The Melbourne Graduate - Graduate House

The Melbourne Graduate The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc.

The Melbourne Graduate

N THIS ISSUE OUR COLLEGE Message from The Graduate Union

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FUNDING THE FUTURE FOR GRADUATES Capital Fundraising Diamond Jubilee Fundraising Gala

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and DINNER Citation Ms Heather Kudeviita Citation Mr Allan Myers AC QC Citation Professor Anne Steinemann Citation Professor Stephen Peterson Guest Speaker Jo Fisher - Presentation

DONOR THANK YOU DAY Mr Allan Myers AC QC Donations The Elizabeth Gray Scholarship

VACCINATION DAY HeForShe DAY

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MEMBERSHIP Welcome New Members Our Members Recognised Dr Kenneth Vernon Bailey OAM Mr Mac Nicoll Mr Jim Peereboom Ms Melissa Kennedy Ms Milena Nadgorny Mr Sebastian Teo NATIONAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP FORUM Ms Priyanka Rajani Mr Nouman Daud Sharif Mr Avinash Gandhi WELCOME TO GRADUATE HOUSE Gansu Agricultural University United Board Fellows Program

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Our Members Remembered

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Acknowledging your Patronage

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The Melbourne Graduate December 2017 — Volume 70, Number 2 Periodical Newsletter of The Graduate Union Print Post Approved PP337834/00022 Incorporated Association Registration Number A0023234B Editorial and Photography by the Publications Team. All other images have been obtained from publicly sourced domains. Printing by City Copy

December 2017 | Page 2


Message from The Graduate Union Dear Members, Welcome to the December 2017 issue of The Melbourne Graduate. As we reflect on another year of our Members' studies, innovations, careers, insights, networks, achievements and challenges, we feel privileged to serve, to learn from and to contribute to this wonderful Association. Our Members — you — proudly reflect diversity of pursuit, ethnicity and life stage. Each of you has a fascinating and rich story to tell about what you have achieved so far and what you hope to achieve. We highlight some of these 'graduate pathway' stories in this issue of The Melbourne Graduate. Sadly also, we honour those Members who have passed away, leaving us with great memories, foundations and legacies for future generations

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the purchase of our Gladstone Terraces in 1957 and the launch of our Diamond Jubilee Capital Fundraising Campaign to provide for the next chapter of our Graduate House college. We have set an ambitious target to fund the construction of an eleven-storey, five-basement residential building to provide more accommodation for our postgraduates of the future; and thus call on your support in working within your networks to assist with this fundraising campaign. As we celebrate our Diamond Jubilee, we look towards a 2018 that is shaping up to be another exciting year of vibrancy, growth and a committed, active membership. Best wishes and a Happy New Year from all of us here at Graduate House and in The Graduate Union.



Capital Fundraising

Funding the Future for Postgraduates

To celebrate 60 years since the purchase of The Graduate Union’s first home, Gladstone Terrace, we are proud to have launched our Diamond Jubilee Capital Fundraising Campaign. One element of the campaign has been the videos created by film-maker Mike Worsman that showcase the sense of community and support the Graduate House has extended to its Members over many years.

from the University, or an industry professional. Interacting with all of these people, you learn so much, and when you’re sitting next to anyone who is from another part of the world — the cultural exchange — it is amazing!

Excerpts from these videos give testimony to what Graduate House stands for, and to the experience of our college as much more than a place of residence — it is a family, it is a place of collaboration for Members who hail from diverse disciplines, ages and backgrounds, and it is a second home.

Cassandra: This is a great experience to be here because we get to meet so many different cultures and talk with so many different people on different subjects. Every night you just eat with somebody else.

Ayako Honzawa Graduate House opened my eyes by giving me new experiences, new knowledge and opportunities to meet new people. If I described Graduate House in five words I would say, ‘love’, ‘friendship’, ‘food’, ‘knowledge’ and ‘giving back’. Nouman Daud Sharif It’s about interacting with people, about personal and professional development. You can be sitting next to anyone: fellow students, a professor December 2017 | Page 4

Cassandra Gheorghe and her mother, Marina Gheorghe

Marina: Very quickly, I felt reassured because the Graduate House is a safe, convenient, cosy and very supportive place to be. And everybody is very helpful, and we felt quite at home really quickly. Shubham Rawal Coming from India, I actually was a little nervous because I thought it was going be difficult, and it was for a couple of days maybe. But just because of the environment, just because everybody sits in the same place and talks, and, everyone was just so welcoming. So, I made friends really fast. And it was kind of comforting.


Graham Mitchell

Junzhu (Roza) Jiang

Graduate House was a launching pad for my professional career. One of the nice things about a redevelopment, a refurbishment, or an expansion — painting on a bigger canvas — is that many more will be able to enjoy the experience I had. And if in 50 years from now they can look back and say, well, what an experience that was, exactly how I think about my memories of Graduate House, then this will have been a good thing.

Living at Graduate House has been really great because it was a place for me to collaborate with people from my field and also with other people from different fields, just learning about general knowledge. It will be so exciting to see Graduate House expand in the future, because there will be more space for people from different parts of the world to all come and collaborate together, and maybe even solve some of the world’s problems.

Zizhao (Imogen) She

Callum Henry McNair

Graduate House is like another family to me. You can meet lots of people from different countries and who share different values, but we really have something in common. That’s friendship and also honesty, integrity that we share, and it’s really nice to see this organisation is bringing all different kinds of minds together and having a positive impact on our world.

I think that where Graduate House really helps the world, or changes the world, is by allowing students to achieve their best while they’re spending time at universities around Melbourne, such as Melbourne University.

Ligia Veliz

Dr Ken V Loughnan AO, President of The Graduate Union

When I first arrived at Graduate House for a literature conference, I was blown away by the energy of the place. It’s a place where many other people gather to just collaborate and keep learning and growing, so I think that it’s the place to have meetings. And the organisation also cares about solving the world’s issues, and you can sense that feeling of support and interest in what you come and do here, and what you talk about.

Graduate House is only going to grow in size as the Australian education sector grows. It’s really a natural development.

We’re looking for strong support to make that happen for so many people who are coming forward in the academic life, and who will in their own lives achieve so much more from the foundation that we helped build for them. In the future, we’re looking forward to an opportunity to take that forward on a much larger scale, with much better facilities, to reach out to thousands more people.



Capital Fundraising

Graduate House has for sixty years now been the ‘place’ to tie the members of our Association together. It is a collaborative environment that encourages graduates to reach for their dreams whilst providing a level of support and understanding of needs not offered to postgraduate students elsewhere in Australia.

Funding the Future for Postgraduates

It is important that Australia’s reputation as a preferred education provider is upheld to ensure that postgraduates continue to choose Australia as their education destination. This speaks to one reason why the expansion of Graduate House is so important.

As the number of postgraduate students in Australia rises, our Association needs to have the capacity to reach out to thousands more to continue our longstanding tradition of supporting and nurturing postgraduates to achieve their best.

With over 30,000 postgraduates enrolled at The University of Melbourne alone, there is a woeful lack of collegiate and safe accommodation for this very large 'lone-wolf' cohort.

A percentage of accommodation revenue generated by donor funded rooms will be fed into endowments to provide scholarships and bursaries to future postgraduate students.


Completion of the Diamond Jubilee development is crucial to continuing the benefits we provide to our global collegium of postgraduates.

The experience of a student enrolled at The University of Melbourne is greatly enhanced by the provision of accommodation that is located just across the road, is of the highest quality and, above all, makes them feel included, welcome and collegiate.

Business gains advantage in supporting our Diamond Jubilee Capital Fundraising Campaign. An ongoing relationship gives opportunities for joint ventures, as well as access to postgraduates of high calibre from all disciplines.


Diamond Jubilee Fundraising Gala

A Night of Celebration and Generosity On 2nd September, 2017, our inaugural Fundraising Gala was held in style on the 17th floor ballroom of the RACV City Club. It was a huge success. The foyer was buzzing with activity as guests arrived in their 1920s costumes for registration, finding their tables, buying raffle tickets, pre-drinks, and having their photographs taken by a professional photographer from Snappy Pics. Guests were ushered into the ballroom to be seated. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Mr John Deeks, welcomed guests and invited their ongoing participation over the evening in the silent auction of over 30 exclusive items. John Deeks has been a fixture of the Melbourne television and radio worlds for almost 40 years. Guests were entertained by piano accordionist extraordinnaire, John Kalkbrenner. At the podium, our President, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO and the CEO/Head of College, Dr Kerry Bennett, welcomed everyone and launch the Diamond Jubilee Capital Fundraising Campaign for the redevelopment behind our Gladstone Terrace.

‘Select’, Australia’s premier showband, began their first set, performing contemporary and nostalgic songs. Many guests took to the dance floor, a continued activity throughout a vibrant night of celebration! Guests were offered the opportunity to win the grand raffle draw at their tables. We are grateful to everyone for their generosity in buying a raffle ticket! A big thank you to Council Member, Mr Vincent Mirabelli, whose indefatigable work and charm made the Gala possible. Cr Mirabelli organised the venue, entertainment, the majority of the auction items and the attendance of many of the guests. We also thank all who attended, dressed up and participated in an event first for The Graduate Union. This event was the true springboard of our ambitious capital fundraising campaign. Thank you, everyone. Your continued support of our residential college and meeting place is very much appreciated. XXX



Original Painting by Charles Billich Charles Billich donated his original painting, pictured right, entitled Graduate Diamond Jubilee 2017 for auction at the Gala. This beautiful work represents a time fusion of our terraces, purchased 60 years ago in 1957, with the ultramodern eleven-storey development of quality post-graduate accommodation, the focus of our $50 million capital fundraising campaign. The painting cleverly melds a bygone era of horses and carts, classic cars with '60' on one number plate and the hustle and bustle of modern life with students in graduation gowns and caps. An angel represents the winged victory logo of our Association, taking flight to undertake a much needed expansion of our residential college and graduate meeting place. Limited edition unframed prints are available to order from Graduate House for $1,200 (inclusive of GST). Charles Billich is donating a generous sum to our fundraising campaign for each print sold. XXX



th The 105 Annual Annual General Meeting General Meeting of The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne To commence the evening on Thursday, 25th May, 2017, the President of The Graduate Union, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO, welcomed attendees to the 105th Annual General Meeting of The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne. Graduate House awards were then announced, beginning with the 2017 Research Scholarship, awarded to Resident Member Milena Nadgorny, who is undertaking her PhD on 3D printing of functional materials at The University of Melbourne. The funds from the Scholarship were to be for Milena’s travel expenses to access research facilities at The University of Washington, USA and for the purchase of 3D printing equipment and consumables. Milena explained in her presentation that 3D printing technology allows for translating virtual design — only imagined — to an actual solid, physical 3D object. The objective of Milena’s PhD research is to synthesise the process and produce functional objects. Unlike commercially available benign plastics, the interest lies in performing some chemical, catalytical, or physical functions, focusing on the field of soft robots and green chemistry. For a full story on Milena’s research, please go to page 42. 2017 saw the establishment of The Rhys Watson Medal and $1,000 cash award, generously initiated by Chair of Council, Cr Rhys Watson who had commissioned noted sculptor Michael Meszaros OAM to create the award medal. This was awarded to Resident Member Parisa Shiran, an English Literature PhD candidate in the Faculty of Arts at The University of Melbourne. The Graduate House Bursary Awards were awarded to Melissa Kennedy (Master of Laws, Melbourne Law School, The University of

Melbourne; in absentia), Jim Peereboom (Doctor of Medicine, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne), Muhammad Sufiyan (Master of Engineering [Electrical], The University of Melbourne), and Sebastian Teo (Master of Architecture, RMIT University). A Research Acknowledgment Award was presented to Shuntaro Iizuka (PhD Candidate, Faculty of Arts, The University of Melbourne; in absentia) and a Coursework Acknowledgment Award was presented to Ying Barnett (Master of Business Administration, The University of Melbourne). The President acknowledged the Elders, families and descendents of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation who are custodians of these lands, noting with respect that the land on which we meet is a place of age-old ceremonies, of celebration, initiation and renewal.


The Melbourne Graduate The 105th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was officially opened at 5:45pm.

Chair of Council, Cr Rhys Watson then delivered the Chair’s Report.

The President noted that this was his second AGM and that he was halfway through his term as President. He expressed his enjoyment in being associated with Council and its subcommittees, as well as with the executive team and staff of The Graduate Union.

The Chair thanked Members for their strong support during the recent Council elections, noting that he was truly humbled by the opportunity to again serve as Chair. He noted that 2017 marked the Diamond Jubilee (60 years) of the purchase of our Gladstone Terrace. Today, he said, we are building on the vision of our founders to welcome a new generation of graduates. He was pleased to report that 2016 was a successful year of growth, having seen increased surpluses in the last two years. By growing these surpluses, he said it was vital that the Association continued to provide funds for improved facilities, to reduce existing loans and to guard against business shocks. The collegiate Master Plan provided a basis for meeting the future needs and aspirations of Members and graduate students as we see a high demand for convenient and supportive collegiate experiences, with over 20,000 graduates now enrolled at The University of Melbourne — this figure suggesting that there are more graduate students enrolled than undergraduates.

The President noted that 2016 had been a very progressive year, Council being committed to nurturing a vibrant Association, one which is showing great leadership and stewardship. He put emphasis on the positioning of The Graduate Union within our local community here, within Australia and globally, as one that people want to aspire to join. The President expressed his enthusiasm to develop further the strong relationship between the Association and The University of Melbourne and noted that he had met with the Chancellor and had a good discussion. The President said that the facilities at Graduate House provide a family atmosphere that many other colleges fail to deliver. He noted that during 2016, many eminent individuals visited Graduate House including High Commissioners and Ambassadors to and for Australia. The President concluded his address by thanking the Membership for their support, and encouraging Members to attend luncheons and other events at Graduate House. “Think about the future of The Graduate Union. How do we want this organisation to look in the coming years? What can we do to support The Graduate Union by way of our Annual Appeal, and by way of supporting this coming significant capital fundraising campaign?”

Milena Nadgorny and President Dr Ken V Loughnan AO


The Chair noted that student accommodation at Graduate House had increased by 10 percent through the acquisition of 13 apartments on Level 7 at 50 Barry Street, Carlton. This marked a strategic move, with the project now running a positive cashflow that will contribute to the surplus. Cr Watson mentioned the planning application lodged with Melbourne City Council for the residential development behind The Gladstone Terrace; noting that the Association had gone to great lengths to ensure that the heritage aspects of the existing building would be honoured and

Muhammad Sufiyan, Sebastian Teo, President Dr Ken V Loughnan AO and Jim Peereboom

Parisa Shiran and Chair of Council, Cr Rhys Watson

The Melbourne Graduate maintained. The development of this building has been the vision of the Association for many years, said Cr Watson. He noted the Association’s response to the Melbourne Metro Rail tunnel plans. The tunnel will run along Grattan Street, its progress having been closely monitored by the Association with some success where original plans intended the tunnel to run under the Terraces, now to run along Grattan Street, minimising disruption to the Association’s buildings. Communication had continued also with the City of Melbourne regarding the development of University Square. Strengthening the culture of philanthropy continues to be a priority. Improved systems and resources have supported a successful year of annual giving. In 2016, The Graduate House Bequest Society was launched, with several bequests noted, as well as intentions. Miss Barbara Funder’s bequest has enabled plans to progess The Barbara Funder Lounge at 222 Leicester Street. Barbara’s legacy will also be honoured via the trusteeship — The William Berry and Barbara Funder Postgraduate College Trust. Cr Watson thanked Council, the CEO and Head of College, Dr Kerry Bennett, and staff for their commitment, work and the welcoming experiences provided to all who visit Graduate House. Dr Kerry Bennett, CEO/Head of College commenced her report, discussing the Association’s progress in comparison with the second strategic plan 2016 – 2018 against each of the key priority areas: Innovative influential membership Dr Bennett noted that Members continue to be connected locally and worldwide to networks of influence and innovation for society's benefit. 2016 saw over 100 collegiate events at Graduate House, with 1,425 attendees. 23,429 delegates — an increase of 9 percent from 2015 — had attended events organised by 139 convenors. Average occupancy rates had increased to 94.8 percent. Benefaction Dr Bennett reported that Council had been seeking to drive advancement through a leadership model and to have engagement from influential networks. Major funds had been secured from bequests, donations and other endowment sources.

Philanthropic endeavours had been increasing through increased resources, including an advancement officer, a graphic designer and a tailored information technology infrastructure. The capital fundraising campaign was soon to be launched with an ambitious target of $50 million for the development behind the terraces. The Graduate House (Bequest) Society was honouring bequests received while enabling pledges and expressions of intention for future bequests. Planned and achieved major projects G-House and G-Union major projects were ready to be initiated, and Dr Bennett thanked donors as they continued the long tradition of giving. She encouraged Members to give generously to the Annual Appeal to fund new carpet and furniture within the Phillip Law Members Lounge and Dining Room. The Graduate Union ‘Fund Life Long Learning’ crowdfunding site was to be launched in a beta testing environment in 2018, with the Association seeking to post its currently offered scholarships and bursaries to increase its award capacity. Progress had been made in ensuring that Graduate House was expanding and meeting market demand and expectations. The William Berry Wing refurbishment had progressed positively. The new reception desk and front door had been completed, and the 13 newly acquired bedsit apartments at 50 Barry Street, Carlton had been refurbished to suit Resident Members — and were now fully booked. Dr Bennett reported that the Association was working in strategic plan cycles of 3-4 years, master plan cycles of 10 years and a 50-year blueprint. January 2016 saw 22,885 postgraduate students enrolled at The University of Melbourne and 7,718 enrolled at RMIT University. When compared to historical data, these figures suggest that the number of postgraduate students had increased, surpassing the number of undergraduate students. It is therefore in the Association’s best interests to support this ever-growing market in a collegial environment. The G-Union Master Plan will see the continued development of an online ‘interact’ site which will see further development once activities related to the G-House Master Plan are further progressed. December 2017 | Page 11

The Melbourne Graduate Effective responsive stewardship Productive relationships are key to the Association, along with ethical leadership, accountability and transparency. A Council that is representative of Members is also key to effective responsive stewardship. Positive relationships have been sought with Melbourne City Council, as well as with the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority to allay any foreseeable disruption during the five-year development of the Metro Tunnel. Establishing relationships with other not-for-profits and charities such as Oaktree, Variety the Children’s Charity, Graduate Women Victoria and the National Federation of Graduate Women in Australia, will also be key. Dr Bennett extended her thanks to her staff, highlighting their hard work and generosity at the Oaktree lunch which saw staff donate more money, combined, than that donated by the general public. Cr David Cowie, Chair of Council's Finance and Audit subcommittee, was invited to the podium to submit the financial report for the year ended 31st December, 2016. Cr Cowie acknowledged auditor Sam Claringbold and his team from JTP Assurance and Kay Gulenc, the Association’s external accountant of 10 years. Cr Cowie noted the increase in revenue, indicating that catering and accommodation are the main earners. Accommodation increased, in particular for January, when traditionally occupancy had been lower due to holidays. The main expenses of the organisation were employee expenses, which have increased yearly — a conscious effort by Council to ensure staff resources to drive growth and to assist with alleviating the workload on some staff. Catering expenses also increased in line with the increase in accommodation and functions. Interest and bank fees decreased by $200,000 yearly, reflecting a re-negotiation of the banking facilities. 2016 saw an increased surplus, reflecting a robust financial position, and a new account opened with Bank Australia, the facility funding the acquisition of the new Barry Street accommodation. Cr Cowie expressed his pleasure that the Association has a relationship with two banks, National Australia Bank and Bank Australia.

The Returning Officer, Mr Ron Ritchie, was invited to the podium to speak to the results of the 2017 Council elections. Five valid candidates were nominated, 234 envelopes were received with 213 valid ballot papers. Mr Ritchie declared the following candidates elected: Rhys Watson, Molina Asthana and The Hon Justice Gaetone Pagone, all for a term of three years to 2020.

Dr Ken V Loughnan AO (in blue) with elected Members to Council, The Hon Justice Tony Pagone (left), Ms Molina Asthana and returning Member, Mr Rhys Watson

Two Honourary Life Membership Awards were presented to Ms Heather Kudeviita and to the Chancellor of The University of Melbourne, Mr Allan Myers AC QC (in absentia). Ms Kudeviita has had a major historic involvement with The Graduate Union, including her participation with the William Berry Postgraduate Trust. Mr Myers was appointed the 22nd Chancellor of The University of Melbourne in January 2017. Professor Anne Steinemann and Professor Stephen Peterson (in absentia) were appointed Honorary College Fellows. Professor Steinemann is a Professor of Civil Engineering and Chair of Sustainable Cities Melbourne at The University of Melbourne and is internationally recognised for her research. Professor Stephen Peterson developed and directed Harvard University’s Executive Education Program in Public Financial Management from 1986 to 2010. The date of the 2018 Annual General Meeting was announced as 31st May, 2018. XXX



Annual General Meeting

Citation Ms Heather Kudeviita Honorary Life Membership Award

Heather Kudeviita has made an exceptional and long contribution to The Graduate Union. Her achievements are numerous. Miriam Heather Alexander was born at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Carlton. She was the only child of Leslie Gordon Alexander and Ivy Grace Alexander. She lived in the family home in East St Kilda for many years and attended Ripponlea State School, the local primary school within walking distance of her home. Her secondary education commenced at Swinburne Girls’ Technical College and finished at Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School where she excelled. She obtained first class Honours in French and History in her matriculation year. Post-secondary Heather received a studentship to undertake a Bachelor of Arts at The University of Melbourne in 1952. She did a double degree at Ormond College (non-residential) in French and History. This was at a time when there was very low representation of women at Australian universities. After completing her degree, Heather undertook a Trained Primary Teachers’ Certificate (TPTC) at Melbourne Teachers’ College on Grattan Street, now the 1888 Building of The University of Melbourne. This certificate enabled her to teach at both primary and secondary schools. As she was bonded to the Department of Education due to receiving the studentship, Heather completed two years of teaching at Corryong High School, and then Huntingdale High School. At both these schools she made wonderful friends whom she still sees. Heather went on to have a long and very successful teaching career at schools such as St Leonard’s,

Korowa, Sacre Coeur, Mac.Robertson Girls' High and St Catherine’s. Marriage and travel In 1959 Heather married and travelled on her first trip overseas for an extended vacation, which included the birth of her only child, Fiona, in London, England. Thus began Heather’s lifelong romance with travel and new places! On returning to Melbourne in 1960, Heather gained her degree, which was handed to her by the then Prime Minister of Australia, Sir Robert Menzies. She joined The Graduate Union in 1962 and attended a ‘Welcome to New Members’ cocktail party. At this event she met William (Bill) Berry and Barbara Funder, who between them ran The Graduate Union at this time. (Although the terraces had been purchased in 1957, their December 2017 | Page 13


establishment as a postgraduate residential college was not until 1962, two years after Heather had joined.) Heather remained close friends with Barbara Funder until Barbara’s death in September 2016. Involvement with The Graduate Union Heather would always attend the Monthly Luncheons and the occasional Friday night dinners at The Graduate Union. She was heavily involved with the Tin Alley Players — a dramatic group established in 1939 which performed for over fifty years, joining forces with The Graduate Union in 1954 and holding readings in the M V Anderson Room and The Johnston Library. Heather volunteered regularly for front-of-house duties (ushering and ticket box), costume making, and (most stressful) prompting for actors who couldn’t remember their lines! Heather has been instrumental in organising the French Lunch Group since 2013. The group meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:00noon to 2:00pm at Graduate House, enjoying a lively and interactive conversation in the French language over lunch in the dining room. For decades, Heather, along with many other dedicated and committed volunteers, gathered regularly at Graduate House to ensure that the monthly mail-outs, the then quarterly (now half

Heather (left) with the late Barbara Funder in the Graduate House Dining Room


yearly) Melbourne Graduate magazine and other material (for Elections and General meetings, and marketing) were posted out on time and to the correct people! In the pre-digital period, this task was not to be underestimated, with thousands of envelopes to be filled and prepared for postage around the world. Due to her longstanding involvement with The Graduate Union, when Bill Berry died in 1999 and left a large donation to the Past Graduates and Postgraduates Society, the then President of The Graduate Union, Mr Frank Lees, proposed that Miss Barbara Funder and Heather be appointed as trustees of the newly formed William Berry Post Graduate College Trust. This important and beneficent duty was carried out by both until Miss Funder died last year. It has since been handed over to the Council of The Graduate Union. During its operation between 2004 and 2016 the William Berry Post Graduate College Trust was used to fund maintenance and refurbishment of the William Berry Wing, which was the initial site of The Graduate Union in Leicester Street. This Trust is now named the William Berry and Barbara Funder Postgraduate College Trust. Barbara and Heather were responsible, proactive and diligent trustees. Over the years of their involvement they gave 10 grants from the Trust, totalling $115,500. Examples of the projects funded include painting, carpeting, the installation of a water saving device, the purchase of a water tank, a plaque for Bill and Vera Berry on the door in the new central wing (built in 2005 — Room 304) and repairs to doors in the Johnston Library. Earnings from the Trust fund from last year are being applied to repair and sound-proof more of the terrace wing windows in anticipation of construction works by the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority. Heather and Barbara were very close friends and were often here at Graduate House, robustly debating both the Trust and other matters. They were unwavering in their commitment to honour the legacy of Bill Berry and to support postgraduate Resident


Members, as well as the broader membership of all life stages, disciplines and ethnicities.

As a skilled, enthusiastic player and teacher of mah-jong, maybe we can convince Heather to start up yet another forum of learning here at Graduate House. Looking back. When asked about the highlights of her historic involvement with The Graduate Union, Heather cites the wide range of social events offered to Members, the reciprocal rights The Graduate Union has with overseas universities (especially good for people with the travel bug!), and the long-standing friendships and connections she has made with a large variety of people, solely through her ongoing relationship with the Association. It seems The Graduate Union has achieved its mission in respect of Heather Kudeviita, nee Alexander! Thank you, dear Heather.

Heather and her family on holiday in Assisi, Italy

As an Association, we are indebted to Heather for her support of Miss Funder over 2016. Heather visited Barbara at least once a week, if not more, for several months. She provided Barbara with great comfort, drawing her into the vibrant discussions with which they were both familiar, or simply sitting beside her bed should Barbara be asleep. She also acted as her guardian and protector, ensuring that her medical and other care was appropriate, sound and kind.

XXX *The Association is proud to announce that Ms Heather Kudeviita and Mr Neil Taylor were appointed Inaugural Patrons of The Graduate Union at the Chairman’s Cocktail party on the 1st December, 2017.

Heather remembers her last conversation with Barbara a few days before her death and knew somehow that it would be the last time they talked, and it was one of her warmest memories because both felt happy and transformed by their vibrant conversation and reminisces. Following Barbara’s death in September 2016, Heather also assisted greatly in the funeral and service arrangements, in the management of Barbara’s estate and in comforting the many staff and Members who were most saddened by this loss. Heather’s contribution continues today with her attendance at many of our events and to meet up with other Members and her friends. As an avid craftswoman with great skills in needlework, crochet and clothes design/sewing (she makes all her own clothes), Heather is now assisting in the crocheting of 500 poppies for Remembrance Day.

Heather, with her son-in-law, Gary Nolan (on Heather’s right), daugher, Fiona Nolan and President, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO




Citation Mr Allan Myers AC QC Honorary Life Membership Award

Mr Allan Myers AC QC is the 22nd Chancellor of The University of Melbourne, appointed on 1st January, 2017. Mr Myers is one of Her Majesty’s Counsels in all Australian States and Territories and is a barrister in England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. His practice has been predominantly in commercial law. He is also a leading philanthropist and businessman who has provided support to many professional and charitable entities. He is currently Chair of the National Gallery of Australia Council, Chair of the Museums and Art Galleries Board of the Northern Territory, a Governor of The Ian Potter Foundation, a member of the Council of Newman College, and a member of the Graduate Studies Advisory Board of the Law Faculty at The University of Melbourne and of the Law Faculty at Oxford University. He is a director of publicly listed companies in Europe and a director of many private and unlisted companies in Australia and elsewhere. Awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001, in 2007 he became an Officer in the Order of Australia. Mr Myers was awarded a Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia in the General Division at the 2016 Australia Day Honours for eminent service to the community through philanthropic leadership in support of major visual arts, higher education, medical research and not-for-profit organisations, to the law, and to professional learning programs. In 2012 he was awarded the degree Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) from The University of Melbourne and is an Honorary Doctor of the Australian Catholic University.

Mr Allan Myers AC QC

Mr Myers is a graduate of The University of Melbourne and of Oxford University. Closely involved with The University of Melbourne for many years, having taught in the Faculty of Law, he has supported scholarships and facilities. He is Chair of the University’s Humanities Foundation Board. From 2013 Mr Myers served as inaugural chair of the Campaign Board for Believe — The Campaign for The University of Melbourne. In 2015 he became the first recipient of the Fellow of The University of Melbourne Award in recognition of his community leadership and significant contributions to this institution. XXX




Citation Professor Anne Steinemann Honorary College Fellow Award

Professor Anne Steinemann is a Professor of Civil Engineering, and Chair of Sustainable Cities, at The University of Melbourne. She is internationally recognised for her research in the fields of engineering and sustainability, including (a) indoor air quality, product emissions, and exposure assessment, and (b) drought management, indicators, and information systems. Professor Steinemann serves as adviser to governments and industries around the world, and has directed more than $24 million in competitive research funding. Her work has resulted in new federal and state legislation, agency policies and industry practices. Professor Steinemann has received the highest teaching awards at the college, university, and national levels. She has published over 55 peerreviewed journal articles and two textbooks: Microeconomics for Public Decisions, and Exposure Analysis. In addition to academic recognition, Professor Steinemann’s research and journal articles have received significant international media coverage, spanning more than 1,000 major newspapers, magazines, and broadcast stations across six continents. Professor Steinemann’s previous positions include Program Manager at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego; Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Professor of Public Affairs, and Director of the Water Center, at the University of Washington; and Associate Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Professor Anne Steinemann and President, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO

Professor Steinemann was Visiting Professor at Stanford University, Florida Institute of Technology, and Linköping University in Sweden. She received her PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University. XXX




Citation Professor Stephen Peterson Honorary College Fellow Award

Professor Stephen Peterson developed and directed Harvard’s University Executive Education Program in Public Financial Management from 1986 to 2010. The Executive Education Program trained over 1,500 senior government officials from 47 countries, as well as officials from both international development agencies and nongovernment organisations. During his time at Harvard University, Professor Peterson also taught public financial management in the Graduate program of the Kennedy School of Government. Equipped with more than 30 years experience in public financial management, financial management information systems, financial and administration decentralization, institutional development and project design and management, Stephen has delivered public financial management training to the Polish and Philippines governments and designed a public financial management training program for the Zimbabwean Ministry of Finance. He was a resident advisor for Kenya and Ethiopia for eight and 12 years respectively. In Ethiopia, he directed the reform of budgeting, accounting, disbursements, multi-year planning and financial information systems. Professor Peterson is the author of the book, Administration not Management: How Ethiopia Reformed Public Expenditure — A Model for Developing Countries and has drafted numerous peer-reviewed articles on public financial management and public sector reform.


Professor Stephen Peterson

Professor Peterson continues to advise governments and is currently working with the Swiss government in designing a four-year program for improving municipal finance in Macedonia. XXX


Annual General Meeting Dinner

Jo Fisher Guest Speaker at the AGM Dinner Jo Fisher is Managing Director of Jo Fisher Executive Group, an international Australian-owned leadership advisory and global search firm, with locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, and 23 international offices. An entrepreneur and expert in leadership acquisition, talent development, career coaching, and impactful leadership strategies and practice, Jo’s focus is on assisting clients to select and ultimately appoint contemporary leaders to senior positions. Some of the roles that her firm has helped appoint include CEO of Asia Link Business, Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University and The University of Western Sydney, CEO of Oxfam Australia, major health services, MacKillop Family Services and senior executive appointments. One of the most critical roles currently being worked on is the inaugural agency, Family Safety Victoria, which is being established for the prevention of family violence in Victoria. Back in her school days, Jo followed the advice of the career counsellor, who told her that she would make a great bookkeeper. She commenced a finance and accounting certificate and was an intern in the credit control department of OTC (Overseas Telecommunications Commission). During the late 1970s, Jo saw very few women in leadership roles and being quite ambitious, she wondered what she could do differently other than "underlining surnames and following on 90-day overdue accounts”. The newest growth area was the emerging technology sector. Jo enrolled in a part-time computer programming course and became a programmer, juggling punch cards and “playing with zeroes and ones” (binary code). She was transferred to the computer department within

Ms Jo Fisher

OTC and learned about data integrity and privacy, and the benefits of investing in the best IT infrastructure. Jo started in an area called EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), which morphed into e-business and e-commerce. It led her to work with the leadership of hospitals, government departments and transport companies. She came to Victoria through the invitation of Monash University to set up a new research and consulting centre, The Monash Centre for e-commerce in 1995 and decided to do an MBA to match her work experience with management theory and management research to gain a deeper understanding of organisational development. She did her MBA part-time while taking care of her family and business commitments. “I really admire December 2017 | Page 19


people who commence Masters and more whilst juggling all these things because at times it just felt totally overwhelming, and I didn’t know how I was ever going to finish it,” she said. After completing the work at the Monash Centre, Jo joined friends in a technology consulting business, built it up and sold it, pre ‘tech-wreck’. “It also gave me the chance to take some time out of a career that had been full on and reflect on what I really wanted to do. What was I good at, what did I love and how could I bring all those together?” she said. “Outside interests had led me to start a charity for homeless kids and I had also spent a lot of time with friends who had vineyards in the Hunter Valley and re-established a new event called the ‘Lovedale Long Lunch’. I realised that one of my true loves was bringing people together for a common purpose and to bring the very best people together for the very best organisational outcomes.” What Jo learned was that while she loved it, travelling the world and dealing with very senior appointments was a very male-dominated industry. “I felt there weren’t enough women coming through on the shortlists and that I’d like to do something about it,” said Jo, deciding it was time to start her own ‘next generation executive’ search firm. “I started on a laptop in a tiny rented office and my first engagements were in these sectors that I loved — education, healthcare and government.”

At the organisational level, positive organisational psychology is about what makes an organisation flourish through motivating teams and individuals. “I started to believe that this was going to be the absolute future of what the younger generations will look forward to or expect from leadership, what they’re going to follow and if leaders could always make a positive impact on organisations, it was going to be extremely important for us as a firm to make sure they were going to be positive leaders,” Jo said. Searching worldwide for studies, she found that The University of Melbourne was the only university in Australia that had the foresight to bring Professor Seligman’s logic of positive psychology from The University of Pennsylvania to Australia. Jo was in the second cohort of her part-time Masters studies, starting in early 2014. With the requirement of a research project, she could weave in all the research, practices and principles learned along the way, and her project ended up with a focus on developing a new model that she called ‘positive leadership’ or ‘positive impact recruitment’. As Jo’s clients were mostly hiring managers and organisations that were still applying traditional methods of selection, which seemed to be unchanged over decades, she felt that this could assist in every step of the recruitment process. “We all know that digital technologies and social media are used in online recruitment and new developments. They simply enable reach to broader audiences, but person-to-person contact every step of the way, and relationships and communication, can influence the interest in the first instance, the attraction, and ultimately the decisions to select and for the candidate to accept the offer,” she said.

Ms Fisher was one of the few female owners in this type of business in Australia and New Zealand and part of her dream was to ensure more women were considered for senior positions. Jo believes gender diversity should be at 50/50 on any shortlist. “I’m really proud, 15 years later, to say that of about 1,500 — 1,600 appointments that the firm has done, over 48 percent have been women, “The field of organisational psychology still offers a compelling proposition at the first stage of who have moved into senior executive and CEO leadership entry into an organisation. It’s the roles,” she said. recruitment and selection stage where one This led Jo to exploring positive leadership. She can conceptualise and develop new positive came across Professor Martin Seligman, the practices to assist in appointing the right leaders founder of the discipline now known as 'positive and ultimately to create a positive impact on psychology'. Positive psychology is the focus on the organisation.” the strengths of individuals and groups to thrive. https://fisherleadership.com/ At the individual level, positive psychology focuses https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-fisher-9523232 on talents and individual traits that contribute to wellbeing, contentment and satisfaction. XXX December 2017 | Page 20


Donor Thank You Day

Celebrating Benefaction and Generosity

Our Donor Thank You Day on 20th August, 2017 was held in recognition of the generosity of Graduate Union Members at a brunch with special guest, Mr Allan Myers AC QC, Chancellor of The University of Melbourne. From our Association's establishment in 1911, Members have built our Association through donations of funds and buildings, bequests and sponsorship, together with volunteer and pro bono work. We seek always to honour this legacy and to foster a culture of active and contributing membership, as well as of thankfulness for this philanthropy. Our Annual August Thank You Brunch was an invitation-only event to show the Association's gratitude to our donors, including those who had given to the successful 2017 Annual Appeal to fund the much needed re-carpeting of the central wing on the ground floor and the purchasing of new furniture.

After enjoying a variety of breakfast platters in the Phillip Law Members’ Lounge, guests made their way to the Stella Langford Wing to be welcomed by our President, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO who introduced the keynote speaker, Mr Allan Myers AC QC, the 22nd Chancellor of The University of Melbourne. Mr Myers AC QC was awarded a Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia in the General Division at the 2016 Australia Day Honours. He is one of Australia’s most generous philanthropists and a very successful barrister. In 2012 he was awarded the degree Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) and in 2015 was appointed the first Fellow of The University of Melbourne Award. For a summary of Mr Myer’s presentation at our Donor Thank You Day, please read page 24. The President, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO thanked Mr Myers for his address. “What a wonderful story of those beginnings in Dunkeld. The journey through December 2017 | Page 21

The Melbourne Graduate the memory of Sir Robert Menzies, a great Prime Minister of this country, and then talking through the issues about large institutions and confidence in those institutions in terms of investing for the future of our money, people’s individual money, is most significant.” “The success of The University of Melbourne’s Believe campaign shows that people do believe in the future of education and its importance within our society,” said Dr Loughnan. He echoed the sentiment of Mr Myers — that we have so many people who have invested so much in the past to make Melbourne a fantastic education destination for so many students. Dr Loughnan closed the proceedings. “I thank you for your friendship and I thank you again for your support of Graduate House and the great work that’s done here.” He also thanked Graduate Union staff for their “fantastic job” in putting together the luncheon, and thanked CEO and Head of College, Dr Kerry Bennett for her enthusiasm, energy and hard work in organising the Donor Thank You Day. Dr Loughnan told the audience, “You have made a difference to the life of our college and to the increasing influence of our collegium. A sincere thank you.” It was time for the Resident Member speakers to commence their presentations. Ligia Veliz, from Guatemala, is studying for a Master of Energy

Systems degree at The University of Melbourne. She admitted to her worries when making the big move from Guatemala to Australia. “When I was coming to Australia, I was a bit nervous because I knew that there were a lot of changes that I was going to be facing, and even though I was excited for the opportunity of studying here, I also didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “I had to order and organise in my mind that the language was going to be different and even when you cross the road you have to turn to the other side, so for me that was also a little bit shocking.” “When I arrived here at Graduate House, I felt at ease. All the nerves that I had, they just went away. The staff were welcoming from the first moment that I got here with all my bags.” “My family talked to me and asked me: how are you feeling? I said: I love you guys, but now I have a family here. They have helped me grow, not only personally but also professionally. So it’s been one of the best decisions being here at Graduate House.” “We want to thank you for giving us a place that we can call home.” Our next speaker was Nouman Daud Sharif, one of The Graduate Union's representatives at the 2017 National Student Leadership Forum in Canberra. Nouman hails from Pakistan and is enrolled in a Master of Civil Engineering and Business degree at The University of Melbourne. Nouman began by discussing the great natural beauty and resources of Pakistan, as well as the fact that Pakistan was the first Muslim nation to have a female Prime Minister. “There’s a lot of representation of females in our parliament in our country and we believe in female empowerment and gender equality. We are a young country — obviously there’s a lot of obstacles and hurdles that we face — but we rise above them as a nation,” he said. Coming to Melbourne was one the best experiences of his life, said Nouman.

Resident Member speaker Ligia Veliz


Resident Member speaker Nouman Daud Sharif

“Graduate House is at the best possible location. Graduate House also provides


a very progressive and a very compelling environment where education is promoted. It is very easy to focus on your objectives and achieve what you want to. Graduate House is also admirable when it comes to interaction with people from all over the world. I have met people from literally every corner of the world. The cultural exchange across the dining room is certainly commendable.” Mr Neil Taylor, past Chair of Council from 2004 to 2007, who generously donated $25,000 to the Capital Fundraising Campaign this year, addressed the audience, encouraging them to donate to The Graduate Union.

Dr Allan Casey and Mrs Andrea Casey

“I am honoured and delighted to support this Appeal. It will allow Graduate House to cater for a greatly increased number of students, and I think that is wonderful.” “We can really expand Graduate House as a vital part of the future of the University.” A Graduate House history quiz was also on the menu, including questions such as, of course, ‘What does the Diamond Jubilee year mark?’ Table One was the winner of the quiz, although for full disclosure, the table included the President of The Graduate Union, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO; Chair of Council, Mr Rhys Watson; the Chancellor of The University of Melbourne, Mr Allan Myers AC QC; and Council Members, His Hon Justice Tony Pagone and Mr Vincent Mirabelli!!

Associate Professor John Harcourt and Mr John Haasz

It was soon time for the official opening of the Barry Street apartments. A special plaque produced to commemorate this event was unveiled by the President and Chair. Next to the podium was Chair of Council, Mr Rhys Watson. “Today is a very special day. It’s a day when we pause to reflect on our founders and benefactors — the contributions they’ve made, the support you have given, the importance of benefaction to the success of our Association, and our college. Thank you for your support.” “We have something very special and unique here — we are an Association of graduates for graduates. We are an Association of Members that had a vision to build a college sixty years ago.

The unveiling of the plaque for the Barry Street apartments by President, Dr Ken V Loughnan AO (left) and Chair of Council, Mr Rhys Watson

This started with the purchase of the Gladstone Terrace. An Association of graduates had a vision for a college, and of course, the rest is history,” Mr Watson concluded. Thank you to all of our donors — those who attended and those who were not able to make it on this occasion. Truly, we are grateful for these gifts and demonstrations of ongoing support. XXX



Donor Thank You Day

Mr Allan Myers AC QC Guest speaker at Donor Thank You Day Lunch My Graduate Pathway Story

Mr Allan Myers AC QC grew up in the country town of Dunkeld, Western Victoria. His family on his father’s side had lived there since 1839. The grandparents of his great grandmother were convicts from Van Diemen’s Land who, once they had served their time, came across Bass Strait. They changed their name from “good English and Scottish” names and adopted an Irish persona. They eventually settled in Dunkeld and said they had come from South Australia (which was largely convict-free). “Yesterday I had the honour and pleasure of launching a book that was written about a sort of social history of the squattocracy — I was very hard on them,” said Mr Myers. “The Dunkeld that I grew up in had a primary school and two years of secondary school. When I started school in 1953, 64 children began at that school and the numbers have increased slightly. I was part of the post-war baby boom with a 1947 drop.” “In those first years there were many children. But as far as I know, no one from the township of Dunkeld had ever undertaken tertiary education. No one had ever gone to university — maybe someone did, but it wasn’t recorded. Having been in a small town with all those generations behind me, I had a pretty fair idea of what the people in the town had done and what the history of that population was.” There were plenty of squatters — the big land owners — in the vicinity of Dunkeld. Their children went to university, but not to The University of Melbourne. They went straight to Cambridge or Oxford, so there was a big division in the society. Mr Myers’ parents were ambitious for him to go to university, saying that it was a tremendous decision. December 2017 | Page 24

Mr Allan Myers AC QC, Chancellor of The University of Melbourne

His father said that there was no future in the country, and that in order to receive an education one must attend university. Mr Myers explained that his father did not have the opportunity to attend university, thus further emphasising the necessity of a tertiary education. Mr Myers' father had come back from the Second World War with no employment, had left school on his 12th birthday during The Great Depression and had been a butcher for 30 years. “What my father did though — at the beginning of my year five at secondary school, so two years before I’m possibly going to university — was to make an appointment with the Director and take me down to Newman College at The University of Melbourne. My parents wanted me to be where there would


though modest, came to residential colleges. So we be security, community and support for someone can say that he is one of the significant supporters who was not experienced with city life — I was not of the sort of work that is being done at this experienced at all. When I came to Melbourne, it took me a week to work out which way the city was institution.” and a month to find out how to use a tram — it’s “I spent five years as a Resident of Newman College hardly an exaggeration,” said Mr Myers. at The University of Melbourne. They were five very good years and without that opportunity Mr Myers emphasised the importance of having to live in a residential college, I couldn’t have safe accommodation in an environment of sustained my study at The University of Melbourne,” study and of learning, as being tremendously said Mr Myers. “I simply would not have had the important. “It’s not just important for young personal resources to cope with the great change people, it’s important for everyone who comes coming from the country as a young man to the from a different environment and it’s important city to study in an unusual environment. And I can for everyone who wishes to be in an environment vouch for the fact that so much of the learning took where the opportunities for study and for learning place on the way to the lecture, on the way from are the greatest,” he added. The Graduate School of Education at The University the lecture, and afterwards, having a cup of coffee or a cup of tea talking to one’s fellow students.” of Melbourne rates number one in the world, year after year, explained Mr Myers, but students seem to learn more from discussion with each other, much more than they learn from lectures or reading by themselves. The interactions that occur between students mark some of the most pivotal learning experiences in a student’s life.

“I see that Sir Robert Menzies joined The Graduate Union a very long time ago, in 1919. He would have been a young graduate then. He went on to become the 13th Chancellor of The University of Melbourne. Like me, he was a country boy, from Jeparit, and was one of six children. His father was a shopkeeper, like my father, and he went to the local primary school in Jeparit, as I went to the local primary school in Dunkeld,” said Mr Myers. “One feels in a way a sort of sense that maybe one understands a little of Menzies’ experience. It is significant to me that he became a founding Member of The Graduate Union so long ago and so soon after he graduated.” “When Menzies was Prime Minister of Australia he was responsible for the great expansion of tertiary education in Australia, and one of the reports was the Martin Report. When the public servants who prepared a draft of the terms of reference for Professor Martin and his committee to hand to Menzies, he noticed that there was no mention of residential colleges, so Menzies requested for that to be added to the terms of reference. He then became a great supporter, as Prime Minister, of residential colleges and ensured that funds, even

Mr Myers spoke of the importance of private philanthropy. “It’s the giving of the money that is the real pleasure for anyone who does it, to support a cause that’s worthwhile, and it’s hard to imagine a more worthy cause than education. It is right up the top of the list that provides opportunities for people,” he said. If one is thinking of supporting a good cause, then the question is always how. “If you give your money to an established institution which has clear objectives and is well managed, and that’s this place, then you can be confident that the money is not going to be wasted. So what you’re doing here as part of this institution and as part of the larger institution is tremendously important.”

“Now, what is the future at The University for the sort of accommodation and environment that you provide here? The future is that we need to provide a lot, lot more of it. There will be more and more demand for the sorts of facilities that you’re providing, so the plans for expansion can only be welcomed.” “I’m very honoured to be here. Thank you very much for having me here at this important gathering and thank you, on behalf of The University of Melbourne, for your generosity to this institution and hence to the larger institutions of The University of Melbourne. All strength to you who give for such a great cause. Please keep it up and please be generous.” XXX December 2017 | Page 25


Donations We are grateful to the following people and trusts for their donations. Your benefaction is reflective of the generosity of our Membership. Mr Mohamed Ahmed Dr Kingsley Allen Miss Joan Ansell Dr Peter Ashton Mr Leonard Bailey Mr Paul Barnett Ms Lesley Bawden Dr Tom Beer Mr Alan Bell Dr Kerry Bennett Ms Marja Berclouw Mr David Berry Dr Kaspars Bitans Lady Josie Blyton Mr Michael Bolam Mr David Bottomley Miss Gweneth Bowles Mr John Brearley Mr Douglas Brooke Mr Clive Brookes Dr Kester Brown Mr Ronald Burgoine Miss Heather Campbell Ms Elizabeth Carvosso Mrs Andrea and Dr Allan Casey Ms Catherine Cervasio Mrs Diana Cherry Mr John Cicero Mr John Cleeland Miss Wendy Cobcroft Mr Ewan Colson Mr Stuart Colvin

Mrs Aileen Corbern Dr Ricardo Crespo Dr James Cross Mr Glen Currie Mr Kingsley Davis OAM Dr Arthur Day Professor David de Kretser AC Mr Tony De Luca Mr Michael De Zilwa Mrs Margaret Dean Mr John Deeks Mr Mark Dennison Mr Edward Dickinson Ms Marie Dowling Dr Hayden Downing Dr Graeme Duke Ms Jo Elvins Mr Kurt Eppinger Associate Professor Joseph Epstein Dr Ken Fargher Ms Francesca Folk-Scolaro Ms Helen Freeman Dr Czesia Geddes Mr George Goode Ms Elsie Graham Ms Natalie Gray Mr John Green Ms Olive Hamilton Mr Peter Hannon Dr Richard Harcourt


Associate Professer John Harcourt OAM Mrs June and Mr Roy Hardcastle AO Ms Pauline Henthorn Dr Marian Hill Professor Brian Howe Mrs Christine Iseli Mr Reginald Jackson Ms Mary Kelleher Ms Helen Keneley Dr Josephine Kenrick Mr John Landy AC CVO MBE Mr Kenneth Lee Dr Sharon Lierse Dr Leonard Lloyd Dr Ken V Loughnan AO Mr Martin Mahood Mr Richard Manuell Mr George and Mrs Connie Markou Mr Douglas Marshall Dr Lynette Martin Mrs Mary Maslen Mrs Margaret Mayers Dr Peter McCann Ms Fiona McConnell Mrs Desma McDonald Mr Callum McNair Mr Joseph Mel Mr Edward Miller Mr Anthony Mirabelli

Mr Vincent Mirabelli Mrs Anne and Mr James Mulholland Mr Edward Muntz Mr Sankar Nadeson Professor Kai Nagel Mr Roy Nichols His Hon Justice Tony Pagone Mrs Louise Parsons Mr Fred Pascale Mrs Patsy Patten Ms Hope Peel Dr Patricia Phair Mr Vito Pititto Miss Judith Price Mr Ian Proctor Dr Joanna Pyper Mr Milo Racinac Miss Kathleen Rankin Mr Ratna Ratnakumar Mr Wal Reid His Hon Peter Rendit Mrs Louisa Richards Mr Ronald Ritchie Dr David Robson Mr James Rowan Mr Leonard Santalucia Mrs Wendy Seng Hpa Mrs Elizabeth Sevior Dr Elizabeth Shaw Mr Paul Sheahan AM Ms Parisa Shiran


Mr Peter Sholl Ms Caroline Silk Mr John Skuja Brigadier Bob (Robert) Slater AM Professor Richard Southby Mr Paul Southwick Mr David and Mrs Prue Sparks Mr Timothy Stephens

Dr Max Stephens

Mr Ian Tyler

Mr Kevin Stevenson AM

Miss Barbara Tynan

Professor John Stillwell

Ms Rosemary Tzovlas

Mr Eric Stokes Mr Stephen Stuart

Dr Geoffrey Vaughan AO

Mr Alex Subostch

Mr Rhys Watson

Dr Rodney Taft

Mr Brian Webb

Ms Naomi Tanner

Miss Joy Wellings

Dr Bernadette Taylor

Dr David Westmore

Mr Neil Taylor

Dr Heather Wheat

Ms Susan Wilson Mr Mark Worsnop Ms Sharon Wu Mr Cesare Zanchi

Thank you to those who gave to the Donations Box and who nominated to remain anonymous.

The Elizabeth Gray Scholarship The life’s work of the late lawyer, Elizabeth Gray will be memorialised within The University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Law School (MLS) and in the Victorian community, with the Elizabeth Gray Scholarship. Elizabeth’s sister, Graduate Union Member, Natalie Gray, established the scholarship with the MLS to support the postgraduate study of law by refugees or indigenous people. Natalie, a philanthropist, said the scholarship would honour her sister’s legacy and pay tribute to her as a passionate lawyer and human being.

was also a talented musician and a “fantastic” cook. “Liz had a breadth of talent that meant she could have gone on to any career,” Natalie said. “She found her way to the law because the people with whom she had a common sense of values and justice were in that area. “She wanted to be involved with the community.” Elizabeth Gray

underdog.” Therefore it is fitting that the scholarship will benefit refugees and indigenous people. The scholarship was announced during the Melbourne Law School’s 160th anniversary. It is Birchip-born Elizabeth Una Gray, to commence in 2018 and be a dearly-loved and brilliant lawyer awarded to support students in who served the underprivileged the MLS Juris Doctor program. in the community, died in 1996 Elizabeth studied at the MLS and at age 40, after a brief battle attained a BA (Hons), LLB in 1979. with cancer. The creation of After graduating, she headed to the Elizabeth Gray Scholarship Fitzroy to work with Legal Aid by Natalie exemplifies the and rose up the ranks to become foresight and commitment of Deputy Director of the Victorian our Members in establishing Legal Aid Commission. In the important legacies to support MLS News, Natalie said that her postgraduate education. sister was an “accidental lawyer” During her career, Elizabeth was hailed as a “champion of the

Natalie was motivated to establish the Elizabeth Gray Scholarship with a dedicated group of friends and family to ensure that her sister’s important work could continue through assisting law students. “It will be wonderful knowing that a student has been helped through Liz’s memory. It will mean that Liz never dies. Her spirit goes on,” said Natalie. Graduate House Resident Members who are interested in applying for the Elizabeth Gray Scholarship in 2018 can seek information from the Melbourne Law School at http://law.unimelb. edu.au/ XXX

after being the dux of her high school science class. Elizabeth



Flu Vaccination Day

First in Southern Hemisphere

The flu shot remains the best protection from influenza For the first time since 2010, a change has been made to one of the components of the recommended influenza vaccine for the Southern Hemisphere's 2018 flu season, and announced by The World Health Organisation (WHO) in September 2017. This modification was made after continuous recommendations for both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere vaccine compositions. The periodic replacement of virus strains contained in this vaccine is necessary because of the constant evolution of influenza viruses, which can change their antigenic and genetic characteristics. Recommendations by WHO are made for the Southern Hemisphere which includes Australia, New Zealand and other countries in the Northern Hemisphere such as the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia whose influenza seasons closely match ours. The Graduate Union has been offering free flu shots to the general public since 2012. Working together with the Immunisation Coalition and Vaccine8@work, about 150 people received free flu shots on 6th April, 2017 at Graduate House. The 2017 event was covered by the media on Channel 7 and Channel 9 with many guests interviewed by reporters from both stations as part of their features on the deadly flu strain in Australia. Why is it worth getting the flu vaccine? People who are vaccinated are at a lower risk of contracting influenza than those who are not vaccinated. If you are vaccinated, you are less likely to contract the flu. Even though you may be fit and healthy, you can still get the flu and pass it on to vulnerable people such as the elderly, young children and pregnant women. You may not realise that you can spread the virus before you start feeling the symptoms. For vulnerable people, the flu can be life-threatening. December 2017 | Page 28

Duty Resident Member, Tim Stephens receiving his flu shot

Why do we have to have the flu shot every year? The types of influenza viruses circulating in the community changes from year to year. In light of this, a new vaccine is made each year to protect against current strains. In addition, immunity provided by the current influenza vaccine fades over the course of a year. In fact, the decline may start as early as 5 or 6 months after vaccination. It is therefore not only important to get vaccinated against influenza every year, regardless of vaccine strain changes, but also to make sure you have the vaccination so that it is at its most effective when it is needed most (i.e., at the peak of the flu season). The Graduate Union and The Immunisation Coalition is partnering again in 2018 to provide free flu vaccination injections at Graduate House. Tuesday, 17th April, 2018 10:00AM – 2:00PM Graduate House 220 Leicester Street, Carlton Telephone (03) 9347 3428 The link for electronic booking will be made available via social media and published in our monthly Newsletters. XXX


HeForShe Day

The significance of 23rd August dates back to 1894 in South Australia, the day the Women’s Suffrage Petition was presented to the South Australian Parliament showing 11,600 signatures. The petition was also presented when the 1894 Resident Member Juanjuan Wu Bill that led to the giving a flower to a passerby enfranchisement of South Australian women was read in Parliament. Women achieved full voting rights in South Australia at a time when women in Australia and throughout most of the world did not have the legal right to vote in most elections. It is with the spirit of equality — ensuring that all members of our society, regardless of gender (or race, appearance, social status and so on) have the same rights as everybody else. In 2016, Graduate House Resident Members adopted the United Nations Women's challenge, and ran the Give a flower, get a smile campaign, echoing the HeForShe sentiments. In 2017 the event was held again. President Dr Ken V Loughnan AO addressed the attending crowd, expressing concerns about the gender pay gap in Australia. “The whole issue about HeForShe is one which is designed to draw attention to the issues. It is a practical way of showing the issues of gender equality. The fact that I’m standing here today with a couple of flowers, is just a token of recognition of what we can do as an organisation,” he said.

Give a flower get a smile

Staff members Sujata, Marwa, Punam and Natasha with flowers to be given away

Ms Ria Bleathman, Professor Kwong Lee Dow OAM, Cr Viv Nguyen, Cr Molina Asthana and Mr Tim Carroll

The HeForShe Day concluded with a panel discussion on Multiculturalism and Gender Equality featuring Professor Kwong Lee Dow OAM, Chair of the Australian Multicultural Foundation; Ms Ria Bleathman, Founder/Director of Five Consulting; Cr Viv Nguyen, President, Vietnamese Community Australia, Victorian Chapter; Cr Molina Asthana, Founder of Multicultural Women in Sport; Mr Tim Carroll, State Director Victoria and Tasmania, Austrade; and panel moderator, Dr Kerry Bennett, CEO and Head of College of The Graduate Union. Streaming from the panel discussion is available at: https://twitter.com/TheGradUnion/ status/9001711754347560 XXX December 2017 | Page 29


Honorary Life Subscriber Members HE Most Reverend Archbishop Issam Darwish AM Life Subscriber Members Ms Lucinda Cree Mr Callum McNair Organisation Members

MEMBERSHIP

Defence, Science and Technology Group


ICON CO Melbourne School of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Swinburne University of Technology Rotary Club of Carlton Inc. Associate Members Ms Margaret Lilly Mr Stan Polan Non-resident Student Graduate Members Mr Jeremy Feiglin Ms Sarah Le Page Ms Alix Lwanga Mr Rob Soros Mr Christopher Thamm Ms Mengwei Zhang

Members His Excellency Saeed Matar Sultan Alsiri Alqemzi Mr Robert Arnold Ms Jillian Banfield Dr Edgar Banks Mr Paul Barnett Mr Michael Biviano Ms Diana Butler OAM Ms Angela Castro Dr Wai Wai Cheng Mr Peter Cockrum Ms Sara Costa Ms Deborah Cutts Mr Andrew Davenport Mr John Dorrian Dr Evan Dwyer Professor David Forrest Mr Kusal Goonewardena Associate Professor David Hillis Mr John Kurek Dr Brett Light Dr Barbara MaddernWellington AM Dr Sarah Mahoney Miss Ivon Marin Florez Mr Gary McMullen Dr Jean Mulder


New Members We extend a warm welcome to new Members of The Graduate Union. You have joined a membership Association, a residential college and a meeting place for graduates. Mr Lyndsay Neilson Mr Barry Novy Ms Renee Otmar Mr Daniel Ruhoff Mr Jonathan Rush AM Mr Aaron Savic Mr Matthew Schofield Ms Bronwyn Stephens Mr Anthony Suen Ms Merle Thornton Dr Deborah Towns Mr Kenneth Whitters Resident Members Mr Oluseyi Aberafa Miss Sharon Abraham Dr Ahmed Ahmed Mr Sufian Alimdanat Miss Aya Habeeb Taher Al-Jasmin Dr Hafssa Al-Khalil Miss Fatima Al-Khateeb Miss Lobna Alukaidey Miss Jessica Aow Mr Robert Arnold Mr Peter Attema Mr Pablo Avenali Dr Anna-Maria Babey Mr Aakash Babu Professor Zhonglin Bai

Ms Olivia Ball Mr James Ballantyne Leslie Mr Manjot Bansal Dr Rosanne Barnes Mr Gregory Burgess Mr Michael Campbell Dr Hercules Cascon Mr Hugh Caterson Ms Candice Chang Dr Annabelle Chavez-Balor Mr Shih-Jung Chen Miss Xiaojun (Anna) Chen Miss Ka Ling Cheung Ms Nichole Cobham Dr Ricardo Crespo Professor Hans-Dieter Daniel Dr Victoria Daskalova Ms Beatriz de Carvalho Rama Rosa Dr Tymon de Haas Dr Hamsalakshi Dhayalan Miss Sara Diaz Mr German Diaz Mr Christopher DSouza Mr Samuel Edwards Mr Benjamin Elbers Miss Myriam Ellison Miss Daisy Feller

Ms Elizabeth Forbes Miss Mailie Gall Miss Deotima Gangopadhyay Miss Maria Gavilan Morales Miss Cassandra Gheorghe Mrs Marina Gheorghe Dr Ana Gnjec Miss Ester Gonzalez Martinez Mr Aashray Gupta Mr Mohammad Syafiq Habsirun Mr Yuuki Hata Mr Christian Haynl Mr Stefan Heijmans Miss Molly Hunt Ms Jenina Ibanez Mrs Swati Jhaveri Miss Saroj Kamble Mr Shashank Kanade Dr Tetsufumi Kanazawa Ms Miho Kaneko Mrs Aila Hannele Kantola Ms Hima Kavuri Professor Takaharu Kawai Mr Haris Khan Mr Eng Hoe Kher Ms Wendy Kirarock Mrs Klara Kirsch Miss Nardia-Rose Klem December 2017 | Page 31


Professor Joerg Knieling Mr Yuichi Kobayashi Miss Parisa Koutsifeli Dr Aimee Lahaussois Mr Antoine Landry Ms Dani Larkin Mrs Pauline Lawrence Dr Peter Leck Mr Youngkwang (Nolan) Lee Miss Bhoomi Lengde Ms Sylvia Lens Miss Ying Li Miss Heyu Li Mrs Li Li Mr Jun Hua (Bowen) Lim Ms Taiane Lins Mr Kuoyue Liu Mr Zhixue (Joshua) Liu Mr Weian Liu Mr Yung-Hsiang Lu Dr Shuai Ma Mr Scott Mackay Miss Nurual Dayana Mahizir Ms Phoebe Mak Miss Attiya Malik Miss Nuria Mallorqui Bague Ms Heather Manning Ms Julia Marks Miss Mehak Masood Ms Sophie Metsers Mr Eric Metsers Mrs Sanjana Mhambrey Mr Yuki Miyazaki Dr Erik Mooi Dr Irma Mooi-Reci Mr Christopher Morash Dr Moataz Mostafa Shafik Dr Carlos Murguia Professor Kai Nagel Dr Pooja Nagrath Miss Thuy Thi Nguyen December 2017 | Page 32

Miss Philippa Nicolson Mr Nicholas Ong Mr Atta Oveisi Mr Claudio Pacciarelli Ms Sanuli Paralkar Mrs Nicola Passmore Professor David Patrick Ms Jade Patterson Mr Jim Peereboom Ms Cecelia Juan Perez Dr Claudio Persello Mr Youwen Qin Dr Viji Rajendran Mrs Vidhyasakthi Ramakrishnan Ms Bhavatharani Ramakrishnan Mr Vishal Ratanpaul Mr Joe Ravetz Mr Joshua Rhee Mr Carlos Rodriguez Ms Nicola Rossdale Mr Fabio Ruffato Dr Madgalena Rumantir Ms Rebecca Rutherford Miss Mengyao Sang Miss Nancy Santiappillai Professor Yuriko Sato Ms Isabel Schlangen Dr Darren Ee-Jin Seah Mr Salik Shafique Miss Sumbal Shahid Mr Michael Shaw Ms Prajna Shettigar Miss Xinyi Shi Mr Prasan Krishna Shrestha Mr Kris Shu Mrs Carolina Silva Ms Filipa Ferrerira Soares Mrs Dharma Sree Mr Edmond Stewart Mr Devon Stone Mr Timm Strecker

Ms Nishat Sultana Dr Naoki Suzuki Ms Aswan Tai Ms Yiting Tan Ms Sherilyn Tan Miss Jacinthe Tay Mr Rhys Thomas Mrs Bhawna Tikka Mr Jasper Toboville Mr Kelvin Tsui Mrs Swetha Uppala Mr Daisuke Uritani Miss Lara Van De Lande Mr Arnav Varma Mr Ruben Vera Dr Geng Wang Mr Ben Watts Mr Simon Wells Mr Junyan Wenren Mr Peter Wiseman Dr Sammi Wong Dr Jessica Wong Miss Xiwen (Samantha) Wong Ms Juanjuan Wu Ms Manni Wu Ms Yueqi Wu Miss Liqing Xu Miss Daniela Yaneva Dr Ka Ho Raymond Yip Mr Hang Yu Mr Bocheng Zhang Ms Wen Zhang Miss Miao Zhang Dr Omar Zuaiter Miss Clara Zwettler


Australia Day 2017 Honours List

Our Members Recognised

Congratulations and thank you for contributing for the good of Australia and for our global society. Professor Ian Harley Bailey SC

Ms Sandra Ann Kelly

Awarded Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to the law, particularly in the area of dispute resolution in the construction industry, and to education.

Awarded Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for service to the Indigenous community of North Queensland.

His Grace the Most Reverend Archbishop Issam John Darwish

Awarded Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to medicine in the fields of general and vascular surgery, and to professional organisations.

Awarded Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Australia, to the promotion of inter-faith relations, and to the community. Dr Albert Edward Foreman Awarded Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for service to medicine, particularly in rural and remote areas. The Honourable Justice Stephen John Gageler AC Awarded Companion (AC) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for eminent service to the law and to the judiciary through contributions in the areas of constitutional, public, international, common and criminal law, to legal reform, education and academic discourse, and to professional organisations. His Honour the Honourable John Laurence Hardy AO Awarded Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the people of the Northern Territory, and as a patron and supporter of a range of aviation, health, emergency service and charitable organisations.

Dr John Michael Quinn

Squadron Leader Alan William Robertson CSM RFD (Retd) Awarded Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for service to veterans, and to the community. Dr Michael James Spence Awarded Companion (AC) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for eminent service to leadership of the tertiary education sector, to the advancement of equitable access to educational opportunities, to developing strategic programs focused on multidisciplinary research, and to the Anglican Church of Australia. Her Excellency Professor the Hon Catherine (Kate) Ann Warner (AC) Awarded Companion (AC) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for eminent service to the people of Tasmania through leading contributions to the legal community, particularly to law reform, to higher education as an academic, researcher and publisher, and as a supporter of the arts, and environmental and social justice initiatives. XXX

Mr Neville Maxwell Heffernan Awarded Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for service to education, and to the community. December 2017 | Page 33


Our Members

Dr Kenneth Vernon Bailey OAM Member, 1957 The Volunteer Spirit I decided during my protected years of secondary schooling that I would like to qualify for and undertake a kind of professional work that would be of value to as many ordinary people as possible, like the poorer sector of communities, those having health problems, food shortage and resources. During my years at The University of Melbourne I deeply befriended Herbert Feith, the Australian academic and world leading scholar of Indonesian politics, who at that time was planning and launching the Volunteer Graduate Scheme for Indonesia (VGSI). That scheme was funded — lightly — by the Australian Department of External Affairs. The idea was for young Australian graduates to work for a two-year term in Indonesia while occupying posts in various fields that the Indonesian government could not find graduates for. The volunteers were to work for Indonesian Government salaries for those jobs, modest salaries by Australian standards. The Australian Government covered the cost of transfer to Indonesia and a pushbike for their day-to-day use. But not much else.

public hospital in rural West Java, about 150 km north of Bandung. It was a wonderful experience. There was only one other doctor (Dutch) in that province, and he was a gynaecologist who was completely taken up with his surgical work in the larger provincial hospital. I took it as my task to do what I could for the health of the 900,000 people in that province. We managed to nearly double the size of that small hospital and provide a separate ward for many malnourished children. The territory covered included mountainous zones (near Bandung) and coastal plains. There were 23 government health clinics in the province. I managed to visit each of them every three months, and assist the nurses (mainly male) to carry their services to the villages around their clinic. It was a joy to work with these people who appreciated our willingness to share their conditions of work and living. I returned to Australia after two years, stricken with amoebic hepatitis but recovered enough to undertake a second term as volunteer. On my

I was attracted by the fact that Indonesia had, at that time, only one medical doctor per 750,000 people and most of them were working in cities, so health coverage in rural areas was much poorer than statistics suggested. There were many vacant positions for which there were few doctors, whether Indonesian or foreign. I had deep discussions with some staff of The Graduate Union while trying to decide to enrol for this scheme. I did not want to lose contact with my university community, and that link did provide me with ongoing information and bulletins. The Indonesian Government assigned me to a small December 2017 | Page 34

From left: Dr John Howes, Professor Peter Bailey AM OBE, Dr Kenneth Vernon Bailey and Professor David Penington AC Photo source: http://www.queens.unimelb.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/ qcinaeternumdec06.pdf


return to Indonesia, I found that my place was filled by another doctor because they couldn’t leave the station unattended. I asked for a place with nutritional problems, an area of my professional interest and attention. I was assigned to a field post with the Indonesian Nutrition Institute, headed by a devoted and passionate Indonesian doctor. I was responsible for the famine area in Gunung Kidul, a province of 500,000 people whose territory was hilly and very poor, producing mostly cassava, which contains carbohydrates but little protein or other nutrients. Every year there were thousands of people stricken with ‘famine oedema’, having swollen bodies and legs. They were looked after in temporary hospitals set up throughout the province. We undertook studies in selected areas of varying geographical/ecological nature and eventually launched several programs for amelioration. Large amounts of cassava were harvested after the end of the rainy season, and were carried out on foot (mostly by women) to Jogjakarta, the regional capital city. The government of Gunung Kidul decreed that no cassava should be exported from the province until large barns (set up by the local government) were filled with cassava. This shortcircuited the system whereby traders in Jogjakarta resold large amounts of cassava at exorbitantly inflated prices for their own profit, keeping the rural people deeply indebted and impoverished. Plans to improve agricultural and health practices included planting hedgerows of local leguminous plants along the edges of terraces in the fields to minimise soil-erosion, promoting the production of locally grown velvet beans, Mucuna pruriens var. utilis, that were rich in protein and could be made into a form of tempeh (similar to soybean tempeh, a traditional well-known Javanese product but whose raw material, soybean, was too expensive for the local people). There were also plans to intensify educational activity to improve young child-feeding practices through maternal and child health programs and community organising through village head-men, to spread widely these messages and practices. I was fortunate to be able to return twelve years later and see that the famine hospitals were all closed down, various forms of agricultural terracing

were widely implemented and formerly rampant soil-erosion and exhaustion gone, and the blockade of disastrous exports of cassava was holding and bringing massive economic benefits. The substance of this story is inconsequential, but its purpose is important: to show how working overseas (or in Australian communities) as a volunteer can open up new dimensions in a young person’s life in terms of: (i) contributing to development in struggling developing countries, and (ii) more importantly, giving such volunteers superb opportunities for living and working along side nationals of those countries, sharing their enthusiasm and difficulties, sometimes opening up astounding life changes for personal life-experience and community development perspectives. The early years and personalities of the VGSI are well described in Ivan Southall: Indonesia Face to Face (Lansdowne Press, Melbourne, 1964). This book is available at the National Library of Australia, Canberra. In later years, the VGSI was broadened and renamed Australian Volunteers Abroad, and later Australian Volunteers for International Development. These programs included volunteers going to other countries of the Pacific, Asia and Africa, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs'. Thus, Foreign Affairs support to international volunteering has continued for over 60 years and will continue from 2018 as simply 'Australian Volunteers'. This program will include over 900 volunteers annually, and a network of mentors to support volunteers before, during or after their overseas assignments. Is this article therefore behind-the-times and irrelevant? Rather, I am inclined to say that it is all the more timely and important. Besides Australian government-supported programs, there are many programs mounted and supported by NGOs (e.g. The Red Cross) and religious bodies. I would encourage young people who are planning or embarking on their life work, to explore possible opportunities for overseas work through the Department of Foreign Affairs or through NGOs. The ‘volunteer spirit’ has, in my opinion, a critical and crucial contribution to make to international relations and development work. XXX December 2017 | Page 35


Our Members

Mac Nicoll Member, 1957 Mac Nicoll and his wife Margaret (Marg) Nicoll are regular patrons of the Graduate House Dining Room. Mac contributes regularly to our Newsletter. Here, Mac tells us about why they bought a house in Princes Hill 52 years ago. Mac and Marg liked Princes Hill's streetscapes, lanes and old buildings. Marg was living in North Fitzroy and Mac in Essendon and they both had parents who had lived in the area for fifty years earlier. The price of the house at that time was just within their reach, a mere $13,500. So, in early 1966, they began their married life in Princes Hill. Mac, who had been enjoying teaching Humanities, Legal Studies and Accounting at Carey Grammar since his graduation in 1959, continued the drive to Kew for another five years but there was so much happening in the inner city that in 1970

he accepted an invitation to work for three years as education coordinator at the Church Of All Nations in Carlton. It was a Uniting Church which was deeply involved in issues of migration, particularly with people in the newly established housing estates. These were the early exciting days of the Carlton Association, when local pressure stopped the Housing Commission in its tracks and the railway land fight led to victory — the Hardy Gallagher Park was the result. Meanwhile, Marg was furnishing their unrenovated home with second-hand carpets and furniture, supporting protests against alienation of public land, nurturing their daughters, Fiona and Rebecca, as they began their education at the local schools which were both within two hundred metres of their home. She was also entertaining friends and relatives, and some were rather curious as to why Mac and Marg had chosen to live in a double storey terrace house with a stable, loft and cellar in the inner city. Before her marriage, Marg had studied primary school teaching and theology, teaching in Albion, Panton Hills, Blackburn North and at the Presbyterian Ladies' College (PLC) in Burwood. On her return to paid employment, Marg worked as a teacher/librarian at North Coburg and then completed a course in Library and Information Studies before working as the Reference Librarian in the Coburg Municipal Library.

Marg and Mac Nicoll in their garden


In the 1980s, a continuing interest in community education led Marg to become involved with the Princes Hill School-Park Centre where she helped to establish the Railway House Community Centre, now a highly valued local facility.


With a lifelong interest in art, Marg by then had done some Council of Adult Education (CAE) courses in drawing and painting. She was encouraged by a local friend to take up membership of the Victorian Artists Society which led to many years of lessons from gifted artists, and several class exhibitions. In more recent years, Marg has continued painting in various modes and has exhibited frequently at the Artastic Gallery in North Carlton, including several solo exhibitions. Mac, still a beginner in computers, has turned many of these paintings into greeting cards which are sold locally. Meanwhile, Mac spent most of the 1970s and 1980s teaching at Princes Hill High School and Richmond Girls High School, apart from 1980 when the family were living at Manggai Provincial High School in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. It was an unforgettable experience for them all. Mac's last decade of paid work was in the field of pastoral care for Uniting Church ministers and their families in the Yarra Valley Presbytery. In 1998, Mac and Marg moved to a smaller house, literally just round the corner from their previous home (so close that the carriers wheeled their piano along the street).

Marg and Mac at the computer at home

Their two daughters who are now in their mid-life working years, have lived in many places. Their older daughter, Fiona, an Associate Professor at Alberta University in Edmonton, Canada, teaches cultural studies and politics. Their younger daughter, Rebecca, trained in environmental science and social work, and manages the operations at Shepparton Food Share, which distributes food to local schools and emergency relief agencies for those in need in the Goulburn Valley area. A highlight of Mac and Marg’s retirement years has been the discovery of the Graduate House Dining Room, where they have been so well cared for by the staff and to which they have invited many old and new friends, many who had not been aware of the existence of Graduate House. These visitors have been invariably appreciative of the experience. They are no longer surprised to hear Marg and Mac describe Graduate House's Dining Room and staff as their “home away from home” as it has proven to be a very supportive place when so many out-patient visits are required in Parkville. XXX

Marg and Mac celebrating Mac’s birthday in the Graduate House Dining Room in August, 2016



Our Members

Jim Peereboom Resident Member, 2017 Bursary Award Recipient My name is Jim Peereboom and I am a graduateentry medical student in my first year at The University of Melbourne. I grew up in a rural region in Queensland where I went to school and eventually studied for my undergraduate degree at The University of Queensland. During my undergraduate studies, I had always been unsure of where I would end up and what career would best suit me. In order to figure this out, I began studying a Commerce and Arts dual degree with a Diploma of Languages, and this was contrasting starkly with the heavily science-based classes that I took in high school. This allowed me to enrol in a broad selection of classes and get a feel for what options were out there.

enjoyable. However, I knew that I wouldn’t want to be confined to the lab all the time and so I finally made my decision to try and get into the medical field. From that point on, it was a matter of keeping my good grades up and sitting for a series of exams and interviews, before finally being offered a place to study Medicine at The University of Melbourne. Since I have no family in this city, it of course meant that I needed to find a place to live and a way to finance myself while I pursued my studies.

After a year and a half of studying Journalism, International Relations, Politics, Communications, Statistics, Philosophy, Accounting and Finance, I realised that these areas of study didn’t interest me as much as the Sciences, so I changed my degree to a Bachelor of Science. This again is a broad field and it was only through taking classes in Geology, Botany, Physiology, Chemistry and Physics did I come to find that what I most enjoyed learning about was anatomy. The way the human body develops from its embryonic origins and eventually fits together as an adult intrigued me. So from here I wanted to see if it was the practical side of medicine or the research behind it that would interest me most. To test this out, I took on a research project at the Queensland Brain Institute on investigating vision. I found it to be interesting and highly December 2017 | Page 38

Jim, at home on his property in rural Queensland.


I was very thankful to be able to secure a place of residence at Graduate House, where the convenient location has been an absolute godsend, which means I no longer had to deal with the hourlong commute to and from the University. Similarly, the Bursary award that I won from The Graduate Union has gone a long way in paying for medical equipment like my stethoscope and reflex hammer, which are absolute necessities during my medical training. These instruments have already been useful for more than just my training because I have been using them in some volunteer work at the 'Teddy Bear Hospital', an initiative run by the Good Friday Appeal. In this Appeal, medical and nursing students raise money for The Royal Children’s Hospital and attempt to alleviate the fears that many children have when confronted with white coats, by having us treat their teddy bears! It was a fantastic day of interacting with parents and children alike to show them different parts of the medical industry and the different ways in which doctors can help.

The Bursary Award enabled me to purchase some of the medical equipment that was used when I was volunteering at the ‘Teddy Bear Hospital’.

This experience has given me more than just a fuzzy feeling inside (pun very much intended), as it has also piqued my interest in working with children, potentially directing me towards a career as a paediatrician! In the meantime, I will just be continuing my medical studies at the University and at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. It is still a long road ahead, so I would like to thank The Graduate Union for supporting me in this step of my studies. XXX

The Royal Children’s ‘Teddy Bear Hospital’ aims to make the hospital experience less scary for the young patients. Photo source — http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-25/royal-childrenshospital-appeal/7276940



Our Members

Melissa Kennedy Resident Member, 2016 Bursary Award Recipient My Pathway I am a part-time student studying at Melbourne Law School, pursuing a Master of Laws, with a particular interest in criminal law and evidence. I am also taking other subjects such as Mental Health Law and Constitutional Rights and Freedoms. I chose part-time studies, even though it will take longer, so that I could pursue other interests like working part-time and volunteering. Before returning to study, I worked as a law graduate in commercial litigation at Arnold Bloch Leibler. I was admitted to legal practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2016. While working in a professional environment, I found that I loved the legal research side of legal practice. As legal research is only a small part of legal practice, I decided to undertake further studies. I am currently working part-time as a content developer for an online platform called Kialo, which means ‘reason’ in the global language Esperanto. It is being developed as a tool to encourage thoughtful discussion and engagement with challenging issues. One of the objectives is to encourage rational debate in a manner that avoids the vitriol and fiery exchanges that occur on other social media platforms. One way of achieving this is through collaborative editing and discussion about the wording of each claim. The site is really interesting. Here is the link www.kialo.com. If this piques your interest, please take a few minutes to look around. At the University, I have spent a lot of time competing and adjudicating in intervarsity debating. This is how I became involved with the Kialo site. Before this, I had spent time coaching December 2017 | Page 40

Melissa Kennedy pictured with the law books purchased with the Bursary Award prize money


school students in debating for their interschool competition, and I have also volunteered in criminal law and drug outreach at Fitzroy Legal Service.

After I complete my Master of Laws, I aim to commence a PhD in an area of domestic criminal law and evidence law, where I will need some more time to prepare a research proposal.

Initially, I decided to study law because I love reading and arguing and was interested in understanding the rules in governing society. In all honesty, I did not really know what I would be learning about as an eighteen year old undergraduate, but I very quickly discovered that I liked reading cases, understanding legal principles and thinking through legal problems. I loved mooting (mock law court) and other legal competitions. A highlight was winning the First Year Mooting competition before Her Honour, Justice Michelle Gordon, who is a current member of the High Court of Australia.

Other Interests Outside of my studies, I am a member of a number of book clubs, including the public lecture series at The University of Melbourne, ‘Melbourne Masterclass: 10 Great Books’ as well as more social ones.

In 2013, I was an editor of the Monash University Law Review where we published 941 pages over three issues, and I learnt a great deal about legal scholarship and the editing process. At our Annual Dinner, the then Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, the Hon Robert French AC, spoke to the editorial committee, contributors, faculty members and guests from the legal profession. It was certainly a highlight of my time at Monash University. I also worked as a Research Assistant at the Monash Law School for two academics, in Cybercrime and International Criminal Law. Halfway through my Master of Laws, I realised that I enjoy very much learning about the theories underpinning the areas of law and grappling with interdisciplinary issues. For example, in a subject on counter-terrorism, I wrote a 10,000 word paper on preparatory terrorist offences and I was required to read widely on ‘risk’ theory, which intersects considerably with criminology and political thought.

I have a strong interest in the classical world, so I currently attend a Latin reading group. In January, I participated in the Melbourne University Classics Summer School — a week of public lectures on archaeology, Greek and Roman history. I have participated extensively in University debating and attended the World Universities Debating Championships in Botswana and the Philippines. I was asked to select the Monash University teams last year for the championships. I have a season subscription to the Melbourne Theatre Company, attend musicals and am a passionate Melbourne Football Club supporter. Living at Graduate House Living as a resident at Graduate House has been a wonderful experience. My favourite time of the day is dinner each weeknight, as it is an opportunity to meet students from all over the world. The discussions at dinner are often very interesting and provide global perspectives on current issues. It is also incredibly convenient to live so close to the Melbourne Law School, the city and Lygon Street, as well as in walking distance of The University of Melbourne’s facilities such as the Beaurepaire Swimming Pool, located on campus. XXX



Our Members

Milena Nadgorny Resident Member, 2016 Research Scholarship Recipient

Milena Nadgorny is undertaking her PhD on 3D printing of functional materials at The University of Melbourne. The funds from the Graduate House Research Scholarship will be used for Milena’s travel expenses to access research facilities at The University of Washington, USA and for the purchase of 3D printing equipment and consumables. Milena explained in her presentation at the 105th Annual General Meeting of The Graduate Union, where she was awarded her scholarship, that 3D printing technology allows for the translation of virtual design only imagined, to an actual solid, physical 3D object. There are many advantages to these technologies, from the ability to customise the design, to decreasing the amount of waste and production time. The objective of Milena’s PhD research is to synthesise the process and produce functional objects. Unlike commercially available benign plastics, the interest lies in performing some chemical, catalytical or physical functions. They will be focusing on the field of soft robots and green chemistry.

“Our lab specialises in the function of smart polymers and we then perform the characterisation of those materials, processing them and 3D printing them. We are interested in exploring new areas where this technology can be applied,” she said. Last year, Milena’s research led her to synthesise and print successfully some catalytic devices that are capable of degrading environmental pollutants, in particular 4-nitrophenol, a by-product of the pharmaceutical industry. Her research into the area saw the team employing 3D printing technology to fabricate microporous membranes, successfully degrading 96 percent of nitrophenol within an hour, without signs of degradation to the catalyst. This is also the case for soft robots, which over time and with overuse, can be damaged. Future work will be in collaboration with The University of Washington with the hope of developing the new generation of 3D printable materials for tissue engineering and fabricating some materials with enhanced mechanical performances.

3D printing of self-healing gels



“I would like to thank The Graduate Union very much for the scholarship, which is a very valuable resource for me to travel to Seattle to proceed with my collaborative research,” Milena said. After the completion of her Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, and a Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the Technion — Israel Institute of Technology, Milena spent the next three years at Hewlett-Packard (HP) in the Research and Development Materials Department, as a Chemical Engineer and Project Leader. In this role she developed high-throughput novel packaging inks for large format inkjet printers. HP Management awarded her with a Recognition Award for this development and for the filing of a United States Patent for the new technology. This unique opportunity led to the research and development of new materials in a multidisciplinary environment, and was an important milestone in Milena's professional career. Her deep interest and involvement in materials research became more clearly defined.

Milena Nadgorny

Milena then decided to pursue an academic research degree. She was fortunate to have successfully gained a Melbourne International Research Scholarship (MIRS) and a Melbourne International Fee Remission Scholarship (MIFRS) to support her enrolment at The University of Melbourne in the Chemical Engineering Department. XXX

Ag-Functionalised 3D Printed P2VP Catalytic Membrane Stable, efficient and recyclable



Our Members

Sebastian Teo Resident Member, 2016 Bursary Award Recipient Sebastian Teo is currently pursuing his Master of Architecture degree at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). Below is an interview with Sebastian on the topic of ‘Students looking at the possibility of architecture on Mars.’

tools such as algorithms and scripts to develop specific outcomes, and realising this in the real world through the use of robotics, such as various 3D printing processes, Computer Numeric Control (CNC) routing and various other automated methods.

I have always had a strong interest in designing and making things, robots and computers, since my early elementary school days. My initial interest in the field of architecture came about during high school, where I was fascinated by drawings of house plans. I started my studies in Perth, where I completed my Bachelor of Design at the University of Western Australia, before moving to Melbourne and combining my interest in architecture, robotics, and programming into my Master of Architecture at RMIT.

The ever-evolving development of technology and computergenerated design leads to fascinating and exciting possibilities which can be imagined using these emerging 3D printing technologies and robotic processes.

My deep fascination with space exploration has led me to research the possibilities of outer space colonisation, in particular on Mars, for my final research project as part of my Master of Architecture.

With a fast-developing interest on sending people to Mars, and major bodies such as NASA and the business magnate Elon Musk seeing humans on Mars in the near future, ‘Architecture’ on Mars will be one of the problems which needs to be solved. This is where robotic fabrication, such as 3D printing, proves to

Through my interest in robotic and digital fabrication in architecture, I use computational


Important to my studies and a constantly present issue, is the uncovering of the limits and constraints of current robotic fabrication and material characteristics. This is also the basis of solutions to future robotic and digital fabrication techniques and processes.

be the most viable solution, as traditional methods such as human labour and various construction tools and machines are not easily accessible. My research interest is in finding solutions for the 3D printing of buildings and shelter in the early stages of the colonisation of Mars. Let me tell you about the remarkable world of 3D printing. 3D is extremely basic in principle, and is essentially used to describe various types of processes which end in a threedimensional object. While there are many different types of 3D printing which exist and are out there, the most common and usually thought of when 3D printing is mentioned, is direct deposition, which extrudes or deposits material in layers to build up the desired object. The most accessible 3D printers today usually use polymer plastic materials, mainly polylactic acid (PLA) which is a biodegradable plastic — and what your takeaway coffee lids are made of, for example — and AcrylonitrileButadiene-Styrene (ABS), the material which is, for example, what Lego® is made from.


Much research and development is looking at different ways to extrude other materials such as metals, fibreglass, concrete and glass. We are always seeking to find new ways to use these materials. 3D printers can range from small machines that can fit on your desk, to industrial robot arms with extrusion systems and even large scale 3D crane printing. In relation to architecture, the larger scale 3D printing processes are most beneficial in an architectural outcome. While 3D printing in architecture is not so prevalent today, I believe it will emerge at an exponential rate in the not-sodistant future. The benefits of robotic fabrication are proving to, I believe, outweigh the way traditional architectural practice works. This can be said in terms of fabricating forms which would be deemed not possible by traditional means, or monetary, where the running cost of robotic fabrication and savings of efficient material used will result in cheaper overall costs.

I am a believer that everything is and has to evolve, and while there is much to admire and learn from the ‘classics’, we must cater to the ever-changing current needs of society, even in architectural language and construction.

I believe that the role of construction workers, and even architects, will have to shift and change in the future, which is not something that has not happened in the past, where the role of the architect has changed endlessly since Roman times.

One recent example is in Dubai where the government has put in place laws which will require at least 25 percent of all buildings to be 3D printed by the year 2030, and recently approved plans for the world’s first 3D printed tower.

I believe that for the world, and particularly architecture, construction workers, architects, engineers and other consultants will have to learn and work in collaboration with robots and advanced machines, rather than having robots replace us.

There are however, many issues before the idea of 3D printed buildings can become the norm.

I think we live in an extremely exciting time in history, where we are able to see the rapid development of technologies, robots, space exploration and how it affects society in not only architecture, but all fields and daily activities.

In places like Dubai where construction workers have poor working standards and extremely low wages, the introduction of robotic fabrication can be beneficial in improving human rights issues. Places like Australia, where the trade unions have a strong presence, might raise issues in having robots take the roles in construction trades. These will be issues that will come up in the future, and it will be interesting to see how they will be dealt with.

Lastly, I encourage anyone who is remotely interested in technology and whatever fields of work and study, or even hobbies, to embrace and be open to the change. You may find a different perspective! XXX



National Student Leadership Forum (NSLF)

The National Student Leadership Forum (NSLF) is an annual four-day conference held in Canberra. The forum brings together today’s leaders and the leaders of tomorrow to discuss openly who they are, what they believe in and the significance of faith and values as foundations for effective leadership. The NSLF was held 7th — 10th September, 2017. The Graduate Union was represented by Resident Members Priyanka Rajani, whose story is below, and Nouman Daud Sharif, whose story is on page 48.

Priyanka Rajani Resident Member, 2016 Time teaches us a quite few things as we grow older and especially as we enter young adulthood. One of the key things I have learned to appreciate is just how busy our lives get — busy being productive, getting from point A to point B, making phone calls, arranging things, planning for our future and basically, constantly getting things done. We spend our days chasing the end of our to-do lists and sometimes in that rush, we forget to sit down and enjoy the simple things in life. Sometimes we forget to leave room in our busy schedules

for some good reflection or an unexpected and fun conversation. So it became obvious that when the opportunity to attend a four-day leadership conference presented itself, I said yes. It took me all of five minutes to decide and to mark my calendar. An opportunity to meet some 200 other Australians, in the country’s capital, living practically right next to Parliament House! There really was no re-thinking this decision. Even then, I had no idea what I’d signed up for! What is a leadership conference anyway? Can leadership be taught at a conference? (Not to ruin the suspense, but my answer, post-conference, is yes. Leadership can be taught at a conference if done the right way.) Over four hectic and joy-filled days I was taken through experiences and conversations I didn’t even know were possible. Have you ever heard Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speak about his life, his faith, childhood experiences and personal values? His relationship with his parents or his views on love? Have you ever met a Prime Minister or a head of state who talks about love? And in front of a room full of young adults?

Priyanka (front right) with members of her group in Canberra


I know that I definitely haven’t. I also didn’t think that I would ever, until that first day in Canberra, while witnessing Question Time at Parliament House, meet with the most down-to-earth Member of Parliament imaginable, get a guided


The 2017 National Student Leadership Forum attendees

tour of Parliament house, hear Bill Shorten, Leader of the Australian Labor Party, be on point with his comedy and political astuteness and finally, hear the CEO of National Australia Bank talk about what got him to the top of his career ladder and what keeps him going through the challenges. Did I mention that was just Day One? All of this was just the beginning. The following four days brought me eight wonderful people who formed my host group — six young leaders, two facilitators (who were incidentally, also associated with the conference founding team) and one assistant facilitator who kept us all together. All of us would go on to share our views on this world, our faith (or lack thereof) and our life experiences. It is one thing to know that a country is diverse and see people from various backgrounds walk out on the streets, but it’s quite another to bring them together in a safe space and get them to share their honest truths with people whom they have never met. Nothing makes one respect diversity more than the knowledge that people who may look very different, speak a different language at home and occasionally dress differently to us and pray to a different god, are in fact facing the same struggles all around us. With somewhat similar ambitions for their future — the desire to be good, do good and live well within our communities.

It is difficult to remember these realities as we get busy. A forum like the NSLF does the perfect job of showing us not only how to observe such realities, but also to make them a part of our daily life — as active leaders in our communities. How does a forum like NSLF achieve these things? One key ingredient is good facilitation. When I say this, I think of the young men and women in their twenties, who spearheaded the conference, to have healthy conversations around faith. I think of the many leaders and politicians who have joined twenty years of the conference to share their stories, as honestly and openly as they can. I think of the group discussion facilitators who put aside their jobs, families and their phones for four days to come and talk to a bunch of (somewhat clueless) young adults. And finally, I think of the young future leaders who took out four days from their packed lives to join a conference about which they knew very little to start off with, but to which they contributed wholeheartedly. At the end of it, if there is one thing I took away from the conference — it is the need to fill our lives with conversations that allow us to understand those who look different from us. These conversations take us outside our comfort zones. No matter how busy we get, it’s always necessary to understand the struggles of those around us and lend a listening ear where possible. All of us can do our part to make this world a better place, through actions big and small, as the leaders of tomorrow. XXX December 2017 | Page 47


National Student Leadership Forum (NSLF)

Nouman Daud Sharif Resident Member, 2016

A journey of years covered in 72 hours! The National Student Leadership Forum was the most touching and inspiring experience of my life. Like all the other delegates, I was unaware of what to expect Nouman Daud Sharif from the Forum, but as the event unfolded before me, I realised why the entire event was kept a mystery. The simple reason was that it could not be explained! There were no words to describe the emotional rollercoaster everyone was going to embark on — it could only be felt and experienced! The Forum was not about 'leadership', but about the essence and core of 'servant leadership', which is a genius combination of words. Servant leadership is different compared to the traditional concept of leadership. Often, leadership is thought of as assuming the primary role and achieving a goal. Servant leadership however, is about being worthy of the trust put in you, being faithful to the group objectives, focusing on 'we' rather than 'me', seeing people as inherently valuable and also helping people to grow! It is about taking the lead, inspiring and valuing others, and striving for common objectives while ensuring that personal motives do not overcome the superior motive of benefiting others. At the Forum, I met other delegates who, like me, were full of energy, but the excitement was December 2017 | Page 48

contained due to unawareness about the Forum. However, everyone got engaged in the events as the days progressed. I witnessed Question Time at Parliament House and got the opportunity to hear from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and several members of Parliament in a dedicated, unique and valuable environment. The incredibly inspirational leaders had a personal touch to their speeches and they talked about their life, background, motives and most importantly their 'faith and values' which drive their positivity and channel their efforts for the betterment of others. The stimulation gradually started kicking in after hearing from several amazing leaders, and the purpose of the Forum began to unfold before me. I progressively started understanding what the Forum was about and the activities that would take place, but I just could not estimate the impact it would have on me. By the end of the day, after listening to several stirring stories from various members of Parliament, CEOs from corporations and various speakers, I learnt the difference between 'leadership' and 'servant leadership', and the difference between skills, talents, values and faith, which were identified as various contributors to leadership. The Forum had several occasions where small groups (six delegates and three facilitators) came together in a private setting and discussed their opinions on various matters and speakers, and the inspiration that was gained. Listening to everyone’s thought-provoking points of view was a great source of knowledge and motivation, but it was just the beginning of the journey. Over a period of three days, the small group meetings became more and more personal. A safe environment was promoted where it was unconditionally acceptable to be true to yourself and others. I was absolutely


heartened to hear the life stories of people and was moved by the intensity of emotions that engulfed the entire group during the discussions. I heard stories of the hardships people have met and was absolutely dumbfounded in discovering how they fought various situations and rose above them, yet having the sturdiest longing to benefit others. My story was ordinary compared to the rest and hearing others made me realise how blessed I am, yet thankless. My group humbled me, and their life stories and lessons inspired me incredibly, such that I feel like a different person with an amplified desire of giving back to society and spreading nothing but positivity. The small group became a family — we had food together, did community service together and we played volleyball together as well! All these activities and discussions created the strongest bond and acceptance between us all, where exclusivity was respected and encouraged. Everyone realised how important it is to feel included and acknowledged and how important it is to connect with someone’s soul rather than focusing on the surface, which unfortunately is what we often do. The friends that I made at the Forum are now companions of my life journey and I know that I can rely on these people and seek their help, as I have expressed to them my core. I had been disconnected from the world for four days, did not think of studies, material, work or any worldly entity. The Forum was about burrowing deep and exploring your own values, about finding meaning in life and being inspired to do good for others as servant leaders, getting rid of all negativity and, most importantly, it was about nourishment of the soul! All the people I met at the Forum have changed my life. I feel more humbled and I have explored myself in a way I never had. I now have a strong urge to do better for others and spread friendship. Through the Forum, I have learnt how to learn and that I need to learn more! I feel absolutely blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to experience something I never expected, and would have not been able to experience in any other environment. I feel blessed

that I have connected with myself more deeply and have met people whom I can trust and share my life with. I am absolutely moved by the experience and have become more of a human being, someone who is connected with emotions, faith and values, and someone who respects individuality and willingly wants to benefit others as a servant leader!

Cleaning up the external areas and lawn windows of a house on Voluntary Community Service Activity

Outside the War Memorial in Canberra with Parliament House in the distant background

From the depths of my heart, I pay gratitude to The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne and Dr Kerry Bennett, who saw potential in me and sponsored me to attend the National Student Leadership Forum. I appreciate this initiative of The Graduate Union and urge Resident Members to benefit from this wonderful opportunity in the following years! XXX



Our Members

Avinash Gandhi Resident Member, 2016 Avinash (Avi) Gandhi was born in Wellington, New Zealand and has been a Resident Member of Graduate House since February 2016 while studying for a Master of Construction Management at The University of Melbourne. He has a Bachelor of Environments and a Graduate Diploma of Architecture from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

Avi's Movember journey


More than five million people have participated in this event since it was started in 2003 in Australia, and it has expanded over the years to include Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Avi participated in 'Movember', an annual charity event that aims Movember has raised more than to raise money and awareness $770 million since 2003. of men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular “It takes a bit of courage to grow a cancer, mental health and suicide moustache these days and to rock prevention. This was Avi’s third it with confidence,” Avi said. Movember, and this year he hoped to raise $1,000 (having raised $100 He asked people to make a contribution, “as small as a in 2014 and $300 in 2016). His lazy $5”. motivation was to raise awareness of men’s health issues, which he We thank Avi for his contribution said was “a quiet issue which often by growing a 'mo' for Movember goes under the carpet”. and raising money for this worthy cause. Movember involves the growing of moustaches during the month XXX of November, and its name derives from 'mo' (the diminutive word for moustache) and the word 'November'. The goal of Movember is to “change the face of men’s health” by increasing early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments, and ultimately reducing the number of preventable deaths.


Welcome to Graduate House

On 13th November, 2017, The Graduate Union hosted a delegation from Gansu Agricultural University (GAU), China, led by The University Director, Mr Feng Xizhong who gave an informative presentation about this central northern university. Founded in 1946, before the establishment of the People's Republic of China, GAU is one of the oldest and most prestigious agricultural universities in China. Located on the picturesque Yellow River bank in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, it has about 31,000 students (including 16,000 undergraduates, 2,500 postgraduates, and 12,500 extended education students) with the faculty numbering 1,600. GAU has established international cooperation and exchange with 30 universities and institutes in more than 10 countries including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Delegates from Gansu Agricultural University, China

The delegation was welcomed in Mandarin by Life Member, Dr Max Stephens, who has taught extensively in China, followed by a presentation about The Graduate Union by CEO/Head of College, Dr Kerry Bennett with the help of translators Angela Xu and Resident Members, Juanjuan Wu and Elvis Liu. Also attending was Mary Kelleher, who is a Council Member of The Graduate Union, Chair of the Buildings and Facilities subcommittee of Council and Vice President of the Australian-Asian Association Victoria Inc. The presentations were warmly received by all attending, and it was particularly pleasing to have in attendance Resident Members who were able to answer questions about postgraduate life here in Melbourne. XXX December 2017 | Page 51


Welcome to Graduate House

United Board Fellowship Program

Graduate House held a welcome morning tea for the visiting 2017 – 2018 United Board Fellows, Dr Annabelle Balor and Dr Hercules Cascon on Thursday, 5th October. The Fellows were introduced to their mentors, Professor Anne Steinemann and Professor Stephen Dinham OAM, from The University of Melbourne. Both Professor Steinemann and Professor Dinham OAM are internationally renowned for their research. In 2011 Professor Dinham was awarded a Medal of (from left) Dr Cascon, Professor Steinemann, Dr Balor, Cr Asthana, Professor Dinham OAM, Cr Kelleher, Dr Bennett and Dr Stephens the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to educational research, and to more about efficiently leading his faculty, staff professional associations. Professor Steinemann is and students in outcomes-based education and Professor of Civil Engineering at The University of research endeavours. Melbourne, and Chair of Sustainable Cities. Both Fellows are completing the international Also at the welcome tea were Council Members twelve-month United Board Fellows Program in Molina Asthana and Mary Kelleher, as well as which the aim is to develop dynamic leaders who Dr Max Stephens, Senior Research Fellow in will advance whole person education within their Mathematics Education at Melbourne Graduate home institutions. School of Education, The University of Melbourne. Dr Balor and Dr Cascon most recently participated, Dr Balor is from the University of St. La Salle in with the other eighteen United Board Fellows the Philippines, and has a doctorate in education from all over the world, in a one-month intensive management. She was Dean of the College leadership program led by the Harvard Institute of Education and has served as Assistant Vice for Higher Education, part of Harvard University’s Chancellor for Academic Affairs since 2011. Graduate School of Education. Dr Cascon holds a doctorate in environmental The Graduate Union extends thanks, in particular, engineering from Myongji University in South to the Fellows’ mentors, Professor Anne Korea. He considers himself one of the champions Steinemann and Professor Stephen Dinham OAM, of outcomes-based education at the College and to the support mentors Dr Max Stephens and of Engineering at Xavier University-Ateneo de Council Member Mary Kelleher. Cagayan in the Philippines. Through the United XXX Board Fellows program, Dr Cascon hopes to learn December 2017 | Page 52



Ours deepest condolences The year of membership is indicated Dr Barry Ian Aldrich, 1951 Dr Leonard Richard Allen, 1955 Mr Stanton Charles Archer, 1953 Mr Yuzo Baba, 2015 Professor David Biles OAM, 1964 Dr Alexandra Esther Cameron OBE, 1971 Mr Paul Clement Carlin, 2005 Mrs Joan Heywood Chambers, 1953 Dr Elizabeth Jean Cornish, 1998 Dr James Joseph Cross, 1966 Mrs Dorothy Maud Delarue, 1954 Mr Eric Ford, 2009 Miss Beryl Ida Green, 1962 Mrs Janet Robin Guthrie, 1963 Mr John Keith Henderson, 1965

Dr Frank Curnow Jones, 1957 Mr Allan David Main, 2009 Mrs Suzette Rowena Main, 1962 Mr Peter Terence Osborne, 1954 Professor Peter Angas Parsons AM, 1979 Miss Kathleen Margaret Peace Rankin, 1971 Dr Brian Robin Stewardson, 1960 Mrs Kitty Louise Syer, 1951 Mrs Sidney Irene Thomas, 1971 Mr Lindsay David Thomson, 1966 Mrs Nancye Jean Trigellis-Smith, 1951 Mrs Margaret Van Rompaey, 1972 Mrs Kitty Van Wees-Miller, 1998 Mr John Emerson Warren, 1965

Mr Paul Clement Carlin Member, 2005

We extend our deepest condolences to Paul Carlin’s family, friends and colleagues over the loss of such a treasured man.

Mr Paul Carlin (1940 – 2017)

Paul Carlin attended St Michael’s Primary School and completed secondary school at St Joseph’s College, both in North Melbourne. He underwent teacher training at the Melbourne Teachers’ College, then gained a Bachelor of Education from Deakin University and a Master of Education from The University of Melbourne. Beginning his teaching career in Mortlake, a rural town in south-west Victoria, Paul subsequently held teaching

positions in the Police Academy and in various primary schools. He was valued and respected at the Rotary Club of Carlton after becoming a member in 2002. The Carlin family was deeply touched when the Rotary Club of Carlton agreed to its suggestion to acknowledge Paul’s legacy by renaming the Outstanding Leadership Award 'The Rotary Club of Carlton Paul Carlin Outstanding Leadership Award.' For the full tribute, go to: https:// www.graduatehouse.com.au/ join-us/who-are-our-members/ vale/#paul-carlin December 2017 | Page 53



Miss Kathleen Peace Rankin Member, 1971 We are touched and deeply grateful for the $10,000 bequest from Miss Kathleen Peace Rankin.

Miss Kathleen Peace Rankin (1918 – 2016)

Under the terms of her will, Miss Rankin left the following legacy to the Graduate Union: “The sum of ten thousand dollars in memory of my said father [Donald Hamilton Rankin] and it is my wish that a small memorial plaque bearing his name be affixed in some suitable place in Graduate House as deemed appropriate by the said Graduate Union.” A woman destined to be remembered, Kathleen Peace Rankin was born in Perth on Remembrance

Day, 11th November in 1918, hence the name 'Peace' as her father was overjoyed that she arrived on the day the Great War ended. She was the second child of Donald Hamilton Rankin and Marion Margaret (nee Morton) Rankin. Miss Rankin studied for a Bachelor of Arts at The University of Melbourne, later working as a paralegal well beyond the retirement age. For the full tribute, go to: https:// www.graduatehouse.com.au/ join-us/who-are-our-members/ vale/#kathleen-rankin

Dr Yuzo Baba Member, 2015 Tribute by Professor Spas D. Kolev, School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne

Dr Yuzo Baba (second from right) (1987 – 2017)

The sad news that Dr Yuzo Baba (aged 29) passed away on 10th February, 2017 could not have been more unexpected and shattering. This is a terrible loss not only to his family, friends and colleagues, but also to the Chemical Engineering community. Yuzo was a very talented young researcher with a highly promising academic career ahead of him. In 2015 he was awarded a highly competitive 2-year JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship to conduct research on polymer inclusion


membranes in my laboratory, which he commenced in May 2015. In April 2016 Yuzo joined the Graduate School of Science and Technology of Tokushima University as Assistant Professor. During his short academic career, Yuzo demonstrated his outstanding ability to conduct high quality research, which is reflected by his excellent publication record including 15 refereed journal articles, three patents and numerous conference presentations. For the full tribute, go to: https:// www.graduatehouse.com.au/ join-us/who-are-our-members/ vale/#yuzo-baba



Dr Alexandra Cameron MBE Member, 1971 We are saddened by the passing of Dr Alexandra Cameron MBE, a remarkable woman who lived until the age of 107 and dedicated her life to music education.

Dr Alexandra Cameron MBE (1910 – 2017)

Dr Alexandra Cameron was awarded the accolade of an MBE but was affectionately known as 'Cam'. Born in Darling Downs, Queensland, she was educated at Hilda’s School, Southport, then studied at The University of Melbourne. A trailblazing woman, Dr Cameron served in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in New Guinea during the Second World War, where she reached the rank of Lieutenant.

When she was a Music Method lecturer at The University of Melbourne in 1963, she was revered as a “supportive and inspiring teacher” who always made time for students. Graduate House Councillor Mary Kelleher delivered a thoughtful tribute to Dr Cameron, saying: “When I commenced teaching, I always felt I could ring ‘Cam’ for advice, as she was a great mentor.” For the full tribute, go to: https:// www.graduatehouse.com.au/ join-us/who-are-our-members/ vale/#alexandra-cameron

Dr Janet Guthrie Member, 1963 We mourn the loss of Dr Janet Guthrie and remember her as a noted academic, researcher and women’s health pioneer. She excelled as a leader in the understanding of women’s menopause.

Dr Janet Guthrie (1942 – 2017)

Janet was born in Melbourne to Mary and Jack Hasker. She balanced her work life with her love of golf. Janet started at Lauriston Girls’ School in 1946 and completed a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne in 1963. Working as a researcher at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Janet was a pioneer in the field of autoimmune disease.

In 1994, Janet became project director of the Melbourne Women’s Midlife Health Project. This landmark study involved interviewing 2,000 middle-aged women and following 500 women going through menopause. Her work was crucial, due to concerns about the long-term health effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy. Janet completed her PhD in 1988 on 'Bone density and the menopause in Australian-born women'. For the full tribute, go to: https:// www.graduatehouse.com.au/ join-us/who-are-our-members/ vale/#janet-guthrie December 2017 | Page 55



Dr John Keith Henderson AO MBBS FRACS FRCS Member, 1965 We are saddened by the passing of neurosurgeon Dr John Keith Henderson AO and pay tribute to his unique contribution to medicine. Dr Henderson was a noted neurosurgeon, known as 'Keith' to the family, friends and colleagues whose lives were touched by his brilliance. Keith was born in Perth and moved to Melbourne in 1940 to study medicine at The University of Melbourne. Graduating in 1945, he became a resident medical officer at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne.

Dr John Keith Henderson AO MBBS FRACS FRCS (1923 – 2017)

Keith travelled to the UK in 1950 and spent the next four years at the University of Oxford. In 1955 he returned to Melbourne to become a neurosurgeon, once again at St Vincent’s Hospital. Keith was head of the unit from 1966 until 1988 when he retired, aged 65. He is remembered fondly by students, residents and neurosurgical trainees. In 1987, Keith was awarded the Order of Australia for services to medicine. For the full tribute, go to: https:// www.graduatehouse.com.au/ join-us/who-are-our-members/ vale/#john-henderson

Mrs Joan Heywood Chambers Member, 1953 We extend our condolences to the family of Joan Heywood Chambers. Everyone knew her as a dedicated teacher, politician and campaigner for Ballarat.

Mrs Joan Heywood Chambers (1930 – 2016)

Joan Heywood Chambers was born in Elsternwick to parents James McNab Murray and Annie Hale Shaw. She attended Ormond State School and Tintern Church of England Girls' Grammar School, and later graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts in 1950 and Diploma of Education in 1951. Eyeing a career in politics, Joan joined the Liberal Party in 1969 and


was elected to the seat of Ballarat South in 1979. Joan is remembered as a passionate campaigner and advocate. The Liberal Party of Australia’s Ballarat Conference paid tribute to her: “Joan was a strong and effective member of the Liberal Party community in Ballarat. A friend to all and a persuasive activist at all times. Strong in her life, in her faith and in her political beliefs.” For the full tribute, go to: https:// www.graduatehouse.com.au/ join-us/who-are-our-members/ vale/#joan-chambers



Dr James (Jim) Joseph Cross Member, 1966 We mourn the loss of Dr Jim Cross, an internationally renowned mathematics scholar with a remarkable proficiency for languages who was passionate about mathematical history.

Dr James (Jim) Joseph Cross (1937 – 2017)

James Cross, known to all as Jim, was born in Melbourne and educated at St Augustine’s Primary School, Yarraville, and Christian Brothers' College, North Melbourne. Jim then spent five years in the novitiate and the study of philosophy and biblical languages in the Catholic religious order — the Franciscans. His superiors counselled him to pursue his love of mathematics, so he commenced

his studies at The University of Melbourne in 1959, completing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 1962 and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in 1966. Jim studied in Delft, Holland, then at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA, where he completed a Master of Engineering Science. At Rice University, in Houston, he completed a PhD in 1971. Jim retired in 2000 on his 65th birthday, but remained active as a scholar. For the full tribute, go to: https:// www.graduatehouse.com.au/ join-us/who-are-our-members/ vale/#james-cross

Ms ‘Kitty’ Van-Wees Miller Member, 1998 We mourn the loss of Kitty Van Wees-Miller, a teacher and enthusiastic fashionista who became known as 'Superwoman' through her love of the cape.

Ms Kitty Van-Wees Miller (1937 – 2017)

Kitty Van Wees-Miller was a popular Geelong identity and a devoted English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher who had an international outlook as a passionate refugee advocate. She was an effervescent spirit at Graduate House and is fondly remembered for her presence at Annual General Meetings and dinners, Monthly Luncheons, the Chairman’s Cocktail Party and Members' Christmas parties.

She was known for her flair for fashion and as a regal wearer of the cape. Renowned as the “high priestess of The House of Capes”, Kitty was fully versed on the cape as a graduation essential and presidential status symbol. She once mused that Bill Clinton wore a cape to his inauguration in 1993 and that capes are now “happy serving wearers” in Paris, Moscow, Jerusalem, Tokyo, New York and Scotland. For the full tribute, go to: https:// www.graduatehouse.com.au/ join-us/who-are-our-members/ vale/#kitty-van-wees-miller December 2017 | Page 57


Acknowledging your patronage

We thank our organisation Members for their continued patronage

Asialink Business

Association of French Teachers in Victoria (AFTV)

Association of German Teachers of Victoria Inc (AGTV)

Australia Professional Thermography Association (AUSPTA)

Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE)

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Australian Asian Association (AAA)

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

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Australian Food Hygiene Services (AFHS)

Australian Italian Lawyers Association (AILA)

Australian School of Applied Management (ASAM)

Australian Society of Music Education (ASME)

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Career Education Association of Victoria (CEAV)

Carlton Connect Initiative

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Centre for Eye Research Australia

Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (CRCSI)

David Morris Consulting

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Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria

Geography Teachers' Association of Victoria (GTAV)

Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET)



International Coach Federation (ICF)

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International Student Advisers’ Network of Australia (ISANA)

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John Cain Foundation

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Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA)

Victorian Health Psychology College

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THE GRADUATE UNION of The University of Melbourne Inc.

Australian Business Number: 55610664963 Incorporated Association Registration Number: A0023234B 220 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia Telephone: +61 (0)3 9347 3428 Email: [email protected] Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au