THE
MELBOURNE
The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc.
GR ADUATE
THE GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA OPENS THE
Periodical newsletter of the graduate union of the UNIvERsITy Of mELbOU ourne INcORPORATED PRINT POsT APPROvED PP337834/00022 REGIsTERED AssOcIATIO iation no.
STELLA LANGFORD WING
AA0023234b August 2010 volume 63 No. 3 www.graduatehouse.com.au
cONTENTs CALENDAR OF EVENTS LETTERS NEW CHARIMAN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING VALETE DONATIONS NEW MEMBERS QUEENS BIRTHDAY HONOURS RESIDENTS SPEAKERS HEAD OF COLLEGE
Office Bearers President: The Honourable John Cain Vice President: Dr Robert Gibson Chairman: Mr David N Sparks Vice Chairman: Head of College and CEO Mr Eugene Spanti
2 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 6 9
(Head of College, President John Cain, the Governor of Victoria and Chancellor of the University)
The Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser officially opened the Graduate Union’s Stella Langford Wing on 31 March 2010. In the presence of many dignitaries, benefactors of The Graduate Union and representatives of The University of Melbourne, the Governor declared the building open and unveiled the commemorative plaque which will be affixed to the wall at the entrance to the Stella Langford Wing beside a picture and profile of Miss Stella Langford for whom the Wing is named. Head of College, Mr Eugene Spanti opened the official proceedings by welcoming the Governor, the Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, the distinguished guests, members and residents present. The University of Melbourne was well represented by Faculty Heads, Heads of Colleges together with many from University departments.
Mr Spanti warmly thanked all those who had contributed to the construction of the building, particularly the architects, engineers and other consultants who were present. He thanked the many donors to the recent Building Appeal, particularly those who had named the conference rooms in the new Wing and the accommodation bedrooms. He said he was very proud of all that had been achieved and thanked residents for their forbearance and the staff for their efforts over the period of the construction. Mr Spanti then invited the Governor of Victoria to address the gathering and to officially open the Stella Langford Wing. After a short address, the Governor officially opened the Stella Langford Wing by removing a green baize cloth to reveal an engraved plaque commemorating the event. (Contd. page 8) April 2010 Volume 63 No.3 – 1
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE CALENDAR of EVENTS 2010 26 August Twilight Lecture Series Topic: The Global Economy, the recent financial crisis and Australia’s future Speaker: Mr Alan Kohler 1 September Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Major General David McLachlan AO, President of the RSL 7 October Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Dr David Smith AM Topic: Green Myths about Australian Farming 14 October Wine Appreciation Dinner 10 November Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Prof. Ian Polmear AO Topic: Waste Not, Want Not The Nuclear Power Debate 11 November Twilight Lecture Series Topic: The Life and Times of a Modern Publisher Speaker: Ms Louise Adler 30 November 2011 Overseas Tour – General Information Session by Kenneth Park 1 December Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Dr David McCredie Topic: The Power of ‘P’ 10 December Chairman’s Cocktail Party 17 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
2 – April 2010 Volume 63 No.3
LETTERS To the President of the Graduate Union It is quite a few years since we spoke at an AGM, and I am now quite unable to attend, but would be grateful if the following could be read this year as a contribution from the floor, and I hope it will be in order to do so. Although I am no longer able to attend in person, I am still with you in spirit, and would like to pass on to you the following observations, which may contain material unknown to some of you even to some members of the present Graduate Council. For many years the members of the Graduate Union subsidised residents of Graduate House, so as to keep the costs of residence affordable for all. In those days members joined the Union not so much for what they could get out of it, as for the benefit of students and younger members. Quite a number of those here tonight will not realise the enormous advance in the finances of the Union since Eugene and Lyn and their staff have been in control, and now arrange so many additional functions that the finances of the Union are now in a very healthy state, to the benefit of all members and residents. The transformation of the Graduate Union within the past decade has been truly amazing, and those of us whose association with the Union goes back over a long period could never have hoped to foresee it. I regret very much that I am no longer able to attend AGMs and so cannot fulfil my promise to Eugene to speak up in this way at a future AGM. It is not only the finances which have improved in recent years, but our relations with the University have been so improved that they now have a Graduate Union and College of which they can also be proud. I thank you for permitting me to express these thoughts, although I am not aware that there has been any precedent for this. Dr Ron Davey, Life Member, Honourary Life Member, Past Chairman & Past Vice-President. From Anne Mulholland (Life Member) and husband James A rousing round of applause and a hearty vote of thanks to you both for a delightful day out to De Bortoli’s vineyard - great wines, great food and great fun! Our winery guide and hostess, Cara was informative and entertaining with an impressive knowledge and enthusiasm for both the company and its products. With the additional bonus of perfect weather and beautiful surroundings, what more could we ask? Having organised many school excursions during my teaching years, I know the amount of effort and organisation that goes on behind the scenes for a successful outing: you two may have a gold star and an early mark! Thank you again. March 2010 From Heather Kudeviita, Life Member I thought some of your readers might be interested to know how I have spent the $1,000 I was fortunate enough to win at the lovely Xmas party at Graduate House in December last year. I put it towards my airline ticket for a trip to Europe, starting on 20th June this year. After flying to Geneva I shall spent a week in Switzerland with friends. Then, on to France where I have two home exchanges: one in Nice and one in Lyon. From there I shall go to Paris to spend a week, including France’s national day which should be quite exciting. I shall then go to Le Havre to catch a ferry to Portsmouth where I have a home exchange. From there to Pinner, (near Harrow), for another exchange. After that I shall spend several days with each of my friends in the UK: in London, Cambridge, Kent and Berkshire. Before flying home I shall have several days in Düsseldorf. A brief stay in Singapore with an old friend there will complete what should be a wonderful holiday. Thanks again! Kindest regards March 2010 From Marguerita Adam, Life Member I want you to know how very much I valued your kindness to me last Friday (12 March) and how much I appreciated your understanding and sympathy. But for your welcome at Graduate House my ability to copy and my general recovery would be much slower. Being given peace and tea and sympathy at the right time is of inestimable significance when one is at low ebb. I shall always be grateful. March 2010 From Barbara Funder, Life Member I write to congratulate you on the success of the repeat visit by members to the DeBortoli Winery at Yarra Glen. It was indeed a unique experience, assisted by the knowledgeable young guide with the overview of the vineyard and tour of the winery, a real insight into its working methods. We enjoyed lunch (with special attention to dietary preferences!) accompanied by excellent wines in very elegant surroundings. Later there was a tasting and talk in what is ‘the best cheese room in the Yarra Valley’. Members happily wined and dined, were suggesting a future visit on the return bus trip. Thanks too, to the affable efficient bus driver. March 2010
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
New Chairman Appointed, David Sparks I am very pleased and inspired to be elected by your Council to be its new Chairman. Such appointments are rarely a surprise to the individual. In my case, our previous Chairman Andrew Binns took care to ensure a succession plan was in place and I was his ViceChairman for some time. By observing Andrew and with his guidance, and the occasional stand-in for him, he did his best to prepare me well for the role.
This time allowed me to reflect on the prospect of such an appointment and to consider some issues which I could adopt as my contribution to sustaining the excellent standard achieved by the staff and Councillors. There will not be a project like the Stella Langford Redevelopment during my tenure or anything remotely like it. We all recognize that we need to continue to run your organization well in order to be able to repay to the bank our outstanding loans. So to this end, for the next few years I can see your council trying harder to support the management team and to look at how we as councillors can improve our methods and leadership to reflect the needs of a modern and up-to-date Graduate Union. During my period of membership of the Graduate Union, I have attended many of the evening functions and most of the Wednesday luncheons at Graduate
House. This has allowed me to get to know and enjoy the company of the many members who attended these activities. The staff put great effort into these events and achieve a very high standard. Although well attended, it would be good to see more of our members come along to enjoy them. Another challenge for your Council. However it is our residents for whom we carry the greatest responsibility. We must ensure that they enjoy a quality stay with us in an environment which allows them to maximise their intellectual talents, while enjoying the good food, good friendship and security of Graduate House. By the time this is published your Council will have conducted a retreat to consider the state of the Graduate Union and what our ambitions should be. We will be able to share with you the outcome of the retreat in the November Melbourne Graduate. If residents or members would like to discuss Council matters with me or other councillors, we would welcome your thoughts and the opportunity to have a discussion with you.
Résumé David graduated from the University of NSW in 1973 as an electrical engineer.
Having worked for a large company he has held positions in NSW, SA and Victoria. He now considers himself as semi retired which provides more time for Graduate House. Prue and David have two daughters, one son and five grandchildren.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting of The Graduate Union was held on 27 May 2010. The Honourable John Cain, President and Chairman of the meeting, declared the meeting open saying this was the first Annual General Meeting to be held in the new Stella Langford Wing which had been opened earlier in the year and from which enormous benefits were already flowing. Chairman, Mr Andrew Binns updated his published report. He said it had been another outstanding year with solid financial results in all areas with occupancy at 100% on many occasions. The consistent revenues had allowed the Graduate Union to comfortably service the loan drawn down to re-develop the Stella Langford Wing and also make improvements for the benefit of members, residents and the wider community. He said the University Graduates Club activities had attracted healthy numbers, particularly the Twilight Lectures which had featured some outstanding speakers. He noted 2011 as the Graduate Unions Centenary Year which, he said, would be celebrated with an appropriate event. He reported that Graduate Council would embark on a retreat to plan medium and long term strategy for the continuing success
of the organisation. He then announced that Ms Simone Kowitz was the inaugural winner of the Graduate House Research Scholarship. She was presented with the Award trophy and a cheque for $5000 and, after thanking Mr Binns, gave a short presentation about her research and how the grant would be used. Members responded to the Chairman with congratulations on his approach to his role and the vibrancy and activity at Graduate House which was attributed mainly to the drive of the Head of College. Members also questioned the Chairman about the number of graduates taking up the one year free membership offered to new graduates and also enquired which categories of membership had voting rights. The Financial Statements were accepted. A question was raised regarding the value of the Graduate House artwork and it was advised that a valuation had been carried out and the insurers informed of the asset. Because the artwork is not considered a commercial item, it is not included in the balance sheet. (Contd. page 4) April 2010 Volume 63 No.3 – 3
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE Annual General Meeting (cont’d. from page 3)
Due to the Returning Officer’s absence overseas, the Head of College read out Mr Ritchie’s report. The report gave a general overview of the election process, together with the number of nominations, vacancies to be filled and their term of office. The President then formally declared J Andrew Binns, Cheryl Kidston and David Sparks elected until 2013 congratulating and thanking them for making themselves available to serve another term on Council. There was some lamentation amongst members at the lack of nominations for Council and the need for the general membership to be involved in the election process. The President replied that he believed the opportunity to be involved in the affairs of the Graduate Union had never been greater and encouraged members to become involved and perhaps stand for election. He noted the existing vacancy on Council. The meeting also continued the appointment of Mr A Law as Auditor for 2010. In ‘Other Business’ the President read out a letter from Dr Ron Davey, past Vice-President and Chairman and
Honorary Life Member. Dr Davey was prevented from attending due to ill health, but wished to speak from the floor. The letter was received with applause from the audience (it is printed in full in the Letter section of this journal.). Discussion from the floor included the need for a Members Page and the convening of a committee to encourage interchange of views. The second Friday drinks nights were seen as an opportunity to socialise with other members and the President agreed to request additional evening speaker functions provided members supported them. Resident, Vicky Mortan addressed the meeting giving a resident’s eyeview of life at Graduate House. She spoke of the homely atmosphere and support of the Head of College and staff during a resident’s time at Graduate House. The President thanked Ms Morgan commenting on the breadth of nationalities residing at Graduate House and asked whether some might consider addressing members at a Twilight Lecture.
Draft minutes of the Annual General Meeting are available to members on request
DONATIONS Stella Langford Appeal Dr T (Ron) Davey, Mrs P Boaden, Madam Shirley Sau-Ying Chan, Dr Kin-Chung Lam, Dr B Wadham, Dr G Vaughan, Mr K Lee, Ms J Eltham, Miss B Green. Building Fund: $200 Dr E & Mrs D Cherry $125 Mrs B Rooke $100 Mrs J H Black Mrs N Burns $80 $50 Mr L & Mrs J Bailey, Ms A Howett Molan $40 Mr J Skuja $200 Mr Muntz Residents Assistance Fund: $500 Mrs M Dean $100 Mr C H Brookes, Mrs J M Bradley $50 Dr A G Parker Research Scholarship Fund: $200 Mr J Franklin $50 Dr R Walker $15 Mr P Tsitas $50 Ms Couchman
VALETE We have been notified of the deaths of the following members: Miss M Baxter, Life Member 1964 Mrs A Dudley, Life Member 1972 Mr C Laing, Life Member 1949 Mr M Latham, Life Member 1960 Mr A Morris, Life Member 1963 Sir Laurence Muir, Life Member 1973 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.
4 – April 2010 Volume 63 No.3
NEW MEMBERS Corporate Knowledge Partnerships Office (KPO) Melbourne University Council of Professional Teaching Associations of Victoria Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, Melbourne University Life Dr E Berah, Ordinary member since 2006 Dr C Bolter, Ordinary Member since 1997 Mr L Doig, DipAcc (Canberra); GradDipMgt (Queensland) Mr G Markou, Ordinary Member since 2007 Dr J Kinnear, B.Sc, M.Sc, Ph.D, B.Ed (La Trobe) Dr Kin Chung Lam, Hong Kong Ordinary Mr L Hingley, BA Dr R Jacobs, BSc, MSc, MBBS Mr D Kelly, BSC, MEd, BAppScPT, MPhysio(LaTrobe) Mr A Main, BEng Mr R Pollock, BArch Mr H Cain, BA Mr C Cox, MBBS All degrees are from University of Melbourne unless otherwise noted. Degrees are stated as presented on members’ application forms
QUEENS BIRTHDAY HONOURS 2010 The Graduate Union congratulates the following members, present and past, who were recognised in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. AO: Officer of the Order of Australia Professor James A Angus AO, member 1998 Ms Judith Munro AO, member 1995 AM: Member of the Order of Australia Mrs Helen L Ferber AM, member 1962 OAM: Medal of the Order of Australia Mr Michael S. Cohen OAM, Life Member Dr Kenneth N Ross OAM, Life Member Mrs Judith E. Scarrott OAM, Life Member
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
RESIDENTS Hing-wah Chau Born in Hong Kong, I received my architectural education at the University of Hong Kong (Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and Master of Architecture) and my philosophy education at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Master of Arts in Philosophy). Having been working as a practising architect in Hong Kong for nearly 10 years, I would like to pursue my doctorate architectural studies at the University of Melbourne. Anna Drizen I come from Saint-Petersburg, the cultural capital of Russia. In 2010 I’m starting my Master of Arts Management Program at the University of Melbourne. However, this is not going to be my first encounter with Australia – I had previous experience as an exchange student at Macquarie University, Sydney, where I had a chance to try out a number of subjects from the Department of Media. I also took German and Spanish classes, both of which were back then in my curriculum at Saint-Petersburg State University. In 2009 I graduated cum laude with a Specialist Diploma in Philology. Apart from my interest in languages and cultures, I am a passionate theatre- goer. I love sports, especially dancing. Candice Tan I spent my childhood in Singapore, before moving to Melbourne in 2001. I embarked on a Commerce degree in 2007 with a major in Economics. Though the intricacies of market demand, supply and interest rates were fascinating subjects (the lecturers were no less fascinating!) – I also found time to participate fully in university life. This included joining the debating society committee, organising events for 85 Broads (a women’s networking group), mentoring first year students, playing social tennis and 1920s-style swing dancing. My spare time is usually
filled with reading, volunteer work and catching up with old friends. I will be undertaking the Juris Doctor in 2010 and looking forward to meeting you all at Graduate House Adrian Paterson Adrian is from New Zealand, but has spent the last 11½ years in Japan. He is currently tenured as a lecturer at a small university in northern Honshu. He completed his Bachelor of Arts and a graduate Diploma of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Dip TESOL) at Victoria University of Wellington. He went to Japan a Monbusho Scholarship to study at Osaka University of Foreign Studies (now the Foreign Studies Faculty of Osaka University), where he completed his Master of Arts in applied linguistics. Adrian’s research interests include language testing, vocabulary acquisition, and pronunciation. He is at the University of Melbourne to begin work on a PhD in applied linguistics specialising in testing EFL students’ conversation ability through use of formulaic sequences. In his spare time he enjoys woodwork, Taiko (Japanese drum), and almost anything to do with computers. Yu-Ann Wang Yu-Ann was born in Singapore and spent her childhood commuting between her schools in Singapore and Johor Bahru, Malaysia, where her family is. She went up to Newnham College, University of Cambridge, where she read Physics for her MSci and MA. Upon graduation, she spent the next eight years at the Science Centre Singapore furthering public engagement with science in informal learning environments, taking on roles as curator, educator and administrator. Her key roles were in strategic planning and international relations. She decided that it was time to upgrade her skills and so headed south (for a new geographic perspective) in January 2010 to take on the MBA journey at Melbourne Business School. Yu-Ann enjoys choral music for its artistic merits and had performed many well-known pieces from the classical music repertoire as a member of the Singapore Symphony Chorus. She enjoys travelling and is also a sci-fi fan. She looks forward to meeting new friends, engaging in the cultural scene and having a great time in Australia. April 2010 Volume 63 No.3 – 5
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
SPEAKERS APRIL LUNCHEON Michael Carr-Gregg spoke to a very attentive audience when he gave a passionate address about the current trend in children’s fashion and in the media to sexualize young girls. Dr CarrGregg is one of Australia’s highest profile psychologists. He specializes in adolescent mental health and the parenting of adolescents. In 1985 he founded CanTeen, the world’s first national teenage cancer patients. He is extremely angry about the harm being done to children, usually young girls, by early sexualisation. By blurring the lines between being a little girl and a woman, he said, the transition period between young childhood and the beginning of adolescence (4 – 12 yrs) has been eroded and for some children entirely eliminated. These transition years are a very important learning time, before the opposite sex becomes ‘interesting’ when children, generally of the same sex, learn to make friendships, as well as deal with disappointment and other life experiences. Michael blames the media’s ‘adultification’ of children and a lack of proper parenting for allowing this to happen. He said unlike previous generations, today children make the rules and parents obey. There is substantial evidence that this early sexualisation harms children and that guidelines need to be put into place about what is acceptable practice. Guidelines and rules are also required for publishers and advertisers. Michael Carr-Gregg has approached the Premier of Victoria and is also campaigning for the creation of a government website to educate the community and offer help to those dealing with the issue. The audience was in complete agreement with Michael’s sentiments. They asked many questions and gave their opinions. I think some of us were quite stunned that something we had seen as merely ‘silly’- such as beauty pageants for toddlers – were in fact quite dangerous and could ultimately be harmful for a child’s body image and self esteem. MAY LUNCHEON Recognised as one of Australia’s leading voices on social justice issues, having spearheaded public debates on gambling, urban poverty, homelessness, reconciliation and 6 – April 2010 Volume 63 No.3
substance abuse and as Chief Executive Officer of World Vision Australia, Reverend Tim Costello has also been instrumental in ensuring that the issues of global poverty are placed on the national agenda. Reverend Tim Costello on the 5th of May, spoke about the work of World Vision. He reflected on the concept of our world being a ‘Global Village’ and how we must think about the challenges our world and our society faces. This really opened our eyes to the fact that what we do as individuals can profoundly affect others. This deep interdependence and connection that spans across nations suggests the world is indeed a ‘global village’. World Vision stands to challenge the ‘lottery’ of life and demonstrate a sense of perspective. We must realise, he said, that we in Australia, are indeed blessed. We learned that Australians are the second highest per capita donors to charity after the Irish. Tim Costello spoke about population growth and how poverty, in fact, produces this growth, not the other way around. When speaking about his many trips abroad, he noted how corrupt governments play a big role in contributing to poverty and the need for true democracy in poor countries. World Vision teaches their staff ways to educate people to recognize corruption in their community and hopefully realize that they may, with realizing, be contributing to it. Charity is more than generosity, it is enlightened self interest. World vision is an institution that takes poverty seriously. Twenty five years ago there were around 60,000 children dying in impoverished nations, ten years ago there were 30,000 and today the figure is 25,000. These figures are a powerful sign we are making progress. Reverend Tim Costello’s passion for justice, together with his enthusiasm and sincerity, illustrates he is a man of integrity who truly increased our admiration for him and the work he does. By Kate Spanti JUNE LUNCHEON Oliver Streeton is the grandson or Sir Arthur Streeton and has inherited his artistic flair and passion for beautiful paintings. He is an art enthusiast and is compiling a comprehensive catalogue of his grandfather’s work. Oliver grew up in a house filled with Streeton paintings and has no problem usually in recognising Arthur Streeton ‘signature’ on his painting, which makes him an expert on telling the real from the fake and he is considered an expert and called on regularly by people considering purchasing a work by Sir Arthur. He showed several paintings from
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE Streeton’s sojourn in Italy, saying in that period in the more mature Streeton’s life he had been burdened by family responsibilities and it had been a far cry from the carefree days in Heidelberg. This more somber mood was captured in the more muted tones of the paintings. Paintings relating to travels of Arthur Streeton to France, Venice and England, and these contrasted with his Australian landscapes in both lighting and general mood. Although Arthur Streeton is particularly known for his Australian landscapes, he was also a keen gardener and painter of flowers, particularly roses. Many slides of this aspect of his work were shown, highlighting the different brush strokes and the loving care with which Streeton painted the different vessels displaying the flowers. Oliver showed how he detected counterfeit Streetons by comparing the details in these paintings to paintings purporting to be by Arthur Streeton.. Arthur Streeton is clearly Oliver Streeton’s life-work and the audience appreciated his very obvious affection and dedication to this remarkably talented artist. JULY LUNCHEON Professor Jennifer Strauss was born at Heywood, Victoria, Australia, and graduated from Melbourne University. She was educated at various boarding schools and has studied and taught in England, Germany, the USA and Canada. At the July luncheon she spoke about her work in editing the poetry of Mary Gilmore (1864-1962). Mary Jean Gilmore (nee Cameron) was born near Goulburn, New South Wales and was a school teacher before she joined William Lane’s New Australia experiment in Paraguay; where she married William Gilmore in 1897. They returned to Australia in 1902 and settled on a farm near Casterton in western Victoria. In 1908 Mary Gilmore began to edit the Women’s Page of the Sydney Worker, which she continued to do until 1931. Mary Gilmores’s life span of nearly a century joined pioneering Australia to the modern Commonwealth, just as her verse projects some of the basic elements of the Australian ethos into twentieth century literature. In 1937 she was made a Dame of the British Empire for her services to Australian literature. Mary Gilmore is one of two Australian writers (A.B. Paterson is the other) featured on the 1993 ten-dollar note. Professor Strauss talked about her presumptuous start on her work in Editing the Work of Dame Mary Gilmore, saying it turned out to be a much bigger challenge than
originally expected. It was with great pride that she spoke of her triumph in finding an early translation of Gilmore’s El Parnaso Oriental during her journey to Uruquay. Jennifer Strauss also gave an insight into Mary Gilmore’s concern for the oppression of women from literature and the subject of her interest stemmed from the studies on Australian women’s cultures and how female poets were perceived by the public in that era. The audience also learned that Mary Gilmore was a prolific poet with as many as 400 poems not edited in collected volumes. In 2007 Professor Strauss was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, for her work in education, her work as an academic in the fields of literature and poetry and for her work in woman’s issues and industrial relations. She concluded her address by quoting the very strong words from Mary Gilmore’s poem, Nationality : I have grown past hate and bitterness, I see the world as one; But though I can no longer hate, My son is still my son. God’s round table sit, and all men must be fed; But this loaf in my hand, This loaf is my son’s bread. By Shirley Ho
AUTUMN DINNER The Honourable Dr Race Mathews In his 54 years as a member of the Labour Party, the Hon Race Mathews has served at Federal, State and Local Government levels. He was introduced to guests by our President, the former Premier of Victoria, the Honourable John Cain, in whose administration he served at State level between 1982-1990. He commenced his address with many amusing anecdotes of his time in politics, as well as of various American political leaders, including Adlai Stevenson and Hewey Long. The main thrust of Dr Mathews address’ was what he called ‘a crisis of trust’ in this country. Governments, he said, of all persuasions have largely forfeited that trust. One of the most important responsibilities in a democracy is the availability of objective and reliable information from trusted sources in order to facilitate the bringing about necessary change. Early in his career in the 1960s it was Dr Mathews’ job to scan the newspapers of each State Capital. At that time, he said, we were extremely well served in the daily papers. It was possible to be well informed on public affairs both nationally and internationally. It was possible for political April 2010 Volume 63 No.3 – 7
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
SPEAKERS leaders to conduct through the newspapers an informed discussion with the electorate on whom they relied for their mandate to govern. It was possible to explain over time complex political issues in a way that ensured that when a government was elected it could be said to have truly a mandate for change on the basis that what it proposed to do had been explained exhaustively to the electorate who had then voted. Government therefore was in receipt of informed public consent. He gave as an example the debate prior to the introduction of Medicare in 1968 which was to replace the old private health system and was revolutionary in its concept of health cover for all. Over several years and at every opportunity detailed explanations were given of the proposed scheme by the then Leader of the Opposition, Gough Whitlam. All newspapers carried details of arguments for and against the scheme, so that when voters went to the polls in 1969 they fully understood the scheme and all the associated issues and were able to make an informed decision. Today, this would be an impossibility, even in Sydney and Melbourne, he said. With concentrated ownership of the press, and the print media under threat from the internet and financial consideration, the result is reliance on an electronic media which we have no way of assessing. Increasingly we are relying on irresponsible sources, the closest metaphor to describe this being ‘the wild west’. All of this, says Dr Mathews, makes it is particularly important that alternative sources of objective information are available to us and he looks to the universities to take over this role as envisaged as far back as the 1943 Curtain government through to the 1972 Whitlam government which understood the importance of the universities and tertiary education in this regard. He briefly summarised some of the decisions of various governments to abolish many of the education commissions and the effect of this on universities today. TWILIGHT LECTURE SERIES Professor Peter Singer By Andrew Binns It’s fair to say that we westerners are a pretty lucky lot and most of us need not be reminded of it. But if we do require the occasional nudge into reality, there is perhaps no one better qualified for the job than one of the world’s 100 most influential people. This is how “Time” magazine describes Professor Peter Singer, my distinguished former professor from undergraduate days.
Procuring high profile speakers can often be a daunting task: they tend to be in high demand for such events, perhaps they pass through the country only fleetingly, some speakers (of the type we don’t engage) charge substantial appearance fees. Peter Singer landed square on Graduate House centre stage with the least amount of fuss and to the warmest of welcomes from our members and guests. I remember sitting in the Monash rotunda as a fresher in 1980, with three hundred other students of “Moral Philosophy”. Peter Singer’s arguments were compelling, challenging and groundbreaking then, and I feel that, with the elapse of 30 years, the messages are as pertinent and poignant as ever. The evening began with a bustling throng of members enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the Graduate House bar. Peter Singer slipped in surreptitiously and went completely unnoticed by most of the members until he approached the microphone following the informative introduction given by our President, the Hon. John Cain. Professor Singer’s lecture explored a variety of ethical issues and case studies which relate to charitable giving, and how our responses in the western world, to those suffering in poverty elsewhere, are insufficient and ethically indefensible. One of the questions he posed was to ask whether we would be prepared to wade into a muddy pond to save a drowning child, at the expense of our new shoes and fine suit, perhaps worth hundreds of dollars. If you answer “no” to this question, there is no more discussion; however, if you answer “yes”, it then poses the question as to whether the element of geographical distance would be sufficient to absolve you of the responsibility for saving this life. I highly recommend his latest book “The Life You Can Save”. It will undoubtedly have an impact on the way you consider utilizing the relatively vast amounts of excess cash that we westerners have at our disposal. THE GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA OPENS THE
STELLA LANGFORD WING
(From page 1) The Honourable Alex Chernov, Chancellor of The University of Melbourne then addressed the gathering, speaking briefly about the long history of The Graduate Union and its association with the University. He said both organizations played a pivotal role in postgraduate education, actively supporting postgraduate students and encouraging their involvement in the life of their University. The Honourable John Cain, President of the Graduate Union, concluded the formalities. He thanked everyone for attending and thanked the Head of College for his drive and dedication which he said was the contributing factor to the successful and efficient planning and redevelopment of the Stella Langford Wing. April 2010 Volume 63 No.3 – 8
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE A lot has happened at Graduate House since the April edition of the Melbourne Graduate. Next year, 2011 will be our centenary year; who would have thought that small group of graduates wishing to maintain friendships made at the University of Melbourne would have grown to become the great institution the Graduate Union is today. I believe 100 year anniversary should be celebrated and in an appropriately fine manner. One hundred years in anyone’s language is indeed a milestone and we are hoping members will be interested in joining a working party to organize the event. As another memento of our past is the gates of the old Kidd’s building which have been refurbished and now hung at the car park entrance. I have had a lot of comments about the gates and you might be interested in having a look at them. They are part of our long history and it is fitting that they should be displayed with our centenary year coming up. A working party is also being organized by Council member, Mr. David Eyres who is keen to run a series of musical concerts on Sunday afternoons. These will be open to the public and hopefully extend the profile of Graduate House. Next year will be a year of ongoing events including the tour to Dresden, Berlin, Prague and Bohemia lead by member Kenneth Park. Kenneth has been coming to talk to us at intervals during this year about the various places on the itinerary. It will be a fascinating tour. Kenneth is very knowledgeable and also great fun – the ideal travelling companion. The itinerary and costs have been recently updated and there is a new flyer if you are interested. Another recent item of interest has been the introduction of StoneGrill dining – a healthy and nutritious alternative to the buffet. Events such as the monthly luncheons and Twilight Lectures have been a great success, with Professor Peter Singer attracting an audience of over one hundred. Mr Alan Kohler was the August speaker, and Ms Louise Adler will be the final speaker for the year in November. As always, I ask you to remember the Graduate Union Appeal Funds and thank you all for your ongoing and support.
Eugene Spanti
%
To:
The Graduate Union
220 Leicester Street
Carlton Vic 3053
Please send me information regarding Wills and Bequests to The Graduate Union
All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible (gift under S20-25 of the ITAA 1997)
I/We would like to make a donation to THE GRADUATE UNION ANNUAL APPEAL (Please select) Stella Langford Building Project Naming Rights of Apartments ($10,000 each) (7 left) Naming Rights of Conference Areas ($25,000 each) Naming Rights of Car Park Spaces ($5,000 each)
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: …………........................…………………
9 – April 2010 Volume 63 No.3
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
Chancellor of the University with Dr Chris Chairman David Sparks & Booth, Dr Robt Gibson & Mr Leo Santalucia Barbara Green, Head of St Hilda’s College
David Sparks & USA Deputy Consul-General Julie Grant
Dr Robb Stanley of The Royal Society of Victoria is with Francesca Folk-Scolaro
Architects Anthony Tesoriero & Damien Parras
Cochrane Room Major Donor Dr Andrew Cochrane
Members Elizabeth Carvosso, Patricia Boaden & Anne Mulholland
President John Cain, the Governor & Chancellor with Dr Barry Jones
Past President Frank Lees, Barbara Funder & Allan Blankfield
Residents with the Governor and Head of College
The Governor of Victoria is greeted by the Chancellor of the University of Melbourne
Residents entertain V-C Nominee, Mr Douglas Proctor
Members Rene Anthony, Rhys Watson & Frank Anthony
Consultants Leo Santalucia & Bill Weston
Head of University College, Jennifer McDonald with the Head of College
Anne Cronin, Chair of University College & Georg-Ann Sullivan
Past Chair Neil Taylor, wife Dot Taylor and Returning Officer, Ron Ritchie
Former Secretary-Warden Ian Cayzer with the Governor April 2010 Volume 63 No.3 – 10