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President's Message
I am pleased to present my annual report for the 2022 year to Council and Graduate Union members.
I would first like to express my gratitude to the Chair, Vincent Mirabelli, whose tenure as Chair will conclude at the Annual General Meeting this year. Vincent assumed office at the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic when our business looked as if it may have to close completely. Due to his and the immediate intervention of others, we were able to keep operating and to provide both accommodation and a safe haven for those international students who remained in Australia in 2020.
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Thereafter followed two difficult years for the Graduate Union but fortunately we have, with the work of the Council and staff, weathered the storm and are now back to pre-COVID-19 occupation numbers. This included making some innovative arrangements to maximise our occupancy.
In addition to having to deal with the exigencies of COVID-19 on Graduate House, in 2022, our CEO/Head of College, Dr Kerry Bennett resigned and necessitated the appointment of a new General Manager. We were fortunate to be able to have Daniel Clark step seamlessly into the role.
Finally, we spent considerable time and effort in attempting to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement with The University of Melbourne to re-develop Graduate House given the planning approval we hold. Unfortunately, an arrangement that met our needs and aligned with theirs could not be reached, but considerable effort was put into this by Council and the Chair.
The Chair’s term of office was most definitely not an easy one and I thank him for his leadership and endeavour during this difficult period. He and Council have achieved a great deal notwithstanding challenges. It is pleasing to see the occupancy rates for accommodation. Functions and events have returned to high levels.
Council has not abandoned plans to re-develop Graduate House but the cost means we must look carefully at trying to find a suitable arrangement, if one can be found. The opening of the Parkville metro station will have us in a prime position and Council is continuing with its efforts. Councillors Natalie Gray and Max Stephens have been the main driving force in our negotiations and I thank them for their past and ongoing work.
I also thank the Council and hard-working subcommittees for their work for the Graduate Union and to Daniel Clark and his staff. He took over the role of General Manager at short notice and has proved a very competent manager.
Once again, I thank the Chair for his service and wish him well.
The Honourable Diana Bryant AO KC President of The Graduate Union
