THE GRADUATE UNION of The University of Melbourne Inc.
PERIODICAL NEWSLETTER OF THE GRADUATE UNION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE INCORPORATED PRINT POST APPROVED PP337834/00022 REGISTERED ASSOCIATION No. AA0023234B November 2004 Volume 57 No. 4 www.graduatehouse.com.au
CONTENTS Calendar of Graduate House Events 2 Letters 2 New Members 2 Luncheons 3 Residents and Members 4-5 Book Review 6 Library Acquistions 6 Valete 7 An Invitation 7 Property Report 8 Donations to the Building Appeal 8
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS The Editors join with the President, Chairman, Councillors, Secretary-Warden and Staff in extending best wishes to all members for the coming Christmas Season and for a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
FROM THE SECRETARY-WARDEN On the eve of the opening of the new building and a new era in the long history of The Graduate Union, I wish to thank all who have supported and assisted in this achievement. We have come a long way in the past four years. When I first came to Graduate House I did so not knowing what to expect. I had a vision for the future, although at the time I did not know exactly how this would be achieved. During those first few weeks, I wondered on many occasions if indeed my vision was achievable. Virtually alone, with little idea of how ‘things’ worked, there seemed little order and no procedures in place to deal with even day-to-day matters, such as whether or not bedrooms were occupied! In the beginning there were days when I shut the door and disconnected the phones so that I could organise the resident bookings at least into some clear picture. Since that time, with the support of Graduate Council and members, I have come to know and understand The Graduate Union and its history more fully. Graduate Councillors have given unstintingly of time and knowledge and slowly but surely apparent chaos has become a clear pathway to realising the long-held dream of The Graduate Union. I have been very fortunate to be part of a dedicated team. Achievement is rarely the work of one person and everyone at Graduate House has contributed in their own way and often beyond what could reasonably be expected. The planning of the building, the selection of architects, engineers and builders, the obtaining of permits, ongoing negotiations with The University of Melbourne and the myriad issues leading to commencement of construction took many months and constant meetings, many on Saturday mornings and in the evenings. Throughout, there was a keen sense of
involvement by staff and for this dedication I thank them sincerely. Dr John Binns, during whose chairmanship I first came to Graduate House, has been tireless with his time and support both during his term of office and since. I was delighted when Graduate Council chose to reward his long service and signficant contributions to The Graduate Union with an honorary life membership, which I believe is a well deserved tribute. Dr David Bellair, Chairman for the three years following John Binns and Mr Neil Taylor, our current Chairman, have both followed in John’s footsteps, also giving generously of time, advice and assistance. Without the loyalty and dedication of members such as these and many others, The Graduate Union would not be in the happy circumstances it is today. Throughout all the time I have been here, I have never lost sight of the Mission Statement of The Graduate Union – to encourage postgraduates in their studies and to assist in their welfare. This is, and will continue to be, the prime purpose of our work at Graduate House and to this end the staff and myself endeavour to provide a friendly, family-like atmosphere, with the residents’ comfort and wellbeing our first priority. For this reason, many of the amenities of the new building have been included with the needs of our residents in mind. As we move into the final weeks before the opening of the building we have appointed a marketing consultant who will assist in the promotion of the facilities being offered. We have also appointed Ramler Furniture Company to provide their expertise in selecting the furniture and fittings which will be installed on the ground floor and also in residents’ bedrooms. We are endeavoring to create a warm club-like atmosphere which, while being modern in design, will harmonise with the existing old world atmosphere of the existing terraces. I am very optimistic that as we move forward into the future together our College will, while maintaining the memory of its long history, look ahead to a strong and prosperous future. Eugene Spanti
FROM THE ARCHIVES – THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE, VOL X NO.8 (OCTOBER 1959)
The University Club The Graduate Union and the University Club have some similar aims in the promotion of the status of graduates and, following discussions between the two bodies on matters of mutual interest, it was suggested that graduates who were members of one should be given the opportunity of joining the other. The University Club was established by some distinguished graduates in 1901, to provide a social centre for men who have been associated with the University. It is now established in modern premises on the 7th floor of Gilbert Court, 100 Collins Street. There are congenial lounge facilities, a billiards table, a bar and limited eating facilities. … and further… The Melbourne Graduate, Vol 53 No.2 (August 2000) Donation from University Club The Graduate Council is delighted to learn of a proposed donation of $50,000 to The Graduate Union from the University Club, pending certain legal steps still to be taken under the winding up of that Club. The intention is clear and we await further news of this generous proposal.
November 2004 volume 57 No.4 1