The Melbourne Graduate November 2005

OFFICIAL OPENING EDITION

THE GRADUATE UNION of The University of Melbourne Inc.

OUR NEW BUILDING IS OPEN

PERIODICAL NEWSLETTER OF THE GRADUATE UNION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE INCORPORATED PRINT POST APPROVED PP337834/00022 REGISTERED ASSOCIATION No. AA0023234B November 2005 Volume 58 No. 4 www.graduatehouse.com.au

T

he Governor of Victoria, John Landy AC MBE officially opened the Graduate House New Building on Thursday, 10 November 2005.

In the presence of many dignitaries, benefactors of The Graduate Union and representatives of The University of Melbourne, Mr Landy declared the building open and unveiled the commemorative plaque which has been affixed to the north wall in the entrance foyer.

CONTENTS CALENDAR OF GRADUATE HOUSE EVENTS 2 VALETE

2

A TRIBUTE

4

NEW MEMBERS

4

LUNCHEON ADDRESSES

5

SPECIAL EVENTS

6

The Melbourne Graduate is normally published four times a year by The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Incorporated.

It is edited by Geoffrey Dye and Lyn Weston, under the direction of the Graduate Council and its Executive Committee.

The Melbourne Graduate welcomes letters from readers and reserves the right to edit them for publication.

Please keep word count to a maximum of 250 and address to The Editors, The Melbourne Graduate.

The Secretary-Warden Mr Eugene Spanti opened the official proceedings by welcoming the Governor, Members of the Victorian Parliament, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne John So, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, Lady Potter and all distinguished guests. The University of Melbourne was well represented by the Chancellor, Mr Ian Renard and his wife Diana, Heads of Faculties and people from many of the departments within the University. Mr Spanti warmly thanked all those who had contributed to the construction of the building, particularly the architects and consultants who were present and donors to the recent Building Appeal. He said he was very proud of all that had been achieved and thanked residents for their forbearance and the staff for their efforts over the period of the construction. Mr Spanti then invited the Governor of Victoria to address the gathering and to officially open the Graduate House New Building.

Mr Landy spoke about his time as a Councillor of The Graduate Union in the 1970s, saying that the new building represented twenty years of planning finally coming to fruitition. He noted with pleasure the role of the Graduate Union played in both postgraduate education and multiculturalism and wished the Union well in all future endeavours.

The Governor then unveiled the brass plaque and declared the building open.

The Chancellor of The University of Melbourne, Mr Ian Renard addressed the gathering, speaking briefly about the long history of The Graduate Union and its association with the University. He said both organizations played a pivotal role in postgraduate education, actively supporting postgraduate students and encouraging their involvement in the life of their University.

(Continued Page 2)

Registered Address: The Graduate Union 224 Leicester Street, Carlton Victoria 3053 Australia Telephone: (03) 9347-3428 Facsimile (03) 9347-9981 www.graduatehouse.com.au email: sec@graduatehouse.com.au Printed by: FSG Design & Print 1 Argent Place, Ringwood.

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November 2005 volume 58 No. 4 1

THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE CALENDAR OF GRADUATE HOUSE EVENTS Wednesday, 7 December 12.30pm for 12.50pm Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Ms Beth Eveleigh, The Leukaemia Foundation RSVP - Monday 5 December Friday, 16 December Members’ Christmas Party Santa and Carol Singing $40 - RSVP Monday 12 December

OUR NEW BUILDING IS OPEN (From Page 1)

The Chancellor was followed by The Graduate Union’s President, Mr Frank Lees, who spoke of the many significant events which had occurred during his term of office. He attributed the successful planning and construction of the Graduate House New Building to teamwork and harmony within The Graduate Union over the past few years and said he hoped this would continue into the future.

At the conclusion of his address Mr Lees announced his retirement from the office of President, effective on 16 November 2005, his eightieth birthday and announced The Honourable John Cain as the fourteenth President of The Graduate Union.

Mr Lees has contributed greatly to enhancing and furthering the close relationship between The University of Melbourne and The Graduate Union and also to the construction and completion of the building, having been responsible initially for suggesting the possibility of building a tunnel underneath the Kidd’s Warehouse site.

The Governor and guests mingled and chatted over drinks served with delicious canapes. The large reception area was beautifully decorated with floral arrangements, and in pride of place a spectacular ice carving of The Graduate Union’s crest surrounded by iced seafood.

There was a sense of a new era beginning, the culmination of many years of planning having finally reached a conclusion.

Monday, 12 December Volunteers Christmas Lunch

Signing the Visitor’s Book

Friday, 23 December Office Closes reopens 2 Jan 2006

Greeting Dame Elisabeth Murdoch

Friday, 20 January 2006 Members’ & Residents’ Barbecue Cost: $20; drinks at bar prices RSVP 18 January 2006

Governor Landy arrives

Greeting Dr Phillip Law

Wednesday, 1 February 2006 Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Dr Brian Costello, Cassel Research Centre

President, Governor, Chancellor and SecretaryWarden

Wednesday, 1 March 2006 Monthly Luncheon Speaker: Mr Stuart Trist, The Red Cross

Chancellor Ian Renard

VALETE Since publication of the August edition.

Mr Alan Bainbridge, Life Member joined 1950

The Unveiling

Mrs Nancy Campbell-Swan, Life Member joined 1976 Mrs Nancy Collier, Life Member joined 1973 Dr John Fullagar, Life Member joined 1972 Mrs Lesley Fullager, Life Member joined 1966 Mr John Bain Marshall, Life Member joined 1973 President-elect John Cain 2 November 2005 volume 58 No. 4

Secretary-Warden Eugene Spanti

President Frank Lees

THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE

OFFICIAL OPENING CELEBRATIONS

Lord Mayor John So, Chancellor & GU Councillor cheryl Kidston

Sumptuous Seafood Buffet & Ice Carving

Dr David Bellair & Mr Joe Stanley

Lauren McKerley, Rebecca Ballard with Councillor Tony Vriends

Guests enjoy Grand Piano recital

Ian and Diana Renard chat with a guest

Councillor Andrew Binns & guest

Heads of Colleges enjoy the evening

Volunteers: Mary Maslen, Pauline Currie, Emmaline McFayden and Marie Kehoe

Resident’s Representative Sieh Ng with past residents

The Le Brocques introduce a future member

Vice-President Robert Gibson and Councillor Andre Gleghorn with Mr Keith Remington

Bruce Lawson with Tom Kneen and Geoff Fairhall, past Secretary-Warden

Suppliers with the Secretary-Warden

Councillor Gordon Duxbury and his wife chat to Hec Gallagher and GW Solicitor, Mr Bill Weston Kay Gulenc and Diane Thomas enjoy the festivities

November 2005 volume 58 No. 4

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THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE

NEW MEMBERS The following new members joined the Graduate Union in the period August to November 2005.

We welcome them and look forward to their participation in our members’ programs.

Life Members Mr Roderick Howard, BEng Ordinary Members Professor Ian Anderson, MBBS, MA, PhD(LaTrobe) Mr Paul Baxter, BAgric, MAgric Ms Angeline Brasier, BMus (ACU), MMus Ms Lesley Buttery, BA(Monash) Dr Collette Burke, BEng(VUT), MEng(NSW), PhD Ms Maggie Burke, BEdBus, MCorpLaw, GradDip Mr Paul Carlin, BEd(Deakin), MEd Mr Leslie Cartwright, BSA(Monash), MCA(W’gong), DipEd(Rusden), ASDA, LSDA, Train&Ass Dr Charles Day, BEHons, BA, DPhil(Oxford) Mr Kelvin Devine, BA, BEd(Monash), BEc(Murdoch), GradDip(Curtin) Mr John Elligate, DipPhyEd, BEd(LaTrobe), MEd(Monash) Mr Peter Exner, BEng, MConst.Law Mr Damien Farrell, BA(ACU) Mrs Glenda Fisher, BEd(Bendigo), MEd Ms Kate Gallagher, BAHons Mr Peter Goldsworthy, BA(Flinders), MEd(Deakin) Ms Lynette Howden, BSc, MPH(Monash) Mr Christopher Huggins, BHealthSc(Charles Sturt), MTraing&Develop.

Professor Henry Jackson, BA, MA(Auckland), MA(Melb), PhD(Monash) Dr Andrew Kenyon, LLB, LLM(London), PhD Mr John McBride, BA(Tokyo), MA(ANU), MBA Ms Nicki McLaurin-Smith, BA(SA), GradDip, MB(IT) GradDip(RMIT) Mr Gregory Phillips, BA, MMedSc(Qld) Mrs Valerie Prendergast, DipTeach, BEd(Deakin) Ms Lauren Rosewarne, BA, BPPM Mr John Schauble, BA, LLB, BLitt, BSocSci(Charles Sturt) Mr Barry Southern, BSc Dr Andrew Siebel, BSc, PhD Ms Jean Truebridge, BA(Tas) Dr Marian Worcester, DPhil(Monash) Corporate Members National Australia Bank, Carlton Branch Associate Members Mr Ronald Carlton, Melbourne Business School Mrs Beverley Allen, School of Earth Sciences Ms Lauren Rosewarne, Centre for Public Policy All degrees are from University of Melbourne unless otherwise noted. Degrees are stated as presented on members’ application forms.

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An appreciation of Frank Lees A few days after the Governor of Victoria opened our new building, our President Mr Frank Lees AM MBE reached a significant birthday and retired after five and a half years in office. During this period the Graduate Union has seen developments which would have seemed unbelievable a few years ago and I wish to express my warm appreciation for his huge contribution and for the support of Jeannine and their family. It was fortuitous that the long friendship between the Binns and Lees families brought Frank back into the Graduate Union again, following his time as a Councillor many years before.

Frank accepted the position of President with his eyes open and his continual encouragement of harmony ensured that the Graduate Union was well and quietly governed, leading to the successful negotiations with The University of Melbourne and the construction of our new building. He appreciated well the respective roles of President and Chairman and exercised a wise and moderate influence over the affairs of the Union.

His long involvement with The University of Melbourne and its present and former staff, including his continuing work on the Committee of Convocation, meant he was often able to smooth our way and foster valuable links with the University. His wide connections with both technological and humanities spheres and the general community brought many interesting people into Graduate House.

On a more personal note, I was privileged to learn and understand something of his background and of the influence which wartime responsibilities and experience, and subsequently the Commonwealth Training Scheme, had on people of his generation. This not only extended their opportunities but benefited the whole nation.

On behalf of everyone associated with the Graduate Union, I wish Frank many more years of a contributing and fulfilling life, and trust that we will continue to see him and Jeannine at Graduate House.

David Bellair

Our President greets Governor Landy

President, Secretary-Warden & President-Elect

Mr Lees presents Mr Landy with Honorary Membership

President with Members of Convocation

President with Governor, Ronald Farren-Price, Chairman Neil Taylor, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, Jeannine Lees, Mrs Jean McCaughey

THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE

LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

August–September–October

Associate Professor Bruce Steele Dr Steele’s address on the third of August revealed a wonderful research team effort to record the life and work of Florence Ethel Lindesay Robertson nee Richardson, better known by her nom de plume, Henry Handel Richardson. Although many present were conversant with the books of Henry Handel Richardson, it was enthralling to learn more of her background and interests particularly in music. In describing results of the research to date, Dr Steele detailed the numerous sources of material available - the hundreds of letters, diaries and documents literally sourced across the globe, including a letter from a French correspondent. Much of the record was released by the legal firm which handled her affairs.

Apart from research papers, several of which will gain PhDs, there will be a general text recording for the interested reader.

Ms Dawn Gleeson A very interesting address on a fascinating subject was given by Dawn Gleeson from the Department of Genetics of The University of Melbourne. Members and guests were introduced to Genetics 1.01 and DNA and its genetic encoding using chains of only four different proteins. Now that human DNA has been completely mapped, Ms Gleeson outlined some of the ways in which DNA testing has proven useful apart from its common use to prove or disprove parentage. She noted the discovery that humans have considerably fewer genes than had been expected and spoke about family history and the increased risk of contracting some diseases or inheriting an abnormality. She also spoke at length on in-vitro fertilisation which allows a cell to be taken from a very young embryo and its DNA tested before implantation and how the testing now available for early detection of potentially serious diseases in both young and older adults.

Mr Trevor Green Mr Green gave a brief history of his career as a musician and orchestral administrator. His career began in Manchester, positions at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), leading to his present role as Managing Director of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO). He spoke about the successes and challenges facing the MSO in the 21st century and how it has responded to this challenge in many ways, including free Sidney Myer summer concerts, recitals in major country centres around Victoria and with regular national and international tours. As half of the MSO budget must be derived from commercial activities, Mr Green said it is imperative that innovative methods be employed to attract audiences in today’s environment, with a vast array of competing entertainment opportunities. An example is a plan for the MSO to release live-CD recordings of up to seven of its concerts in 2006, through ABC Classics. The most telling of Mr Green’s comments was, “I am the custodian of the MSO.” This comment, made in much the same way a violinist refers to his prized Stradivarius, informs us of his great affection for the MSO, acknowledges that it is in fact our MSO - it belongs to us all, and challenges us to nurture this precious living artistic resource.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS Open for Lunch and Dinner - 7 Days Private Room Available 10% off meals for Graduate Union Members Tuesday to Thursday on presentation of card. (Discount applies to groups of 6 or less)

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.

766 Whitehorse Road, Mont Albert, Vic. 3127 Tel: 03 9898 5188 Fax: 03 9898 5348

November 2004 volume 57 No.4 5

THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE

SPECIAL EVENTS FIRST CORPORATE MEMBER OF THE GRADUATE UNION On Tuesday, 13 September at a special lunch, the Secretary-Warden and staff welcomed the National Australia Bank Carlton Branch to Corporate Membership of The Graduate Union as its inaugural Corporate Member.

Branch Manager, Mr Tim McCrae, together with Mr David Lyon and Mr Jack Nile were presented with a special Corporate Membership Certificate to mark the historic occasion.

Mr McCrae is the person nominated to hold the membership and will be responsible for its management and also for the organization of National Australia Bank events and functions held at Graduate House.

TONGAN HISTORY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE The eleventh Tongan History Association conference, held at Graduate House 14-16 July, was opened by HRH Princess Nanasipau’u of Tonga, speaking on the theme “God and Tonga are My Inheritance” . The History Department (Professor Charles Zika), DFAT (Zoe Brewer), and AusAID (Sinna Sinna Sinnappurajar), and the Uniting Church (Rev. Dr D’Arcy WoodUniversity of Melbourne alumnus) were represented. The Vice-President of the Association and chief organiser of the conference was Dr Elizabeth Wood-Ellem, Honorary Senior Fellow in the History Department and a member of the Graduate Union. Other alumni on the organising committee were Rev. Dr Sandy and Fay Yule.

The venue was perfect for us, as the Ian Potter and Stillwell rooms combined to make an auditorium of just the right size, and we were able to show historical photographs and films using Graduate House state-of-the-art equipment. The lounge and dining areas were excellent. At the conference dinner, the Fofo’anga band of stringed instruments accompanied Tongan and stone dancing in which the majority of conference participants took part, some of professional standard, and others doing their best.

The conference, as always, was marked by collegiality and good will. About 100 people attended. Papers were given by ten Tongan women and four Tongan men; and eight women and four men from different parts of Australia, New Zealand and the USA also gave papers, including historians, anthropologists, lawyers, community workers, ministers of religion, an artist and art historian, journalist and film maker. To quote one participant: “We had a wonderful time, learned many things, met a lot of interesting people, and the mind was challenged in new and exciting ways.”

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION On August 24th, new member Lyn Howden and a group of friends organised a party for Cheryl Power to celebrate a special birthday at Graduate House. Cheryl is a lecturer in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and guests included colleagues and friends from both school and her days at University Women’s College. Dr Doris Graham, now retired, spoke amusingly of Cheryl as her first research student many years ago. Dr Russ Wilkinson, also now retired, came from Daylesford with Peppa Sindar. Colleagues from the University of Melbourne included Sandra Uren, Helen Cain and Liz Fagan. Speakers told of Cheryl’s dedication to both her students and teaching work - and her love of Labradors. Dr Harley Dean and Lyn Howden (Monash University) were evidence of Cheryl’s strong links with other universities in her continuing work to improve tertiary education in Microbiology. The setting for the dinner was perfect and with the excellent food and careful service provided by the Graduate House staff, a delightful night was enjoyed by all.

RESIDENTS Residents and staff attended the University production of Hamlet on 20 October. The work was produced by an independent Melbourne theatre company “Dancing With Strangers” and involved a variety of Melbourne University and Victorian College of the Arts students as well as amateurs and professionals from other fields.

Nela Trifkovic, a PhD music candidate appeared in the production which she also musically directed with a fellow music student and a colleague from the Melbourne University, David Howell. The production takes Hamlet, the mad prince of Denmark into interesting, confronting and also strangely irresistible places through its innovative concepts and theatrical devices that incorporate a 12 piece “Greek Chorus” ( an ensemble of the spectators that are also stirring up the plot of the actual story). David and Nela were a part of this ensemble, and this role enabled them to explore the possibilities of writing music for theatre.

It is a huge blast to get on stage and see a row full of your own housemates (the GH residents), it gives you a more personal audience to direct your performance to. It is particularly special for me as I am not originally a Melbournian and have no family here, so I had a chance to sing my heart out to my newly found GH family and gave Dave my friend, colleague and fellow diva a chance to see who else has to put up with me here in Melbourne other than him!” Nela Trifkovic. On behalf of herself, David and the whole company of performers, as well as the residents Nela wishes to thank our generous Warden Eugene Spanti for initiating the adventure and financing and taking the residents to the performance. A special thank to the fellow resident Sujata for helping the organization and may the arty journey continue for the lovely GH bunch!!!

Chanida, Ubon, Prapaisri and Napasuare are from Thailand.

In residence at Graduate House whilst studying English at the Australia Centre, they have captivated all at Graduate House with their charm.

From left to right: Chanida, Ubon, Prapaisri and Napasup 6 November 2004 volume 57 No.4