Guild General Secretary’s Report

BY WILLIAM NORRISH

Despite stepping into the role in September 2021, I have had a short but rewarding opportunity to work alongside Emma Mezger and the rest of the Guild Executive to ensure projects are completed and encourage continued innovation as we head into the new year with a new team. Encompassing both the role of secretary and treasurer, the General Secretary position has allowed me the ability to contribute to the Guild through key administrative and operational duties, as well as more student-facing projects.

I am incredibly grateful for the Guild staff, who I have had the pleasure of working very closely with this year. In spite of the continued pressures and impacts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, their efforts remain integral to the functioning of the Guild. Furthermore, their support – particularly from the finance and administrative team – has made stepping into this role so late into the year a lot easier, allowing me to carry out the role to the best of my abilities.

Since joining the Guild Executive, my secretarial and administrative duties have been a primary focus. This included reporting on finances, organising and minuting Guild Council meetings, and ensuring we are in a position to meet compliance through our reporting and committee records. The outcome of these responsibilities has seen the running of our Ordinary General Meeting in October and providing up-to-date minutes and resolutions from Guild Council meetings. I have also undertaken minuting roles in the various committees I sit on.

As General Secretary, I have had the opportunity to chair both Corporate Services and Catering & Tavern committees where we provide suggestions, carry out initiatives and look to formulating solutions addressing the Guild’s corporate and commercial operations.

In Corporate Services Committee, we have been focused on continuing on-going endeavours to improve accountability and transparency. From working to digitise early Guild Council records to looking towards our future with improving our marketing strategy, the committee has been able to initiate projects that continue to provide expansive innovation opportunity. Another key issue covered here was working to introduce preferred names for coffee orders in all Guild Cafés and outlets, reflecting our aim to ensure all students are respected and feel appropriately represented by the Guild.

In Catering & Tavern Committee, we have seen two key initiatives be introduced – the Night Markets and Free Breakfasts. Both projects provided opportunities for Guild representatives to engage with students and activate ‘The Grove’ space. The Night Markets occurred in Semester 1 and was a great success with a big student turnout and positive feedback. We were able to provide a range of food options from external vendors and offered a platform for clubs and societies to raise money and reach out to students. Similarly, the Free Breakfast initiative sought to reach low-SES students and provide opportunities for student representatives and clubs to advertise their upcoming events and projects. Taking on feedback, I have sought to reinvigorate and improve these projects to ensure longevity and viability. Beyond this, the committee also worked to improve spaces on campus, namely refurbishing Catalyst Café with new furniture and amenities upgrades.

One of the key projects I have undertaken since stepping into my role is to expand our financial support services to include a financial counsellor to provide more holistic support and advocacy for students facing financial difficulty. In working with external stakeholders and reviewing similar services in other universities – I have been able to create an outline and a proposal which I hope to see finalised for the new year.

Lastly, in considering our financial position, this year has seen substantial impacts to our commercial partners and Guild outlets due to COVID snap lockdowns and the end of the government’s JobKeeper payment in March. The mid-year budget review saw both the General Secretary and Guild President organise 1-on-1 consultations with Guild departments to reduce expenditure and minimise the impact on our bottom line. Our success in reducing our deficit since, is a testament to the hard-working Guild Staff and the 108 team.

To the 108th Guild Council, it has been a pleasure serving with you all and congratulate you all on continuing to provide a high quality service to students. To the 109th Guild Council, I wish you the best of luck in 2022!