THE
MELBOURNE
The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc.
GR ADUATE
Periodical newsletter of the graduate union of the university of melbourne incorporated Print Post approved pp337834/00022 registered association no. AA0023234B August 2008 Volume 61 No. 3 www.graduatehouse.com.au
AN INVITATION TO OUR HEAD OF COLLEGE AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Contents CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2 LETTERS
2
NEW MEMBERS
2
VALETE
2
DONATIONS
2
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
3
RESIDENTS & STAFF
4
EVENTS & SPEAKERS 5 RECIPROCAL CLUBS 7 HEAD OF COLLEGE REPORT
Office Bearers President: The Honourable John Cain Vice President: Dr Robert Gibson Chairman: Mr Andrew Binns Vice Chairman: Mr David Sparks Head of College and CEO Mr Eugene Spanti
8
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n May, our Head of College and Chief Executive Officer, Eugene Spanti, was invited to address the 1st European Forum on the Right to Study and University Education being held in the Italian city of Perugia from 5 to 7 June.
The Forum was a unique and important event for ninety-two universities, regional authorities and institutions of the right to study and student associations to meet. Over the three days of the Forum, there were debates, seminars and meetings which discussed many issues including student citizenship, international mobility and disability. Mr Alberto Scuttari, Director of ESU in Padua, whom Eugene had met during his tour of Italy in 2007, was the co-ordinator of the congress covering “Halls of Residence” and it was he who invited Eugene to present a speech about his experiences in an Australian residential college, particularly the different types of buildings and their managerial organization. Although familiar with the Italian language, it was quite a challenge for Eugene to address the Forum in this language and caused him to be very busy for several days preparing his presentation and then translating it into Italian. Fortunately Graduate House hosts a group of Italian speaking members and friends at a dinner on the first Tuesday each month and members of this group generously provided assistance with both the translation and correct enunciation. After spending two days in Rome visiting relatives, Eugene took the train through the Italian countryside to Perugia, a very old city set in the rolling hills of Umbria. The Forum was held in a beautiful hall with a frescoed ceiling in the University of Perugia, a public-owned university founded in 1308. The Faculties of the University are situated in separate buildings throughout the old town and connected by a series of cobbled laneways. Although Eugene spoke about the residential colleges of the University of Melbourne generally and how they relate to the University, the major focus of his address was about Graduate House, its role as a postgraduate college, its organizational structure, its growth over the past seven years and the plans for future development. Not only was the Forum an excellent opportunity to promote Graduate House as a destination for Italian postgraduate students, it also gave Eugene the opportunity to meet with other University Heads and he has returned to Australia with potential reciprocity in Milan and Venice, in addition to the possibility of a staff exchange program whereby staff from Graduate House and the ESU/ postgraduate residential college of the University of Perugia will swap positions for a short time. Eugene has also been invited to address a similar Forum in France in November this year. August 2008 Volume 61 No.3 –
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE CALENDAR OF EVENTS 28 August Twilight Lecture Series – The US Election Process Speaker: Assoc Professor David Tucker 3 September Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Dr Piero Genovesi; Topic: “The fascinating life and work of Dr Ferdinando Galliardi, Tuscan lawyer & Victorian librarian, 1877-1890 1 October Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Professor Tim McCormack; Topic: Australian Red Cross Humanitarian Law 23 October Wine Appreciation Dinner – Peter Lehmann Wines 30 October Twilight Lecture Series – The US Election Process Speaker: Fulbright Distinguished Chair 5 November Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Ms Rita Hartney Topic: Seven steps to enjoying the journey of life 3 December Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Reverend Dr John Davis, Vicar of St Peter’s East Melbourne 12 December Members Christmas Party Santa, Entertainment and Prizes The Melbourne Graduate is normally published four times a year by The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Incorporated. It is edited by Eugene Spanti 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, 220 Leicester St., Carlton, Vic. 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, Vic. 3134. Tel: (03) 9873 5144
– August 2008 Volume 61 No.3
LETTERS from Derrick Hammon, Bruce ACT (Reciprocal Member of University House, ACT) My wife Olive and I have now returned home after our week in Melbourne, staying at Graduate House. We wanted to let you know how much pleasure our stay with you gave us. We found staff and residents most friendly and helpful. The accommodation and amenities were good and we enjoyed our dining experiences. We hope to revisit Melbourne next year and stay again at Graduate House. Meanwhile we will let University House at the Australian National University know of our enjoyable experience. March 2008 from Heather Kudeviita, Life Member I am writing to thank all those involved in planning and presenting of the St Valentine’s Day Wine Dinner. I am sure all those who chose to attend this lovely dinner had a really enjoyable evening. The wines were very well chosen and the food was of the usual high standard we have come to expect of our chef, Peter. Martin went to a lot of trouble to work out some interesting questions for a couple of quizzes which tested the assembled graduates! I know that I and many others would be very happy to attend any similar functions in the future. March 2008 from Colin Chan, Resident of Graduate House (extract) I would like to commend Graduate House on its recent implementation of a paper recycling service for residents... Considering how much paper I, as one resident, was able to collect, this is obviously a large waste stream that will now be diverted from landfill... A stunning fact to note is that every tonne of recycled paper saves 2.5 barrels of oil, 4100 kWh of electricity, 4 cubic metres of landfill and 31,780 litres of water! Additionally, I have heard that Graduate House has undergone an external audit to further reduce its energy consumption. This is also a commendable undertaking, and will serve to further reduce Graduate House’s environmental footprint…. I am confident that fellow residents would be happy to know that they can play a part in Graduate House’s environmental stewardship efforts. April 2008 from Richard Cameron, Member. I wish to convey my sincere thanks to the staff and management for the excellent Wine Appreciation Dinner which was held last night. I had three guests with me and we all enjoyed ourselves very much. The pre dinner gathering only whetted our appetite for the function and I can assure you that we were not disappointed. On behalf of my guests and myself, thank you. April 2008
DONATIONS Building Fund: Residents Assistance Fund: $300 P Boaden $100 J Gregory, B Ali $500 M Dean $50 G Sinclair, $100 D Beavis, A Cordner N Burns $40 B Taylor $40 B Taylor $25 A Martin $35 S Stuart $10 G Lane $25 N Couchman Graduate House thanks Mr Dino De Marchi for his generous donation to the library of his book “Weary, An Australian Hero” written with Robert Hillman and illustrated by David Pearson, with a Foreword by General Peter Cosgrove AC MC (Retd)
from Alison and John Kearney, Life Members. My wife, Alison and I wish to thank you for your new Life Membership cards. They have been signed. We reside in Queensland but enjoy the occasional visit to Melbourne and Graduate House. April 2008 from Barbara Funder, Life Member I write to thank you, Lyn and also Martin Rule for your immediate and extremely helpful assistance on Tuesday, 10 June when I was brought into Graduate House with a head injury after an accident with a tram door whilst on my way to lunch there. I simply cannot speak highly enough of the way you both went into action in assessing the situation and driving me to the University doctor for attention, then picking me up there for return to Graduate House for some sustenance and finally driving me home. In retrospect, Lyn, this was far beyond the call of duty; one is in a state of shock after such an incident and the calm, efficient and sympathetic way that you and Martin dealt with the situation will always remain with me. On a light-hearted note, I was also grateful for the tea and scones prepared by Robert, the chef, after what could have been a much more serious accident. My sincere thanks again. June 2008
NEW MEMBERS The following new members joined the Graduate Union in the period April - July 2008. We welcome them and look forward to their participation in our members’ programs.
Life Members Dr C Liow, MBBS Associate Members Mr E Dickinson, Author and Public Speaker Mr C Reiter, Property and Campus Services, UOM Mr G Viet, Shiatsu Sessions Ordinary Members Ms B Cody, B(DipEd(LaTrobe), MCAT(RMIT) Mrs C Hinchcliffe, BA, LLB Dr S Jameson, PhD, MA (Copenhagen) Mrs J Jordon, LLB Dr H Shoemark, BMus, MME, PhD Professor D Bradley, BAHons, BA, MA (Cambridge) Mrs J Bradley, BA, MA, GradDipLib Mr C Sommerville, DipArts, MA(VCA) All degrees are from University of Melbourne unless otherwise noted. Degrees are stated as presented on members’ application forms.
VALETE Since the April edition we have been notified of the deaths of the following members: Mr C Richardson, Life Member since 1949 Mr W Goodall, Life Member since 1954 Dr H Hardy, Life Member since 1966 Dr R Hayes, Life Member since 1954 Dr B Maclellan, Life Member since 1985 Mr R McTaggart, Life Member since 1954 Mr J K Matchett, Life Member since 1948 Mrs B Stokes, Life Member since 1951 Mrs N Verity, Life Member since 1952 Prof Emer W Williamson, Life Member since 1947
The Graduate Union appreciates a donation of $7500 from the William Berry Post-Graduate College Trust. $5000 was used towards the painting of the seven terrace exteriors (222-234 Leicester Street), and $2500 towards the installation of a water tank.
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting of The Graduate Union was held on 29 May 2008. The Honourable John Cain, President and Chairman of the meeting, welcomed members saying it was good to see members showing a very healthy interest in the affairs of their Graduate Union. He said progress over the past twelve months in serving members’ needs had been impressive. The Chairman of The Graduate Union, Mr Andrew Binns updated his published report. He said the year had been outstanding with accommodation averaging 95% throughout the year and an increasing demand for conference facilities. He also reported on the increased number of reciprocal clubs following the Head of College’s overseas trip to Italy. Achievements during the year included the renovation and refurbishment of the Library and Anderson Room and he thanked the Library Working Party for their time and diligence. He advised of the approval of a planning permit for the proposed redevelopment of the Stella Langford site, saying he hoped members would endorse the proposal which was a vision for the future. The success of the year being apparent, the Financial Statements were accepted without discussion and the resolution for members’ endorsement of the proposed redevelopment was passed enthusiastically and unanimously. After giving an overview of the election process, the Returning Officer advised that, as there had been only two valid nominations to fill the four vacancies, no election had been required. He named Dr Robert W Gibson and Mrs Merren Cliff as the two candidates. The President formally declared Dr Gibson and Mrs Cliff as elected. He congratulated Dr Gibson on his re-election and welcomed Ms Cliff to Graduate Council. The meeting also continued the appointment of Mr A Law as Auditor for 2008. Under Item 9 ‘Other Business’ Miss Barbara Funder thanked the team at Graduate House and commended the Head of College. Mr Darren Room and Mrs Anne Cassidy expressed their pleasure in the current direction of the Graduate Union, congratulating and thanking all for their work. Mrs Cassidy moved a motion to formally thank the Head of College for his role in the progress of the Graduate Union. The motion was carried unanimously by the meeting with a resounding ovation.
Draft minutes of the Annual General Meeting are available to members on request.
STELLA LANGFORD ANNEXE SALE
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Prior to builders taking possession of the site, all goods in the annexe buildings will be for sale. Goods include heritage features such as fireplaces and ceiling roses. Also beds, study desks, wardrobes and chests of drawers. Viewing by appointment from 15 to 27 September. All goods must be removed by 27 September. Best offer accepted.
NEW MEMBER OF COUNCIL Mrs Merren Cliff
Merren graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. Since then she has worked in the field of engineering with the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works and the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. She also has worked extensively with computer systems and process control in these organisation, Siemens Canada and SCT Canada. From 1986 - 2002 she was involved in her own computer consultancy business based in the Latrobe Valley. This business, which grew to 50 people, supplied training, software development, technical support and process control expertise to a diverse customer base. She now works with the Melbourne Research Office as Manager Research Systems. Merren is married to Andrew and has two children. She and her husband live in Parkville Her interests include singing, classical music, beading and she is a foster carer for the Lort Smith Animal Hospital. She has re-entered the tertiary education sector as a student and is enjoying undertaking Community Access Programs offered by the Faculty of Music.
NEW MEMBER PROFILE Mr Tom Werner
As a recent graduate, I can definitely say that life is completely different outside university. The experiences I gained during uni were definitely unforgettable; however the new world I have now entered is one of excitement, to say the least. I am a graduate of a Double Bachelor of Geomatic Engineering and Science (Physics). I am basically a measurement expert like a land surveyor. Geomatic Engineers have expertise in positioning and measuring which is useful in several different disciplines. My career services the disciplines of construction and development – in particular Engineers, Architects and Project Managers. I am employed by Survey21, reputable Engineering Surveyors who have a strong portfolio encompassing the Rialto, Eureka, MCG Redevelopment and the Burj al Arab in Dubai. My company provides all sorts of services, ensuring buildings are constructed in the correct location. My expertise is in threedimensional as-constructed surveys, using a Terrestrial Laser Scanner. Terrestrial Laser scanning is the technique of acquiring a plethora of information, similar to taking a photograph – but in 3D. With this information, you can create life-like models which can be provided for design and development purposes. A recent project I have completed involved assisting designers in re-developing a heritage-listed building by creating a full 3D model of the auditorium to help update the old auditorium to accord with today’s safety standards. Engineers at the Media House Project, South of Southern Cross Station have also required 3D models of the precinct, to assist in the re-designing of several support elements, as well as checking that no railway cables or structures would clash with the newly designed structures. The best part of this was that information was collected over the entire railway column without disturbing any of the rail traffic. In all, my graduation from the University of Melbourne has been a memorable and lively experience, which has set me up for a fantastic career. My involvement in large-scale projects makes every week more and more exciting.
SPECIAL AWARD to Graduate Union Life Member Doctor of Applied Science honoris causa award to Dr Philip Law CBE, AC at the RMIT University Honorary Awards Conferring Ceremony 2008
QUEENS BIRTHDAY HONOURS 2008 The Graduate Union congratulates the following members recognised in the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. AM: Member of the Order of Australia Mr E J Downey AM joined 1975 Professor R Fox AM, joined 2008 Hon Justice D L Harper AM, Life Member joined 1961 Mr A J McGalliard AM, Life Member joined 1959 OAM: Medal of the Order of Australia Mr J B Henry OAM, Life Member joined 1960 Mr K F Hince OAM, Life Member joined 1968 Mrs C M Richardson OAM, Life Member joined 1962
August 2008 Volume 61 No.3 –
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE Nicola Andrews
R esidents Vicky Morgan The Head of College and other residents congratulated Vicky at the May Residents’ Meet and Greet and presented her with flowers following her presentation about her work with sight impaired children which led to her Special Award by Vision Australia. Vicky also has a partial patent on a special Braille device which she hopes will inspire the financial support required to continue her work. She wrote the following letter to the Head of College regarding possible funding by the Graduate Union or an independent donor. My passion for writing (unpublished) can be seen in an exhibition of my work in 2007. The exhibition titled ‘Tales Five’ is five fairy tales that I wrote which I also had reproduced into Braille and tactile artwork for children with vision impairment. The exhibition was interactive and it also served to educate sighted people about how people with vision impairment read and write. ‘Tales Five’ was on show in various libraries to make it free and accessible to everyone in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and it was the first exhibition of its kind at each library.I have been asked by several doctors in India to bring my exhibition there so that vision impaired children will have an opportunity to experience fairy tales in Braille. In addition, I have been asked to bring the exhibition to America. Recently, ‘Tales Five’ was acknowledged for its contribution to vision impaired people and I was the recipient of a Vision Australia 2008 ‘Highly Commended Certificate’. Financially it has been burdensome as I personally funded all the costs involved in having ‘Tales Five’ exhibited (with the exception of the Braille and tactile artwork which was donated by Vision Australia) when no funding was forthcoming from any source. I would be grateful for any assistance offered.
Yuwen Dai Originally from Shanghai, Yuwen has been in Australia for more than five years. She first came as a traveller and then as a student. Yuwen completed her Bachelor of Economics (Honours) study at the Australian National University in Canberra. Early in 2007, she moved down to Melbourne, stayed at Graduate House, and finished her Master of Commerce (Honours) degree with a major in econometrics from the University of Melbourne. During her five-year stay in Australia, Yuwen has also gained some valuable working experience in different capacities across different industries, including as a Research Scholar at Australian National University, Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant at University of Melbourne, Economist at Econtech Consultancy, Economist at ANZ Bank, and Parliamentary Intern in the House of Representatives at the Australian Commonwealth Parliament. Always wanting to challenge herself, Yuwen has accepted the Howard Preston Scholarhip. Yuen will be missed at Graduate House and we wish her every success in her future endeavours.
Maria Bagyanszki Maria is a neurobiologist and she has a lecturer position at the University of Szeged, in Hungary. With a Fellowship of the Group of Eight Australian Universities she is working in the famous laboratory of Professor Furness at the University of Melbourne, for 6 months. Her project is to investigate the illnesses of the so called “second brain” (the part of the peripheral nervous system which is in the stomach and the intestine, and it can work very independently of the brain). This is her first visit in Australia, so she really enjoys the Australian landscape and nature. Her favourites are the huge white-skinned eucalypts and the lovely weedy sea dragons.
– August 2008 Volume 61 No.3
Having grown up in Queensland, 2008 is Nicola’s first year in Melbourne, after moving to Victoria to study Theatre Production at the Victorian College of the Arts. After falling into the theatre industry trying to impress a boy, she has spent the past five years working in the Arts (she never did get the boy!) whilst simultaneously floundering around in an Architecture degree, and felt that it was about time to get serious and get herself a qualification. After graduating from the VCA, she also hopes to follow with an Arts/Law qualification and eventually move to Europe or Canada to continue a career as a theatre practitioner with Cirque du Soleil. Nicola’s range of interests include exploring beautiful Melbourne, hiking, skiing, sailing, playing and listening to all kinds of music, travel, spending time with college friends, drinks at Curve Bar at the Arts Centre, theatrical lighting design and management, and sitting reading in the sun. She is guilty of spending too much time on Facebook and watching Grey’s Anatomy religiously.
Residents ‘Meet and Greet’ Evening Early in the year Senior Constable Nick Parissis from Carlton Police talked to residents about personal safety and protecting their belongings whilst at Graduate House. The Residents’ Meet and Greet evening at 5.30pm on the last Tuesday each month is an opportunity for residents new and ‘old’ to meet each other in a social setting. Residents enjoy drinks and finger food as long term residents and new arrivals got to know their companions for the next few months. The format for the evening often includes a presentation by a resident with something interesting to impart about themselves, their country of origin or their current studies.
Staff News Farewell to Chef, Peter Wills Residents turned out in force to farewell Chef Peter Wills when he left Graduate House at the end of April. Peter was member of staff for more than two years and had built up close relationships with residents and staff alike. He will be greatly missed by members and residents, who have enjoyed his delicious cuisine.
Farewell Rhonda Teoh Rhonda left in June after two years at Graduate House. She was originally employed to assist with all aspects of administration and eventually took on marketing and preventative maintenance, a very time consuming and responsible role. She became a firm favourite with residents and a friend to all the staff. We will miss her charming persona, her efficiency, but most of all her sense of the ridiculous.
Welcome Robert Goodman Our new chef commenced employment in early May. He has been a chef for 12 years and has worked in some of the best restaurants in the United Kingdom. His position prior to leaving England was at the renowned La Gavroche, a Michelin 3 star restaurant in London’s Mayfair. Rob has a great passion for food and loves eating out. He says Melbourne has a very diverse restaurant culture with some great restaurants. French is his cuisine of choice, although at the moment his favourite restaurant is Movida, a Spanish tapas restaurant. When he is not cooking or eating, Rob likes playing soccer and badminton. His UK soccer teams are Liverpool and Wycombe Wanderers. He has yet to decide which team to follow and currently he is learning the rules of Aussie football. In the short time he has been at Graduate House says he is looking forward to meeting and cooking for residents and members.
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
L EVENTS & SPEAKERS l Appreciation to the Shellard Family
Sarah & Claire Shellard
Members of Graduate Council together with the Shellard and Collins families met for afternoon tea on 8 July to thank Sarah and Claire Shellard for donating the Stein Pianola Piano now in pride of place in the dining room. The girls donated the piano in memory of their father Peter Shellard and will become Life Members of the Graduate Union when they graduate.
Autumn Dinner The Autumn Dinner followed the Annual General Meeting and was well attended by members and their guests. The chef produced a magnificent meal. There were starters to begin of hand made cheese and onion grissini and a selection of canapés. The main course of braised lamb shanks and winter vegetables was followed by delicious lemon tart with cream. Anthony Tesoriero and Damian Parras from Max Architects Pty Ltd, who will be the architects for the development of the Stella Langford site, addressed the gathering and presented a colourful collage of drawings and plans of how the new building will look when completed. It was a very impressive presentation complemented with display boards featuring samples of the actual fabrics, floor coverings and colour schemes.
A typical apartment
Conference area
Twilight Lecture Series The theme of the Lecture Series is The USA Presidential Election Process with lectures being held in June, August and October. The speaker at the inaugural lecture on 26 June was Mr Shaun Carney, specialist writer from The Age newspaper who spoke about the media’s involvement in the election process. The role of the media in events of Shaun Carney every kind had changed dramatically with the introduction and now widespread use of the internet. Shaun will be travelling to the USA to cover the lead up and the election itself, although he says he sometimes wonders how relevant his reporting is these days when events are seen around the world instantaneously as they occur real time. Shaun gave some very interesting insights into how the media manipulates people’s expectations and opinions and the general need these days for instant gratification. The 28 August speaker is David Tucker, Reader and Associate Professor in Political Science at the University of Melbourne.
He will speak about strategies for winning the US election and what the candidates need to do. The final lecture is timed for 30 October, one week prior to the November election day when the new President will be announced. The speaker for this lecture will be the Distinguished Chair for the Fulbright Scholarship who will be visiting Australia and will speak about the candidates.
Chocolate Afternoon Tea Carlo Rossini from Chocolatier Australia entertained guests with the history of Chocolatier and some of the problems associated with the manufacture and storage of chocolate. Members and guests, together with a large group from the Melbourne Consulting & Custom Programs, University of Melbourne (formerly the School of Enterprise), enjoyed the hot chocolate drinks, which included white chocolate with honey, and the array of chocolates, flourless chocolate cake, baked chocolate cheese cake and cherry ripe slice, caramel slice and rocky road, along with freshly baked scones, jam and cream.
Delatite Wine Appreciation Dinner Graduate House was the scene of another successful wine dinner on Thursday 17th July. Members and their guests enjoyed a superb meal prepared by Head Chef Robert Goodman and his team accompanied by a selection of wines from Delatite Wines in Mansfield. David Ritchie from Delatite spoke between courses to the guests about the wine making process, organic and biodynamic wines as well as the difficulties facing the wine industry in Victoria such as climate change and shortages of labour. There was a lively discussion throughout the night with many insightful questions coming from the assembled guests. The evening began with honey glazed chicken wings and crispy parmesan sticks with anchovy, semi dried tomatoes and olives, served with Demelza Sparkling Rose, followed by a luxurious soup of jerusalem artichoke with seared scallop and truffle oil matched perfectly with the crisp Pinot Gris and the Unwooded Chardonnay. Main course evoked the touch of christmas with roasted pheasant served with a mushroom “bread and butter pudding” and brussels sprouts with chestnuts, 2005 Shiraz and the 2006 Pinot Noir were served with the pheasant. Dessert followed the festive theme with lightly fried Panettone cake served with home made christmas pudding icecream and butterscotch sauce, served with a light late picked Riesling made for a decadent finish to the meal. The cheese course of holy goat cheese baked in filo pastry was followed by a wine options game and the mystery wine was a delicious 2008 Sauvignon Blanc which had only recently been bottled. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance and some cool climate Delatite wines have been added to the Graduate House wine list.
August 2008 Volume 61 No.3 –
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
May May
LUNCHEON SPEAKERS Roger Cook spoke about the Australian Diaspora. He said the current two-way traffic of people into and out of Australia includes a growing number of permanent departures. This comes as a surprise to those who think traditionally about this country as a nation of immigrants. The total Diaspora has been growing quickly for the past 20 years and now totals about a million expatriates. We know that many of them ‘still call Australia home’ but unless they come home before their children start school they may never come home. So although this pattern involves the brightest and the best in novel experiences, and often a better life, it represents a distinct loss to the domestic Australian community. Why do Australians tend to do so well overseas? One reason, to use a phrase of Raimond Gaita, is our typical ‘guileless egalitarianism. We make friends easily which helps Aussies fit in wherever they go. Others may include our facility of co-operating rather than competing, except when it comes to sport. And the general level of sheer competence when it comes to most areas and a balanced outlook on life obviously help. There is an opportunity to contribute to Australia’s international image but that opportunity has not been officially grasped as yet. Although the Federal Government is not oblivious to it, so far little has been done to serve the Diaspora with cultural facilities and activities or use it as a resource of public diplomacy. An interesting issue also arises – at the same time as having a million Australians living overseas we have a critical shortage of workers here at home, despite a boost to immigration. Could we emulate the achievement of the Irish a decade ago and bring some of the Aussies home to help out?
June June
Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne Philip Freier has given much of his life and interest to aboriginal education in the Northern Territory. He has arrived in Melbourne with an impact and an opinion on a raft of controversial issues currently being debated. Archbishop Freier is not afraid to say what he thinks. Philip Freier trained as a teacher and taught at Thursday Island, and later in North Queensland at Yarrabah. He was also at Kowanyama as a teacher, and then returned as a missionary to Aboriginees, following his ordination. He spoke about the importance of symbols and the recent ‘Sorry’ by the Prime Minister. He said he hoped this would herald the beginning of a better understanding between the two ‘Australias’ and that the negative stereotyping of indigenous people would be overcome. He said it was hard for white Australians living in the cities to comprehend how difficult it was for indigenous people in remote areas, particularly the young, to overcome the stereotyping. It created the need to over-achieve in order to just gain acceptance into the mainstream.
Jyly July
Professor Robin Room is the Inaugural Chair of Social Research in alcohol at the School of Population Health and director of the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research at Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre. He has made an impressive contribution to the alcohol and drug research within social science and his research is characterised by both width and depth and covers different areas such as consumption habits, epidemiology, prevention and alcohol policy. He has been careful to combine empirical data with well documented discussion. Professor Room grew up in Sydney and received his higher education in the United States, with a PhD in sociology from the University of California, Berkley. His talk covered the symbolism of alcohol and its cultural role in our society, noting the different attitudes society has towards male and female ‘over-imbibing’ and the role alcohol plays in Australian ‘mateship’. There are many facets to the issues involved with economics and the alcohol industry playing a significant role. Several slides were displayed showing alcohol as a factor in many diseases. Professor Room said risk factors need to be considered together a definition of what constitutes ‘sensible’ drinking. He also said any benefits derived from alcohol should be looked at separately from the social, health and financial costs. Companies offering discounts to Graduate Union Members
Australian Unity, Hertz, Pathfinder Coaching, 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
– August 2008 Volume 61 No.3
All your property needs – “Make it Happen” Free tailored marketing plan to the value of $1,000 for Graduate Union Members
Janine Joseph Property Consultant Graduate Union Member 0458 378 424
Caine Real Estate 370 Albert St East Melbourne 3002 03 8413 8000 (please ask for Janine)
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
RECIPROCAL CLUBS Goodenough College – Visit by Director Major General Andrew Ritchie, his wife Camilla and Assistant Katharine Deering spent three days at Graduate House in May. The party was travelling to various locations to meet up with Alumni of Goodenough College in China, some Australian States and concluding their tour in Singapore. A reception was held for Goodenough alumni at Graduate House where they met with Graduate Council, members and residents.
NEW RECIPROCAL PARTNERS The ESU Padua The City of Padua is famous for its art and rich heritage of architecture and museums. Its squares, porticos and ancient cobbled streets are eloquent of the richness and beauty of the extraordinary art and culture of the Middle Ages. Universita’ degli Studi di Padova
Padua’s University is one of the oldest (dates back to 1222) and the first woman in the world to be awarded a degree was Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, in 1678. Padua was an important milestone for Copernicus, while maturing his new conception of the universe, and also Galileo. The University side is Palazzo Bo; in the Sala dei Quaranta and houses Galileo’s old desk. ESU (regional Body that supports the right to higher education) takes care of accommodation and canteens for incoming exchange students and guest students in Padua. In July 2007 ESU’s General Manager, Mr Alberto Scuttari, signed an agreement with Mr Eugene Spanti Head of College and CEO of The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated for reciprocal cultural exchanges between these two Institutions.
Villa Liberty
In ESU Halls of Residence and Flats there are around 1700 places for students, 260 for international students and 100 places for Guests (visiting professors, PhD, master students). The Guest Lodges are: Villa Liberty: 15 places in double and single rooms with bathroom only for daily length stay solutions.
Copernico Halls of Residence
Copernico: located in the University area, have single room with bathroom shared with the same room on the other side. Galilei: is a new house in a newer section of town. The Galilei is composed of shared apartments for two. There is internet connection and a TV in each apartment. There is also a laundrette in the residence.
Galileo Galilei Guest Lodge
Luzzatti: This residence is in the heart of the university campus, only a few minutes walk from the centre of the town. It consists of three buildings with 12 bed places each, offer quietness and all the comfort in single and double rooms with own bathroom and two complete apartments very suitable above all for professors mobility. Each building have shared kitchen and launderette. Every room is equipped with fridge and TV. For students ESU manages eight Halls of Residence and four Flats. There are four University canteens in the City of Padova managed directly by ESU.
Galilei apartment interior
The University of Sassari The University of Sassari (Università degli Studi di Sassari, UniSS) was founded by Alessio Fontana, a distinguished gentleman of the town of Sassari in 1558. The official opening dates back to the month of May 1562. It was first run by the Jesuits.
Universita’ di Sassari
Today, the University, which is of medium size, with a total number of over 18.000 students and about 700 teachers, comprises eleven faculties and over 40 departments, study centres and institutes. There are several specialist schools, research institutions, schools for special research and postgraduate schools.
August 2008 Volume 61 No.3 –
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE The opening of the new building in 2005 marked a turning point and there has been no looking back as the organization has gone from strength to strength. I am delighted with the direction of the Graduate Union and its rejuvenation and current progress and I hope all members are happy with what has been achieved. With so much happening, I feel it is important for members to be kept up-to-date and so I hope to include a regular column in each edition of The Melbourne Graduate. In April we received a very generous donation of $7500 from The William Berry Post-Graduate Trust. This donation has assisted significantly with the upkeep of the terraces with $5000 being allocated towards painting the exterior facades. The project commenced in June and was completed this month. The remaining $2500 was used towards creating a more ‘green’ environment with the installation of a water tank behind the terraces. At the AGM in May, members gave their unequivocal endorsement to the re-development of the Stella Langford Annexe and September/October will see this work commence. When completed this building will provide the University community with accommodation suitable for visiting academics and their families and Graduate Union members will have much needed parking when visiting Graduate House. The additional conference facilities will fill an evergrowing need. The Stella Langford Project is expected to be completed by November 2009 and we are again embarking on a fundraising effort to meet some of the costs of the project. As with the building which opened three years ago, members will be invited to name the accommodation rooms and conferences areas, and also to contribute to furnishing and decorating various areas of the building. I hope you will ‘get behind’ the fundraising effort as you did the Building Appeal three years ago and as you give your ongoing support to the funds which assist residents and contribute to the upkeep of the terraces. This new Appeal, while similar in many ways to the previous one, will have a broader concept with a number of social events and also several levels of contribution, including a call to businesses and the corporate sector for their support. Thank you most sincerely for your continued support and generosity. I am looking forward to a very exciting year ahead.
Eugene Spanti
% To:
The Graduate Union
220 Leicester Street
Carlton Vic 3053
Please send me information regarding Wills and Bequests to The Graduate Union
I/We would like to make a donation to THE GRADUATE UNION ANNUAL APPEAL (Please select) Stella Langford Building Project naming rights of accommodation rooms naming rights of conference areas
Building Fund - for the upkeep of the Graduate House Terraces
Residents’ Assistance Fund - to assist residents experiencing financial difficulties
Residential Bursaries/Scholarship Program
Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $........................ or please debit this amount to my credit card account M/card
□ Visa
/ / /
ExpDate /
Name: (Mrs/Mr/Ms) …………………………………………………………… Address: ……………………………………………………......………...……………
Signed: ……......................……………………….
……………………………………………………………….......……P/C ……..……
Phone: …………........................…………………
– August 2008 Volume 61 No.3