Regional Universities Network Welcomes Regional Education Commissioner's Annual Report

The Regional Universities Network (RUN) welcomes the release of the Regional Education Commissioner’s Annual Report and acknowledges the important ongoing work of the Regional Education Commissioner, The Hon Fiona Nash.

Executive Director of RUN, Alec Webb, said that RUN is glad to see the Commissioner’s strong focus on the whole-of-student-life journey of regional Australians, in particular the role played by higher education in the regions. “The Regional Education Commissioner is playing a vital role in championing the needs of regional students. The Commissioner’s report provides a national focus on regional, rural and remote education and training outcomes.

The Commissioner’s role spans early childhood, schools, vocational education and training, and higher education, recognising that an equitable and high performing education and training system is vital to regional Australia’s prosperity. Within this educational ecosystem, regional universities are crucial in ensuring Australia’s continued national economic growth and prosperity through our world-leading teaching, our impactful research and our contributions to the social and cultural wellbeing of regional Australia.

The Regional Education Commissioner’s report highlights the importance of Australia’s higher education sector while also noting the changes needed to increase regional universities’ capacity to enrol students in priority areas. Boosting the supply of regional graduates is vital to the regions, with regional universities playing an important role in generating ‘sticky’ graduates who adhere to local workforces.

RUN is committed to continuing to productively work with The Hon Fiona Nash as Regional Education Commissioner to ensure opportunities are accessible and provided to regional Australians”. said Mr Webb.

Purpose of the Report

In accordance with the Commissioner’s Terms of Reference, this formal report to Government on the state of the Regional, Rural and Remote (RRR) education and training sector, summarises the activities of the Commissioner and provides advice on ways to improve access to, and participation and attainment in, RRR education in Australia. Specifically, the Report:

• summarises the activities of the Commissioner

• details engagement, consultations and activities undertaken.

• outlines themes and observations from stakeholder engagement.

• summarise the state of regional education, by sector.

• notes outcomes of projects undertaken in response to the findings of the Napthine Review.

• provide updates on responses to the recommendations of the Napthine and Halsey Reviews.

• suggests issues for consideration on improving access, participation, and attainment in RRR education in Australia.

To read the full report, go to: https://www.education.gov.au/regional-education-commissioner/resources/regionaleducation-commissioner-annual-report-2022 story source: https://www.run.edu.au/run-welcomes-regional-educationcommissioners-report/

The Committee of Convocation (CoC) and The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne held a joint 'Speaker and Lunch Meeting' on Wednesday, 17th May 2023.

This luncheon which had no formal agenda, was advertised in The Graduate Union Newsletter and via The Committee of Convocation mailing list. Invitation to join in this event was extended to members of The Graduate Union. The guest speaker was Professor Claire Roberts Phd, a Professor of Art History at The University of Melbourne.

Professor Roberts spoke to the small group at the table about the life of Huang Binhong, a Chinese contemporary landscape brush painter who was the subject of Professor Robert's thesis. Her presentation gave those present an insight of how politics can impact art. Of the small group of five CoC members and one Graduate House resident who were present at the luncheon - no fewer than three had visited China since the ending of the cultural Revolution. Another member also joined us via zoom. With our guest speaker staying for lunch, interesting discussion continued.

The art of Huang Binhong (1865-1955):

Balancing darkness and light

Abstract

Huang Binhong is regarded as one of China’s greatest twentieth century landscape painters. This talk focusses on the art of scholar and brush-and-ink painter Huang Binhong and its reception in China and internationally during his lifetime and in the decades since then.

After the closure of the Huang Binhong house museum and the desecration of his grave in Hangzhou during the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), the rise of nationalism in China today has resulted in Huang Binhong’s art being highly valued once again.

About Claire Roberts, Professor of Art History, The University of Melbourne

Claire Roberts is an art historian and curator with an interest in modern and contemporary Chinese art, and the cultural flows between Australia and Asia.

She is Professor of Art History in the School of Culture and Communication at The University of Melbourne and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities. Her current research explores the international context of modern and contemporary Chinese art. Claire’s most recent books are Fairweather and China (2021), Ian Fairweather: A Life in Letters, edited with John Thompson (2019), Photography and China (2013) and Friendship in Art: Fou Lei and Huang Binhong (2010).

Farewell and Good Luck, Francis Zhong!

Residents gathered here after dinner for a big farewell photo with Francis Zhong, who left Graduate House to return to his homeland in Hong Kong. Francis lived while pursuing his Master of Information Technology at The University of Melbourne. We wish him the very best as he moves on his graduate pathway.

Thank You Anne Ladkins!

On 6th July, we said farewell to our beloved colleague and friend Anne Ladkins who had dedicated an incredible 17 years of service as Head Housekeeper at Graduate House.

Anne's unwavering commitment to always ensuring a welcoming environment has left a permanent impact on our team, residents and guests that have stayed at Graduate House throughout these years. We celebrate her hard work, attention to detail, and the countless lives she has touched in a very special Morning tea. Congratulations, Anne, may this next phase of your journey be filled with joy, relaxation, and cherished moments.

Christmas In July Lunch

Howard Pascoe, all-dressed for the occasion, enjoyed his Christmas lunch meal on a cold Wednesday in July.

You will be deeply missed. Thank you for everything that you have done for us, dear Anne (Mum) to most of us.

Feedback

From the first contact, Rosie and her team at Graduate House understood the requirements for the ICE VLA function and provided all assistance in making sure the room set up and event proceeded smoothly. I would also like to especially thank them for the time spent to ensure that the video link (TEAMs) functioned during the event. The function room and spaces suited our needs very well and the food were excellent, as commented by attendees during the event. The staff were very helpful throughout our event.

David Tait,ICE VLA