2 minute read
Chairman's Message
We have also had many successful monthly luncheons. I also proudly hosted my first (because of COVID-19) and last (due to my resignation) Chair’s Cocktail Party on 2nd December 2022 which was well attended, perfectly presented and catered for by our wonderful inhouse catering team. At the Chair’s Cocktail Party, a small tribute and fitting award was presented to former Councillor, Mr Kingsley Davis OAM, (in absentia) which was gladly accepted by our President on his behalf. Likewise, our Christmas party held on 16th December 2022 was again a huge success. With thanks to the staff presenting a superb set up and decoration of the combined Stillwell and Ian Potter rooms. The evening was made more enjoyable and memorable thanks to the music, singing and dancing provided by Stephanie Angelini as singer and Mark Belvedere as professional DJ.
I am very pleased to present my annual address for 2023 to Council and members of the Graduate Union. Sadly, this will be my last as I am due to step down as Chair of The Graduate Union at the May 2023 AGM.
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Once again, I thank most sincerely, our esteemed President, The Honourable Diana Bryant AO KC for her unwavering support and assistance over the past twelve months. Likewise, I thank each and every member of Council for their tireless efforts and professional contribution to the smooth running of the Council and our Association.
Much has happened in the last twelve months but thanks to the ending of COVID-19, we could all get on with advancing our association at full speed and to achieve many positive goals.
Our main stay of accommodation reached 90% by March 2023. Similarly, our functions and events grew by 75% by March 2023. As a result, our financial position has improved considerably and we are trading very well with further steady growth anticipated throughout 2023. We have also had the benefit of support from our bankers and stakeholders which is greatly appreciated. On a non-financial administrative level, and for the benefit of members and students, we were able to purchase a wonderful grand piano which now graces our members dining room. In the main, we are grateful thanks to Councillor Martin Comte for sourcing the piano and for the generous donations from Council members, especially Councillor Muan Lim.
After many years of requests, I was able to secure a large state of the art television which brings a new dimension of entertainment to the dining room offerings.
I would like to take this opportunity to again thank our General Manager, Mr Daniel Clark, for his continued fantastic management style and achievements in leading a great group of loyal staff to greater achievements than expected.
In particular, having had the pleasure and assistance from our President, Council, sub-committees, staff and members, they have enhanced my life and I hope I have made a positive contribution as well. It is with great thanks and confidence that I vacate the Chair and entrust it to my successor who will be elected subsequent to the AGM. I also thank the staff and members and I wish everyone achievement of higher goals in the future.
The future ought to hold a further success despite our inability to proceed with the construction of the extension and expansion of the Graduate Union over the terraces. However, due to ongoing great work, by Councillors Natalie Gray and Max Stevens, liaising with The University of Melbourne, other bilateral prospects could be on the horizon.
My parting wish is that there will be new signage to the façade and carpark directional signage which will put Graduate Union more prominently on the Melbourne, Carlton and The University precinct map.
In conclusion, may I say my tenure as Chair over the last 3 years, despite some initial challenges and difficulties, has been a most satisfying experience which I shall not forget.
I bid you all farewell, best of good health and luck.
Vincent Mirabelli Chair of The Graduate Union Council
