WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GRADUATE COUNCIL? This segment commenced in the last newsletter and we hope that from it you will progressively become aware of the main activities which the Council undertakes. This month we commence the election process which concludes with the Annual General Meeting in May at which new members are welcomed to the Council. Included in this edition of the newsletter you will find the ‘Call for Nominations’ form. Should you decide to nominate for election to the Council, the ‘Election Kit’ is available from the Returning Officer or from Graduate House. Please be aware that nominations close on 21st of March 2012 at 4pm. Council meets every second month and the five other Committees of Council meet between times. Council doesn’t meet at all between December and February, so this would normally be a sparse time for news. However, this year there was a special meeting on 31 January on which I can report as this meeting provided final endorsement to the “Election Kit” and debated and passed the Graduate Union Budget for 2012. The key items in the election kit are:1. Improved nomination form. 2. More detail from candidates as to their skills or knowledge which can be contributed to the Graduate Union. 3. Recognition that the Council needs a mix of skills and experience. 4. A code of conduct for councillors. This is also on our website. 5. Principles to be followed if election material is issued to members on behalf of a candidate. The budget for 2012 has been prepared to reflect the core sections of our operation, changed organisational structure and governance. We anticipate an income of $M3.36 and a very small deficit result. Remember that the Graduate Union is a not for profit organisation. David Sparks, Council Chair
THE DIABETES SERIES by CEO Professor Kerry Bennett
1st Session on 8thFebruary
reviewed… The focus of the discussion was on gaining a basic level of understanding about type 2 diabetes, the lifestyle related diabetes which is now highly prevalent throughout the world, and related to multiple factors associated with urbanisation – over-processed food intake, sedentary work, social lives and increased meal sizes. Attendees learnt that this form of chronic diabetes is an ongoing condition marked by high blood glucose (sugar) levels. It is often very difficult to diagnose - for many developing over several years but showing no symptoms at all; or progressively subtle changes such as an increases in frequency of urinating, and feelings of hunger and thirst. They also learnt that a complex and multiple array of factors contribute to people getting type 2 diabetes and that it is important for our societies as a whole to learn about and address these factors. As Professor Bennett highlighted, the current high and rapidly increasing number of people suffering the complications of type 2 diabetes – heart attacks, amputations, blindness, liver and kidney failures, strokes – cannot possibly be helped effectively by health services in the very near future. Although numbers were low, the audience was participative and enjoyed the talk. The event was attended by two Council members, two residents and four members, plus one interested member of staff and some stayed on for dinner and further discussion. Professor Bennett urged the intelligent members of The Graduate Union to learn more about type 2 diabetes and use their collective skills and influence in national and international networks to face this global creeping disaster systematically. At the next Diabetes session on Wednesday 11th April from 5.00pm she will talk to the dietary influences on type 2 diabetes and on the societal preventative measures that need to be tackled. Website: www.graduatehouse.com.au | ABN: 55610 664 963 | No: A0023234B
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