111th Annual general meeting (AGM)

Tuesday, 16th May 2023

The 111th annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association opened at 5.50pm. This was followed by addresses from:

• President, the Hon Diana Bryant AO, KC. (delivered in absentia by the Chair of Council) and recommended reading the President’s Message in The Melbourne Graduate.

• Chair of Council, Cr Vincent Mirabelli. He was delighted to note that activities at Graduate House are increasing with occupancy rates and functions returning to pre-lockdown levels. As Cr Mirabelli has now served three terms as Chair, he will finish in that role when Council next meets in June. He thanked all members of Council for their dedication and support and shared that he will remain on Council until his term as a Councillor ends.

• General Manager Mr Daniel Clark.

Mr Clark spoke to the three goals that were set for 2022 - Reconnect with members, Rebuilding the College community and Welcoming back attendees to meeting services

The Financial report for the year ended 31st December 2022 was delivered by Cr Muan Lim, Chair of the Finance and Audit subcommittee who advised that 2022 saw a doubling of revenue when compared with 2021 and that the Association’s assets remained steady, and liabilities rose slightly during the year, which was to be expected with the increase in revenue and activities as operations return to normal after the COVID-19 lockdowns. It was resolved that the Financial and audit report be received.

Mr Daniel Clark introduced Mr Stephen Luntz, of Above Quota Elections Pty Ltd, who delivered the Report by the Returning Officer on the outcome of the 2023 Council election. Mr Luntz advised that he received 215 votes for four candidates who stood for Council and they were Natalie Gray, Molina Asthana, Emeritus Professor Martin Comte OAM and Vincent Morfuni. There were three positions available and the outcome of the election was:

• Cr Emeritus Professor Martin Comte OAM

• Cr Natalie Gray

• Cr Molina Asthana

All three Councillors will serve for three years until the AGM in May 2026. Mr Clark thanked outgoing Councillor, Mr Vincent Morfuni, for his work over the past two years on Council.

Mr Clark spoke of the Finance and Audit subcommittee’s satisfaction with the work of the Association’s auditor, noting his thorough and unbiased auditing of the 2022 financial operations and commended the re-appointment of the current auditor. It was resolved that the appointment of Mr Wayne Tarrant, of JTP Assurance, to undertake the independent audit for the financial year ending 31st December 2023 be received.

Cr Mirabelli spoke on the need to change the Association’s Rules, to create the role of “General Manager’ which currently does not exist in the Rules. Cr Mirabelli called on Members to seek clarification on the proposed changes. It was resolved that the amendments to the Rules of The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Incorporated, as outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum for motion for special resolution be adopted.

Mr Clark provided an update on current negotiations relating to any future developments of the Graduate House site, advising that Council has been in discussion with The University of Melbourne and other partners to explore partnerships for the project. The Council has recently engaged a Property Specialist to explore and analyse potential partnerships for The Graduate Union. It is expected that this process will be completed by the end of 2023.

The underlying principles for any proposal are that The Graduate Union is committed to:

1. retaining its current operation as a residential college and as a facility for graduates with wider services to members and the community;

2. retaining ownership of the current site which will become increasingly desirable following the opening of the University Loop Station in Grattan Street; and

3. entering into discussions with potential partners with whom it can work to achieve mutually agreeable goals for the future development of the site.

The Chair of the meeting closed at 6.20pm and the next AGM is scheduled for Thursday, 30th May 2024.

Full minutes of the meeting are available to Members on the Graduate Union’s website soon.

Following the first Council meeting (after 111th AGM) on Wednesday, 14th June 2023, it was resolved that Council appoints Cr Natalie Gray as Chair of the Council of The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc. from 14th June 2023 until the commencement of the first Council meeting following the 2024 Annual General Meeting. Cr Natalie Gray thanked Council for their vote of confidence in her as Chair.

Acceptance speech by new Chair on Council Cr Natalie Gray

I feel honoured to be elected as the Chair of The Graduate Union. I have observed the leadership of previous chairs Mr Vincent Miracelli and The Honorable Tony who have provided guidance. The previous Councils initiated and explored ways to implement Stage 1 of the Masterplan. Under Tony’s leadership, the planning permit was obtained. Under Vincent’s leadership, funding options have been explored, including Melbourne University sponsoring a feasibility study and leading to the current position where the Council is exploring a land lease with a compatible organization. The Graduate Union has appointed Ben Desmond who is a Director of Clemonte Property and Corporate Advisory to assist in seeking expressions of interest. The document will be informed by the vision developed at the strategic planning day in July.

The Graduate Union Council is a product of active succession planning. Councillors will be encouraged to take on specific roles to support General Manager, Mr Daniel Clark, in managing membership activities, accommodation and hospitality.

The Graduate Union was formed in 1911 by graduates of Melbourne University. Its vision is to advance education and its application for the good of society. Melbourne University’s motto is postera crescam laude… I shall grow in the esteem of future generations. The crest and purpose of the University and Graduate Union are entirely complementary.

In my term as Chair, my intention is that the Councillors and staff enable members to benefit from, and contribute towards education in Melbourne so that the membership organisation and its members will continue to grow in the esteem for future generations.

It was resolved that Council appoints Cr Martin Comte as Vice Chair of the Council of The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc. from 14th June 2023 until the commencement of the first Council meeting following the 2024 Annual General Meeting.

The Chairs of the following subcommittees are:

Buildings and Facilities - Cr Mary Kelleher

Finance and Audit - Cr Hong Muan Lim

Fundraising and Benefactions- Cr Martin Comte OAM

Governance and Nominations - Cr Molina Asthana

Membership and Marketing - Dr Max Stephens