GRADUATE HOUSE The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc.
Graduate House Newsletter March 2012
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GRADUATE COUNCIL? Council Elections Last month I described the improved election methods and the requirement for a higher standard of information for members from candidates for election to Council. This need was prompted by the events of the 2011 election when a number of people sent campaign letters which were misleading. The 2012 election is approaching. Should you receive any campaign letters, I ask that you do not vote until you have read a response from the candidates themselves, Council or the Returning Officer, together with information from candidates which will be posted on The Graduate Union website. Your reading of all material will assist in forming a balanced judgement. The good work of drafting the Election Kit was completed by the Governance and Policy Review Committee with the assistance of the external Returning Officer. We have much work to do to reach a good level of governance and Council is determined to reach best standards as soon as possible. Council meeting 15 February At its first 2012 meeting, Council received confirmation of successful completion of the reverse cycle air conditioning installation and of the electrical rewiring of the William Berry Wing of the residential facilities. Council also advanced plans to provide additional toilets on the ground level of the new Stella Langford Wing and were presented with architects’ drawings and samples of the finishes proposed. Additionally, a number of initiatives to improve the efficiency of Council and Committee meetings were considered. Council is now preparing the Annual Report and the 2011 financial statements for audit. I shall report more on these in the next newsletter. David Sparks, Council Chairman
THE GRADUATE UNION ELECTIONS: The Call for Nominations occurred in February and nominations will close on 21 March 2012 at 4pm. On Thursday, 26 April voting papers will be forwarded to members with the Annual Report and Financial Statements. Voting closes on Thursday, 24 May 2012. At the time writing, therefore, we do not know the names of the candidates standing for election; however, as we wish to offer all members the opportunity to meet the candidates prior to voting, this newsletter is the only opportunity we have to do so,
Event: Date: Time:
‘Meet the Candidates’ at Graduate House Wednesday, 18 April 2012 5.30pm.
On the evening, all candidates will have the opportunity to inform members about how they will serve the interests of The Graduate Union, if elected, and what expertise they would bring to the Council. Questions will be permitted at the conclusion of each address and also when all candidates have spoken. Drinks and canapés will be served at the conclusion of the event. Please RSVP by Monday,16 April 2012. Phone: 9347-3428. Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | No: A0023234B
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MARCH 2012 MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
1
5
12 Labour Day Public Holiday
19
26
6 Italian Conversation Dinner 13
7 Monthly Luncheon Kim Sampson Influenza 14
ITC Series Residents’ Special Breakfast What is an IPOD? 20
21
Italian Conversation Dinner
Women’s Forum
27
28
1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month
14th Mar 2012
SUN
2
3
4
10
11
8
9
The Monthly Argument
Friday Drinks & Dinner
15
16
17
18
22
23
24
25
29 The ‘White’ Night’ Wine Tasting
30 Research Scholarship Applications due
31
Train Trak Winery Tour
Twilight lecture
Residents Meet and Greet
13th Mar 2012
SAT
ITALIAN DINNER Enjoy dinner and Italian conversation with an excellent & experienced teacher.
Time: 6pm Members: $15 Residents: $15 Guests: $20 Please book by Monday prior.
SPECIAL BREAKFAST An invitation to all past-Graduates: come and have breakfast with our post-Graduates at Grad House ICT Series Introduces Members to the latest modern technology
FREE 7.30 – 8.30am
FREE Time: 6pm
Topic: What is an iPod? st
21 Mar 2012
WOMEN’S FORUM Enjoy a lively discussion in the comfort of the Anderson Room at Graduate House. Indulge in a leisurely $10 buffet lunch to follow in the bistro if desired.
TWILIGHT LECTURE st
21 Mar 2012
Speaker: Professor Gary Egan Topic: Visualising the Brain Booking is essential, RSVP by 19th March 2012
FREE 10.15am
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm Members: $20 Guests: $25; Residents: Free Phone: 9347-3428
Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | No: A0023234B
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Time 6pm
RESIDENTS’ MEET & GREET th
27 Mar 2012
th
Residents and members are invited to meet for a drink and nibbles at Graduate House.
FREE FOR RESIDENTS AND MEMBERS
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm
THE ‘WHITE’ NIGHT
29 Mar 2012
Try the different varietals that make up the De Bortoli range Bookings essential by 27 March
Cost: Members: $20 Non-Members: $30 Phone: 9347-3428
For enquiries and to book, telephone 03 9347 3428
MONTHLY LUNCHEON THE GRADUATE UNION presents An address by Bruce McBrien OAM Topic: Marvelous Melbourne & Me Wednesday, 4 April Noon for 12.30pm Graduate House 220 Leicester Street, Carlton Bruce McBrien was born in Melbourne and studied architecture but forsook that career and entered the business world of catering and retailing instead, finally becoming a Buyer for Georges of Collins Street before accepting the position of the first Curator/Manager of ‘Rippon Lea’ at Elsternwick (1973/79). He remained in the employ of the National Trust for another 17 years. Upon retirement Bruce was appointed Honorary Curator of Government House, Melbourne and a Tour Guide at the Melbourne Cricket Ground plus other varied volunteer positions. Having pursued a lifetime of community service, Bruce was created a Knight of St John in 1991 and received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2000, mainly for his contribution to nonprofessional musical theatre. Bruce happily relates to his subject ‘Marvellous Melbourne and Me’, subtitled Living in Melbourne in the 20th Century
Residents: Free Admission (pre-paid only). Members: $30; Non-Members:$37.50 Bookings Essential. RSVP Monday, 2 April 2012 Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | No: A0023234B
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APRIL 2012 MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
30
1
2
3 Italian Conversation Dinner
9 Easter Monday Office closed
10 Special Morning
16
23
4 Monthly Luncheon Bruce McBrien
5
6 Good Friday Office closed
7
8
11
13 Friday drinks and dinner
15
Residents Breakfast
12 The Monthly Argument
14
The Diabetes Series 2
17
18
19
20
21
22
Italian Conversation Dinner
Meet Election Candidates 5.30pm
24 Residents Meet & Greet
25
26 Annual Report & Voting Material sent to members
27
28
29
MONTHLY LUNCHEON
4th Apr 2012
Speaker: Bruce McBrien OAM
Topic: Marvellous Melbourne & Me
Sunday Music Concert
Time: 12 for 12.30pm Members: $30 Guests: $37.50 Residents: Free
Booking is essential, RSVP by 2nd April 2012 Phone: 9347-3428
11th Apr 2012
THE DIABETES SERIES The Graduate Union’s Head of College presents the second talk in her series on Type 2 diabetes.
Time: 5pm Members & Residents: Free Guests:
$5
Students: $2
Topic: Food for Diabetes
12th Apr 2012
Launched in 2010 at the Dan O’Connell Hotel, the Arguments now take place at GRADUATE HOUSE on the second Thursday of each month. The April topic is: Freedom of Speech: Does it require the licence to offend?
Time: 7pm Members & Residents: Free Guests:
$5
Students: $2
The Gift of Membership for New Graduates: Last year saw The Graduate Union welcomed several newly graduated members. By the end of this year we hope to offer incentives to new graduates to become members of The Graduate Union. Parents and family members may not be aware that a discounted membership of up to five years is available for new graduates, which makes this a significant and timely gift for your new graduate. Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | No: A0023234B
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th
13 Apr Fri 2012
2nd FRIDAY NIGHT DRINKS Social Evening & Dinner Come relax and listen to some music. Join us anytime after 6pm for drinks. Meet near the bar. Please bring friends and prospective members. Everyone is welcomed.
SUNDAY MUSIC AT GRADUATE HOUSE
th
15 Apr 2012
Performers: Wilma and Friends Join us and enjoy afternoon tea after the performance specially invited guests perform followed by afternoon tea.
WOMEN’S FORUM
th
18 Apr 2012
Enjoy a lively discussion in the comfort of the Anderson Room at Graduate House. Indulge in a leisurely $10 buffet lunch to follow in the bistro if desired. Topic: ‘Is Bigger Better?’
RESIDENTS’ MEET & GREET
th
24 Apr 2012
Residents and members are invited to meet for a drink and nibbles at Graduate House.
Drinks at bar prices Dinner: Members:$15 Guests $20 Residents: Free Drinks 6-7pm Dinner 6.45pm Phone: 9347-3428 to book for dinner
Time: 3pm Non-members: $30 Members:$25 Students:$20 Residents: $15 Phone: 9347-3428 for tickets
FREE 10.15am
Time 6pm Residents: Free
For enquiries and to book, telephone 03 9347 3428
GRADUATE HOUSE DIABETES SERIES 2012 Lecture Series
SESSION 2: 2: FOOD FOR DIABETES Speaker: Dr Kerry Bennett, CEO & Head of College, The Graduate Union Wednesday 11 April 2012 at 5pm Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053
Cost: Members: Free Non-Members: $5.00 RSVP: By Monday, 9 April
Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | No: A0023234B
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Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | No: A0023234B
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Graduate House Meeting Rooms April Bookings Workplace Training Advisory Australia Member Barry Dance’s Lunch Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering Melbourne School of Engineering Advancing Food Safety The Lowitja Institute Aust. Academy of Technological Science & Engineering The Monthly Argument – Debating Team Safety Institute Australia Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Catholic Education – UoM Commercial ISANA & Worldcare International Coach Federation Bionic Vision University Human Resourses Melbourne Engagement and Partnership Office Coles Quality Academy The Mohr Group Palliative Care – Uom Commercial Sunday Series – Music Concert
Thursday 12 April at 7pm Topic: Freedom of Speech: Does it require the licence to offend?
The Monthly Argument is not "a political conversation, dialogue, or consensus style discussion, and completely unlike the public talks at which well-known pundits and public intellectuals deliver their views to an audience of supporters. Despite aiming to “raise the political temperature”, the Monthly Argument takes the notion of argument very seriously and regards such things as shouting, ad hominem attack, personal abuse as having nothing in common with genuine argument. Debates are strictly moderated and people on all sides of a question are expected to play fair and to make a real attempt to justify their positions.
Pleasant Sunday Afternoon at Graduate House On Sunday February 5, 70 Rotarians and their partners from Rotary District 9800 enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of fine food, friendship, refreshments and musical entertainment. Members from as far away as Rochester in the north, down to Brighton in the south; across to Bacchus Marsh in the west and Balwyn in the east gathered together to talk about the first 6 months of the 20112012 Rotary year and to simply enjoy each other’s company. The Early Bird Prizes were drawn for those attending the 80th District Conference at the prestigious Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 9-11 2012; the first prize being a weekend getaway for 2 at the Hilton South Wharf Hotel. Musical entertainment was provided around the piano in the Bistro by 7 students from the Princes Hill Secondary College under the leadership of Musical Director-Miriam Crellin. District Governor Keith Ryall from the Rotary Club of Carlton thanked all in attendance for braving Melbourne’s typically changeable summer weather; hot and steamy at first followed by torrential rain which had minimal impact on all those who enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Graduate House. Special presentations were made to the President of the Rotary Club of Rochester, Graeme Nelson (accompanied by his wife Jeanette) for not only being named the Rochester Citizen of the Year on Australia Day 2012 but also Citizen of the Year for the entire Shire of Campaspe. Graeme has shown exceptional leadership during after the terrible floods of January 2011 and also for coordinating a Driver Education Program for senior secondary school students in Northern Victoria. Special thanks were also extended to Board Director-Marketing and External Relations Philip Archer (Rotary Club of Southbank) for his leadership in the marketing of Rotary in District 9800. Special thanks to all the Graduate House staff for assisting with what was a highly successful summer’s afternoon. Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | No: A0023234B
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REVIEW OF SUNDAY MUSIC AT GRADUATE HOUSE HEATHER STEWART TRIO CONCERT Heather Stewart wowed our audience at her concert on February 19th. The classically trained singer and violinist (she plays Bach in her spare time) presented a program of blues and Cajun songs with her fellow musicians Dan Dinnen on guitar and harmonica, Ben Hendry on drums and Leigh Barker on bass. Each had the chance to shine in wonderful solo passages. Heather obviously has a great rapport with her fellow musicians and their enthusiasm was shared with an attentive and responsive audience. Heather delights in rediscovering the old blues songs and bringing them to a new audience in her own special way, and with respect. In her program she also included some of her own songs and introduced to us the banjomandolin which she also plays. Many of the songs were very beautiful with simple words repeated some sad and some upbeat and funny. She also included solos without words like Alma Waltz. The concert finished with a lively rendition of the title song of her award winning album 'Get Your Fingers off It' Our next concert will be on 15th April when Wilma Smith, concertmaster of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra returns to Graduate House with some illustrious friends to perform Dvorak and Brahms. Principal First Violinist of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Daniel Kossov and well known Melbourne violist Simon Oswell join Wilma to perform Dvorak's ingenious and delightful Terzetto. Then clarinettest Philip Arkinstall and cellist Howard Penny join them for a performance of Brahms' sublime Clarinet Quintet. Other concerts this year will be on 17th June when pianist Hoang Pham will play for us, 19th August which coincides with The University of Melbourne Open Day and 21st October.
Review of March 2012 Luncheon On Wednesday 7 March members mingled and enjoyed a delicious two-course lunch and wine in the Ian Potter and Stillwell Rooms where Mr Kim Sampson gave an informative, timely and interesting presentation on the topic of ‘Influenza’. Influenza comes from an Italian word meaning influence. Kim Sampson has been the CEO of the Influenza Specialist Group (ISG) since 2006. ISG came into existence from a shortage of vaccines in 1990 and criticism about manufacturers. The ISG found that influenza vaccination numbers were low and the general public was unaware of the severity of the illness that influenza can cause. General Practitioners were not recommending vaccination at that time, as it was thought to be not effective and therefore there was no promotion of vaccination. The objectives of the ISG are to increase understanding, develop educational tools and information, and to provide an independent voice between Government and industry. Challenges for ISG include dealing with Government, dealing with industry and dealing with the media. An independent Board of Directors act to make independent decisions about the things they do and the literature they produce. Commonly known as ‘the flu,’ influenza is an illness caused by a group of virus infections of the respiratory tract. Mr Sampson informed us that more deaths are caused by the flu in Australia than on our roads annually. The flu is mostly seasonal, from late autumn to early spring. Occasionally severe and worldwide outbreaks (pandemics) occur. March 15th is the official start of immunisations, and vaccinations should be in your GP’s office by that date. It takes a few weeks to ‘kick in’ and lasts approximately 12 months, which is why the vaccination Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | No: A0023234B
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should become an annual event. The GU is continuing discussions with the ISG about hosting an annual program. Influenza can present with symptoms of fever, chills, headaches, muscular aches, severe cough, weakness, lack of appetite and may lead to various complications. An adult generally contracts ‘the flu’ once every 5 – 6 years. It is a notifiable disease and one that mutates and adapts. The influenza virus is transmitted by wild birds or water foul species and is passed onto other animals. The infection is spread through small airborne particles (up to 5 metres), through droplets and through contact. The virus can live on hard surfaces for 8 hours or more! There is an incubation and contagious period of 1-2 days prior to feeling any symptoms and a contagious period for several days afterwards. The suggested high risk group are those over 65’s, people with underlying medical conditions, children under 6 months of age, Indigenous people over 15 years of age, pregnant women, nursing home residents and people who may transmit to high risk group areas. Only two vaccinations are available on the immunisation scheme: 1. Influenza vaccine, and 2. The meningococcal vaccine. Some myths about ‘the flu’ • The young and fit, and I don’t get the flu • You get the flu from the vaccine • Dangerous for pregnant women • Only protects against a few strains
NO NO NO NO
The most important thing to do to prevent infection is to wash your hands regularly at all times. More information about Dr Sampson, Influenza and the ISG can be found at www.isg.org.au -----------ooOoo--------------
Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | No: A0023234B
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2012 Sunday Music At Graduate House 15th April 3.00pm Members: $25, Guest: $30, Students: $20, Graduate House residents: $15 Book tickets by Friday 13th April Bring 10 guests and get one ticket free. Tea will be provided after the concert
ROYAL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL
Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | No: A0023234B
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