THE GRADUATE UNION of The University of Melbourne Inc.
Periodical newsletter of the graduate union of the university of melbourne incorporated Print Post approved pp337834/00022 registered association no. AA0023234B November 2006 Volume 59 No. 4 www.graduatehouse.com.au
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Contents CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2
LETTERS
2
VALETE
2
RESIDENT, MEMBER & STAFF NEWS
3
SOCIAL EVENTS
5
LUNCHEON SPEAKERS
6
RECIPROCAL CLUBS
6
Best Wishes for a Happy Christmas and Safe & Prosperous New Year Office Bearers President: The Honourable John Cain Vice President: Dr Robert Gibson Chairman: Mr Neil Taylor Vice Chairman: Mr Andrew Binns Secretary-Warden (CEO) Mr Eugene Spanti
THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE ‘GROWING ESTEEM’
HE University of Melbourne has adopted a bold new vision for its strategic development which lays out Melbourne's aspiration to be a public-spirited institution highly regarded for making distinctive contributions to society in research, teaching and knowledge transfer. ‘Growing Esteem’ is the University’s new 10-year strategic direction, at the core of which is the most comprehensive curriculum review in its 150-year history. From 2008, the University will introduce the Melbourne Model which draws on similar models in the US and Europe’s Bologna process but within a distinctively Australian Higher Education context. The Melbourne Model will consist of three years of generalist undergraduate study followed by two or three year graduate vocational programs. The six ‘new generation’ undergraduate degrees in Arts, Science, Commerce, Environments, Music and Bioscience will be characterised by a sound discipline base and greater breadth of knowledge across disciplines. As well as providing intellectual breadth, the new courses will be based on sufficient disciplinary rigour to be both high-quality 'stand-alone' degrees and adequate preparation for graduate programs. Students undertaking these degrees will benefit from a more comprehensive cohort experience and develop well-rounded generic and disciplinary skills which will enable them to move into increasingly diverse workplaces, or onto postgraduate programs. These degrees will be pathways into new graduate professional programs which will be introduced by the University, and graduates of other universities will also be able to apply for entry into the professional programs. Alongside the development of the Melbourne Model, the University is also undertaking extensive reviews of its research activity and knowledge transfer. This will ensure our place in the Australian and international research environments and offer our staff and students extended opportunities for community engagement.
MS PAULINE SHI, NOMINEE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR Graduate Council welcomed Miss Pauline Shi at its August meeting. For some time the two Vice-Chancellor nominee positions on Council have been vacant. Recently our President met with the ViceChancellor, inviting him to fill these positions and he nominated Ms Pauline Shi of the Human Resources Department.
Pauline was educated at Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Burwood and the University of Melbourne where she completed a Bachelor of Commerce/Arts, a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and a Master of Financial Management. She currently works in the Division
THOMAS HUGH KNEEN 1913 - 2006
Thomas Hugh Kneen died peacefully at home in North Balwyn, on July 8, after a long illness,. Wife Dorothy predeceased him by several weeks. Both were regular attendees at Graduate House functions until recent years and enthusiastically took part in the celebrations in the new building, in November 2005, at which our retiring President, Frank Lees presented John Cain to the Membership, as his successor. Tom became a Life Member of the Graduate Union in 1968, was elected to the Graduate Council in 1979, became ViceChairman in 1981, and was Chairman in 1983 and 1984. In 1985 his last appointment was as Chairman of the House Board, following the retirement of Professor Peter Reade after five years in that position.
of Human Resources at the University where she coordinates the Superannuation Unit. She was the Secretary of the University’s Tsunami Taskforce and has worked with student groups, such as MUOSS (Melbourne University Overseas Students Society) and SALP (Student Ambassador Leadership Program), to enhance students’ experience at the University. Pauline is multilingual, speaking fluent Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) and some German. Her leisure time interests include reading, cooking and travelling. As a member of Graduate Council, Pauline hopes to play an active role in providing a collegial and supportive environment for our residents and members and in promoting the facilities of the Graduate Union, both in Australia and overseas.
Born in Melbourne on 24 November, 1913, after finishing at Melbourne High School, Tom entered into his life-long association with Agricultural Science, graduating Bachelor of Agricultural Science in 1930. He then entered the State Department of Agriculture, in the Horticultural Division, transferring in 1946 to the Agricultural Educational Division, and became in turn Principal at each of the Department’s Colleges, at Burnley, Longerenong and Dookie. Finally, he was appointed Chief of the Division. All five of Tom and Dorothy’s children became graduates of the University of Melbourne: two sons as Engineers, and three daughters as Agricultural Scientists. Could this perhaps be a record for a Graduate Union member’s family devotion to our Alma Mater? The Chairman and Secretary-Warden attended the Service of Thanksgiving which was held on Friday, 14 July at the Le Pine Chapel in Kew.
November 2006 volume 59 No.4 –
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE Calendar of Graduate House EVENTS
Wednesday 6 December Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Dr Brian Costello, Cassel Research Institute Monday, 11 December Volunteers Christmas Lunch Friday 15 December Members Christmas Party Members $45 Non-members $55 RSVP 11 December Friday, 22 December Office Closes Reopens 2 Jan 2007 Friday, 19 January 2007 Members Summer Barbecue Cost: $20; drinks at bar prices RSVP 17 January 2006 Wednesday, 7 February 2007 Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Mr Stephen Murby, CEO Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Regular Events
Every Wednesday evening Bridge 7.45pm Every Friday evening Social Night 5-9pm 1st Wednesday each month Luncheon, 12.30 for 12.50pm 3rd Wednesday each month Women’s Forum 10.15am 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 Editor, The Melbourne Graduate. Registered Address: The Graduate Union 220 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. (03) 9873 5144
LETTERS and other correspondence from Members Email from John Heath, Life Member Lyn, you have produced a great newsletter - congratulations - seafood, bridge, Peter Lehmann. If I wasn't so busy, September 2006 I'd move in! Email from Leon Mann, University of Melbourne CRC This year's CRC Leadership Course held at Graduate House August 14-18 was a great success. This was due in part to the excellent venue but also to the high degree of professionalism, commitment and helpfulness of the staff. Thank you for your helpfulness with bookings, facility arrangements and liaison. Special thanks to Rosie for her cheerful efficiency, helpfulness, and interest to always make us feel welcome. She is quite special! We look forward to booking again with Graduate House for next year's course -- and look forward to the luncheon reunion September 2006 at Graduate House on October 13. Letter to Secretary-Warden from Philip Idle, WA Thanks for the hospitality over the weekend and last week. You’ve got a good set up there, very user friendly, convenient and well run. As well as enjoying the food, beer and not to forget coffee, it was refreshing to see someone running a residential college with business acumen and vision. Of course Alec was like that but having been on a Council for a number of years and meeting some other Heads, I began to wonder what their priorities were about. Anyway, thanks again and good luck for future plans. August 2006 Extract of letter from Victor Sullivan, Club Secretary .......... Towards the end of 2005 the Rotary Club of Carlton re-located our weekly luncheon meetings to Graduate House as the regular Tuesday meeting venue. What a splendid venue this has proved to be, not only is the facility very comfortable and accommodating of our needs, but the entire staff have gone out of their way to make our members & guests feel welcome. May I take this opportunity to offer any of your members an invitation to attend a Rotary luncheon meeting. …. Topics for our weekly speakers are both varied, informative and always most interesting. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy this excellent club and our special thanks to you and your dedicated August 2006 staff. Letter from Peter Parsons AM I write to thank you and the Councillors and members of the Graduate Union, for your congratulations on my AM, awarded on the 2006 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Of course, many people have assisted, especially in the radiation biology field. In recent times, these interactions have led to insights on risks from low-level radiation exposures. I have been following the developments of the ‘new’ Graduate Union with keen interest and hope soon to visit. August 2006
Letter from the family of the late Ralph de la Lande We wish to express our sincere gratitude for your kind and thoughtful messages of sympathy and support. It is greatly appreciated by us all. Thank you for the beautiful flowers August 2006 and letter. Letter from the Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia Thank you on behalf of the Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia for your contribution to the success of our Annual General Meeting on 28 May 2006 at Graduate House in Carlton. Your helpfulness in organizing the space and willingness to provide the function room, facilities and overhead projector were greatly appreciated. The professionalism of yourself and the facilities assisted in making the 2006 AGM a great success. We thank you
– November 2006 volume 59 No.4
once again for your assistance and professional manner and hope to be able to work together again in the future. August 2006 Letter to the Secretary-Warden from Resident Thank you for what I can only describe as excellent service. My wife has colleagues who attend courses at Melbourne Uni we will never hesitate to recommend Graduate House as a place to stay. Thanks and kind regards. August 2006 Extract of letter from Resident Adam McGrath I checked out of Graduate House last Monday. I had an excellent stay at Graduate House and I will recommend it highly to my friends and colleagues. Thanks. Letter from the Chair, Janet Clarke Hall It was very generous of you to allow us to enjoy the hospitality of Graduate House on Monday evening – many thanks. We also thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to be shown around, to hear your experiences and nuggets of wisdom, and to discuss with you in such an open way the future directions in which we might head as colleges of a University embarking on major change. It was a lovely evening. Thank you also for the care and concern you have shown to Damian and the Powell family in the past weeks. August 2006 With very best wishes. Letter from Ken Mawson, Life Member Many thanks for your kind letter of congratulations on my recent Award of the Order of Australia Medal. It is a great honour to receive the Award and it is an added honour for it to be acknowledged by my peers. Best wishes for your endeavours on behalf of the Graduate Union. July 2006 Letter from Geoffrey Vaughan, Life Member Many thanks for your kind letter of congratulations following my Queen’s Birthday Award. My Award recognizes the efforts and achievements of the members of the several committees and boards I have been fortunate and privileged to serve on. It really has been a team effort. My role in it all really came from being a Science graduate July 2006 from the University of Melbourne.
VALETE The deaths of the following members have been notified since the last edition of The Melbourne Graduate. The support of these members has been appreciated and we extend condolences to their families. Professor Herman Bachelard, Life Member joined 1954 Mr Edward Colville, Life Member joined 1951
Mr Laurence Course, Life Member joined 1959
Professor Richard Dalitz, Life Member joined 1953 Mr Thomas Ford Life, Member joined 1966
Dr Bernard Gilligan, Life Member joined 1979 Mr Kevin Hauser, Joined 1966
Mr Tom Kneen, Life Member joined 1968
Mr Geoffrey Muirden, Life Member joined 1969 Mr Lauri Penttila, Life Member joined 1955
Mrs Muriel Sandland, Life Member joined 1970 Dr Jack Smith, Life Member joined 1939
&
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
RESIDENTS, MEMBERS Professor Hiroshi Mori
I am Hiroshi Mori who is a full professor of the Department of Neuroscience in Osaka City University Medical School and studies Alzheimer’s disease. I have the classes for the development and ageing of the nervous system, the muscular disease and dementia. I visited the Department of Pathology of the University of Melbourne for collaboration on abnormal metabolism of amyloid protein with Professor Colin L Masters who discovered amyloid protein and its precursor gene, the central key molecule of the disease. We enjoyed the Graduate House because not only visitors but also staffs in the House are kind and friendly. Thus there suddenly happened many chances to chat to each other at dining room or the lobby. For instance, when I gave a whistle of “we are the world” on my way to pick up dishes, Margaret, a kitchen hand to help Peter, murmured unconsciously “it’s a good song.” Thus everyone is good’ay mate there. On this particular sense, the Graduate House per se must provide an opportunity of international fusion. In addition, I saw many graduates of the University. To share the same air and space with such graduates in the House is a kind of honorable privileges for us visitors. I felt so but am quite sure that every visitor agrees with me because we all like the University of Melbourne. Australia smells something European which we Japanese can share the traditional or conservative in good sense though Australia has relatively shorter history than UK, the mother country. I considered so when we celebrated the birth of the new prince, the future emperor, as the new member for the Royal family of Japan. I believe that there are no difference in hearts between Australia and Japan although colours of skin or eye, or languages are different. We both respect human being and weigh the freedom.
Mr George Yapao
A lawyer and a law lecturer from the University of Papua New Guinea, George Yapao also has his own law firm in Port Moresby, the capital city. He comes originally from Enga Province in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. He is 44 years of age and obtained his Law Degree in 1988 completing his Masters in 1996. Joining the Law School in 1997, George is serving his third contract with the University whilst continuing to run his own business, although he hopes his son and two nephews will take over the firm in the future.
Currently at the University of Melbourne completing his PhD, he is looking forward to returning to his own country. George says he is enjoying his stay at Graduate House because the people are so hospitable and receptive that he felt at home straight away and the food is second to none. Accordingly to George, Graduate House is the best and most organized student accommodation in Melbourne and he says it is not surprising that the rooms are occupied all the time. He said he would be promoting Graduate House as a rare opportunity and advising students to book early. The following members also joined the Graduate Union in the period April to August 2006. We welcome them and look forward to their participation in our members’ programs. Ordinary Members Life Members Dr I Allsop, BA(WA), MBA(RMIT), Ms L Howden, BSc, MPH(Monash) BD(MelbColl), PhD(Monash) Mr J Brearley, BE(WA) Mr S Brown, BA(Deakin), Corporate Members GradDipEdPsych(Monash) Dr A Carton, BA, MA, PhD(Syd) School of Enterprise Dr G Janko, MBBS(Tas), MBA Associate Members Dr M Kennedy, BMedScHon, MBBS, Ms M Frencham, Melbourne GradCertMon Business School Dr K O’Loughlin, BA, MA, PhD
All degrees are from University of Melbourne unless otherwise noted. Degrees are stated as presented on members’ application forms.
STAFF NEWS
QUEENS BIRTHDAY HONOURS 2006
The Graduate Union congratulates the following members recognised in the 2006 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. AO: Officer of the Order of Australia Professor Margaret Hamilton, Life Member joined 1974 Dr Geoffrey Vaughan, Life Member joined 1963 AM: Member of the Order of Australia Emeritus Prof Peter Parsons, Life Member joined 1979 Professor Dimity A Reed, joined 1996 Mr Denis Hogg, joined 1964 OAM: Medal of the Order of Australia Mr Kenneth Mawson, Life Member joined 1966 Mrs Caroline Merrylees, joined 1962 Professor William Mitchell, joined 1974 Dr Maxwell Shavitsky, joined 1987 Miss Loris Synan, joined 1987
Award nomination - John Champness
The Graduate Union congratulates Life Member John Champness on his nomination for an Award of Distinction by his peers in the College of Organisational Psychology, part of the Australian Psychological Society. The nomination recognizes John’s lifetime involvement in psychology and his continuing interest through committees and liaison work. John prepared the initial survey of country towns that was conducted in 1999, resulting in the birth of the Regional Action Partnership Link (RAPLink) of which he is a Past President.
NEW MEMBERS – CORPORATE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY Professor Stephen Harrap and Karin Diamond came to Graduate House for morning tea on 14 July were presented with their Department’s Corporate Membership certificate. Established in 1862, the Department of Physiology was the first of its kind in Australia and has 15 full-time academic staff, 25 tutors and demonstrators, 17 University general staff, 3 externally funded research fellowships and 29 grant supported research staff. The Department has a strong emphasis on research and research training and each year hosts the Nobel Laureate Professor Bert Sakmann who is appointed in the Department as an Eminent Scholar to the University. SCHOOL OF ENTERPRISE Sally Williams and a group of ten from the School of Enterprise were presented with the School’s Corporate Member certificate at their lunch on 19 September. A wholly owned company and an academic school of the University of Melbourne, the School of Enterprise was established as a vehicle to develop and deliver demand driven customised corporate award and non award education programs. It is one of the means by which the intellectual capital of the University of Melbourne is leveraged and made more accessible to corporate and government sectors.
November 2006 volume 59 No.4 –
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE STAFF RETREAT
Welcome Martin Rule
In August the Secretary-Warden and staff attended a day retreat at the Vue Grande Hotel in Queenscliff to review the current year and plan for 2007. After a presentation by the Secretary-Warden summarizing milestones and achievements, particularly since the opening of the new building, each staff member presented their vision for the future and how they believed the organization should proceed. Despite some nervous moments, the concept of public speaking being a little daunting, each person added something to the day and listeners gained additional knowledge and a clearer perspective of the many aspects of Graduate House history and current operations.
WELCOME RHONDA TEOH
Rhonda joined Graduate House in mid-July as administrative assistant. She temporarily took over conference enquiries until the appointment of the new Conference and Catering Manager. After completing a Degree in Commerce at The University of Melbourne Rhonda spent a year teaching the English language to students in Nagoya, Japan. In her spare time she enjoys leisurely walks and dinner with friends. She has been playing the piano since the age of five and is proficient to Grade 7 level.
THE BISTRO
Rosie Ellul (left) has had many roles at Graduate House and seen many changes in the fifteen years she has been a staff member. Rosie is now the Catering and Conference Supervisor, overseeing the bistro and bar with Arun Peudel and Carmen Tabone to assist her.
The Rotary Club of Carlton Invites Graduate Union members to attend Club luncheon meetings held every Tuesday at Graduate House. Guests arrive around 12.30pm. Lunch commences at 1pm with a meal and speaker and concludes at 2pm. The cost is $20. Please book through Graduate House if you would like to attend. Chartered in 1985, the club has been working quietly in the Carlton/Parkville community on a range of projects (local and international) all aimed at making the world a little better for the many less fortunate.
– November 2006 volume 59 No.4
Martin joined the Graduate House staff in October, as Catering and Conference Manager. With a strong background in restaurants and hospitality spanning fifteen years, Martin is well qualified for the role. Coming from Maddocks Lawyers in Melbourne where he managed the corporate and boardroom catering. Previously he was employed by the Cruising Yacht Club in Sydney with responsibility for hospitality and events in conjunction with the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Martin has quickly become part of the close knit team at Graduate House and is full of enthusiasm and innovative ideas for the Catering and Conference area of operations.
HOUSEKEEPING
Nenita Winston, Sheila Bevan, Anne Ladkins, Diane Swain, and Evey Santalucia make up the very efficient and hardworking housekeeping team. Thanks to their daily efforts, incoming guests and long term residents are well looked after and Graduate House is a welcoming venue.
FAREWELL MOLLY KELLY
After fourteen months as Catering and Conference Manager Molly Kelly has left Graduate House. Molly was at the forefront of the development of the conference and function area which has changed and expanded considerably since the opening of the new building. She has been invaluable, both in marketing and overseeing daily operations. Molly’s bright personality will be greatly missed.
Companies offering discounts to Graduate Union Members
Australian Unity Geoff Ireland Florist Hertz Pickford Pharmacy Non-Profit Purchasing DeBortoli Wines
Open for Lunch and Dinner - 7 Days Private Room Available 10% off meals for Graduate Union Members Tuesday to Thursday on presentation of card. (Discount applies to groups of 6 or less) 766 Whitehorse Road, Mont Albert, Vic. 3127 Tel: 03 9898 5188 Fax: 03 9898 5348
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
SOCIAL EVENTS
The annual Christmas in July Winter Dinner was replaced this year with an International Night so that residents could enjoy a social evening with a multicultural theme. There were not as many national costumes in evidence as hoped, but those who did dress up were rewarded with excellent prizes. It was very hard to decide on the best singer for the evening so all who ventured to the microphone were also rewarded with gifts donated by suppliers to Graduate House.
O
SPRING DINNER
n Wednesday night October 25th The Graduate Union held a very successful Spring Wine Dinner. Peter Lehmann wines from South Australia’s famed Barossa Valley were featured and the evening was hosted by Mr Malcolm Stopp, the National Public Relations Manager, further assistance with the evening was provided by Kelvin Monsborough of Samuel Smith and Sons. (Kelvin just happened to be a former student of Council Chairman Neil Taylor, just shows what a small world it is!) Fifty five members and their guests began the night with “mixed sushi” matched with the 2006 Eden Valley Riesling, and then sat down for dinner. Scallop Quenelles were served with 2005 Semillion for entrée followed by Beef Fillet and two fine versions of Barossa Shiraz for main course. These were the 2004 Peter Lehmann Shiraz and the 2001 Eight Songs Shiraz one of the company’s premium wines. Malcolm spoke between courses about the history of Peter Lehmann wines and the particular nuances and features of each wine, the bouquet and the various tastes to look out for. Wine Options, always a fun part of any Wine Dinner was next with all guests given a “mystery wine” to sample and then with a series of questions and answers 55 was whittled down to one winner who managed to identify the wine variety, region of growth, year of vintage and any other distinguishing features Malcolm could think of. Dessert followed with Lemon Tart matched with 2005 Botrytis Semillon then coffee and a delicious 1996 “The King” Vintage Port finished the evening in style. One lucky diner won two bottles of Peter Lehmann wine as a door prize as well. The evening was a resounding success and hopefully has started a tradition with two similar events planned for 2007.
Mid Autumn Festival
F
or the Asian Mid Autumn Festival on 6 October, residents gathered on the terrace for many varieties of moon cakes and Asian snacks. It was a clear, beautiful night and the weather was perfect for gathering and enjoying the moonlight. Special thanks to Li Wen and Athena for organizing the event! Traditionally, moon cakes are given as gifts to family and friends during this festival. They are sweet pastries with a range of fillings, from the traditional red bean paste to taro and black sesame. There are many legends, folklore and mythology associated with this festival, its importance second only to the New Year Festival and in many places a public holiday. The origin of mooncakes is said to come from the Sung dynasty (AD960-1280). When unhappy with submitting to foreign rule, the people set about coordinating a rebellion without being discovered. The leaders of the rebellion, knowing that the Festival was drawing near, ordered the making of special cakes. Backed into each moon cake was a message with the outline of the planned attack. On the night of the Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. Today, moon cakes are eaten to commemorate this legend. November 2006 volume 59 No.4 –
THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE
LUNCHEON SPEAKERS
RECIPROCAL CLUBS
AUGUST Arnold Zable Australia, a Land of Ancestral Journeys
The Graduate Union’s reciprocity particularly with overseas clubs and colleges is seen as a significant benefit to members and potential members. A concerted effort is being made to expand the number and range of reciprocal organisation. In November this year, the Secretary-Warden will visit our reciprocal clubs in Hong Kong and Singapore and also contact similar colleges and clubs in Thailand and Japan. He hopes to establish contacts in these countries. In 2007 he will visit Europe and the United Kingdom. In a recent edition of the newsletter, members were invited to advise of possible contacts overseas and also to make recommendations. The invitation resulted in the inclusion in our list of Six Cottages in France + One. The Australian owners are happy to be of service to Graduate Union members. The American Clubs International, the University of Amsterdam and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden are part Association of College & University Clubs (ACUC) group and contact details can be found on the ACUC website and in their list of participating clubs. Graduate House was contacted by the Sleep in Czech organisation who sought a reciprocal arrangement. Members may find this point of contact useful when travelling to Prague and other areas of the Czech Republic.
A writer and man of compassion, Arnold Zable has a great gift of words. His Greco-Yiddish background made him an ideal person to speak on ancestral journeys. Early reminiscences of Carlton and the milkman with his horse brought back many memories, whilst his journeys to Greece, and in particular Ithaca, reminded us of Odysseus, or more recently of Kazantzakis and his journeyings. His Yiddish anecdotes and expressions evoked the world and wit of Sholom Aleikem. We were particularly intrigued by the richness of Yiddish curses (eg, “May all your teeth fall out, save one so that you may still get toothache”) and we like the idea of the ‘phutnik’ (a “schlemiel” with a PhD). Arnold is a passionate advocate of human rights and his work with displaced persons is of considerable importance. He told a most poignant story of a Siev-X survivor and her son who were rescued by an Indonesian fisherman. Like the very best story-tellers, he is able to combine great pathos and humour with the result that one is doubly enriched by his stories. This was both an entertaining and extremely thought-provoking talk and we came away feeling rather better for having heard it.
SEPTEMBER Andrew Jaspan The Age
Andrew Jaspan gave many insights into the daily challenges faced by the Editor of a major daily paper in a relatively small market like Melbourne, a town where his every move is closely scrutinized by a public who feel a strong sense of ownership of the paper. Andrew has worked in some of the most respected newsrooms in the United Kingdom and Europe, including The Daily Mirror, The Scotsman and The Times of London, and as French Correspondent with the BBC. He is Publisher and Managing Director of London’s The Big Issue and in 1998 was recruited by Lord Gus Macdonald and Andrew Flanagan of the Scottish Media Group to prepare the case for the launch of the Sunday Herald, currently Sunday Newspaper of the Year in Scotland and also the overall Newspaper of the Year. He spoke of his experiences prior to his appointment at The Age and the transition to life in Melbourne. Since he took up the position he has initiated several changes to the format of the paper, at least one being at the behest of his wife who found the sections of the broadsheet difficult to read. He spoke at length about his perception of the role of The Age and the readership it attracted. He said as Editor his aim was to provide quality journalism and innovation while connecting with the community. While the emerging media forms were a challenge to traditional newspapers, they should not be seen as replacing them, but rather as a means of expanding content and reaching new readership. Forceful opinions were voiced and robust questions asked at the conclusion of the address, including the handling of the recent death of Steve Irwin and the rise of the omnipresent opinion pieces in hard news journalism.
OCTOBER Andrew Bolt Journalist
At the very well-attended October monthly luncheon, Andrew Bolt immediately captured the audience when he rose to speak. The first part of his talk was biographical. He vividly depicted how, as the son of Dutch immigrants, he spent much of his childhood moving from place to place in South Australia and the Northern Territory. As a gifted wordsmith, Andrew was inevitably drawn towards journalism, working first with The Age from 1979 and then going across to The Herald Sun. Later he became the Asian correspondent for the News Limited Group, being centred on Hong Kong and Bangkok. For the last five years he has been a columnist for The Herald Sun. Andrew talked about the development of his ideological and political orientation, saying as a young idealistic man he leaned to the left but that the accumulated experience of his childhood, insights from his acquaintance with Aborigines, his contact with the political world and his extensive travels throughout Asia and beyond caused him to think more analytically on what was going on around him and had led to a political move to the right. Luncheon guests were stimulated by the encounter with Andrew Bolt and would have liked to have discussed matters and ideological positions on which they might have agreed or disagreed with him. That was an indication that the luncheon was very successful. – November 2006 volume 59 No.4
American Clubs International (Member of ACUC)
e: membership@americanclubs.org 113 Shui On Centre, 2-8 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong Tel: 852-2526-5118, Facsimile: 852-2526-5033
Amsterdam- University of Amsterdam (Member of ACUC)
web: www.uva.nl/alumni/aac.html Amsterdamse Academische Club, Pidezijds Achterburgwal 233, Posibus 19268, 1000GG Amsterdam Telephone: ++ 31-20-525-2138, Facsimile: ++ 31-20-525-3191
Sweden - Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (Member of ACUC) web: www.info.ki.se/ki/facultyclub/index_se.html Fakultetsklubben Svarta Rafven Nobels Vag 5, Solna, Stockholm 17177, Sweden Telephone: ++ 46-08-728-66-00 Facsimile: ++ 46-08-31-11-01
Czech Republic - Sleep in Czech
This organisation has offered the Graduate Union a link between our two organisations and discussions are presently in progress. The company offers Graduate Union members a range of accommodation and travel options at affordable prices. The Sleep in Czech website is www.sleepinczech.com
France
A link has also been established with Six Cottages in France + 1 which are owned by an Australian couple. Recommended by member Heather Kudeviita, Kathy & Geoff Richards are happy for members to rent the cottages. See below for website and details of accommodation available.
Six Cottages in France + One Seven historic cottages to rent in the south of France
Lot, Dordogne, Tarn, Gascony, Provence, Haute-Provence, Pyrenees
Built between 14C and 18C, all are located in picturesque villages, uniquely French. All of the cottages have been renovated and they are attractive, light and sunny and all built in the typical architectural style of their area. They are all in regions with an over-abundance of sightseeing, and all are in carefully chosen village locations close to excellent restaurants and wineries and surrounded by exciting things to see and do in all directions