THE GRADUATE UNION of The University of Melbourne Inc.
PERIODICAL NEWSLETTER OF THE GRADUATE UNION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE INCORPORATED
INSTALLATION OF CHANCELLOR The University of Melbourne welcomed its new Chancellor Mr Ian Renard on 1 February 2005. The Graduate Union was represented by the Secretary-Warden who, in company with the other Heads of Colleges, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glyn Davis and academic staff joined the procession from the Old Quadrangle to Melba Hall where Mr Renard was installed as the nineteenth Chancellor of The University of Melbourne. At the same ceremony several were admitted to the degree of Juris Doctor.
PRINT POST APPROVED PP337834/00022 REGISTERED ASSOCIATION No. AA0023234B February 2005 Volume 58 No. 1 www.graduatehouse.com.au
CONTENTS Calendar of Events New Members Letters Tribute/Valete Donations Luncheon Address Graduate Union Elected Councillors (see insert) Graduate Union Council Nominations Advice (see insert) Graduate Union Council Nomination Proforma (see insert)
Correction to page 7 of the November 2004 edition of The Melbourne Graduate Under Special Purpose Donation, para 2 should read ‘The Past Graduates & Post Graduates Society Incorporated was formally wound up on 14 October 2004. The William Berry PostGraduate College Trust is now managed by new Trustees Barbara Funder and Heather Kudeviita.’
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THE CHAIRMAN’S COCKTAIL PARTY
CHRISTMAS AT GRADUATE HOUSE
The first function in the Graduate House-University Club building on 3 December was an exhilarating occasion, though not without some anxious moments Secretary-Warden and Chairman for staff, with with the Vice-Chancellor workmen still in the foyer as early guests arrived for the Chairman’s Cocktail Party. Vice- Chancellor Kwong Lee Dow and Heads of Colleges were among those gathered to toast the opening of the new building and a new era for The Graduate Union. Also in attendance were many supporters and suppliers to The Graduate Union and donors to the Building Appeal. All were unanimous in their delight with the new building, its layout and the tasteful furniture and fittings in shades of grey and burgundy.
The Combined Members Party was held in the new building on 10 December and once again suppliers to the Graduate Union donated the many gifts distributed during the evening. Santa put aside his heavy December schedule to be present, dispensing sweets and good cheer throughout the evening which culminated in carol singing led by the more extroverted of the gathering.
During the course of the evening, Dr Phillip Law, a member of long standing, was presented with an Honorary Membership Life Certificate by Chairman Mr Neil Taylor. The Secretary-Warden addressed the gathering saying there would Dr Phillip Law receiving be many new Honorary Life Membership opportunities available to The Graduate Union with the opening of the new building and its facilities. He spoke about his aspirations for the future and his confidence in what could be achieved. President, Frank Lees then addressed the assembled guests and thanked the Secretary-Warden for his commitment to the project. He spoke of the new era beginning for The Graduate Union and the image of change and a new direction. In closing he quoted some inspirational words from the poet Arthur Hugh Clough.
Guests enjoying the festivities
RESIDENTS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS 2004 On 19 November 2004, residents and members of Council gathered for what was to be the final social event in the Ian Potter Dining Room at Graduate House before the move of dining facilities and kitchen into the new building. The usual delicious Christmas fare was prepared by our Chef, John Gasparotto, and enjoyed by everyone. After dinner, many stayed on for the karaoke entertainment which has become an annual feature of the House. The Ian Potter Dining Room, named in 1988 following a generous gift from the Potter Foundation which assisted its refurbishment, has provided meals for residents since the early 1960s. For forty years it has also hosted the regular monthly luncheon meetings with many notable speakers, seasonal dinners and private members’ functions.
February 2005 volume 58 No.1 1
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE CALENDAR OF GRADUATE HOUSE LUNCHEONS Wed, 2 March, 12.30pm for 12.50pm Monthly Luncheon, Speaker: Professor Frederick Mendelsohn Wed, 6 April, 12.30pm for 12.50pm Monthly Luncheon, Speaker: Mr Terence Lane, Senior Curator, National Gallery of Victoria Wed, 6 May, 12.30pm for 12.50pm Monthly Luncheon, Speaker: Ms Jennifer Kloester, speaking about Georgette Heyer REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT GRADUATE HOUSE Each MondayBridge 8pm 1st Monday Italian Conversation Dinner 6.30 for 7pm 4th Friday4th Friday Dinner 7pm for 8pm Last Monday Women’s Forum 10am
LETTERS To the Secretary-Warden from Dame Elisabeth Murdoch
Many thanks for the beautiful flowers and kind note which arrived yesterday which you sent ‘on behalf of The Graduate Union’. I was very touched. I was so sorry that it was not possible to attend your Chairman’s Cocktail Party. It will not be long before my fractured back recovers – I shall look forward to being invited to Graduate House in 2005. November 2004 To the Secretary-Warden from Sr Maureen Burke, Principal, St Mary’s College
My condolences on the death of Dr John Binns. It is always the passing of an era when someone so intimately bound to the Graduate House community dies. May the good he did continue through your work now. You and your community will be in my heart and prayers this week. December2004 To the Secretary-Warden from Professor Don Markwell, Warden, Trinity College
My very deepest sympathy. John was a man of great quality and great charm and warmth. I liked him enormously, and am deeply saddened by his death. He was always interesting to talk with, taking a keen interest in others, and keen to engage positively with people. He was also a person of great generosity. After an overseas trip, he very kindly - quite unexpectedly - gave me an old print he had bought in Cambridge, because he thought I might like it. What generosity! As you can see, I am very moved by John's death. Thank you for letting us all know. December 2004 To the Secretary-Warden from Professor Hugh Collins, Master, Ormond College
The timing of your sad news is the more poignant, because many of us will best recall John Binns from the Dinners for Chairs and Heads. He wore his distinction lightly, and was always a courteous and interesting contributor to our discussions. Please accept my own and this College’s sympathy to you and all members of Graduate House in your loss. December 2004 To the Secretary-Warden from Keith Torode
The Melbourne Graduate is normally published four times a year by The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Incorporated. It is edited by Geoffrey Dye 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 224 Leicester Street, Carlton Victoria 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. 9873 5144
2 February 2005 volume 58 No.1
Thank you for your thoughts of Polly who for all her small size was a dynamo of drive and purpose. Polly loved her visits to Grad House and often reported how kindly and considerate everyone was to her and I have witnessed the pleasantry that greeted her. I joined with her in regretting that illness and distance limited some extra attendance. Thanks to all concerned. December 2004
COMPANIES OFFERING DISCOUNTS TO GRADUATE UNION MEMBERS
To the Secretary from Doris Doig, Life Member
After attending the monthly luncheon at Graduate House in October last, I neglected to hand in my name badge which, with apologies I now enclose as I will be unable to attend the December function. My companion at these most enjoyable occasions has always been Mrs Dorothy (Polly) Torode and I regret to have to inform you that she died last Monday, 15 November, having sustained complications after a car accident. She hardly ever missed a Wednesday luncheon although having to travel – earlier from Colac and latterly from Geelong, to attend. Her comments to speakers after their lectures were always pertinent and of interest to all of us. I know that she will be sadly missed by those whose lives she touched. With kind regards and best wishes for continued success in gathering older graduates together. December 2004 To the Secretary-Warden from Anne Campbell, Life Member
Thanks to your organisation for a great Christmas celebration dinner for myself and a group of friends whom I have known for 67 years. We all thoroughly enjoyed the lounge and library of the ‘old’ Graduate House for an intimate get-together memorable for its surroundings, the excellent food and wine (thank you John), the care and attention of Rosie and of course the good fellowship. We shall miss the familiarity of the old building but look forward to exploring the new and enjoying future functions. Very best wishes for the coming year. December 2004 To the Assistant Secretary from Brendan Whyte, ERC Library, University of Melbourne
Thank you for a wonderful dinner last night. Our members thoroughly enjoyed the excellent food (in quantity, quality and price) and the most convivial surroundings. We are all looking forward to the meals at our upcoming conference in February! December 2004
NEW MEMBERS The following new members joined the Graduate Union in the period November 2004 to February 2005. We welcome them and look forward to their participation in our members’ programs. Members are encouraged to promote membership of The Graduate Union to family and friends. Graduate House will host a special dinner on the fourth Friday of each month to introduce current and prospective members to the networking and social opportunities of our University Club. Increased membership is vital to the future of The Graduate Union and it is hoped all members will support the current membership drive.
General Members
Open for Lunch and Dinner - Tuesday to Saturday Private Room Available 10% off meals for Graduate Union Members Tuesday to Thursday on presentation of card. 766 Whitehorse Road, Mont Albert, Vic, 3127 Tel: 03 9898 5188 Fax: 03 9898 5348
Mr John Crutchfield, BAppScBApSc, GradDipEnv (Charles Sturt) Ms Helena Dunn, BA, BEd (LaTrobe) Ms Sheila Gowans, BEd; MEd (Monash) Ms Nancy Heffernan, BAHons (LaTrobe) Ms Patricia Mitchell, BA Mrs Valerie Roberts, BComm Ms Nira Shnitzky, MA (RMIT) Prof Liz Sonenberg, BScBSC(Hons), PhD (Monash); DipCompStud
AudioLifeStyle, Australian Unity, Geoff Ireland Florist, Hertz and Hertz #1 Club, Pickford Pharmacy, Non-Profit Purchasing, DeBortoli Wines
All degrees are from University of Melbourne unless otherwise noted. Degrees are stated as presented on members’ application forms
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
Tributes to the late Dr John Binns The Graduate Union lost a dedicated Councillor and member whose first priority was progressing the aims of the College and maintaining harmony within. He was so proud that the new building was underway and up until early November was watching progress with regular visits, at the last in a wheelchair. It is very sad that he could not be at the opening. Graduate House will miss his smiling face and that off-beat sense of humour. His counsel and his knowledge of Graduate Union history and its personalities was immense and his laconic demeanour hid a sharp mind. His commentary on events, both past and present, was often amusing but always succinct. Following are tributes and recollections of some lives John touched. Dr Binns was a guiding light to many residents and went out of his way to introduce residents to professional and business opportunities in Australia. He had the philosophy and ideal that overseas students could be fostered and developed as future leaders in their home country. He made time to talk to residents and take part in activities of the Graduate House resident community, such as the cooking competition when he purchased all requirements himself and cooked dinner for the House and provided wine. Dr Binns maintained an active interest in the House, the residents and the new building development right to the end. I’m thankful for the computer lessons and helpful suggestions he gave me. He is remembered as a family man and a man of great humour and enthusiasm for the betterment of residents. He will be greatly missed at Graduate House. Tim Stephens (Resident) It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of John Binns in December. John was Chairman of The Graduate Union when I first came to Graduate House and he became my mentor and guide during those early days. Over the ensuing four years, and particularly following our excursion to the United Kingdom visiting reciprocal clubs and introducing the Graduate Union to other institutions overseas, I came to consider John a dear friend. Throughout his illness he was an inspiration. He never gave up hope. He continued to contribute at council and committee meetings, the wellbeing of The Graduate Union being one of his many passions. He followed the advancement of the new building with much pleasure and during his illness I was able to bring him to Graduate House to monitor the progress being made. When he was confined to hospital and only a week before he died, his son Andrew and I took dozens of photographs of the completed ground floor, giving him a great deal of pleasure. The great number of people attending his funeral service represented the many interests and enthusiasms in John’s life. The eulogies were a testament to the esteem in which he was held. He will be sadly missed at Graduate House and by The Graduate Union. Eugene Spanti, Secretary-Warden John Binn’s personal and professional life was linked to thousands of families worldwide. This tribute is about four families – Binns, Lees, McLay, Thompson – and a 55 year relationship.
In March 1949 at Mildura Branch of The University of Melbourne two students, one in Medicine the other in Engineering, started their first year. Kath Thompson later would graduate and marry John Binns. I became a Mechanical Engineer and married Jeannine McLay. John Binns always had an international view of orthodontics and throughout his career he travelled the world. The Binns and Lees family separately lived in England and both settled in Melbourne. John’s orthodontic practice in Box Hill was noteworthy because firstly, he would always have time to talk to children and their parents about their long orthodontic program and secondly, he limited the number of new patients each week to ensure the highest quality of care for patients. With his skill he supported nine people in his practice where Jeannine Lees was office manager for ten years. His enquiring expertise explored the ‘mechanics’ of wires, metals and tools so that he founded a supply business which today is managed by his son, Andrew. Fascinated by electronics, he founded and assisted a partner in an electronic sign manufacturing factory in Box Hill. He initiated the Rotary Box Hill Art Show and in 1966 Jeannine bought from John the picture that has pride of place over our mantlepiece. The Graduate Union needed and demanded the skills and experience that John so generously gave at a critical period. My role as a member of the University initiated the tunnel and Kidd’s Warehouse project, but it was John as Chairman of Council who translated this concept into the new building. John invited me to be President at this exciting and creative stage of the Graduate Union. John’s enthusiasm, synergy and clear thinking are the attributes in business, orthodontistry, Rotary and The Graduate Union that have brought such success. He was a Renaissance man who used 21st century technology. Frank Lees, President
VALETE Since publication of the November edition of The Melbourne we have been notified of the deaths of the following members: Dr Yvonne Aitken, Life Member joined in 1938 Dr I Cserey, Life Member joined in 1966 Mr William Dickson, Life Member joined in 1972 Mr John Dooley, joined in 1981 Mrs M Hetherington, Life Member joined in 1950 Dr M Lipson, Life Member joined in 1974 Dr K Miller, Life Member joined in 1974 Dr M Sanders, Life Member joined in 1957 Mrs Lois Scott, Life Member joined in 1951 Mrs Dorothy (Polly) Torode, Life Member joined in 1979 Dr Percy White, Life Member joined in 1972 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.
DONATIONS Building Appeal Mr J Ballantyne Mr J Baxter Mrs K Binns Mrs E Brown Mr B Blosfelds Miss E Carvosso Mr J Cirksis Mr C Clark Dr C Close Mrs A Cordner Mr L Course Judge B Dove Mr D Dodds Miss M Edmondson Ms J Eltham Mr D Francis Dr R Gibson The Rev R Gregory Prof W Hare Dr J Hoffman Mrs C Hughes Mrs B Ives Dr J Jarrett Dr J Kardos Dr P Law Mr H Lorraine Mr K Mawson Dr D McCredie Mr E Miller Mr G Parkes Mr D Robson Mr J Rowan Mr A Scott Mrs E Sevior Mr S Tingate Mrs I Toohey Mr B Webb Building Fund $70 B Craven; $50 D Weaver, B Krahnert, J Ballantyne; $40 A Martin; $10 G Bartle, D Dodds. Residents Assistance Fund $100 G Duke; $50 D Weaver, J Duke, B Krahnert, J Ballantyne; $25 R Harris, M Hill; $10 M Farmer.
Dr A Casey Mrs M Dean Mr J Guest Mr B Krahnert Mr L Pentilla Mr R Watson
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THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE NOVEMBER LUNCHEON Adrian Collette (CEO Opera Australia) THE FUTURE OF OPERA AUSTRALIA We create new work to keep our art form vital. Opera is one of the ultimate expressions of the stillmodern world. It is an astonishingly modern art form, fashioned a mere 400 years ago by and for a rapidly emerging modern world. What made it modern 400 years ago makes it strikingly contemporary now.
Book Review by John Champness EDEN : Peter Warr, Pub. Macmillan, 2004 Four men with ties closer than boood, fight to hold onto love and a world that is fast disappearing. When war finally comes, tragedies, courageous acts and enduring friendships change their lives forever. When the Japanese threaten to invade the Pacific area the two men know they must protect their country and families. Lukas Kelly and Karl Mann are like brothers, as were their fathers, and both are determined to do their part for Australia. Karl works undercover in espionage; Lukas trains to be a pilot. The two men have inherited their fathers’ passionate characters and their romantic entanglements raise the stakes even higher!
The decade that ushered in the first performance of Monteverdi’s Orfeo in 1607 (arguably our first successful opera) was one of the most dramatic in the development of western art, culture and philosophy. Opera did not evolve gradually into being at this time – it exploded through 40 years of almost wilful experimentation; and it has proved to be no mere vanity of the Venetian or Mantuan courts. Music, literature and painting of the Renaissance period moved men and women to centre stage with an intensity unimaginable even half a century before.
In 1942 the large towns of Darwin, Broom, Derby were bombed with serious loss of life and property, as well as shipping and planes. Not only was Australia being attacked as off our coasts German U-boats and Japanese submarines sank shipping, but the Japanese Navy infiltrated Sydney Harbour sinking a ferry while attempting to attack USA ships. In 1942 it seemed nothing could stop the Japanese attack and some Australians thought it only a matter of time before Australia was absorbed into the Japanese empire!
Opera is not for the faint-hearted. For those who cannot tolerate the ‘mind being made the fool of the senses’, opera is incomprehensible. For those who can cope, however, opera becomes a grand seduction and other entertainment pales by comparison.
EDEN, although a ‘factitious’ novel, attempts to describe the roles played by a handful of unsung heroes – men who held frontiers long enough to frustrate Japanese plans of invading Australia from Papua-New Guinea while troops were rallied to fight the Owen Stanleys Campaign. Many of these men have been forgotten, overshadowed by the fierce fighting along the Kokoda Track and north to Buna and Gona. The author includes military units operating before these battles, the doomed 2/22 Battalion stationed at Rabaul.
Because opera needs orchestras, soloists, choristers and technicians to ‘seduce your senses’, it is very expensive and difficult to stage in a contemporary world. It is more expensive for Opera Australia to take a touring version of Bizet’s Carmen to Katherine or Kununurra, or Puccini’s La Boheme to Cobar or Wangaratta than it is to perform them with all the ‘trappings’ in the Sydney Opera House or at the Arts Centre. Opera Australia receives about 25% of its income from the government (in Europe, subsidies vary between 50% and 85%; in America, between 50% and 60%). This means that we have to drive the box office much harder in Australia. We are also an ensemble company (very rare these days), maintaining a full-time orchestra, chorus and ensemble of principal singers. State companies call upon Opera Australia for about 80% of their productions. We are the national resource for opera, providing technical expertise, stage management and musical coaching. Victoria has a receptive audience for opera, but the art has always been under-funded in this state. The current Review of Opera in Victoria offers some hope for funding Opera Australia performances, schools and tours. Last year Opera Australia gave 210 performances in Melbourne and Sydney. Ozopera, our touring, education and access division, toured to 25 regional centres, from Darwin to Esperance and this year will cover all of Victoria and South Australia. We gave around 500 performances of a school’s opera for primary students in Victoria and New South Wales.
Jack and Lukas Kelly’s military background in the NGVR is based on Ian Down’s book, The New Guinea Volunteer Rifles NGVR 1939-1943: A History, which provides more stories than could be covered in this book. The author hopes that he has honoured these little known ‘diggers’ in a way they will not be forgotten. The account of the Japanese submarine 1-47 is fictional but the experiences of Leading Seaman Fuji Komine are based on fact. Prior to the Pacific War the Japanese Navy was actively carrying out espionage in various forms, including deployment of supplies in areas around Papua and nearby islands. The USA cracked their codes and passed on information to the British Admiralty which sent a warship to locate and destroy military dumps before 7 December 1941. Real names appear in this novel; mostly men connected with the NGVR. All the rest is fictional. The author’s uncle John Payne served on both the HMAS Vampire and Hobart when those ships were sunk in action. He survived and continued service in the Mediterranean Sea and the Indonesian coast and into Mao’s China in 1948. This book is highly recommended for inclusion in war libraries as well as fascinating fictional reading.
SPECIAL PURPOSE DONATION The William Berry Post-Graduate College Trust has responded to the request [The Melbourne Graduate, November, 2004] to provide a water saving installation at Graduate House. In view of the urgent need for this installation, the Trustees have instructed that their donation of $5,000 made last October towards refurbishment of the historic terraces be directed to the water saving project. The House Board expresses its appreciation to the Trust for this assistance. 4 February 2005 volume 58 No.1