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Buildings and Facilities
Buildings and Facilities subcommittee
The Buildings and Facilities subcommittee is pleased to submit this report for the year 2022. The roles and responsibilities of this subcommittee are provided in regulation 30.2.
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Occupancy
2022 saw Graduate House having a gradual increase in occupancy throughout the year. The opening of international borders in December 2021 saw a steady climb in occupancy through semester 1 and then larger increase with increase confidence and lessened restrictions on Australian border controls.
The dining room sprung back to life again with constant resident numbers of over 100 people throughout 2nd semester. This was such a great sight for all.
As shown in the bar graph below, and as the year progressed, occupancy showed a steady gradual increase to the high of 79.3% in October. Average occupancy for the year was 58.9%, compared to 19.2% in 2021.
The trial of undergraduates at Graduate House was a great success. Though only 14 undergraduates stayed throughout the year, they had only positive impact to the college community and as such many of them have continued to reside at Graduate House for 2023.
Master Planning And Terrace Redevelopment
At the 2022 Annual General Meeting held on the 26th May 2022 the Council presented the Graduate House Summary Report on the actions for the Master Plan and the Stage 1 redevelopment. This commissioned report gave an update on the standing and thinking of the Council for the stage 1 redevelopment project that a current planning permit exists for. The pandemic allowed the association to rethink the needs for the building, with alternatives to accommodation considered.
Guiding any future development scenario are three key principles:
Retain current operation: The Graduate Union is committed to retaining its current operation as a residential college and as a facility for graduates with wider services to members and the community.
Retain ownership: The Graduate Union is committed to retaining ownership of the current site which will become increasingly desirable following the opening of the University Loop Station in Grattan Street.
Enter discussions: The Graduate Union is committed to entering into discussions with potential partners with whom it can work to achieve mutually agreeable goals for the future development of the site.
Work continued throughout 2022 with discussions held with the several parties, including the University of Melbourne, discussing the Stage 1 project plus precinct wide development. 2023 will see further work and discussions for the redevelopment.
Parkville Rail Station
Construction of Parkville Station under Grattan Street continued in 2022 with the station taking shape. Construction on all inner areas is progressing with the entrance structures being installed allowing everyone to visualise the legacy look of the station for the area. The station will be a proud addition for the area allowing great access to the precinct and Graduate House.
Meeting with the Cross Yarra Partnership continued throughout the year on any works that might affect Residents (noise, vibration and accessibility). Legacy works for Grattan Street started in November 2022 with works to be completed by April/May 2023 for this end of the station area. The station is due to be operational by 2025.
Major Projects, Repairs And Maintenance
No capital projects were undertaken in 2022 due to the need to maintain a positive cash flow. Regular preventative and ongoing maintenance was undertaken as necessary. Essential building and required maintenance under contract remained and was completed on time and schedule.
The Buildings and Facilities subcommittee, together with the Finance and Audit subcommittee, has developed a prioritised capital works plan for 2023 highlighting the need for upgrades to the air conditioning units for the dining room, accommodation rooms and audio visual systems in the Ina Potter and Stillwell rooms. Other projects as well will be assessed on a needs basis.
In conclusion, I thank the members of the Buildings and Facilities subcommittee for 2022: Cr Natalie Gray (Co-Vice-Chairperson) and Cr Max Stephens (Co-ViceChairperson), Cr Vincent J Mirabelli, Mr Robert Heaton, Mr Michael Lynch, Mrs F Nolan (until May 2022) and Cr L Grima (from June 2022).
I extend appreciation on behalf of this subcommittee also to the management, accommodation, housekeeping, building services and culinary teams who make Graduate House a welcoming and vibrant home and gathering place.
My sincere gratitude to the wonderful team for their hard work and dedication.
To the staff who worked and have left in 2022Zaneta Subrata, Alice Widdowson, Priya Rajoo, Keith Turney, Stana Stojanovic and Sarojini Sahai, Chin Tze Jian - a big thank you - your hard work is recognised and very much appreciated.
