THE
MELBOURNE
The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc.
GR ADUATE
CHRISTMAS AT GRADUATE HOUSE
Periodical newsletter of the graduate union of the university of melbourne incorporated Print Post approved pp337834/00022 registered association no. AA0023234B February 2009 Volume 62 No. 1 www.graduatehouse.com.au
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Contents Calendar Of Events 2 Letters
2
Members
2
Valete
2
Speakers
3
Donations
3
Election Information Graduate Union Council Nomination Proforma Graduate Union Council Nominations Advice Graduate Union Elected Councillors
4
Residents
5
Stella Langford Project Update
5
From the Head Of College
6
Office Bearers President: The Honourable John Cain Vice President: Dr Robert Gibson Chairman: Mr J Andrew Binns Vice Chairman: Mr David N Sparks Head of College and CEO Mr Eugene Spanti
he Chairman’s Cocktail Party on 5 December was a very successful evening with more than 150 members and guests attending. The reception room was beautifully decorated, the piece de resistance being a wonderful seafood buffet decorated with an ice carving of Santa’s reindeer, in keeping with the festive season. The Chairman gave a very informative address with many amusing asides, adding a light-hearted note to the occasion, and summarising the events of 2008. He thanked all who had so generously given their time and support to the various events. He said 2009 would be a year of further expansion and expressed confidence that members would continue to give their support during the coming year. Re-development of the Stella Langford site has now commenced, with completion anticipated in October 2009.
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Members’ Christmas Party
he Christmas Party on 12 December was a festive affair. The room was a picture with beautiful flower centrepieces of yuletide red, green and white decorating the tables. Santa visited as usual, handing out sweets and there was a mood of festivity and good cheer. The President welcomed guests, wishing all a very happy Christmas and congratulated the Head of College and staff on their diligence and professionalism during the year. The festive meal commenced with special tasting plates of prawns, smoked salmon and other delicacies to which guests could help themselves. This was followed by a very traditional Christmas dinner served with both bread and cranberry sauces and dessert was Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, together with a selection of gourmet cakes and tarts served at each table. Chef Robert Goodman and his staff with Rosie Ellul and the serving staff were given a hearty ovation at the end of the meal. The entertainment for the evening was very well received, even though it was somewhat more subdued than in some previous years. Five members of the Queen’s College Choir and their accompanist greeted guests on arrival and sang Christmas carols throughout the evening, including some very beautiful old European carols as well as the more well-known ones. Santa distributed a plethora of gifts, courtesy of generous suppliers to Graduate House, and the Head of College drew the bistro competition prize which was a 42” plasma television. Bistro guests had entered this competition throughout the year by filling in the bistro feedback forms. The prize was won by Life Member, Mrs Patricia Boaden who was quite stunned and lost for words when her name was drawn out. The table centrepieces were final gifts of the evening and were claimed by a guest at each table. February 2009 Volume 62 No.1 –
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2009 Bridge is held every Wednesday evening 7.45pm Italian Conversation Group meets first Tuesday each month 6pm Women’s Forum meets on the third Wednesday each month 10am Residents and Members meet on the last Tuesday each month 5.30pm 4 Mar Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Emeritus Prof Chris Wallace-Crabbe, UOM. Topic: Tribute to Prof Vincent Buckley, late of the English Dept. 1 Apr Monthly Luncheon Speaker: The Right Rev Dr Peter Hollingsworth AC OBE 23 Apr Wine Appreciation Dinner 29 Apr Election Candidates Meet & Greet 6 May Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Mrs Jan Dimmick, Tennis Umpire 28 May AGM & Autumn Dinner Speaker: Max Architects, Development Update 3 Jun Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Ms Sophie Maj 25 Jun SPECIAL EVENT FOR MEMBERS - tba 1 Jul Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Dr Jim Peacock, CSIRO 23 Jul London Celebrity Chefs’ Reunion – Special Dinner 28 Jul Residents Xmas in July/Meet & Greet 5 Aug Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Mr Kenneth Park, Art Historian 2 Sep Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Mr Roscoe Howell, Topic: Modern Day Slavery 4 Sep ‘ENJOY ITALY’ Members’ 17 day tour of Southern Italy departs 7 Oct Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Prof M. Gardner AO, Vice-Chancellor, RMIT 22 Oct Wine Appreciation Spring Dinner 4 Nov Monthly Luncheon Speaker: The Reverend Tim Costello AO, CEO World Vision 2 Dec Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Dr Kim Dovey, Prof of Architecture UOM 4 Dec Chairman’s Cocktail Party 11 Dec Members Christmas Party
LETTERS Extract of letter from Ralph Skilbeck, Member since 1983 ...It was a delight to open your personalised ‘Happy Birthday’ card to mark my 81st birthday for 23rd November this year. Your warm welcome is so encouraging whenever I am able to come to the House, either on my own or with guests. Excellent PR for all concerned – that goes for staff at all levels too! I was very pleased to see my nephew, Dr James (Jim) Hore at the Chairman’s Cocktail Party on Friday, 5 December. He told me it was the first time he had been to Graduate House since his graduation in Medicine in 1974!... With warmest regards and best wishes in your ongoing work. (Dec 2008) In September Justine and Mark Tippett held their wedding ceremony at Graduate House. They wrote the following to Martin and the staff. Thank you so much for all of your help with our wedding. We were so pleased with how the day went and with all of your help everything ran very smoothly. Thanks Martin for going out of your way a number of times to ensure that we were comfortable with everything, like giving up your time and helping us with our rehearsal. We are thrilled to be the first to have tied the knot at Graduate House, so thanks for the opportunity.
MEMBERS The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier
Dr Freier was the guest speaker at the Graduate House June 2008 luncheon and joined as a member of the Graduate Union in July. He became the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne in August 2006, and was enthroned on 16 December 2006 in St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne. He came to the Diocese of Melbourne after ministry in Queensland and from being Bishop of the Northern Territory from 1999 to 2006. He is deeply committed to proclaiming the Gospel, and is passionate about making Christianity accessible to people of all walks of life. He has a particular concern for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with whom he lived and worked for a number of years, and in the issues they confront both in communities and in Australian life in general. The Archbishop’s time in Melbourne has been marked by a willingness to engage in public discussion with community leaders on important issues of the day in BMW Edge, Federation Square, where he has hosted a series of Breakfast conversations open to the public. Early on he caught the public’s imagination by launching NEW MEMBERS The following new members joined the Graduate Union his ‘Prayer4Melbourne Quest’ – visiting public spaces such as shopping malls and welfare in the period October 2008 – February 2009. centres to meet and talk to Melburnians in order Corporate to hear their hopes and fears. Faculty of Arts, University of Melbourne He has also been actively engaged in a variety Ordinary Members Dr C Delany, BAppSci(Lincoln Inst), MPhysio, of current and social justice issues, including MHlthMedLaw, PhD global warming, Third World poverty, Ms C Moore, BA(Deakin) David Hicks’ incarceration without trial, the Dr R Pockett, B.S.W PhD(NSW) growing incidence of childhood depression, Ms J Winfield, BAHons(Monash), and Australia’s treatment of Indigenous DipEdSec(Rusden), BLittHons Australians. Mrs B Wolfram, BAHons All degrees are from University of Melbourne unless otherwise noted. Dr Freier is married to Joy; they have two sons Degrees are stated as presented on members’ application forms. and two grandsons.
– February 2009 Volume 62 No.1
VALETE
Dr Roderick Esdaile, Member since 1962
Dr Rod Esdaile, who gained an international reputation for his expertise in titanium and fibre optics, died at home in North Carlton after a long struggle with cancer that had shadowed, but not taken over his life until his last months. He also played a leading role in die-casting in the automotive industry, which included a three-year posting as technical director with the Australian Trade Commission in Detroit in the USA. Always a practical scientist, Rod moved seamlessly from theory and research to shop floor applications. He and wife Susan, who worked in the USA as an occupational therapist, returned to Melbourne at the end of 2003. He is survived by his wife Susan and daughter Lucy. Since publication of the November 2008 edition of The Melbourne Graduate we have been notified of the deaths of the following Members:
Ms G Abbott, joined 2007 Miss A Booth, Life Member since 1955 Miss J Bostock, Life Member since 1962 Miss E Brumley, Life Member since 1960 Mr N Buckley, Life Member since 1954 Mr K Dawson, Life Member since 1966
Mr A Gilchrist, Life Member since 1971 Prof R Joske, Life Member since 1974 Dr A Malcolm, Life Member since 1982 Dr A Morris, Life Member since 1963 Dr F O’Rourke, Life Member since 1985 Mr P Wickens, Life Member since 1980
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.
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
TWILIGHT LECTURE SERIES Mr Michael Thurston, US Consul General The third and concluding Twilight lecture series was held on the evening of 30th October 2008 at Graduate House. It was an appropriate event in view of the American election to be held in only a few days time. We were very privileged to have Mr Michael Thurston, the US ConsulGeneral to deliver a most interesting and entertaining lecture on the USA Presidential election process. The talk was attended by about 110 members and their guests, with all members of Graduate Council making a special effort to support and attend the function. The talk could have continued for much longer than scheduled due to the numerous questions and enthusiastic responses but, due to Mr Thurston’s commitments, was forced to finish on time. The evening was very informative and enjoyable with prelecture drinks and canapés and finished with delicious cakes and coffee for those who wished to stay on. As always, the Graduate House team ensured that the event ran smoothly and efficiently. David Tey
LUNCHEON SPEAKERS November 2008 Rita Hartney is an accomplished public speaker and a wonderful advertisement for enjoying the journey of life. She entertained while enlightening her audience on cultivating the seven attitudes required to achieve this life altering state of mind. The room rocked with laughter as guests identified with Rita’s pithy turn of phrase and her recounting of experiences which had been turned around from negative to positive. Opening her address by inviting the audience to write down a goal for the next 3 months, she promised to post them back in February so that one can see whether the goal has been achieved. She gave a list of the necessities for achieving this enjoyment, saying a Sense of Direction was essential – knowing where one is going. This was followed by Understanding – it is not what happens to you, but what you do with it. You can choose your response. She said too many people learn how to make a living, but not how to live! Important elements are also Clarity and Courage. At this point Rita asked guests to look under their chair, saying under one chair. there was a request to the owner of that chair to give a 5 minute talk on the upcoming US election! When the panic subsided and after saying she was only joking – Rita said research had shown people feared public speaking more than death! The last three elements for a happy journey were named as enthusiasm, self confidence and most importantly - self acceptance. Everyone is special, she said, handing out ‘I’m Special’ pins. Women do not realise they have the ability to change the ways of the world, which is run with male aggression rather than with the female art of negotiation. The world could be a different place with more
women at the helm . It was a laughter filled lunch at which the audience, mainly women, learned a great deal about their strengths and the need for them to be more involved in local and world affairs. December 2008 The Reverend John Davis opened his address saying the history of the 13th century had been virtually overlooked. This was the time of Giotto and wonderful frescos which told stories to a largely illiterate and uneducated population. John said we should not think that the population’s lack of education meant they were unable to think. People of the era did not have today’s opportunities but were equally intelligent and often deep thinkers. John has had a self-confessed love affair with the town of Assisi and its saints, Francis and Clare for more than 35 years, since he was a student living in London. His love for both was clearly evident throughout his address. He spoke in glowing terms of the rebuilding of the town after the severe earthquake of 1997, saying the town had benefited and was more beautiful than ever. He said despite the thousands of tourists which visit each year, the town has retained its religious feeling and visitors know they are in a hallowed place John showed a series of pictures of Assisi, including the beautiful Umbrian countryside and the colourful frescos which abound in the buildings, explaining some of the stories and whimsical aspects. John spoke also of conflicts of the present day and similarities with the time of St Francis and St Clare, which was the time of the crusades. He said perhaps there was a lesson to learned by the example of St Francis who walked through the enemy lines to have several days of discussion with the Sultan of Egypt. Eight hundred years later, following the example of St Francis by engaging in respectful discussion with other Faiths might be the way forward for us in the 21st Century.
DONATIONS Building Fund: $135 B Craven $100 J Rowan, P Hibbs $50 J Kilmartin, D Adams, D Welch, B Krahnert $35 P Cenek $20 G Bartle $15 I Proctor
Residents Assistance Fund: $200 B Wadham $165 K Binns $100 G Duke $50 W Reid, J Kilmartin, R Walker, R Meehan $25 R Skilbeck, A Jack $20 S Stuart $15 Ms A Martin Residential Bursaries\Scholarship Program $50 N Hung, G Duke, B Krahnert $25 W Hamilton $15 M Kelleher
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
February 2009 Volume 62 No.1 –
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE PROFORMA NOMINATION
THE GRADUATE COUNCIL
FOR ELECTION TO
Notice of Election
GRADUATE COUNCIL 2009
Nominations are hereby called for the election of six Council members, four to hold office for three years, and two to hold office for two years from the date of the Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday, 28 May 2009. Any other vacancy occurring prior to the close of nominations will be included within this election. Retiring Council members are eligible for re-election*.
I, .. (print full name of proposer) ..
(signature of proposer)
hereby nominate the following member for the above election . .
(print full name of candidate)
________________________ I, .. (print full name of seconder) ..
(signature of seconder)
hereby second the following member for the above election . .
(print full name of candidate)
________________________ I, .. (print full name of candidate) hereby consent to being a candidate for the above election, and submit the attached photograph and statement, not exceeding one hundred and fifty (150) words to be distributed with the ballot paper. I understand that councillors are normally asked to serve on at least one committee of Council. ..
(signature of candidate)
A proforma is attached, but no special form is required. Valid nominations must include the FULL PRINTED NAME and the signature of the proposer, seconder and candidate, all of whom must be members. All nominations must be in a sealed envelope and addressed to: Returning Officer The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc 220 Leicester Street CARLTON VIC 3053 Candidates should submit at the time of their nomination: full name and degree(s); a passport size photo of themselves; and a statement of not more than one hundred and fifty (150) words of personal information and policies. The statement is in addition to the full name and degree(s). A guide for the preparation of statements is available from the Returning Officer by contacting the Graduate Union on 9347 3428.
Nominations close at The Graduate Union Office on Wednesday 18 March 2009 at 4pm A nomination may be lodged by facsimile to (03) 9347 9981 provided that the original is received by 4pm on Friday, 20 March 2009. Ronald G Ritchie Returning Officer
ELECTED COUNCILLORS AS AT JANUARY 31, 2009 Until May 2011 Until May 2010 Until May 2009* Ms Merren Cliff Ms Cheryl A Kidston Mr Andre G Cleghorn Dr Robert W Gibson Mr J Andrew Binns Ms Glenda J Fisher Vacant - Co-opted Member until Mr David N Sparks Dr Andrew K Roberts May 2009 - Dr Christopher Booth Mr Erwin (AJ) Wong Mr Neil J Taylor Vacant - Co-opted Member until May 2009 - Mr Daniel McInerney
– February 2009 Volume 62 No.1
R esidents News
Bataiboni Anigafutu – I am one of two anaesthetists who serve in the Solomon Islands, where the population is about half a million. I graduated with my MBBS degree at the University of Papua New Guinea in 1998. I later did the Master of Medicine program at the University of South Pacific and graduated with Master of Medicine in Anaesthesia in 2006. The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) annually offers the ANZCA International Scholarship which funds anaesthetists from the Pacific and some parts of Asia to do a specific anaesthetic training in any hospital in Australia or New Zealand for 12 months. I have become the recipient of this scholarship in 2008. I am currently working as an Honorary Fellow with the Department of Pain Management and Anaesthesia at the Royal Children’s hospital. This is my first time in cold Melbourne and it is very different from humid Solomon Islands. I love listening to wind instruments. The soprano saxophone and flute are my favourites. Jessica Ober – I am a graduate physical therapy student originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the USA. I attend Slippery Rock University a state school in Pennsylvania. I am in my 3rd year of graduate school and I will graduate in May with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I also received my Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University. I will be staying at the Graduate House while interning at Bundoora Extended Care Centre as a physical therapist. I will also be performing some research and assisting in the writing of a research publication. This will be my first visit to Australia and I’m very excited to learn about a new way of life and take in different cultures. Muna Al-Ali – I lived all of my life in Jordan. I received my Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Jordan 2006. I graduated with honours. I obtained the MFDS diploma in 2007. Afterwards, I worked in private dental clinic for almost eight months. Interested in education, I became a research and teaching assistant in the Dental Faculty of the University of Jordan. In pursuit of my education, I am now enrolled in the University of Melbourne “Doctor of Clinical Dentistry” program, starting in March 2nd, 2009. It is a three year program through which I will be learning and practicing the Art and Science of Endodontics. I am also interested in the psychological health of students, especially the Dental students and am actually waiting for publication of two papers regarding this topic. Currently, I am a member of the editorial board of a new regional dental Journal called “Smile Dental Journal”, aimed mainly towards general dental practitioners in the region. I am looking forward to joining you in Melbourne, as I like to explore new grounds and experience new things and challenges.
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
Stella Langford Project Update Prior to Christmas some unexpected delays occurred which resulted in the concrete slab not being poured as planned. The delays included the removal of asbestos sheeting from the verandahs and the wet area at the rear of the terraces and also removal of a large amount of contaminated soil, necessitating the trucking in of additional backfill. After the holiday break, the contractors started work on 12 January 2009 and preparatory work for the concrete pouring commenced. Some concrete works have been completed including pile caps for the lift pit, ground beam for rear car park entrance and the footings for the car park area. The unprecedented heat-wave in the last week of January, with 4 days of temperatures over 40 degrees, unfortunately caused further delays with virtually no work being done on the site. To the dismay of members and staff alike, car parking at Graduate House has been further reduced due to the temporary site offices being erected in Leicester Street and taking up both the footpath and parking spaces from the front door of Graduate House to the end of the Stella Langford Annexe building. Builders take over Leicester St
THE STELLA LANGFORD PROJECT APPEAL TOTAL : $31,176.00 Donors to the Appeal from 21 October 2008 to 31 January 2009 Dr & Mrs Cherry, Ms J Eltham, Prof W Hare, Dr J Henderson, Mrs M Hendy, Dr W Hutchence, Mr G Israel, Dr J Jarrett, Dr L Lloyd, Mr H Lorraine, Dr A Maclean, Ms Z Martin, Dr R Northrop, Mr G Parkes, Dr J Pyper, Mr K Tanaka, Dr B Wadham, Dr B Webb
INTRODUCING GUEST LOYALTY CARD $25 per annum Visitors who are not members of the Graduate Union may now have lunch at Graduate House for the same cost as members. For a $25 per annum fee, guests will pay only $10 per meal (a saving of $5 each visit). There is no limit to the number of meals a guest may have & after 5 visits will receive a free coffee and after 10 visits a free meal.
Companies offering discounts to Graduate Union Members
Australian Unity, Hertz, Pathfinder Coaching, Pickford Pharmacy, Non-Profit Purchasing, DeBortoli Wines, Food and Wine Travel 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
February 2009 Volume 62 No.1 –
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE Following on from a very successful 2008, we have entered 2009 on a high note and with great expectations. This year we will have three new members on Graduate Council, Dr Christopher Booth, Mr Daniel McInerney and Mr David Eyres, who were welcomed at the December 2008 meeting. Dr Booth and Mr McInerney will fill the two vacancies and Mr Eyres, who is a member of the Stella Langford Project Committee, was co-opted. The Stella Langford Project is underway and you will see we have included an update by the Chairman of that committee. The Stella Langford Appeal is doing well with many members contributing, and two of the three Conference Rooms have already been ‘spoken for’. The Twilight Lecture Series will continue in 2009. The USA Election theme in 2008 aroused quite some interest as it was very topical, especially the third lecture given by the US ConsulGeneral to Melbourne in late October just a few days prior to the election itself. A suitable theme for the 2009 series is presently being considered. If you have any ideas for a theme, I am sure your suggestion would be appreciated by that committee. This year a Bistro Loyalty Card has been introduced for guests who are not members of the Graduate Union. For the sum of $25, a guest dining in the bistro is entitled to member price meals ($10) rather than guest price ($15); a considerable saving at each visit. Also, after five visits you will receive a free coffee, and after ten visits, a complimentary meal. The 2009 Bistro Feedback Card end-of-year prize draw is a $1000 Travel Voucher; so when you dine at Graduate House remember to fill in a Feedback Card to be eligible for monthly prize draws throughout the year as well as the $1000 Travel Voucher prize. This will be drawn at the Members Christmas Party on Friday 11 December 2009. Please note - the winner must be in attendance at the Christmas Party. New member activities are planned for 2009, in addition to the ever-popular monthly luncheons and wine appreciation dinners. These include cooking demonstration classes by our talented Chef, Robert Goodman which will run between February and October The highlight of the year, I believe, will be the ‘Enjoy Italy’ Tour which Graduate House is hosting in September. The 17 day tour departs on 5 September and visits some of Southern Italy’s most scenic places. The tour will feature visits to Naples University founded in 1223 and the University of Messina founded in 1548, as well as tastings of the food of various regions. This allinclusive trip is outstanding value and will give members the option to extend the holiday beyond the tour if they should wish to visit other parts of Europe. A detailed itinerary has been included in this mail-out for your interest. As always, I ask you to consider the Graduate Union when looking to support a worthwhile cause. I hope members will continue to give their support as we strive to offer more facilities and services to residents and members alike. Thank you most sincerely for your support and generosity in 2008. I am looking forward with great anticipation to the year ahead. Eugene Spanti
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– February 2009 Volume 62 No.1