THE
GRADUATE UNION NEWSLETTER October 2017
Contents GU Collegiate
Our Members
4 End of Year Function Menu
25 This Time It Will Be Different Mr Mac Nicoll
6 October Monthly Luncheon Mrs Val Oakfield OAM 7 Coming Monthly Luncheon 8 College Table Mr Matthew Albert 9 Chairman's Cocktail Party 10 John Cain Foundation Luncheon 11 Members Christmas Party
Feature 12 Graduate Pathway Katrina Webb OAM
Review 13 Donor Thank You Day 18 HeForShe Day 20 September Monthly Luncheon Dr Stefan Arndt
Academic and Professional Development Meetings 28 August 2017 Listings
Other Sections 30 Innovation New studies debunk power posing fad 31 Extracurricular Reading and arithmetic different between girls and boys 32 Discovering Melbourne 33 Diamond Jubilee Gala and Capital Fundraising Campaign
22 August Women's Forum
Resident News 23 National Student Leadership Forum Nouman Daud Sharif and Priyanka Rajani
Walking towards a cure for congenital heart disease Callum McNair
24 Uphold and Recognise Executive Officer's Report David Allinson
Graduate House Student Group updates
2 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
GU Collegiate Wed 4th
OCT
Monthly Luncheon
12NOON FOR 12.30PM
Mrs Val Oldfield OAM is the author of the memoir No Beating About The Bush. Val will speak about her childhood, her teenage years as a modern young woman in the 1950s, and her married life on Mungerannie Station in the 1960s. Resident Members $10, non-resident Members $30, general public $40 and concession $35
Wed
4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
OCT
Bridge Nights
7.20PM FOR 7.30PM
Join in a game or learn to play the card game Bridge. Enjoy a shared platter for supper, as well as tea and coffee. Members $2, non-members $5
Tues 10th
OCT
Special Morning Breakfast
7.30AM TO 8.30AM
Non-resident Members are welcome to join Resident Members for a hearty breakfast at Graduate House. Free for Resident Members, non-resident Members $20
Tues 3 , 17th rd
OCT
Italian Conversation Dinner
6.00PM
Come along to dine while learning to speak Italian with an experienced teacher. Members $15, non-members $20
Wed 18th
OCT Fri 20th
OCT
Women’s Forum
10.00AM FOR 10.30AM
Join the discussion on Asylum Seekers: How can we help them? Forum is free. Lunch is at Member and non-member prices.
College Table Discussion
12.00 NOON FOR 12.30PM
Mr Matthew Albert from Melbourne Law School will lead the discussion on the topic of 'Law'. Members $12, non-members $20, loyalty card holders $15
Fri 26th
OCT
Investment for your Future
6.00PM
In the final session, Mr Scott Fisher will be focusing on how much is needed in retirement and will discuss investment markets and whether superannuation is still worthwhile. Members free, non-members $15
Fri 31th
OCT
Meet and Greet
6.00PM
Join new and returning Resident Members over dinner and drinks to discuss collegiate matters. Free for Resident Members, non-resident Members $20
BOOK NOW
via our website, by phone 03 9347 3428, by email admingh@graduatehouse.com.au or at Reception
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 3
Have your Christmas party or Function at Graduate House
mmer BBQ masofSuYear ChristEnd
function menu Traditional Christmas SET MENU LUNCH OR DINNER st Available from 1 November until 18th December, 2017 FOR EACH COURSE, CHOOSE TWO OPTIONS Table service is 50/50 drop
EntrĂŠe
Seafood plate with prawns, scallops and smoked salmon on mixed greens (gf ) Fig, melon and prosciutto salad (gf ) Goat cheese, grilled eggplant, capsicum and sundried tomato salad (v) (gf )
Main Course
Seasoned turkey breast with apricot & macadamia stuďŹƒng served with gravy (gf ) Grilled salmon with pineapple salsa (gf ) Spinach, ricotta and pine nut quiche (v)
Dessert
Plum pudding with custard and brandy sauce (v) Pistachio bavaroise (v) Summer fruit salad (v) (gf )
Two Courses $53.60 per person Three Courses $63.80 per person
Minimum 15 Guests (gf ) Gluten Free (v) Vegetarian
4 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
Have your Christmas party or Function at Graduate House
End of Year
function menu Christmas Summer BBQ SET MENU LUNCH OR DINNER st Available from 1 November until 18th December, 2017
Traditional Christmas
IN THE GRADUATE HOUSE COURTYARD
Main Course
Porterhouse steak (gf ), Lamb cutlets (gf ) Gourmet sausages, Tandoori chicken (gf ) Vegetarian burger (v), BBQ haloumi and vegetable skewers (gf ) (v) Onions (gf ) and a selection of Summer salads (gf ) (v) Seafood-prawn Kebabs and Oysters Natural (gf ) are available for $8.50 extra per person
Dessert
Pavlova, fruit salad and ice-cream (gf )
(gf ) Gluten Free (v) Vegetarian
54.60 per person
$
Minimum 15 Guests
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 5
4th October
Monthly Luncheon
12.00 NOON for 12.30 PM
Mrs Val Oldfield OAM
Author of ‘No beating about the bush’ A memoir about her life on Mungerannie Station in Outback South Australia in the 1960s Now 77 years old, Val Oldfield recalls in her memoir starting her married life on a station in Outback Birdsville, 45 miles from the nearest town. The house was grand with an open veranda. All the drovers and stockmen came through this station. She wrote a book about that experience, about the post coming only once each month, sometimes once every fortnight, the Flying Doctor service and the characters of the bush. The Oldfield family were a ‘dynasty’ who owned the land for miles around. Val and her husband now live in Adelaide where Val contributes to a variety of charities and good causes. She gives many talks at clubs and schools where she talks about her life and the history of the Outback. Val is keen to have her book included in school curriculums.
Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton
Cost $10 Resident Members $40 general public
$30 non-resident Members $35 concession
Bookings Tel: (03) 9347 3428 Email: admingh@graduatehouse.com.au Website: graduatehouse.com.au RSVP by Monday 4th September ABN 55610664963 | IAR No. A0023234B
6 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
Coming Monthly Luncheon First Wednesday of the Month Wednesday 1st November
Professor Anne Steinemann Professor of Civil Engineering and Chair of Sustainable Cities The University of Melbourne 'Hidden hazards in everyday products and indoor environments.
Buy your remembrance poppies for $5 at Reception
The House of Dior
NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne In celebration of the seventieth anniversary of the House of Dior, one of the world’s most prestigious couture houses, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) presents The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture. The exhibition includes a sumptuous display of more than 140 garments designed by Christian Dior Couture between 1947 and 2017. Free daily tours are one hour in length commencing at 10.30AM and 2.30PM. They are open to the public from 28th August to 3rd November. Tour dates and times with GU Life Member Margaret Mayers, a volunteer tour guide with the NGV, are: Thursday, 21st September, 10.30AM Friday, 29th September, 10.30AM Thursday, 5th October, 10.30AM Thursday, 12th October, 10.30AM Saturday, 21st October, 10.30AM Friday, 27th October, 10.30AM www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 7
College Table
Matthew Albert will lead the discussion on Law
Friday, 20th October, 12NOON for 12:30PM Usual dining room prices apply College Tables are informal collegiate lunch-time discussions on challenging issues in a graduate school field
Matthew Albert practices in commercial, industrial and public law. He advises and acts in commercial disputes including contract, consumer, building and construction law. His public law matters include judicial and merits review, and acting as counsel assisting the Coroner.
Book online at www.graduatehouse.com.au by phone 9347 3428, through email to admingh@graduatehouse.com.au or at the venue, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton. A B N 5 5 6 1 0 6 6 4 9 6 3 | I A R No . A 0 0 2 3 2 3 4 B
Thank You for your Feedback! "Congratulations to you and your team for another very successful College Table. Very enjoyable and somewhat novel food, great range of participation by the group, relaxed and easy discussion from our guest and excellent moderation of the group." --- Member, David Sparks 8 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
THE GRADUATE UNION OF
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE INC.
Mr Rhys Watson Chairman of the Council of The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc. invites Members to the
Chairman’s Cocktail Party Graduate House 220 Leicester Street, Carlton
Friday, 1st December, 2017 5.30PM to 7.00PM Dress: After Five
RSVP by Monday, 27th November, 2017 email: admingh@graduatehouse.com.au or phone (03) 9347 3428
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 9
The October John Cain Foundation Luncheon features
Professor Lyndsay Neilson
who will speak about the rapid advances in the development of autonomous electric vehicles.
Autonomous Electric Vehicles An Emerging Force for Disruption in our Cities Professor Lyndsay Neilson is an experienced senior government leader and a specialist in strategic thinking, planning and management. He has led government departments in Australia, was head of a high-level multi-lateral committee in Europe and has been an active consultant in Australia and overseas. Professor Neilson also has extensive academic engagement and experience in urban planning and management. Recognised internationally as a leading expert in urban design and strategy, Professor Neilson will draw on his experience and knowledge to lead a discussion on the development of autonomous electric vehicles and point to the implication of new forms of transport for city planners. Professor Neilson's presentation will be followed by a question and answer session with guests. Join us for a lively discussion. When:
Wednesday, 18th October; 12.30PM – 2.00PM
Where:
Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton
Cost:
$40 | Concession $30 pensioners, full time students
Book here:
https://www.trybooking.com/SBVN
For information about the John Cain Foundation contact: secretary@johncainfoundation.com.au 10 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
Members’
christmas party Friday, 15th December, 2017 6.00pm for 6.30pm Traditional Christmas Carols and a visit from Santa!
Entrée Seafood platter with prawns, scallops and smoked salmon on mixed greens (gf ) Goats cheese, grilled eggplant, capsicum and sundried tomato salad platter (v) (gf )
Main Course Seasoned Turkey Breast with apricot and macadamia stuffing served with gravy (gf ) OR Grilled salmon with pineapple salsa (gf )
Dessert Plum Pudding with custard and brandy sauce (v) OR Pistachio Bavarois (v) Vegetarian meal option on request Book by Monday, 11 December Graduate House website www.graduatehouse.com.au Telephone 03 9347 3428 Email admingh@graduatehouse.com.au
20 Resident Member $ 53.60 non-resident Member $ 63.80 non-member $ 57.50 non-member concession $
.00
th
A B N 5 5 6 1 0 6 6 4 9 6 3 | I A R No . A 0 0 2 3 2 3 4 B
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 11
GRADUATE PATHWAY
Former paralympian's race to the top
Katrina Webb OAM shares her Graduate Pathway from athletics to public speaking Before a big race, former Paralympian Katrina Webb OAM, remembers the sleepless nights. The unease didn’t emanate from the thought of racing in front of a large crowd but from the thought of the people at home and the supporters that an athlete wants to do well for. “You need to know how to turn off all your thinking, and to silence it,” Ms Webb said. Ms Webb received her first gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games for the 100 metres and 200 metres sprints. At that point, she had only been involved in sports for a year, and says that despite her success, it wasn’t an easy decision for her to attend the games. “I was an able-bodied netball player. I knew since I was three years old that there was something wrong with me, but I didn’t know that it was called cerebral palsy and I didn’t like that part about myself so I did everything to try and hide it,” she said. “I just had to deal with a lot of stuff about myself. When I went to my first paralympic games, I knew I had to be comfortable with saying I was a paralympian.”
But sport was “in her blood” and was something that was promoted and readily offered by her sporting family. Giving up was not an option. “Because I put all my energy into sport, I don’t know if I would have been good at a musical instrument or in any other field. There’s not really an alternative for me,” Ms Webb said. “It’s not so much a sport for me and not so much playing sport. I call it ‘energy management’. Ms Webb says sport re-energises her physically and mentally and she does whatever she can to move her body because it makes her feel good. As she progressed in her career, she found the assistance and guidance of sports psychologists invaluable. It was through this that she found ways to perform better at a high level as an athlete and attain the “gold medal mindset” which she says, is a whole series of different tools. “It’s learning how to deal with unwanted thoughts and unhelpful thoughts and feelings,” she said.
When she arrived, she said it was a “relief” that there were others out there like her, as it lent her the opportunity to accept her difference and “learn to love herself”.
“For me now, that wisdom has been an incredible gift for me, to really step out of my comfort zone, not only in sport but in so many avenues of my life. To face my fears and to just be prepared to do things that I wouldn’t have been able to do before because of my own fears and sabotages.”
Ms Webb was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was the fresh recipient of an Australian Institute of Sport scholarship for excellence in netball.
“I know personally that I had the biggest challenges with myself. There will be people out there who will try to hold you back or say things, but at the end of the day it’s
your own self that you will choose to listen to or not.” Today her work revolves around inspiring other people through her words of wisdom while working as a public speaker. She has delivered speeches for corporate clients and presented a TedX talk at Macquarie University. Ms Webb went to university and attained qualifications in physiotherapy with, of course, the idea that she would undertake work in this field. But life has clearly had other plans for her. “This is a gift of life experience and uniqueness. To become a speaker, that opportunity was presented to me and I just decided to put a lot of energy into becoming good at it, which I just enjoy.” “I had a gift, I had a story to share that people enjoy hearing.” vv
12 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
REVIEW
Donor Thank You Day Sunday, 20th August 2017
Our Donor Thank You Day was held in recognition of the generosity of Graduate Union Members at a brunch with special guest, Mr Allan Myers AC QC, Chancellor of The University of Melbourne. From its establishment in 1911, Members have built our Association through great generosity of donations of funds and buildings, bequests and sponsorship, together with volunteer and pro bono work. We seek always to honour this legacy and to foster a culture of active and contributing membership, as well as of thankfulness for this philanthropy. Our August Thank You Brunch is an invitation-only event to show our gratitude to our generous donors, including those who had given to the successful 2017 Annual Appeal to fund the much needed re-carpeting of the central wing ground floor and the purchasing of new furniture. After enjoying a variety of breakfast platters in the Phillip Law Members' Lounge, guests made their way to the Stella Langford Wing to be welcomed by our President, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO who thence introduced our keynote speaker for the event, Mr Allan Myers AC QC, the 22nd Chancellor of The University of Melbourne. Mr Myers AC QC was awarded a Companion (AC) in the General Division at the 2016 Australia Day Honours and is one of Australia's most generous philanthropists, as well as a very successful barrister. In 2012 he was awarded the degree Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) and in 2015 was made the first fellow of The University of Melbourne.
Dr Ken V Loughnan AO welcoming Members to the Donor Thank You Day
My Graduate Pathway Story Mr Allan Myers AC QC Mr Myers grew up in the country town of Dunkeld, Western Victoria. His family on his father’s side had lived there since 1839. Mr Myers spoke of how the grandparents of his great grandmother were convicts from Van Diemen’s Land who, once they had served their time, came across Bass Strait. They changed their name from "good English and Scottish" names and adopted an Irish persona. They eventually settled in Dunkeld and said they had come from South Australia (which was largely convict free). “Yesterday I had the honour and pleasure of launching a book that was written about a sort of social history of the squattocracy – I was very hard on them,” said Mr Myers. “The Dunkeld that I grew up in had a primary school and two years of secondary school. When I started school in 1953, 64 children began at that school ... the numbers have increased a bit. But I was part of the post-war baby boom with a 1947 drop.” “In those first years there were lots of children. But as far as I know, no one from the township of Dunkeld had ever undertaken tertiary education. No one had ever gone to university ... maybe someone did but it wasn’t recorded. Having been in a small town with all those generations behind me, I think I had a pretty fair idea of what the people in the town had done and what the history of that population was.” There were plenty of squatters - the big land owners in the vicinity of Dunkeld, explained Mr Myers. Their children went to university, but they didn’t go to The University of Melbourne, they went straight off to Cambridge or Oxford, so there was a big divide in the society. Mr Myers’ parents were ambitious for him to go to university, saying that it was a tremendous decision. His father said that there was no future in the country, that in order to receive an education one must attend university. Mr Myers explained that his father did not have the opportunity to attend university, thus further emphasising the necessity of a tertiary education.
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 13
been a young graduate then. He went on to become the 13th Chancellor of The University of Melbourne. Like me, he was a country boy - he came from Jeparit - and was one of six children, as I am. His father was a shopkeeper, as my father was, and he went to the local primary school in Jeparit, as I went to the local primary school in Dunkeld,” said Mr Myers. “One feels in a way a sort of sense that maybe one understands a little of Menzies' experience. It is significant to me that he became a founding member of The Graduate Union so long ago and so soon after he graduated.” Mr Allan Myers, AC QC sharing his 'Graduate Pathway' story with Members at the Donor Thank You Day Brunch
His father had come back from the Second World War with no employment, had left school on his twelfth birthday during The Great Depression and had been a butcher for 30 years. “What my father did though – at the beginning of my year five at secondary school, so two years before I’m possibly going to university – was to make an appointment with the director and take me down to Newman College. My parents wanted me to be in a place where there would be security, community and support for someone who was not experienced in the life of the city: and that was certainly Allan Myers - I was not experienced at all.” “When I came here it took me a week to work out which way the city was and about a month to find out how to use a tram – it’s hardly an exaggeration,” said Mr Myers. Mr Myers emphasised the importance of having safe accommodation in an environment of study and of learning as being tremendously important. “It’s not just important for young people, it’s important for everyone who comes from a different environment and it’s important for everyone who wishes to be in an environment where the opportunities for study and for learning are the greatest,” he added. The Graduate School of Education at The University of Melbourne rates number one in the world, year after year, explained Mr Myers, but, students seem to learn more from discussion with each other, much more than they learn from lectures or reading by themselves. The interactions that occur between students mark some of the most pivotal learning experiences in a student’s life. “I see that Sir Robert Menzies joined The Graduate Union a very long time ago, in 1919. He would have
"When Menzies was Prime Minister he was responsible for the great expansion of tertiary education in Australia, and one of the reports that was the foundation for that, was the Martin Report, explained Mr Myers. When the public servants who had prepared a draft of the terms of reference for Professor Martin and his committee gave that to Menzies, he noticed that it didn’t say anything about residential colleges. And he required that that be added to the terms of reference. Afterwards, he was a great supporter, as Prime Minster, of residential colleges and ensured that funds, even though modest, came to residential colleges. So we can say that he is one of the significant supporters of the sort of work that is being done here, at this institution." “I spent five years as a Resident of Newman College at The University of Melbourne. They were five very good years and without that opportunity to live in a residential college, I couldn’t have sustained my study at The University of Melbourne,” said Mr Myers. “I simply would not have had the personal resources to cope with the great change coming from the country as a young man to the city to study in an unusual environment. And I can vouch for the fact that so much of the learning took place on the way to the lecture, on the way from the lecture, and afterwards, having a cup of coffee or a cup of tea talking to one’s fellow students.” From there, Mr Myers spoke of the importance of private philanthropy. “It’s the giving of the money that is the real pleasure for anyone who does it. It’s to support a cause that’s worthwhile, and it’s hard to imagine a more worthwhile cause than education: it is right up the top there of things that provide opportunities for people,” he said. Mr Myers said that if one is thinking of supporting a good cause, then the question is always how. "If you give your money to an established institution which has clear objectives and is well managed, and that’s
14 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 15
this place, then you can be confident that the money is not going to be wasted." “So what you’re doing here as part of this institution and as part of the larger institution is tremendously important." "Now, what is the future at The University for the sort of accommodation and environment that you provide here? The future is that we need to provide a lot, lot more of it. There will be more and more demand for the sorts of facilities that you’re providing, so the plans for expansion can only be welcomed.” “I’m very honoured to be here. Thank you very much for having me here to this important gathering. Thank you, I can say on behalf of The University of Melbourne, for your generosity to this institution and hence to the larger institutions of The University of Melbourne. All strength to you who give for such a cause to such a place. Please keep it up and please be generous.” Thank you, Mr Myers for your inspirational story. The President, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO thanked Mr Myers for his address. “What a wonderful story of those beginnings in Dunkeld. The journey through the memory of Sir Robert Menzies, a great Prime Minister of this country, and then talking through the issues about large institutions and confidence in those institutions in terms of investing for the future of our money, people’s individual money, is most significant.” "The success of The University of Melbourne’s Believe campaign shows that people do believe in the future of education and its importance within our society", said Dr Loughnan.
He echoed the sentiments of Mr Myers, that we have so many people who have invested so much in the past to make Melbourne a fantastic education destination for so many students. Dr Loughnan closed the proceedings. “I thank you for your friendship and I thank you again for your support of Graduate House and the great work that’s done here.” He also thanked staff for their “fantastic job” in putting together the luncheon, and thanked the CEO/Head of College, Dr Kerry Bennett for her enthusiasm, energy and hard work in organising the Donor Thank You Day. Dr Loughnan told the audience, “You have made a difference to the life of our college and to the increasing influence of our collegium. A sincere thank you.” It was time for the Resident Member speakers to commence their presentations. Ligia Veliz, from Guatemala, is studying for a Master of Energy Systems degree at The University of Melbourne. She admitted to her worries when making the big move from Guatemala to Australia. “When I was coming to Australia, I was a bit nervous because I knew that there were a lot of changes that I was going to be facing, and even though I was excited for the opportunity of studying here, I also didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “I had to order and organise in my mind that the language was going to be different and even when you cross the road you have to turn to the other side, so for me that was also a little bit shocking.” “When I arrived here at Graduate House, I felt at ease. All the nerves that I had, they just went away. The staff were welcoming, from the first moment that I got here with all my bags.” “My family talked to me and asked me: how are you feeling? I said: I love you guys but now I have a family here. They have helped me grow, not only personally but also professionally. So it’s been one of the best decisions being here at Graduate House.”
Resident speaker Nouman Daud Sharif
Resident speaker Ligia Veliz
“We want to thank you for giving us a place that we can call home.”
16 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
“I am honoured and delighted to support this appeal. It will allow Graduate House to cater for a greatly increased number of students, and I think that is wonderful.”
Nouman Daud Sharif, one of The Graduate Union representatives at the 2017 National Student Leadership Forum in Canberra, hails from Pakistan and is enrolled in a Master of Civil Engineering and Business degree at The University of Melbourne. Nouman began by discussing the great natural beauty and resources of Pakistan, as well as the fact that Pakistan was the first Muslim nation to have a female Prime Minister. “There’s a lot of representation of females in our parliament in our country and we believe in female empowerment and gender equality. We are a young country - obviously there’s a lot of obstacles and hurdles that we face - but we rise above them as a nation,” he said. Coming to Melbourne was one the best experiences of his life, said Nouman. “Graduate House is at the best possible location. Graduate House also provides a very progressive and a very compelling environment where education is promoted. It is very easy to focus on your objectives and achieve what you want to. Graduate House is also admirable when it comes to interaction with people from all over the world. I have met people from literally every corner of the world. The cultural exchange across the dining room is certainly commendable.” Former Chair of Council, Mr Neil Taylor, who very generously donated $25,000 to the Capital Fundraising Campaign, addressed the audience, encouraging them to donate to The Graduate Union.
“We can really expand Graduate House as a vital part of the future of the University.” Mr Neil Taylor
A Graduate House history quiz was also on the menu, including questions such as, of course, ‘What does the Diamond Jubilee year mark?’ Table One was the winner of the quiz, although for full disclosure, the table included the President of The Graduate Union, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO; Chair of Council, Mr Rhys Watson; the Chancellor of The University of Melbourne, Mr Allan Myers AC QC; and Council Members, Justice Tony Pagone and Mr Vincent Mirabelli!! It was soon time for the official opening of the Barry Street apartments. A special plaque, produced to commemorate this event, was unveiled by the President and Chair. Next to the podium was Chair of Council, Mr Rhys Watson. “Today is a very special day. It's a day when we pause to reflect on our founders and benefactors - the contributions they've made, the support you have given, the importance of benefaction to the success of our Association, and our college. Thank you for your support." "We have something very special and unique here - we are an Association of graduates for graduates. We are an Association of Members that had a vision to build a college sixty years ago. This started with the purchase of Gladstone Terrace. An Association of graduates had a vision for a college, and of course the rest is history," Mr Watson concluded. Thank you to all of our donors - those who attended and those who were not able to make it on this occasion. Truly we are grateful for these gifts and demonstrations of ongoing support.
Dr Ken V Loughnan AO and Mr Rhys Watson unveiling a plaque for the Barry Street apartments.
vvvvv
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 17
REVIEW
HeForShe Day
Wednesday, 23rd August, 2017 The significance of 23rd August dates back to 1894 in South Australia. It was the day the Women's Suffrage Petition was presented to the South Australian Parliament.
In 2017 at this, our second HeForShe event, our President Dr Ken V Loughnan AO addressed the crowd, expressing his frustration about the gender pay gap in Australia.
The petition contained 11,600 signatures collected from within South Australia and the Northern Territory.
“The whole issue about HeForShe … is one which is designed to draw attention to the issues - just a practical way of drawing attention to the issues of gender equality.
The petition was also presented when the 1894 Bill that led to the enfranchisement of South Australian women was read in Parliament. Women achieved full voting rights in South Australia at a time when women in Australia and throughout most of the world did not have the legal right to vote in most elections. It is with this spirit of equality – ensuring that all members of our society, regardless of gender (or for that matter, race, appearance, social status and so on) have the same rights as everybody else. While some people may feel apathetic towards ‘gender equality’, worldwide – here and in many places outside of our fine nation – inequality is rife. Perhaps we have heard these stories one too many times, and perhaps we feel ‘gender equality’ has become another buzzword, over-mixed into a conversation that has been happening for years. But the conversation continues because the gap still exists. HeForShe continues the conversation and aims to encourage action. In 2016, Residents at Graduate House took on the challenge to adopt the United Nations Women challenge, and established Give a flower, get a smile, an offshoot awareness-raising campaign echoing the same sentiments as HeForShe.
Dr Ken V Loughnan AO at University Square on HeForShe Day
The fact that I’m standing here today with a couple of flowers, is just a token of recognition of what we can do as an organisation." From there, attendees gave out flowers for equality, as well as selling Graduate House cupcakes iced by the Residents, with all proceeds going again to the Royal Women's Hospital Foundation. The HeForShe Day concluded with a panel discussion on Multiculturalism and Gender Equality featuring Professor Kwong Lee Dow OAM, Chair of the Australian Multicultural Foundation; Ms Ria Bleathman, Founder/Director of Five Consulting; Cr Viv Nguyen, President, Vietnamese Community Australia, Victorian Chapter; Cr Molina Asthana, Founder of Multicultural Women in Sport; Mr Tim Carroll, State Director Victoria and Tasmania, Austrade: and panel moderator, Dr Kerry Bennett, CEO/Head of College of The Graduate Union. You can watch the stream from the panel discussion at: https://twitter.com/TheGradUnion/ status/9001711754347560 vvvvv
From left: Ria Bleathman, Professor Kwong Lee Dow OAM, GU Council Members Viv Nguyen and Molina Asthana and Austrade Victoria Director, Tim Carroll
18 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 19
REVIEW
September Monthly Luncheon with Professor Stefan Arndt Can trees 'learn' to be more stress tolerant in the future climate? What does our tree future look like? Most of the things that trees do, do so through their leaves. They regulate their food intake and water loss through their leaves. Leaves have stóma (Greek, στόμα mouth) that can, like mouths, open and close and can regulate the exchange of gases in and out of a tree. But when the stóma are open, they, of course, let the C02 in and use it as their food because they use the energy of the sun to take up the C02 which is converted into sugar. But at the same time, they lose water. Mouth open = loss of water, mouth closed = no food. Climate change = rainfall deficiency. By and large, we can expect higher temperatures in Melbourne and in Victoria and lower and less frequent rainfall. We can expect more extreme weather events. Longer-term historical records pre1950 show that the average mean annual temperature in Melbourne was 14.6 degrees. Looking at the average current mean annual temperature from 1996 to 2015, it is 2 degrees warmer. Melbourne in the last 150 years has already warped. This is partly due to climate changes and partly due to urbanisation – we’re putting more concrete into the city, getting rid of more trees, we have less parks, more buildings that attract more heat, particularly during the night. There are about 70,000 trees in the city of Melbourne.
Does this do something to the tree population that we have in the city? And what does it do to trees in general? A study around temperature distribution of trees worldwide and in Melbourne looked at the temperatures of various common trees in Melbourne such as the Eucalyptus and Jacaranda. It is square within the historic climate but is not aligning well with the current temperature and is not aligning well with future temperatures because it has a good, relatively narrow climactic range. Compare this with the Jacaranda – it grows within 12 degrees median temperature up to 24 degrees - a much wider range. And these trees are already growing in a future Melbourne climate. So you would think this tree is much more resilient to any changes that we have in the climate compared to the Eucalyptus. The researchers took the analysis further in trying to evaluate how many of the current trees that we have growing in Melbourne are actually vulnerable to changes in our climate. The researchers assumed that if a tree has a distribution where the current temperature in Melbourne is warmer than 97 percentile of the distribution of a tree, then it would be vulnerable. Already, 19 percent of trees that grow in Melbourne are very vulnerable. In the future this could grow to 35 percent and so on, suggesting that trees could no longer exist in Melbourne.
Professor Stefan Arndt - Academic Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne
While some trees, like the Red Gum (which has a broad distribution), could thrive in warmer temperatures, others like the Oak tree, are already vulnerable and will potentially be very vulnerable to changes of the climate. The Elm tree is also very vulnerable to a warm climate because it is a cold adapted species. Can we see how vulnerable trees can be? Eucalyptus trees are common in Australia and grow in various climates. Some of them, however, have very narrow distribution ranges, so they occur in a very narrow climactic range. What does it mean for the tree? Does it mean that if the climate changes the trees are under threat? Research has been done that looks into figuring
20 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
out how Eucalypts adapt to these changes. Professor Arndt and his team built an arboretum and grew 20 different Eucalyptus species from a broad range of climates. Through the study they discovered that there are strong correlations between the ‘traits’ that make or break a tree and the rainfall distribution in Eucalypts. If there is greater aridity, by and large, the watertransporting tissues of the trees are smaller and they have more dense wood. They also have slow water transport, and have smaller and thicker leaves, less leaf area and overall, smaller trees. The arid Eucalypts have very narrow vessels, meaning they have slow water transport, but in summer it is dry, and so it means there is slow water transport through the leaves, which means they can only make very small leaves. The leaves will be minimal and the trees aren’t receiving carbon, which means therefore, they are very short. The opposite occurs in a wet environment. Some traits of a tree are genetically controlled. One is the structure of the wood, the water transport system of a tree, general leaf shape and the height. So this is long term genetic adaptation as an evolutionary process, where over hundreds and thousands of years the environment has selected for these kinds of trees. Eucalypts have other traits that they can change. If it gets drier or hotter, they can change the stóma opening, and they can also change the leaf size – the leaf size can become smaller or bigger depending on if its grown in a wetter area. You can get slightly bigger leaves than in a drier area and you can have more or less leaves, which is one of the most important ways many trees adapt
to a rapid change in the climate. It’s a good thing because it protects the leaves from dying out because it reduces the area that it loses water from. So, a tree that is losing a lot of leaves in summer is, by and large, the defence mechanism of the tree by preventing it from dying out. Eucalypts are well adapted to their climate. They can adjust to change in the climate already because they have these things that they can tweak, but then you still have the question - do these narrow climactic changes matter? The Monterey Pine is native to three small distinct locations in Santa Cruz, California. It would be one degree of temperature where they come from. At the moment they grow in Australia along the South East side, so just because a tree has a very small origin, doesn’t mean it can’t live in a much bigger environment. Another example is the Sugar Gum which originates from three distinct populations in South Australia. Now we can find it in Victoria also and often used as an arid zone plantation species. We see the same with the Eucalypt. Rainfall is variable and the Eucalypt would have had to live through all these changes in climate. All the trees, by and large, are not really that vulnerable because they are very well established. If they are in a native environment they have access to water in the soil because they have big root systems. The trees have also dealt with a lot of changes in the climate and they store a lot of water in their trunks. They have a good solid defence mechanism against rapid changes in the climate. Young trees are the most vulnerable.
Tree distribution is the one thing that we need to be more worried about than whether an old and established tree will die - it most likely won't. In cities we have many ways of dealing with changes in our climate. The tree distribution and native tree distribution depends on flowering - when do I set flowers, when do I set seeds, how do I disperse these seeds, when do they germinate and how and where do I establish? In a native tree situation a lot of this really depends on the climate – whether a tree makes flowers in the first instance, depends on the weather. Whether a tree can germinate depends on cold factors, etc. This is where a lot of trees might really struggle in the native distribution because of this dispersal mechanism and distribution mechanism. Unfortunately, we don’t have many good data on how this has happened, so for native forests' futures, we probably still don’t know much about which trees are really vulnerable. On the other hand, the distribution of trees is also something that as humans we can influence, and we already do this. We have a major bushfire awareness in the central highlands. An Ash tree for example, takes 20 years before it sets seeds. This means that if we have a bushfire now, the forest regenerates, but if we have a bushfire within the 20 year seeding period, all the seeds will be gone. Agencies are putting the seeds that they have collected before from this area out into the city, so that these trees can germinate again. But in the city we have many ways in which we can manage our trees and nurture them through different periods. vv
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 21
REVIEW
Women's Forum Review Wednesday, 16th August, 2017 The Need for and Purpose of Public Housing
1
2
3 4
5
Public housing supply in Australia is not keeping up with underlying demand. There is a need for new housing stock as a result of population growth and trends in household formation. This has resulted in an estimated shortfall of dwellings and contributed to significant levels of housing stress, especially among low income households. For those low income households who are most in need, the government provides public housing. However, a reduction in the size of the public housing stock also reduces the ability for the government to provide affordable housing to these households. The waiting lists for public housing are high and increasing, and the housing affordability problem has contributed to sustained high levels of homelessness in Australia.
6
7 8
Not only are we not building enough to address the social housing problem, the government is contemplating selling off existing housing projects and leaving it to private enterprise. Many households have been effectively excluded from all but the lower end of the private housing rental market and are spending ever-increasing proportions of their limited income on housing. While they may receive some support through government provided rent assistance (RA), this assistance has not kept pace with rental prices in many parts of Australia. People who have bought properties previously are now renting and this makes the lower income group unable to find private and affordable accommodation. Perhaps people established in social housing should be checked on to see if their circumstances have improved and if they can move on.
8
The very basic and simple no frills housing is not being built. The accumulated housing supply shortfall is due to a number of factors, some of which are of a long-term nature. These include restrictions on the supply of available land for housing state and territory as well as local planning and approvals processes, the lack of coordination between housing supply and infrastructure planning and skills shortages in the housing construction industry. The government seems to feel that it is all too difficult, despite the funds they are currently contributing. This housing problem requires long-term planning and good management which they seem to be lacking. The housing problem is a complex and multifaceted one. Not only does it involve monetary policy, but also planning and taxation issues as well as questions about the appropriate size, density and distribution of housing. We should take the opportunity to tell our politicians that this is an important topic for those of us in comfortable housing, even though we are not affected personally. Projections have indicated that the gap between supply and demand will continue to increase, thus exacerbating the housing affordability problem. Australia’s housing supply and affordability problems have long-term causes and are unlikely to be resolved quickly. It may be years before we see significant results, and this will only be the case if current levels of investment, both government and private are increased.
The next forum is on Wednesday, 18th October with the topic Asylum Seekers: How can we help them? The forum is free. Lunch is at Member and non-member prices. 22 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
RESIDENT MEMBER NEWS
Residents return from 2017 National Student Leadership Forum "A journey of years covered in 72 hours! The National Student Leadership Forum was the most touching and inspiring experience of my life. " - Nouman Daud Sharif "Over four hectic and joy-filled days I was taken through experiences and conversations I didn’t even know were possible". Priyanka Rajani Residents Nouman Daud Sharif and Priyanka Rajani have returned from the 2017
National Student Leadership Forum (NSLF) at Parliament House, Canberra saying it was an "invaluable experience". The duo were nominated by The Graduate Union and were selected by the NSLF to attend the three-day forum. Nouman's and Priyanka's stories will be available to read in the December issue of The Melbourne Graduate.
Walking towards a cure for congenital heart disease Former Resident, Callum McNair has congenital heart disease. Callum participated in the Two Feet and a Heartbeat Charity Walk in Adelaide on 10th September. The 2.1 kilometre Charity Walk reminds us that the human heart begins to beat at 21 days after conception. The Charity Walk across Australia is in support of HeartKids and their families affected by congenital and childhood heart disease. Callum, 24, was born six weeks prematurely, and nearly died at birth. He had a complex heart abnormality. The right side of his heart is smaller than that of a normal heart, and the main vessels in his heart have swapped positions. His pulmonary artery closed, meaning that Callum has half a heart.
Priyanka Rajani (front) with other delegates at the Forum
Nouman Daud Sharif outside Parliament House, Canberra
Since then he has had 13 operations, including five openheart operations.
"It is great to now be able to participate in events like this. Without the cardiologists and cardiac surgeons and the support of HeartKids I would not be as fit and healthy as I am today."
"Before my last lot of operations I could not even walk ten metres without stopping for a rest and I looked purple," Callum said.
vvvvv
He has seven holes in his heart and had his first major heart operation when he was about one month old.
To learn more about childhood heart disease and HeartKids go to: heartkids.org.au
"Thanks to modern day medical science it is not obvious that I have a heart disease." Callum said he completed the 2.1 kilometre Charity Walk continuously and with ease, saying it was "amazing", given his condition. "Before my last openheart operation some 15 years ago, I could not have continuously walked 21 metres, let alone 2.1 kilometres."
Callum McNair walked 2.1 kilometers in support of HeartKids and their families
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 23
RESIDENT MEMBER NEWS
Uphold and Recognise Executive OďŹƒcer's Report from Garma by David Allinson I have spent the last few days at Garma, the annual Indigenous culture and politics festival held near Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory on the land of the Yolngu people. Each year, thousands gather from around the country to celebrate and deliberate. This year the theme of the festival was the constitutional recognition of Indigenous peoples, following the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the Referendum Council's report. You can read the rest of David's report at: www.upholdandrecognise.com/blog/2017/8/10/report-from-garma David Allinson is a former Resident of Graduate House. He is the Executive Officer of Uphold and Recognise.
Please register As an affiliation requirement with The University of Melbourne's Graduate Student Group (GSA), The Graduate House Student Group (GHSG) keeps an updated list of members annually. If you have not registered yet, please fill out the google form at this link:
s ate d Up
https://goo.gl/forms/Vm6w4AnjB68XZfUm2
Nominate the movie of your choice on the Residents' Facebook page Movie Nights are back by popular demand. Please check our Residents Facebook page for the latest film program.
GHSG - Election of new committee The GHSG committee has a succession process to ensure its continuation with the ever-changing population of Graduate House. If you are interested in becoming a committee member or in giving your support for other college initiatives, please get in touch with us.
Graduate House Mixer Night The GH Mixer on 8th September was a fun night of music and mixing under beautiful courtyard lights.
GHSG PRESENTS
MOVIE NIGHT EVERY THURSDAY @ 2030HRS CHECK THE FB RESIDENT PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS.
affiliated to
24 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
OUR MEMBERS
This Time It Will Be Different By Mac Nicol, Member Did you turn off the iron? Did I lock the back door? Have we checked the electric blanket in the spare room? How often have the first hours of your holidays been spoilt by that rush of anxiety that you have perhaps overlooked some essential task before setting out? And it doesn’t necessarily go away with age or with practice Last week we set out on a holiday to Tasmania. We had plenty of time to prepare, so my anxiety syndrome got a really good workout. I decided, in the light of some earlier anxiety attacks, that this time I would make a list of all the necessary tasks. What a list it was! It finished with the words: Turn off hot water service Turn on alarm. Lock back door. Check garage doors. I ticked off each item during the last three days, frustrated by the fact that many of the tasks had to be left until those few hours before departure. I turned off switches, pulled out plugs [something about power surges], decided which curtains to leave drawn, locked the windows and began to feel that this time I was going to be free of that awful “What have we forgotten" syndrome. I recalled earlier times… Remembering on our way to Ballarat that we hadn’t checked whether we had blown out the candle in the study, the time driving up the Hume Highway to Sydney when I imagined the fridge door being partly
open and the engine seizing up and causing a fire, the time I feared that our neighbours might forget to clear the letter box and that this would advertise an empty house. Well, I mused, this time will be different. This time we have covered every contingency. I stepped into the car with a surge of relief, watched the roller door reach the ground level [sometimes they can bounce back, you know] and drove down the lane to begin the journey. We were on schedule and I mentioned to my wife with some relief that this time there would be no need for my characteristic anxiety attack. Suddenly, out of nowhere, I remembered the upstairs air conditioner. I had turned it on when I was having an afternoon siesta and I couldn’t remember turning it off…and it hadn’t been on the list because we don’t normally use it in the daytime. What if it stayed on for the next fortnight.? Apart from the cost [which we could probably cope with] what if it burned out and caused a fire? What if…? What if…? I said nothing for a time, hoping that it would wear off as it usually did. We became caught up in heavy traffic, inching ahead every minute or so, and eventually I decided to share the anxiety with my long-suffering wife. That was a help. Yes, she had been in the bedroom and noticed how hot it was. Surely if the air conditioner had been on she would not have felt the heat. And then I recalled having gone upstairs before we left to check that all the lights were off. Surely I would have noticed the purring of the air conditioner. The balance of evidence certainly favoured an assumption of innocence, but how could I be sure? The excitement of the boat trip, the arrival in Devonport and the drive to Strahan pushed the anxiety into the
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 25
background, and when it did surface I comforted myself with the assurance that air conditioners are made to run for long periods and maybe when the room was cold enough it would at least cut out for a while. Each time the anxiety emerged I went through all the reason for discounting it. On the third morning, having woken with the nagging “what if” feeling, I sat down at the table, took out my journal and wrote a long account of the incident, hoping in this way to discard it for the duration of the holiday. And it was a success. By making fun of my neurosis, I somehow had managed to defuse its power. So we plunged into our day’s sightseeing with light hearts and a sense of relief.
At last…finally... peace of mind! That night, we were watching the TV news, keeping in touch with the world beyond Strahan. After the reports from Iraq and Canberra, a local item announced, accompanied by vivid pictures TODAY A HOUSE IN HOBART WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAULTY AIR CONDITIONER. With a profound sense of defeat, I headed for the phone box to ring my sister in Flemington and ask her to drive over to Princes Hill with her spare set of keys. Perhaps next time..!
It had been a rather persistent attack this time but now I had conquered it. Next holiday I would ensure that the list of things to be done before we left was even more carefully compiled and scrupulously ticked off.
vvvvv
If you haven't heard about our Sustainable Development Goals Series, you're missing out. SDG Focus is our blog series which shares critical insights, profiles and news from the perspective of sustainable development as per the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Interested in contributing to our series? Let us know at publications@graduatehouse.com.au Visit www.graduatehouse.com.au/category/sdg-focus/
Calling all Professors!
Why not be profiled in our publications? Our newsletter has included interviews with Professor Anne Steinemann, Professor Hans Meij, Professor Ghil'ad Zuckermann and many more outstanding individuals who have contributed immensely to their respective fields. Let us know at publications@graduatehouse.com.au Visit www.graduatehouse.com.au/category/professor-profiles/ 26 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
I like it a latte! We have a new Graduate Union glass in our merchandise range. The latte glass is heat resistant, doubled-walled, without handle and comes with a choice of two leather holders - black and red - with the Graduate Union logo. AUD$12.25 Enjoy your latte that little bit more.
U A TE H O D U RA
SE
G
Festive Season Products
back by
N
PO
PU
D
Jams Gourmet
LAR DEMA
Look out for details of our range of jams in our next Newsletter. The jam jars will be beautifully decorated and they make a perfect end of year or Christmas gift.
On sale soon at Graduate House No added Preservatives. Gluten and Lactose Free.
The lucky feedback-giver for August is Margaret Mayers who won a bottle of
De Bortoli Sacred Hill Brut CuvĂŠe Your feedback is important Submit a Dining Room Feedback Form to be in the Monthly Draw AND to be in the running for the Year-End Prize of a $500 Coles Myer Gift Voucher www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 27
Academic and Professional Development Meetings The following groups from The University of Melbourne have convened meetings, workshops and seminars at Graduate House in August 2017 Centre for Health Policy - Health Services, Workshops and Introduction to Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Health course 4th, 7th August 42 attendees
Committee of Convocation Dinner 16th August 12 attendees
Department of Finance Lunch Meeting 8th, 11th, 18th, 25th August 20 attendees
Department of Infrastructure Engineering Staff Meeting and MSE Celebration of Staff 1st, 31st August 140 attendees
Melbourne Graduate School of Education Publications Planning Day 28th August 7 attendees
University Services - Planning Group Workshop, Training Session: Think One Team 3rd, 4th, 10th August 101 attendees
UOM Commercial - Graduate CertiďŹ cate in Clinical Teaching, Network of Schools, Professional CertiďŹ cate in Health Systems Management, Austrade Hass Workshop, Psychosocial Aspects of Palliative Care 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 28th, 29th, 31st August 563 attendees
The patronage of organisation Members in charitable, not-for-profit, government and professional development sectors is acknowledged, as is that of our many Members who organise functions at Graduate House. Australian Society for Music Education (ASME) Victorian Chapter - Council Meeting 9th August 9 attendees
Association of German Teachers of Victoria Inc. (AGTV) - Committee Meeting 10th August 12 attendees
Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM) Victoria Education 11th August 115 attendees
Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) 3rd August 14 attendees
Australian Asian Association (AAA) 14th August 6 attendees
Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) Victoria Branch - VCE Preparation 25th, 28th August 65 attendees
Australian Italian Lawyers Association (AILA) - presented by His Honour Judge Riethmuller 28th August 70 attendees
Australian School of Applied Management Women and Leadership Australia Executive Ready and Leadership Programs 15th, 17th, 18th, 29th, 30th August 101 attendees
Carlton-Parkville Probus Club Inc 8th August 70 attendees
Rotary Carlton Lunch and Board Meetings, Bookfair 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th August 165 attendees
28 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
Academic and Professional Development Meetings Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (CRCSI) - Meeting 9th August 3 attendees
Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) Leaders Connect 24th August 42 attendees
International Coach Federation (ICF) Victoria - Let's talk about Neuroscience 17th August 55 attendees
IMD Alumni - IMD Roundtable 1st August 26 attendees
John Cain Foundation Luncheon 16th August 26 attendees
Retired Veterinarians Luncheon
Melba Group Luncheon
Melba Group Luncheon 25th August 16 attendees
Modern Language Teachers' Association of Victoria (MLTAV) - Committee Meeting and Dinner 16th August 35 attendees
MosaicLab and The University of Adelaide 7th August 4 attendees
Order of St. John 7th August 8 attendees
Organisation Development Australia (ODA) - Who’s Afraid of Performance Management? 29th August 15 attendees
Parentshop - Engaging Adolescents, Tough Conversations in Child Protection, 123 Magic and Emotion Coaching 9th, 10th, 11th August 53 attendees
Phoenix Australia - Centre for Post traumatic Mental Health and Board Meeting 30th August 7 attendees
Retired Veterinarians - Luncheon 2nd August 23 attendees
Ross Anderson - Meeting 23rd August 2 attendees
MEETING
Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) Committee Meeting 3rd August 15 attendees
Social Education Victoria (SEV) International relationship Student Summit and Committee Meeting 14th, 23rd August 127 attendees
The Graduate Union Collegiate Events and Governance Meetings 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 29th, 30th, 31st August 291 attendees
Thrive Digital - The Growth Accelerator 8th August 30 attendees
Turkish Teachers Association of Victoria 16th, 23rd August 23 attendees
Vision International - Seminar 18th August 42 attendees
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 29
Innovation
New studies debunk power posing fad Power posing for success has been debunked by researchers at Michigan State University (MSU), who have solid proof from eleven studies that striking a pose will have no effect on our behaviours.
Power posing may only be for Superman after new studies disprove its alleged benefits.
The poses in question are: leaning back with your arms folded behind your head, leaning over a desk with palms on the table and standing with your hands on your hips. These so-called power poses were introduced by social psychologist Amy Cuddy, who revealed her insights about these body positionings at a TEDGlobal in 2012. At the time, she claimed scientific evidence of the positive benefits of power posing. Cuddy's research alleged that standing or sitting a certain way, even for two minutes, raises testosterone levels and lowers the stress hormone cortisol. The 2010 study led by Dana Carney and Amy Cuddy from Harvard University, suggested that holding such poses can make you more likely to succeed in life, especially if you are "chronically powerless because of lack of resources, low hierarchical rank or membership in a low-power social group." The studies at Michigan State University found that there was no evidence to suggest that power poses have an effect on behavioural measures, such as how well you might perform in a job interview. In several of the experiments, MSU participants watched Cuddy's TED talk, held a power pose and then completed a negotiation task with another participant. The participants who held the power poses did no better than their partners.
"This new evidence joins an existing body of research questioning the claim by power pose advocates that making your body more physically expansive - such as standing with your legs spread and your hands on your hips - can actually make you more likely to succeed in life," said Joseph Cesario, the study's researcher and MSU Associate Professor of Psychology. The studies were even reviewed by Dana Carney, a University of California Berkeley professor who was one of the authors of the original power pose research. In addition, Cesario and MSU graduate student David Johnson recently published four new studies testing whether holding power poses impacted important behaviors such as how well you do in a business negotiation. But the results were in: extra power, nil detected. The work, published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, again found no evidence that making yourself expansive mattered at all. "There is currently little reason to continue to strongly believe that holding these expansive poses will meaningfully affect people's lives, especially the lives of the low-status or powerless people," Cesario said. In addition, the seven studies that appear in a special issue of Comprehensive Results in Social Psychology also fail to replicate the power pose effects. vv
30 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
Extracurricular
Reading and arithmetic different between girls and boys
Girls from low and middle socio-economic backgrounds are better at reading than boys, while boys from high socio-economic backgrounds are better at mathematics than girls, according to new research from The University of Melbourne and The University of Sydney. This is not just a matter of one gender having an overall edge in terms of achievement. Using data from The Longitudinal Survey of Australian Children to analyse the educational performance of pupils in third-grade standardised tests, the researchers found that gender gaps in educational achievement are linked to children’s socio-economic status (SES). “There is no innate skills advantage for either one gender or the other that manifests itself in all contexts,” they say. “The variation of gender gaps across domains and socio-economic status supports the idea that skill advantages are not naturally gendered, but are the result of complex human capital processes. "And what creates these processes varies between boys and girls.” Girls’ advantage in reading begins even before starting school. Girls’ already scored better on a school readiness test at four years-old, and had better teacher-assessed literacy skills than boys in kindergarten. In contrast, boys’ advantage in numeracy develops later and appears more complex. “Before school, high-SES boys do not have more of the characteristics
Social economic status can impact learning between girls and boys, the study finds
that are associated with higher numeracy test scores than high-SES girls. They are less ready for school than girls at four years-old and score the same as girls on a cognitive development test at six years-old. “In essence, boys are able to produce better outputs with lower inputs. The results of the study suggest that high-SES boys have higher numeracy test scores in large part because they benefit more from attending pre-school and lose less from attending Catholic (as opposed to public) schools than girls.” The authors stress the importance of addressing these gender gaps early on, as they are likely to spill over into other educational outcomes and undermine efforts to achieve gender equality more generally. “Boys’ under achievement is especially worrying as it could reduce economic growth and social wellbeing in the future if it leads to higher drop-out rates, more mental health issues, more criminality or more unemployment. “Of course, girls disadvantage in numeracy should not be forgotten either as it probably feeds into inequalities observed later on, such as investments in STEM subjects, wages and glass ceiling effects”. In practice, reading to boys more often and showing them that it is not a girls-only activity could enhance their literacy skills. “For girls, parents and teachers could stimulate girls’ confidence in mathematics and show them that it is not a boys-only domain.” vv
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 31
We share with you some of the most interesting things to do in Melbourne in the coming month.
The House of Dior Christmas Lunch at the Zoo Melbourne Zoo Enjoy a four-course lunch with premium beverages in one of the Melbourne Zoo's private event spaces. The children will love a surprise visit from Santa with gifts, the photo booth will be a hit for all family members and a jazz duo will perform.
Free Public Lecture: The Rule of Law in a PostTruth Era
National Gallery of Victoria International 180 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne Until 7th November
In celebration of the seventieth anniversary of the House of Dior, The HeART of 4th October one of the world’s most Ageing 6.30PM to 7.30PM prestigious couture th 4 October David P Derham Theatre houses, the National Gallery of Victoria 1.00PM to 2.30PM Law Building presents The House of 185 Pelham Street, The Wheeler Centre Dior: Seventy Years of Parkville 176 Little Lonsdale Haute Couture. The Street, Melbourne For more information, exhibition includes a email the Melbourne 2017 Sir Kenneth Bailey The Council on the sumptuous display of Zoo Events team at Memorial Lecture Ageing (COTA) Victoria more than 140 garments Presented by Emeritus is celebrating International melbournezoofunctions@ designed by Christian restaurantassociates.com.au Professor Gillian Triggs Day of Older Persons by Dior Couture between hosting a conversation 1947 and 2017. or call 03 9285 9440 event with four older This public lecture will Australians unafraid to consider the implications speak up and challenge of a 'post-truth' era on the assumptions about ageing. rule of law in the context of marriage equality, idop2017.eventbrite.com.au indigenous policy and vulnerable children.
If you have any recommendations for places or events of interest for our Members and Residents, email publications@graduatehouse.com.au 32 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
OUR FUTURE
Diamond Jubilee Fundraising Gala Saturday, 2nd September, 2017 Our inaugural Fundraising Gala was held in grand splendour in the 17th floor ballroom of the RACV City Club. Guests arrived in 1920s costume for pre-drinks. The foyer was buzzing with activity with guests finding their tables and having their photographs taken by a professional photographer from Snappy Pics.
Thank you to everyone. Your continued support of our residential college and meeting place is very much appreciated. Please see the donation form on the back pages. vvvvv
At 7.00PM, guests were ushered into the ballroom to be seated. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr John Deeks, a fixture of the Melbourne television and radio worlds for almost 40 years. Mr Deeks welcomed guests and invited their ongoing participation over the evening in the silent auction of over thirty exclusive items. The entrĂŠe was served soon after, as guests were entertained by piano accordionist extraordinnaire, John Kalkbrenner. Our President, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO, and the CEO/ Head of College, Dr Kerry Bennett, made their way to the podium to welcome everyone and launch the Diamond Jubilee Capital Fundraising Campaign for the redevelopment behind our Gladstone terrace. 'Select', Australia's premier showband, began their first set, performing contemporary and nostalgic songs. Most guests immediately took to the dance floor, a pattern that continued throughout a vibrant night of celebration! Staff members Daniel Clark and Shirley Ho went around to every table to offer guests the opportunity to win the grand raffle draw. Thank you everyone for your generosity in buying a raffle ticket! Our biggest thank you goes to Council Member, Mr Vincent Mirabelli, whose indefatigable work and charm made the Gala possible. Cr Mirabelli organised the venue, entertainment, the majority of the auction items and the attendance of many of the guests. We also thank all who attended, dressed up and participated in an event first for The Graduate Union. This event was the true springboard of our ambitious capital fundraising campaign. Next year we plan a 'World Gala' on a spring afternoon and evening, to celebrate our diverse membership. We look forward to seeing you all again.
Charles Billich donated his original painting entitled Graduate Diamond Jubilee 2017 for auction at the Gala. This beautiful work represents a time fusion of our terraces, purchased 60 years ago in 1957, with the ultra-modern eleven-storey development of quality post-graduate accommodation, the focus of our $50 million capital fundraising campaign. The painting cleverly melds a bygone era of horses and carts, classic cars with "60" on one number plate and the hustle and bustle of modern life with students in graduation gowns and caps. An angel represents the winged victory logo of our Association taking flight to undertake a much needed expansion of our residential college and graduate meeting place. Limited edition unframed prints are available for order from Graduate House for $1,200 (inclusive of GST). Charles Billich is generously donating $400 to our fundraising campaign for each print sold.
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 33
34 | www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B
Diamond Jubilee
CAPITAL FUNDRAISING Donation Form
Donation Amount
$25
$50
$75
$500
$1000
Other
$100
$300
$
Your Details Title: First Name: Last Name: Postal Address:
Mobile Number / Telephone Number: Email: I wish to be named as a donor
Yes
No
Turn page for payment details A B N 5 5 6 1 0 6 6 4 9 6 3 | I A R No . A 0 0 2 3 2 3 4 B
www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN 55610 664 963 | Incorporated Association Registration No. A0023234B | 35
Method of Payment
Cheque
Directed to The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc.
Bank Transfer Account Number: The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc. Bank: National Australia Bank BSB: 083 170 Account Number: 515612137 Swift Code: NATAAU3303M Description: Surname_Firstname_2017
Direct Debit Credit Card
Authorisation forms will be sent to you
Visa
Mastercard
Card Number: Expiry date: Cardholder Name: Signature:
A B N 5 5 6 1 0 6 6 4 9 6 3 | I A R No . A 0 0 2 3 2 3 4 B