabled former colleagues from various employment backgrounds to maintain contact with each other, both socially and intellectually. These luncheons now take place three to four times each year and are held in conjunction with an invited speaker. Speaker topics have covered
the areas of veterinary, agricultural, medical, government, research and international science. Likewise, attendees have a wide variety of employment backgrounds, including universities, government, the CSIRO, the pharmaceutical industry, and private practice. Over the years, these luncheons have been held in various restaurants in Carlton, Kew, and more recently at Graduate House. The meetings and speakers are arranged by coconvenors Dr Lyn Scott and Dr
Andrew Turner. It is acknowledged that Graduate House has provided us with a most convenient and comfortable venue. The staff has always been most courteous and helpful in facilitating these luncheons. Veterinarians are most welcome to attend and can register by contacting Dr Andrew Turner on 9380 1652. vvv
Australian Institute of International Affairs We were pleased to welcome Dr Bryce Wakefield, National Executive Director of the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), to Graduate House on 10th April. AIIA is an independent, non-profit organisation promoting interest in and understanding of international affairs in Australia. It consists of branches located in seven states and territories coordinated by a National Office located at Stephen House in Deakin, Canberra, where Bryce is based. Dr Wakefield joined AIIA as National Executive Director earlier this year. Previously he was with Leiden University in the Netherlands (2012-2018) and with the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. (2008-2012).
Meet here and there Graduate House is located in Melbourne, one of the most liveable cities in the world. Our vast array of reciprocal associations span Australia and the world. We invite our Members to visit The Graduate Union, either casually or professionally, and to take advantage of our national and international partners.
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Innovation / Extracurricular / GU Newsletter
Innovation: Inland rail offers agricultural savings Results from CSIRO research into the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project suggest that the shifting of horticulture and processing agriculture from road to rail could reduce transport costs by an estimated $70 million per year. Completing a pilot study in 2018, the researchers used the successful computer logistics tool TraNSIT (Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool), along with extensive industry engagement, to focus on the region between Parkes and Narromine in Central West NSW. Researchers identified a baseline of existing freight movements in this area to estimate the potential transport cost savings for the entire Inland Rail project, marking the first time such a detailed analysis on road to rail supply chains in Australia had
been completed. They considered horticulture and processed agriculture (e.g., meat, rice and dairy products). The analysis showed that if existing agricultural road trips were shifted to Inland Rail, the agricultural industry could save between $64 to $94 per tonne (depending on back-loading). This equates to about $70 million in reduced transport costs per year based on the shift of 923,000 tonnes of horticultural and processed agriculture to the lower cost transport option that Inland Rail provides. Further analysis found that if existing coastal rail trips shifted to Inland Rail, this would also result in an estimated saving of $28 to $35 per tonne. “Our research has shown Inland Rail would bring an improvement
The Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project in rail travel time and transport cost, particularly important when considering perishable products. This would make it a lot more competitive with the travel time advantages of road transport,” CSIRO TraNSIT leader Dr Andrew Higgins said. Find out more at: https://www.csiro. au/en/News/News-releases/2019/ Inland-rail-offers-agricultural-savingson-a-plate. vvv
Extracurricular: Ethical leadership in Australia Australia recently saw the opening of its newest centre for leadership with the establishment of the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership on the 2nd April. Uniting two of the country’s most respected institutions in ethics, the Myer Foundation and the Vincent Fairfax Ethics in Leadership Foundation, the Centre will combine the work of each, under the banner of the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership. “In our current political and business environment there is no shortage of evidence pointing to the need for a deeper understanding of the need for ethical leadership across all sectors of society,” says Mr Kim Williams AM, Chairman of the Cranlana Programme Foundation.
“The demand for Cranlana and Vincent Fairfax Fellowship programs is consistently high. Now with a combined team and a cohesive approach to national expansion, we see the alignment of these two organisations as a natural evolution, which promises a lasting impact on leadership development nationally.” Both organisations were established more than 25 years ago and have provided some of the country’s most senior leaders with the ethical reasoning needed to understand the competing moral frameworks that underlie and are often brought to bear in difficult decision-making. The Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership aims to give an expanded and considered ethics offering in these turbulent times. Designed to prepare leaders for an increasingly
Ms Vanessa Pigrum CEO, Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership. complex and uncertain future, the Centre will continue to work with executives from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in order to develop the moral courage required to lead for the good of their businesses and society more broadly. Read about the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership at: https://cranlana. org.au/ vvv
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Academic and Professional Development Meetings / GU Newsletter
The following groups from The University of Melbourne have convened meetings, workshops and events at Graduate House during the month of March 2019. Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN) Strategic Planning Workshop
Centre for Health Policy Cost-effectiveness Analysis in Health Practical Methods for Health Economic Evaluation
3rd March
26th, 27th, 28th, 29th March 79 attendees
25 attendees Committee of Convocation
Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology
Department of Infrastructure Engineering
Faculty of Business and Economics
20th March 10 attendees
1st March 40 attendees
3rd March 50 attendees
4th March 7 attendees
Melbourne School of Professional and Continuing Education - Network of Schools - UMNOS
Melbourne University Car Club Inc
University Services Capability Development
1st, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th March 233 attendees
20th March 20 attendees
13th March 31 attendees
The patronage of organisation Members in charitable, not-for-profit, government and professional development sectors is acknowledged, as is that of our many Members who hold their functions at Graduate House.
Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Education
Arts Access Victoria (AAV) Strategy Planning and Farewell Party
Australian Society for Music Education (ASME) Council Meeting
Association of German Teachers of Victoria Inc (AGTV)
7th March 10 attendees
7th March 78 attendees
13th March 9 attendees
25th March 34 attendees
Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE)
Australian Asian Association (AAA)
Australian Calabrese Cultural Association
Australian Professional Thermography Assoc. Inc (AUSPTA)
7th March 26 attendees
12th March 6 attendees
25th March 6 attendees
29th March 40 attendees
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Academic and Professional Development Meetings / GU Newsletter
Australian Psychological Society (APS)
Australian School of Applied Management (ASAM)
Business Builders Group Consulting and Advisory
Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV)
22nd, 23rd March 42 attendees
4th, 5th, 6th, 19th March 88 attendees
7th March 26 attendees
14th, 18th, 20th March 130 attendees
Geography Teachers' Association of Victoria Inc (GTAV)
IMD Alumni Roundtable
International Women's Day Luncheon
International Student Advisers Network of Australia (ISANA)
28th March 60 attendees
15th March 20 attendees
8th March 60 attendees
7th March 15 attendees
Ex Principals Association of Victoria (PAV) Group
Order of St. John
John Cain Foundation Monthly Luncheon
Melba Group Lunch Meeting
20th March 33 attendees
29th March 16 attendees
27th March 12 attendees
4th March 8 attendees
Parkville Conference of St Vincent de Paul
Probus Carlton-Parkville Club Inc
Retired Veterinarians Lunch
Ripponlea Institute: VET Applied Language PD
18th March 10 attendees
12th March 68 attendees
13th March 19 attendees
25th March 13 attendees
Rotary Club of Carlton Book Fair, Lunch, Board and Heritage Cluster Meetings
Social Education Victoria (SEV)
Ultrasound Education iHeartScan Workshop
5th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 26th March 118 attendees
6th March 12 attendees
30th, 31st March 57 attendees
The Graduate Union Collegiate Events and Governance Meetings 4th, 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 27th, 29th March 370 attendees
University Lodge No. 171
12th March 25 attendees
Victorian State Secondary Past Principals' Association 14th March 40 attendees
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Members Contribution / GU Newsletter
Exploring the Historic State of Victoria by Ms Shabnam Daliri If you haven't yet discovered the many historic buildings and monuments across Victoria, now is the time to do so. Victoria has a rich inheritance of places, people and cultures and is home to a number of significant and noteworthy buildings and museums, as well as historically outstanding parks and gardens. There is always something special to do in Victoria – from discovering the diversity of the historic gardens, the beauty of sandy beaches and snow-capped mountains, and the interesting zoos, cafés, bars and wineries to driving along Victoria’s breathtakingly stunning coastlines including the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island beaches. Also, by visiting the Immigration Museum you can explore the history of Victoria through the eyes of migrants, who offer a fascinating mixture of the funny, sad and engaging stories of the waves of migration to Victoria. Victoria’s heritage of buildings, street patterns and open spaces reveal its 19th century colonial origins and its modern development. The Yarra River, which is the main fresh watercourse flowing into Port Philip Bay, is a case in point to reflect the pre-European history and the modern development of Melbourne. Another example is the Royal Exhibition Building which was the first building in Australia to achieve a World Heritage Listing. This iconic building was inscribed onto the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage List on 1st July 2004. It is one of the world’s oldest exhibition pavilions and the only remaining example of a Palace of Industry from a 19th century world fair. This historic site is still used for exhibitions, trade shows, and cultural and community events. For example,
The Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton. the International Flower and Garden Shows are held in this historic venue each year. Most importantly, the discovery of gold in the 1850s had a profound impact on Victoria’s progress and prosperity, with many of the most recognisable and highly valued elements of the state established during this period. By visiting regional museums, you can find out about the growth that occurred during the gold rush in Victoria. Towns such as Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine and Walhalla have some of Victoria’s best examples of buildings created during the gold rush-era and with a unique period architecture. Historical sites, places and objects are of paramount importance to Victoria as they reflect the state’s settlement, growth and change, as well as the importance of Victoria’s history. All heritage places and objects are included in the Heritage Inventory – a listing of all known historical (non-Indigenous) archaeological
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sites in Victoria – to be retained and protected. Heritage Victoria and the Heritage Council of Victoria work together to protect and preserve Victoria’s heritage buildings and historic areas. If an archaeological site is disturbed by works, the Heritage Victoria Archaeology team will identify whether the site is included on the Heritage Inventory to be protected. Although there are thousands of archaeological sites across Victoria that have not been recognised as heritage sites, there are more than 6,500 archaeological sites inscribed in the Heritage Inventory. Find out more about Victoria’s historic buildings at: https://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/ https://heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/ https://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/ archaeology-and-shipwrecks/ archaeology-and-heritage-inventory vvv
Members Contribution / GU Newsletter
A Simple story by Life Member, Mr Louis A Coutts affliction and that otherwise she was a very decent person, it was going to be tough to tell a story to avoid a harsher penalty. The problem was that once her husband was off to work, she was on her own without supervision and just couldn’t help herself.
I had just purchased two pillows at David Jones and one of the young ladies who served me asked if I wanted a bag. I said I didn’t and so she commenced to place the receipt on one of the pillows so that I wouldn’t be arrested for shoplifting. I was suddenly reminded of an experience and so I recited this story to the two women who served me. Years ago, as a young lawyer, I represented a lot of people who were charged with shoplifting. The Myer department store employed a store detective and I got to know her as she often appeared in court in those cases. One day I was in Myer looking to purchase a jacket. I took off my own jacket and tried one on when I noticed this detective. So we stopped and had a chat and absent-mindedly (I haven’t changed!) I went back to my office only to realise that I was still wearing Myer’s jacket and my own was back in the store. I had walked out, right in front of the store
detective. She had a great laugh when I went back. As I told this story, two things happened. The first was the amusement that these young ladies had in listening to the story and I felt good that I had brightened their day for just a few minutes. But this brings me to the story that I want to share with you. I had acted on a number of occasions for a poor woman who was an incurable shoplifter. She had been born into dreadful poverty and deprivation but when I acted for her, she was married, had her own home and she and her husband were modestly comfortable. There was absolutely no need for her to steal and in any case, the stuff that she stole didn’t mean anything to her. One day she appeared in my office with her husband having been charged for the fourth time with shoplifting. Up until now I had been able to get her off on what we called in those days a “bond”. Despite her
By the time we went to court, the husband had decided to give up his job so that he could constantly be with his wife for whom he had the deepest affection. He had worked in the same factory for many years and enjoyed the company of many of his work mates. He was prepared to give that all up. I called him as a witness and the judge was very kind and believed that with his supervision, his wife would not reoffend. The husband walked out of court a happy man but I couldn’t get over the sacrifice that he had just made. He had surrendered himself completely to the care of his wife. Some years later I was driving on a back road to our home in the country. The road dipped into a gully through which ran a lovely shaded brook. From a distance I could see a couple sitting together by the brook and I realised that they were having a little picnic. The man handed the woman something and then sat down beside her and lovingly put his arm around her. It was a lovely peaceful scene of two people careless of the rest of the world rejoicing in the quiet countryside and their own company. As I got closer, I realised who they were; the sacrificial husband and the shoplifting wife. I stopped and joined them. They poured me a cup of tea and they told me how happy they had been since we last met.
vvv
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Conference Bookings / Feedback / GU Newsletter
Message of Support for Christchurch A reminder that we have a book at Graduate House Reception to enter your messages of support, condolence and values for the loss of innocent lives in Christchurch in March. We will send this to the New Zealand Prime Minister shortly. Please join the many others who have written messages. For those Members unable to come in to Graduate House, please email or post your words. We shall paste these into the book. Thank you.
Feedback Thank you so much for separating vegetarian and nonvegetarian food. Fresh-cut fruits in the morning is excellent. Thank You! - Resident Member It is always a pleasure organising something at Graduate House. We are very happy with the support from Rosie in all respects. This was the first time that we have held a professional development session at Graduate House and we were delighted with the room, the AV and general
feeling of comfort in the space. The staff were very friendly and helpful in assisting us learn the ropes with the venue. Morning and afternoon tea were lovely. Very happy with the staff at all stages. It really is a pleasure to come to Graduate House. - Catherine Gosling, Association of German Teachers of Victoria Inc.
Tell us how we did. Your feedback is important. The lucky feedback winner for March is Life Member Mr Alan Casey who won a bottle of De Bortoli Sacred Hill Brut Cuvée All Dining Room Feedback Forms will be in the Monthly Draw and in the running for the Year‑End Prize of a $500 Coles Myer Gift Voucher drawn at the Members Christmas Party on Friday, 13th December 2019. 26 / www.graduatehouse.com.au / ABN 55610 664 963 / IARN A0023234B
Diamond Jubilee Campaign Contribution Form Graduate House, as the only dedicated postgraduate residential college of The University of Melbourne, commemorated our 60th anniversary in 2017 by opening the next chapter in the life of our historic building. Our Diamond Jubilee Campaign will see us construct a new, 11-storey residential building to continue to provide quality accommodation and a vibrant collegiate environment for our Resident Members. Please help us realise this exciting plan by lending support now.
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Donation Form / GU Newsletter
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Directed to: The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc.
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