ELECTION ISSUE THE GRADUATE UNION of The University of Melbourne Inc.
PERIODICAL NEWSLETTER OF THE GRADUATE UNION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE INCORPORATED PRINT POST APPROVED PP337834/00022 REGISTERED ASSOCIATION No. AA0023234B April 2006 Volume 59 No. 2 www.graduatehouse.com.au
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
CONTENTS CALENDAR OF GRADUATE HOUSE EVENTS 2 NEW MEMBERS
2
DONATIONS
2
VALETE
2
LETTERS
2
GRADUATE COUNCIL NEWS Annual Report
3
Statement of Financial Performance 5 Statement of Financial Position
5
Notes to the Financial Statement
6
Statement by Council
8
Independent Audit Report
8
Graduate Council Election
9
Candidates’ Statements
9
RESIDENTS & MEMBERS
11
OFFICE BEARERS President: The Honourable John Cain Vice President: Dr Robert Gibson Chairman: Mr Neil Taylor Vice Chairman: Dr David McCredie Secretary-Warden (CEO) Mr Eugene Spanti
The Annual General Meeting of the Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated (“The Graduate Union”) will be held on Thursday, 25 May 2006 at 5.30 pm at Graduate House 220 Leicester Street, Carlton Eugene Spanti, Secretary-Warden April 2006
AGENDA 1. WELCOME, APOLOGIES AND RULES FOR CONDUCT OF THE MEETING 2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES To confirm the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 26 May 2005 3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 4. REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GRADUATE COUNCIL FOR 2005 5. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR 2005 Consider and, if thought fit, adopt the accounts of The Graduate Union as printed in the April 2005 edition of The Melbourne Graduate. 6. SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS (Details of the proposed changes are set out in the separate Schedule) (1) That Rule 28 be renumbered Rule 28A and a new Rule 28B be inserted. (2) That the present Rule 14A be deleted in its entirety and replaced with a new Rule 14A being the text of Model Rule 8. (3) That Rule 78 paragraph (d) be amended. 7. ELECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS The Returning Officer will announce the result of the election and the President will declare the names of the elected Council Members. 8. RE-APPOINTMENT OF THE AUDITOR 9. OTHER BUSINESS (Discussion and Question Time) 10. CLOSE
April 2006 Volume 59 No. 2 – 1
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE CALENDAR OF GRADUATE HOUSE EVENTS Forthcoming Luncheons and Dinners 4 May - Ms Janine Josephs, The Gift of Life - organ donation 25 May - Autumn Dinner (following the AGM) Speaker: Mr Anthony Knight from the Tallis Foundation 1 June - Mr Michael Kantor, Artistic Director of the Malthouse Theatre 6 July - Ms Jacki Fristacky, speaking about Industrial Relations 2 Aug - Mr Arnold Zable: Scraps of Heaven, the power of storytelling Regular Events Every Wed. - Bridge 7.45pm Every Friday - Members Night 5pm - 7pm 1st Wednesday each month - Luncheon, 12.30 for 12.50pm 3rd Wednesday each month - Women’s Forum 10am
DONATIONS Building Fund: $355 DMW Industries $100 W Morsby, J Ballantyne, G Jones $70 D Welch $50 G Israel, M Merchant, N Stevens, P Doughty $25 R Harris, H Miller Residents Assistance Fund: $100 W Morsby, G Jones $45 M Dowling $35 A Martin, Eastern Scale Co. $15 I Geard The Melbourne Graduate is normally published four times a year by The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Incorporated. It is edited by Geoffrey Dye and Lyn Weston, under the direction of the Graduate Council and its Executive Committee. The Melbourne Graduate welcomes letters from readers and reserves the right to edit them for publication. Please keep word count to a maximum of 250 and address to The Editors, The Melbourne Graduate. Registered Address: The Graduate Union 224 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053 Australia Telephone: (03) 9347-3428 Facsimile (03) 9347-9981 www.graduatehouse.com.au email: sec@graduatehouse.com.au Printed by: FSG Design & Print 1 Argent Place, Ringwood. (03) 9873 5144
2 – April 2006 Volume 59 No.2
LETTERS AND OTHER CORRESPONDENCE FROM MEMBERS
couldn’t. I hope we get to run many more events over March 2006 there in the future.
Letters and other correspondence from members Email to Conference Manager from Claire Pittman, Writing Centre for Scholars & Researchers, The University of Melbourne Thank you for a wonderful job done by the Graduate House team on our workshop this week. I guess the best way to demonstrate how well you did is tell you that I had only been able to spend a sum total of about ten minutes on communicating the event details with you, and I was feeling bad I had not been able to ensure everything would be in order more carefully beforehand. However I needn’t have worried - you and the team delivered on every detail with obvious experience, forethought and professionalism. The venue was beautiful, the food varied and delicious, and every detail was taken care of - from functioning equipment (not always guaranteed with some venues!) to refreshing the water in the room throughout the day. The changes that we did request at the last minute were attended to without any drama as well. A great job - we’ll be back!! March 2006
Letter to Secretary-Warden from Owen Parnaby, Life Member I was very touched by the condolences from the Chairman and Council on the death of Joy. Joy was a wonderful companion throughout our life together and I miss her greatly. I was present at the opening of the new building and I am impressed with the progress made by the Union in recent years. My congratulations to you all. February 2006
Extract of email to Conference Manager from Simon Clews, Director - Writing Centre for Scholars & Researchers Well, I looked outside my door at morning tea time and there were no Danish pastries. It was very disappointing. .... Thanks for the last two days - you and your team couldn’t have been better. You really
NEW MEMBERS The following new members joined the Graduate Union in the period February to April 2006. We welcome them and look forward to their participation in our members’ programs. Life Members Mr Bryan Crebbin, BA, DipGenStud (Ballarat), MA(Deakin), BSocialWork, Mr John Green, LLB(Deakin), BEc(Tas) Ms Mary Kelleher, BMus, GradDip, BEd(LaTrobe) Mrs Judith Anne Mulholland, BA(Syd) Ordinary Members Mr Ian Robert Adam, BA, DipEd(LaTrobe) Dr Ellen Berah, BA, MA, PhD(Cinc) Dr Sarah Dods, BScHons, PhD Mr J Fisher, BEc, LLB(Monash) Mr Michael Jensen, BEc, LLB, GradCert IR Mr Anthony Merrett, MEd Mr Anthony Nantes, BA, BSc Dr G Swafford, BAHons(NZ), PhD(Flinders), MPolLaw(LaTrobe) Ms Janet Thomas, BScHons(Adel), DipEd, BEd(LaTrobe) Dr Bruce Watson, BAppSc, MEdSt(Monash), DEd Hon Justice Margaret Wilson, BA, LLB(Qld) Assoc Professor Peter Woodgate, BSc, MSc(UNSW) Mr James Wylie, BA(Hons) Corporate Members Medical Defence Association of Victoria Associate Members Mrs Iseult Blanchard, Information Services, University of Melbourne Ms Joan Clark, Development Office, University of Melbourne All degrees are from University of Melbourne unless otherwise noted. Degrees are stated as presented on members’ application forms.
Letter to Secretary-Warden from Wm Berry Trust As Trustees, Heather and I would like to thank you for your part in the elegant refurbishments to the William Berry Wing at Graduate House. The painting, carpets and soft furnishings chosen are in excellent taste and we are delighted to note that the Anderson Room and the Johnston Library are being well used by residents and members enjoying the quiet ambience of the terrace. We are pleased to see too that the original Art Collection, the Loggan and Feint engravings, the Ackerman-Rowlandson book prints and the Alken hunting prints remain in their traditional home and the Ellis Rowan floral works look lovely in some of the hallways. The old and the new are now combining beautifully at Graduate House. February 2006 Letter to Secretary-Warden from Nanette McCubbin Belatedly I am writing to congratulate you on the superb evening everyone enjoyed on Friday 16 December. The beautifully decorated tables set the atmosphere for a grand evening. For some years I have come to this dinner as a guest of Dr and Mrs McCredie; by comparison 2005’s effort was the best ever. So often such endeavours pass without due praise. I am sure that I speak for everyone present that you and all your staff excelled themselves this time. January 2006
VALETE Since publication of the April edition of The Melbourne Graduate we have been notified of the deaths of the following members: Emeritus Prof David Allan, joined in 1975 Mr Hugh Ballantyne, Life Member joined in 1962 Ms Anne England, joined in 1958 Mr John Hannebery, Life Member joined in 1963 Mr Robert Longmuir, Life Member joined in 1952 Mrs Margaret Major, joined 1962 Dr Alexander Miller, Life Member joined 1944 The Graduate Union appreciates the support of these members and extends condolences to their families. We regret that space constraints do not allow individual acknowledgement of each deceased member.
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
ANNUAL REPORT Your Council presents its report on the Association for the financial year ended 31 December 2005 The names of Graduate Council members are listed below: President The Honorable John Cain (from 16 November 2005) Vice-President Dr R W Gibson Chairman Mr N J Taylor Vice-Chairman Dr D A McCredie Ex-officio and nominees of Vice-Chancellor Position vacant Position vacant Twelve elected members Until May 2008 Dr R W Gibson (from May 2005) Mr D H Room (from May 2005) Ms J P Ruth (from May 2005) Mr A J Vriends (from May 2005) Until May 2007 Dr D T Bellair (from May 2004) Dr D A McCredie (from May 2004) Mr J A Binns (from May 2004) Ms C A Kidston (from May 2004) Until May 2006 Mrs E A La-China (from May 2003) Mr A G Cleghorn (from May 2003) Mr G Duxbury OAM (from May 2003) Mr N J Taylor (from May 2004) Nature of operations and principal activities The principal activities during the year were the conduct of a residential postgraduate college affiliated with the University of Melbourne and the provision of facilities as University Graduates Club for members of the Graduate Union to enjoy social and intellectual activities. There was no significant change in the nature of these activities during the year. Results and review of operations. The financial statements show that total operating revenue grew to $1,313,530 ($743,931 last year), this included function and conference revenue of $176,660. Graduate Council had adopted a budget with an expectation of a deficit in the first year of operating the new building with all the problems of bedding down new facilities and growing the client base. It is especially gratifying that break-even was reached about October and for the full year a surplus of $58,847 was earned. While there was a period in the past when deficits were accumulated it should be noted that there has now been an operating surplus for ten consecutive years. Achievements 2005 will be recorded as a year of celebration for the Graduate Union. This was the first time annual
revenue exceeded $1M. The ground floor of the new building was occupied in December 2004 and the rest of the building was handed over by the builders in February 2005. The Development Committee, responsible for supervising design and construction, was constituted with a sunset provision on its existence. In November the Committee wound up its affairs and celebrated to thank all who had worked so hard to reach that point. The whole Graduate Union joined in the celebration when Mr John Landy, a one time member of Graduate Council, as Governor of Victoria officially declared the new building and other facilities open. That occasion also marked the end of the term of Mr Frank Lees as President. In December members of Graduate Council and a suitable contingent of Frank’s family gathered to celebrate the service he had rendered over nearly six years as President. December saw the members’ Christmas party in the new facilities. This happy event was marked by excellent entertainment. Also in December a group of members gathered at Graduate House in the former Gladstone Terrace where a brass plaque was unveiled. The William Berry Wing recognizes the achievements of the founding Warden. There were other more restrained celebrations by the staff and council when the Graduate Union trademark was registered. This has a long term validity and importantly incorporates the words Graduate House. Unfortunately it was not possible to register these words as a business name. The Graduate Union was also able to register the business name University Graduates Club. Members continue to make generous donations to the Graduate Union. During 2005 these donations amounted to $72,510.00. Final payment to the builders of the new building was made in December on receipt of undertakings to attend to some minor outstanding matters. Due to the late date of commissioning of some equipment the building and its equipment remains under warranty until August 2006. Due to these circumstances Graduate Council decided to defer the periodic revaluation of all real property until next year when the new building will have come out of the warranty period. Members will see from the accounts that although arrangements were made to borrow up to $2 million only $1 million has been borrowed. Not only have all building costs been met but substantial renovations have been made to the terraces. The Terraces The building works included new staff offices, new residents’ after-hours kitchen, upgraded recreation facilities where the dining room was previously and two new bedrooms upstairs where the recreation room was previously. The passages in the terraces were all painted and new carpets laid throughout the ground floor. These works followed what over the
April 2006 Volume 59 No.2 – 3
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE past four years has included installation of fire sprinklers, street façade renovations, complete repairs and replastering inside the Annexe, painting and updating furnishings in all bedrooms and generally tidying up of the front and rear gardens. The $50,000 donation was as specified, used to recarpet areas of the Terraces ($7,130) and the balance was expended on interior painting of the Terraces ($42,870). COUNCIL AND STAFF The Graduate Union depends on the contribution from members of Graduate Council and the staff. In May the usual elections took place. Margaret Robins did not seek re-election to Graduate Council and Marilyn Panichi was not re-elected. We thank Margaret and Marilyn for their contribution during their time on Graduate Council. We welcomed to Council as new members Ms Johann Ruth, Mr Darren Room and Mr Antonius Vriends. Molly Kelly joined the staff in May taking charge of the rapidly expanding function catering and conference area. There was some difficulty in securing capable staff for the kitchen early in the year until the June arrival of Peter Wills. Those who attended important functions later in the year will affirm the quality of the kitchen output under the capable hands of Peter. Lauren McKerley for three years capably handled the front office and accommodation administration. This included the difficult time of the demolition, building and redecorating. Lauren left Graduate House in December to further her career in hospitality management. The front desk has now been taken over by Diana Moyses.
Barbera who are doing an excellent job in catering for both residents and members. Housekeepers, Diane Swain, Jan Loschiavo and Evey Santalucia ensure the accommodation services are maintained to the highest level, while Lou Tarquinio and Carmine Santalucia, the maintenance and handymen maintain the building and service areas. All have contributed to a smooth working team. Membership There were 2029 members at the end of 2005 of whom 1561 were life members. At the Annual General Meeting in May, the addition of two new membership categories, namely Associate and Corporate, were passed. An increase in membership is anticipated together with increased conference and function bookings by the University, associated research institutions and corporate business. Networking dinners and other social events will be offered during 2006. It is hoped these will attract new members and increase business opportunities. Significant events after year-end There have been no significant events, other than what has been referred to in this report, since 31 December 2005 which may affect the operations or financial position of the Graduate Union. The Future Plans are underway for a complete refurbishment of all the bathrooms in both the terraces and the annexes. New curtains and light fittings will also be installed throughout the terraces in keeping with the renovations carried out in 2005. Signed pursuant to a resolution of Council.
Secretary-Warden Eugene Spanti continues to be supported by Lyn Weston, Assistant Secretary and Rosie Ellul, Catering and Conference Supervisor. Margaret Schintler, Kitchen Assistant and kitchen staff, Sam Shanino, Basma Tantawy and Matthew La
Mr Neil Taylor Chairman April, 2006
Attendance at Council and Committees (*part year only) Council Councillors Mr F Lees Mr J Cain Dr R Gibson Dr D Bellair Mr N Taylor Mrs E LaChina Mr A Cleghorn Mr G Duxbury Mr D Room Ms J Ruth Mr A Vriends Dr D McCredie Mr A Binns Ms C Kidston M R Robins M Panichi
Mtgs held 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
4 – April 2006 Volume 59 No.2
No Attd. 4* 1* 6 5 6 6 6 5 3* 2* 4* 4 5 5 2* 2*
House Board Mtgs held
No Attd.
5 5
5 3
5
5
5 5
4 5
Acct&Audit
Membership
Mtgs held
No Attd.
Mtgs held
No Attd.
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
1 3 0* 3 2* 2* 3
4 4 4 4 4
4 4 4 3 1
4 4 4 4 4
2* 1* 2 4 3
Developmnt Mtgs held 1
No Attd 1
1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1
Fundraising Mtgs held 2
No Attd 1
2 2
1 1
2
2
2
1
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2005 2005 2004 $ $ INCOME Subscriptions 64,898 69,776 Accommodation 757,197 436,930 Property rentals 14,850 17,473 Catering 468,148 205,472 Donations:Building Appeal 18,195 47,988 Donations: Other 4,315 6,950 Donations: Terraces 50,000 Interest received 12,920 175,577 8,437 14,280 Other income 1,398,960 EXPENDITURE Employment costs Catering supplies Utilities Communication costs Rates & government taxes Professional fees Legal expenses Insurances Interest & bank charges Repairs & maintenance Depreciation
NET SURPLUS
974,446
584,728 175,796 92,721 118,125 11,084 53,050 16,294 30,259 87,386 79,422 64,073
421,121 102,618 65,377 49,817 9,713 35,968 11,163 22,571 29,969 27,608 15,671
1,312,938
791,596
86,022
182,850
LESS ABNORMAL ITEMS
Donations Building Appeal Donations Terraces Donations Residents Assistance Fund Transferred NET SURPLUS (after deducting Abnormal Items)
18,195 7,130
47,988
1,850 27,175
______ 47,988
58,847 =====
134,862 ======
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 December 2005 2005 $
2004 $
Cash (See Note 4(a)) Receivables Stock (See Note 4(b)) Prepayments TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS NON-CURRENT ASSETS
171,747 0 8,513 24,652 204,912
581,595 186,839 12,667 20,014 801,115
Property, plant & equipment (See Note 5) TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS
12,296,320
11,799,258
12,296,320
11,799,258
12,501,232
12,600,373
111,198
286,658
51,646
___36,025
162,844
__322,683
1,000,000
1,000,000
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
1,000,000
1,000,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES
1,162,844
1,322,683
CURRENT ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors and borrowings (See Note 6) Provisions (See Note 7) TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors and borrowings (See Note 6)
NET ASSETS
11,338,388 11,277,690
MEMBERS’ EQUITY Reserves (See Note 8) Retained Funds (See Note 11)
10,766,340 572,048
10,764,489 __513,201
TOTAL MEMBERS’ FUNDS
11,338,388 ========
11,277,690 ========
April 2006 Volume 59 No.2 – 5
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1(a) STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES These financial statements are general purpose financial reports prepared for use by members of the Association. The Council has determined that the Association is a reporting entity. The statements are prepared in accordance with the requirements of applicable Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in accordance with Schedule 1 of Associations Incorporation (Prescribed Particulars) Regulations 2001. The statements are prepared on an accruals basis and are based on historic costs and do not take into account changing money values or, except where specifically stated, current valuations of non-current assets. The following material accounting policies, which are consistent with the previous period unless otherwise stated, have been adopted in the preparation of this financial report. 1(b) PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Plant and equipment are measured on a cost basis. The carrying amount of plant and equipment was reviewed to ensure that the carrying value of these assets reflected their effective lives. As a result of this review assets with a nil value were written out of the accounts together with the applicable accumulated depreciation. An additional amount of $20,484 was booked to the depreciation account representing restatement of assets held prior to 1 January 2005 on an effective life basis. 1(c) DEPRECIATION OF FIXED ASSETS The depreciable amount of plant and equipment is calculated on the straight line basis over the effective lives of the assets. 1(d) PROPERTY VALUATION (LAND & BUILDINGS) Graduate Council received advice from real estate professionals prior to deciding to adopt valuations in the 2001 accounts for land and buildings. Refer 5b Property Developmnt 1(e) OPERATING REVENUE Details of operating revenue are in the Statement of Financial Performance. Consistent with the previous year, life subscriptions & donations have been brought to account on a cash-received basis. Accommodation revenue is brought to account on the accruals basis. 1(f) INCOME TAX The Association’s income is exempt from income tax by virtue of Section 23(e) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (as amended) and has been endorsed as a tax concession charity for GST and fringe benefit tax by the Australian Taxation Office. 1(g) DONATIONS The Association is registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient for donations over $2. Donations are accounted for through the Income Statement and where applicable the Reserves. (See Note 8).
2005 2004 2. AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION $ $ For audit of accounts 5,384 5,200 For other services Nil Nil (no other benefits were received by the auditor) 3. COUNCIL MEMBERS’ EMOLUMENTS The Council members of the Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc have not received and do not receive any remuneration for their services.
6 – April 2006 Volume 59 No.2
Term Deposits Melbourne University Cash Float & Bar Float Building Appeal Account Cash at Bank
$ 52,026
$ 397,736
1,250 Nil 118,471 171,747
1,000 137,278 45,581 581,595
4(b) STOCK – AT COST The Short History books Jackets Wine & Food
Nil 10,896 Nil 330 8,513 1,441 8,513 12,667 Council agreed to write off cost of books and jackets. 5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (a) Existing Properties (i) Nos 210-214 Leicester Street, Carlton Freehold land and buildings at Council’s valuation November 2001 1,950,000 1,950,000 (ii) Nos 222-228 Leicester Street, Carlton Freehold land and buildings at Council’s valuation November 2001 2,600,000
2,600,000
2,600,000
2,600,000
(iii) Nos 230-234 Leicester Street, Carlton Freehold land and buildings at Council’s valuation Nov 2001 1,950,000
1,950,000
6,500,000
6,500,000
1,950,000 1,950,000
(b) Property Development The Graduate Union entered into a contract with Contract Control Constructions Pty Ltd to erect a 4-storey residential accommodation building at 216-220 Leicester Street, Carlton. After the addition of consultants (architects, engineers and quantity surveyors) fees, the total project cost to date is detailed below. Furthermore, your Council has elected to continue its policy of transferring Building Reserves to the carrying value of the new Building in the Accounts. It was agreed at Council that the revaluation of land and buildings held by The Graduate Union should be deferred until the make good period on the new building has expired. At this time a full revaluation will occur, The Council believes the revalued land and buildings will be not less than the present carrying value. (i) Consulting Fees
806,437
765,156
(ii) Structure Contributions
162,000
162,000
5,832,669
5,436,953
(iii) Building Costs
6,801,106 6,364,109 (iv) Transfers from Graduate House Extension Reserve, Building &Administrative Reserve & Building Appeal Reserve (1,272,755) (1,247,430) 5,528,351 5,116,679 (c) Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment at cost 313,653 288,040 Provision for depreciation (45,684) (117,479) 267,969
170,561
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE $ (d) Motor Vehicles Motor vehicle at cost Provision for depreciation
$
Nil Nil
28,490 (16,472)
Nil
12,018
Total Written Down Value (Items (a) to (d)) 12,296,320 11,799,258 Capital Commitments At 31 December, approximately $7500 was outstanding in relation to the building. 6. CREDITORS AND BORROWINGS Current Creditors 6,367 254,902 Net Accruals 64,511 19,359 Hire Purchase Liability Nil 15,579 GST Payable 6,820 (16,048) Residents’ Bonds 33,500 12,866 111,198 286,658 Non-Current Secured Fixed Term Bill (due 2014) 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 A facility with the National Australia Bank Limited of $1M at variable rates expired at 31 December 2005. 7.
PROVISIONS Employee Entitlements 51,646 36,025 Other than the provisions raised the Council is not aware of any other contingent liabilities. 8. RESERVES (a) Building and Administrative Reserve Balance at 1 January Nil Less Transfer to Property, Plant & Equipment Nil Nil (b) Graduate House Extension Reserve Balance at 1 January Nil Interest Credited Nil Donations Nil Less Transfer to Property, Plant & equipment Nil Balance 31 December Nil (c) Asset Revaluation Reserve Balance at 1 January Revaluation Increment Balance 31 December (d) Residents’ Assistance Reserve Balance at 1 January Donations Balance 31 December (e) Building Appeal Reserve Balance at 1 January Donations Interest Received Less Transfer to Property Plant & Equipment Balance 31 December
10,744,580 Nil 10,744,580
423,010 (423,010) Nil 680,782 Nil 5,835 (686,617) Nil 10,744,580 Nil 10,744,580
19,910 1,850 21,760
18,795 1,115 19,910
Nil 25,325 Nil
84,230 47,988 5,585
$
$
9. STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS (a) Cashflows from operating activities Members’ subscriptions
64,778
56,733
1,283,894
644,282
80,948
69,218
(1,225,148)
(916,936)
204,472 ========
(146,683) =======
Accommodation & meals Donations & other income Payments to suppliers & employees Net cash used in Operating activities
Cashflows from investing activities Property rentals
14,850
Proceeds Commercial Bill
Nil
21,159 1,000,000
Funds expended on re-development
(482,072)
(5,220,905)
Funds expended on asset purchases
(160,018)
(129,784)
Interest on property investment accounts
12,920
173,881
Payments relating to property investments
Nil
(8,275)
(614,320) =======
(4,163,924) ========
Net cash provided by investing activities Net increase/(decrease) in cash held Cash start of financial year Cash end of financial year
(409,848) (4,310,607) 581,595 4,892,202 171,747 581,595 ====== ======= (b) Reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to operating surplus after abnormal items Operating surplus after abnormal items 86,022 182,850 Depreciation of non current assets
64,073
15,671
Changes in net assets and liabilities Increase/(Decrease) in provision for employee entitlements 15,621
18,439
Decrease(Increase) receivables Prepayments and inventory 186,355
(140,969)
Increase/(Decrease) other creditors & borrowings
(175,460)
1,132,825
Decrease/(Increase) in non-current assets
(586,459)
(5,519,423)
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash Held
(409,848) (4,310,607) ======== ========
(25,325) (137,803) Nil Nil 10,766,340 10,764,490
April 2006 Volume 59 No.2 – 7
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE 2005 $
2004 $
10. SHARE CAPITAL The Association has no share capital. The Association was incorporated under the provisions of the Associations Incorporation Act on 12 June 1991. 11. RETAINED FUNDS Retained funds at 1 January 513,201
390,874
Add Net Surplus for year
86,022
182,850
Nil
(5,585)
Less Interest to Building Appeal Reserve Less Donations transferred to other Reserves Retained Funds at 31 December
(27,175) 572,048 =======
(54,938) 513,201 =======
12. The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated is not a trustee of any trust at the date of this report, except for the Building Fund and Residents Assistance Fund (See Note 1(g)).
STATEMENT BY COUNCIL The Council of The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated is of the opinion that: (a) the accompanying Statement of Financial Performance is drawn up so as to give a true and fair view of the operations of the Association for the year ended 31 December 2005; (b) the accompanying Statement of Financial Position is drawn up so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association for the year ended 31 December 2005 and; (c) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Association will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.
By resolution of the Council.
N. J. Taylor E.A. Spanti
Chairman Secretary-Warden
Carlton, April 2006
L LAW AA L LAW Chartered Accountant Chartered Accountant INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TOTO THE MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATE UNION TH THE MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATE UNION OFOF THE UNIVERSITY MELBOURNE INCORPORATED UNIVERSITY OFOF MELBOURNE INCORPORATED
SCOPE I have audited the financial report, being a general purpose financial report, of The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated for the year ended 31 December 2005, as set out in the Annual Report on pages 5 to 8. The Council is responsible for the financial report and has determined that the accounting policies used and described in Note 1 to the financial statements which form part of the financial report are appropriate to meet the needs of the Associations Incorporation Act (Victoria) as amended and the needs of members. I have conducted an independent audit of the financial report in order to express an opinion on it to the members. The financial report has been prepared for distribution to members and for the purpose of fulfilling the financial reporting requirements under the Rules of the Association and the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act (Victoria). I disclaim any assumption of responsibility for any reliance on this audit report, or on the financial report to which it relates, to any person other than the members, or for any purpose other than that for which it was prepared. My audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. My procedures included examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the financial report and the evaluation of accounting policies and significant accounting estimates. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion as to whether, in all material respects, the financial report is presented fairly in accordance with the accounting policies described in Note 1 so as to present a view of the Association which is consistent with my understanding of The Graduate Union’s financial position and performance as represented by the results of its operations and its cash flows. The accounting policies do not require the application of all Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia. The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis.
AUDIT OPINION In my opinion, the financial report of The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated is in accordance with applicable Australian Accounting Standards so as to give a true and fair view of the financial position of The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated as at 31 December 2005, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the year then ended. A. L. Law FCA Registered Company Auditor, Reg No. 9310 Carlton, April 2006
8 – April 2006 Volume 59 No.2
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
GRADUATE UNION COUNCIL ELECTION General Information
*TAYLOR, Neil James, BSc, MEd, GradDip (Local History)
As a result of the call for nominations published in the February issue of The Melbourne Graduate six (6) nominations have been received for the four (4) positions to be filled. A poll will therefore be held, with voting closing in the registered office of The Graduate Union at 220 Leicester Street, CARLTON, at 4pm on Thursday, 11 May 2006. A voting paper, a small envelope marked ‘Voting Paper’ and an outer envelope, in which the small envelope containing the voting paper is to be placed, are all enclosed with this newsletter to all members. If you have not received them, please contact the Graduate Union office immediately. Should you have any privacy concerns, you may, having completed the declaration on the envelope addressed to the Returning Officer, enclose that envelope within a larger plain envelope and address it in the manner identical to that shown on the envelope addressed to the Returning Officer, before posting or delivering to the Returning Officer, as directed on the voting paper. Personal Information and Policy Statements Submitted by Candidates. Candidates are listed here, and on the voting paper, in the order in which names were determined by lot in the presence of witnesses. The statements, which follow, have been standardised only by listing the surname first, followed by other names, and the listing of degrees and diplomas and the inclusion of the names of the proposer and seconder of the candidate. * Indicates retiring councillors eligible for re-election. A complete listing of Council membership during any part of 2005 is set out in the introduction to the Annual Report, commencing on page 3. The members elected in this poll will have terms expiring in May 2009. – Ron Ritchie Returning Officer
Proposer - David Thomas Bellair Seconder - John Andrew Binns During the last few years the Graduate Union has seen the opening of the new building, the expansion and full recognition of our Graduate College, a revision of membership categories, the registration of a trade mark and business names and a dramatic increase in our activities and profitability. If elected I will continue to promote increased membership, our club facilities, including use as a venue for conferences and seminars and the full support of a talented and dedicated staff.
*CLEGHORN, Andre Gregory, BSc(Hons), MSc(Melb) Proposer - David Alexander McCredie Seconder - Barbara Ann Funder Councillor since 1999, member of the Accounting & Audit, Membership & Development Committees until building completion. Medical Microbiologist and now operating a plant biotechnology laboratory. Our new building has been completed and postgraduate accommodation and conferencing is operating to near capacity; therefore now is the time to concentrate on revitalising the membership. Proposed benefits are: • Travel service to members using our reciprocal rights with other colleges worldwide. • More social activities for members. • Discounts to a range of products and services.
CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS FISHER,
Glenda Joan, MEd(Melb), BEd(Bendigo), THTC(Melbourne Teachers College), TPTC(Geelong Teachers College) Proposer - Darren Hamilton Room Seconder - James Rossetti
Joining the Graduate Union after completing my Masters Degree in 2005, I am impressed by the standard of facilities and services offered to members. I wish to contribute by offering my services on Council, fostering the Union’s aims to promote a collegial, enriching environment and ensuring all members’ interests are heard. Currently employed by the Catholic Education Office as an Education Officer, I am responsible for providing viable post compulsory education options for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities.
*DUXBURY, Gordon William, OAM, LLB Proposer - David Alexander McCredie Seconder - Alan Scott Jenkins Former Senior (Solicitors).
Partner,
Darvall
McCutcheon
Prior to retirement Governor of the Van Diemens Land Company, Chairman Argosy Asset Management Ltd, and Director of a number of internationally-based and listed Australian companies. Past President Royal Guide Dogs for the Blind Associations of Australia and Prince Henrys Hospital. Would intend to: (1) continue to utilize experience gained in other Board appointments to benefit of Graduate Union (2) look to future and not back on past difficulties which have no present relevance.
WONG, Erwin (AJ), BSHS Medical Technology, ASCPCertified Medical Technologist Proposer - Darren Hamilton Room Seconder - Timothy Stephens Currently I’m focused on completing a 4.5 year postgraduate degree in Medicine at the University of Melbourne. I previously worked in the United States as a Medical Technologist after graduating from the University of Arizona in May 2003. Since moving to Melbourne in June 2005, Graduate House has grown into an endearing gateway to life in Australia. I look forward to fostering the further development of my new home as a member of Graduate Council.
ROBERTS, Andrew Kingsley, MBBS(Melb), FRCS(London), FRACS, FACS Proposer - John Andrew Binns Seconder - Timothy Stephens As a member since the 1960s it is an exciting time to seek support to participate in the further development of the reinvigorated Graduate Union in our wonderfully located refurbished facility. New councillors bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and skills which I believe can increase membership and expand the range of activities that the Graduate Union offers in the future. Promotion of inter-faculty communication between members and expanding reciprocal associations, in Australia and overseas are areas I am keen to develop. * Retiring Councillors eligible for re-election. April 2006 Volume 59 No.2 – 9
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
Welcome to ACUC! The Club...For Clubs Members will be pleased to learn that our list of reciprocal clubs was extended recently when the Graduate Union was accepted as a member of the Association of College and University Clubs (ACUC). While the ACUC is based in the USA, with wide ranging reciprocity throughout North America, reciprocal rights in Hong Kong, The Netherlands and Sweden are also available. Introduction Cards for members are available at Graduate House and more extensive information can be obtained from the ACUC website: www.acuclubs.org ACUC is the leader in providing reciprocity, education and information exchange for university based clubs throughout the world. The Association of College and University Clubs (ACUC) is a non-profit organization of campus-based clubs located throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Established in 1978, the Association creates global awareness of the services provided by university clubs in their role as campus hosts. As hospitality providers, university clubs promote collegiality, social interaction and enhanced communication among members of academic and professional communities. Nearly 100 clubs worldwide participate in the Association’s reciprocity program, facilitating academic interaction by opening their doors to club members visiting from other campuses. ACUC promotes excellence in club management through educational programs, newsletters and networking opportunities. The ACUC Annual Conference is now held concurrently with the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) World Conference & Exposition. Every even year, beginning in July 2006, a summer workshop program will be held at a North American university, providing professional seminars, roundtables, and networking opportunities for club representatives.
ELECTION EDITION The Annual General Meeting of The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne will be held at Graduate House on Thursday 25 May at 5.30pm. The Agenda for the AGM is on the front page.
VICTORIAN SCALE NO 861 An interesting and charming feature in the main lounge at Graduate House is the antique scale loaned by George Freeman and Alan Sinclair of the Eastern Scale Company. Approximately one thousand of these scales were purchased about 30 years ago and George and Alan have restored them to their original condition. Initially operated with a penny coin, the scales have now been modified to accept one dollar coins. They are sited at many locations, although sites with historical value, such as Swan Hill and Sovereign Hill in Victoria and Circular Quay in Sydney are preferred. In the United States they can be found on the Queen Mary and at Universal Studios. Each scale is numbered and on front of the scale is Queen Victoria’s Crest with words ‘With Royal Letters Patent’. In the late 1880s, before the advent of copyright, this was a protection against copying and the Queen was paid to protect inventions - which is where the word ‘royalties’ comes from. This protective role was taken over by the State Patent Office on the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. 25% of takings will be donated to The Residents Assistance Fund.
AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS 2006 The Graduate Union congratulates the following who were recognised this year. OAM: Medal of the Order of Australia Dr Brian Willoughby Walklate, Life Member joined in 1954 Mr Desmond Drewitt Davey, joined in 1962
10 – April 2006 Volume 59 No.2
Companies offering discounts to Graduate Union Members
AudioLifeStyle, Australian Unity, Geoff Ireland Florist, Hertz, Pickford Pharmacy, Non-Profit Purchasing, DeBortoli Wines Open for Lunch and Dinner - 7 Days Private Room Available 10% off meals for Graduate Union Members Tuesday to Thursday on presentation of card. (Discount applies to groups of 6 or less) 766 Whitehorse Road, Mont Albert, Vic. 3127 Tel: 03 9898 5188 Fax: 03 9898 5348
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
RESIDENTS AND MEMBERS Weekends are a very social time at Graduate House when the weekday pressures are forgotten and residents enjoy many social activities. In March the birthdays of residents Frederick and Sujata were a happy affair and celebrated by the large group of residents pictured. Sieh Ng (pictured foreground) and Jyotika Anand are both longterm residents and the chief social directors at the House. New residents appreciate their efforts to introduce them to new friends and new experiences in Melbourne, saying the friendliness is very helpful when settling into an often very different environment.
David Mussoff David is an international exchange student from the United States pursuing the last semester of his MBA, which will be completed in May. The emphasis of his degree is in corporate strategy and finance. He was born and raised in Southern California, in the region made famous by “The O.C.” and “Laguna Beach” television shows, and is where he lived before making the journey to Melbourne. His interests include bodyboarding at the beach, computing, business, politics and photography.
Tony Williams Tony’s PhD thesis is on Disability in Higher Education, in which he is examining the sociological and anthropological aspects of disability. He has chosen to stay at Graduate House because it is handy to the University and to the Postgraduate Association, located in the 1888 building in Grattan Street, where he working while studying. Postgraduates are represented on every University committee through UMPA and David finds that this connection is a wonderful opportunity to see what is going on around the University.
Scott Edwards After finishing his PhD in soft matter physics at the Australian National University in Canberra, Scott has just started a postdoctoral appointment in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He has spent his first few weeks in Melbourne living at Graduate House while searching for more permanent accommodation. He has found Graduate House a great base from which to start exploring a new city and a great place to make new friends.
Kamakshi Mubarok (left) comes from Colombo, Sri Lanka and is studying Geography for Honours at The University of Melbourne, specialising in post-tsunami reconstruction in Sri Lanka. At Graduate House she is a co-founder of cricket coaching for international students, who are learning to play this game in the park across the road. She enjoys swimming with friends from Graduate House at the University Sports Centre. Athena Lin (centre) is from Taipei, Taiwan and has been at Graduate House since January, studying for a Master of Commerce (Finance) at The University of Melbourne. She really enjoys the food culture in Melbourne and has been to most of the restaurants in “The Age” Good Food Guide. Thanks to the Graduate House Cricket team and Nick, the coach, she has recently discovered the fun of playing cricket.
Nicholas Cutler (right) is studying for his PhD in wind energy forecasting and has come to The University of Melbourne to take courses in Meteorology. He enjoys the cooler weather, quieter streets and the cafe culture of Melbourne, compared to Sydney, and likes being able to simply walk to Graduate House after University classes. In his first week he had already organised a game of cricket, played table-tennis and held a sing-along around the piano with his new friends at Graduate House. Sarah Miller has just commenced a Master of Science program in Cardiology at The University of Melbourne. She is enjoying the warm summer weather so far in Melbourne, after the cold and snow of winter in the northern hemisphere, and is looking forward to exploring the nearer suburbs of Melbourne and travelling through the rest of the country.
Long Distance Runners Reunion. A little of the excitement of the Commonwealth Games was felt at Graduate House with the Distance Runners Reunion. The speaker was the Governor of Victoria, Mr John Landy, himself a former Olympian, who kept the group amused with his reminisces of shared memories with fellow athletes and lifelong friends from their glory days on running tracks of the world stage. John Landy with Dixie Ingram/Willis, Margaret Edwards/Burvill April 2006 Volume 59 No.2 – 11
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
!! FIRE !! Residents, visitors and staff shared the excitement of an unexpected fire drill in March when at 9 pm one night the alarms sounded and residents and visitors were hustled from their bedrooms, card games and other activities by alarmed staff and instructed to assemble in Leicester Street until the ‘all clear’ was sounded. Fortunately, it was a false alarm, but a necessary annual exercise to ensure the safety of everyone in Graduate House should a fire occur. Everyone was evacuated within eight minutes of the alarm sounding and all were accounted for by the fire wardens. A very successful exercise considering the size of Graduate House and the number of people on the premises at the time.
GRADUATE UNION MEMBERS OFFERING SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY Michael Jensen & CiCi Edwards Michael Jensen is a graduate of law from Monash University (1990) and works as a workplace disputes mediator as principal for C4M. His wife, CiCi Edwards is a graduate from Victoria University (Health Sciences, 2000). She works as a remedial therapist in the oncology ward of the Royal Women’s Hospital. Together Michael and CiCi have set up a charitable foundation known as RunForYourLife Inc which aims to raise funds for people living with cancer. One of the major fundraising events for this year is a walk-run event held in Daylesford Victoria on the 22April. The primary fundraising target is to raise enough to purchase a scientific research instrument/equipment that is needed by the Royal Women’s in its search to develop an early screening test for ovarian cancer. Known as the silent cancer, there are currently no early detection tests for this form of cancer. For more information please visit their website www.runforyourlife.org.au which includes reasons that inspired them (especially CiCi) to set up a charitable foundation. Later this year in November she will be running in the New York City Marathon in an attempt to raise more awareness (and funds) for ovarian cancer research and will be the subject of a film being produced on three women in Australia whose lives have been changed by the experience of running in this world famous marathon event.
LUNCHEON SPEAKER - MARCH Stuart Trist, International Red Cross Guest speaker Stuart Trist gave an overview of the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in war zones, with examples from his work in the former Yugoslavia during the conflict in the 1990’s. Stuart is no longer an employee of Red Cross but continues as a volunteer speaker for the organisation. He outlined the origins of the Geneva Conventions which provide the basis of protection of persons providing humanitarian aid during war and conflict. Swiss citizen Henri Dunant founded the Red Cross and established the first international diplomatic conference Stuart Trist and his Serb translator interview Serb refugees. Bosnia 1995 that drew up the first Geneva Convention in 1864. This provided protection for wounded and injured combatants and the humanitarian workers providing assistance to them through the recognition of the red cross as a symbol of protection. Stuart briefly outlined subsequent developments of the Geneva Conventions that extended protection to prisoners of war and civilians caught up in war zones. Relying for protection solely on the recognition of the red cross symbol, Stuart worked across the war zones, frequently crossing frontlines to carry out the work of an ICRC Delegate. A principal task involved visiting places of detention to register and provide material aid to prisoners, interviewing them without witnesses and providing confidential reports to prison authorities. Unlike other non-government aid agencies, the ICRC has a policy of never making public these confidential reports to ensure ongoing access to prisoners and the ability to argue for recognition of prisoners rights established under the Geneva Conventions. A further task critical to the well being of combatants and their families is the tracing and message service conducted by ICRC Delegates as they move around the war zone. The service exchanges information regarding the location of family members and each time a delegate crosses the frontlines his vehicle often has mail bags crammed with many thousands of Red Cross Family Message forms to be distributed by the Red Cross branches in each region. It was common also for Delegates to be involved in repatriation of civilians across conflict lines. Stuart reported that nothing could be more rewarding than to facilitate a family being reunited in such circumstances. Drawing on the resources donated by governments and communities around the world, the ICRC provides emergency water supplies, plastic sheeting for shelter and emergency food to communities caught up in hostilities. Stuart worked in Srebrenica during 1995 and was involved in the evacuation of civilians during the Serb offensive. Now some ten years on from the end of hostilities, many of the families and communities are still living in temporary accommodation in communal buildings and with limited opportunity to re-establish their lives.
12 – April 2006 Volume 59 No.2