THE MELBOURNE GRADUATE Vol. 68 No. 1
April, 2013
Annual Report 2012-2013 The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember Involve me and I learn.”
Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790)
Annual Report of The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Incorporated Editorial: Shirley Ho, Eliah Castiello, Zac Matthews Printed by: Kwik Kopy Box Hill
The Melbourne Graduate April 2013 – Volume 68, Number 1 Periodical Newsletter of The Graduate Union Print Post Approved PP337834/00022 Incorporated Association Registration Number A0023234B graduateunionannualreport • 2
Contents FROM OUR GOVERNING BODY
THE CHAIR OF COUNCIL’S MESSAGE
4
THE HEAD OF COLLEGE’S MESSAGE
6
COUNCIL MEMBERS
7
COUNCIL ATTENDANCE
8
STRATEGIC PLAN
9
GRADUATE UNION COUNCIL ELECTION
10
COMMITTEE REPORTS
14
OUR ASSOCIATION
THE STILLWELL ROOM AND FAMILY
23
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2012
28
BUSINESS UNIT REPORTS
30
LIVE LEARN MEET
34
RECIPROCITY WORLDWIDE
36
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP 2012
38
BEQUESTS AND DONATIONS
39
MONTHLY LUNCHEON REVIEW
40
OUR MEMBERS
43
OUR ORGANISATIONAL MEMBERS
51
ADVANCEMENT
SOCIAL MEDIA
53
COLLEGE MERCHANDISE AND GARB
54
HUMAN RESOURCES
MEET THE TEAM
55
STAFF NEWS
59
2012 FINANCIAL REPORT 63
3 • graduateunionannualreport
The Chair of Council’s Message “Too often the strong, silent man is silent only because he does not know what to say, and is reputed to be strong only because he has remained silent”. Winston Churchill: His Complete Speeches, Volume IV. Fortunately this quotation does not apply to your Council, as we now have a very strong governing body with Councillors who are knowledgeable across a broad range of subjects, and who actively contribute to the governance of The Graduate Union. Many of you will have now met Major General Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld who accepted our invitation in October last year to be our new President. It had been a year since the allowable term of the Hon. John Cain had expired and his presence had been missed by the Council. We delayed making a new appointment until we had developed a document for a prospective President, which discussed the illustrious people who have held the position and described the President’s role. We then needed to locate a suitable person and to gain that person’s consent to the appointment. Following the resignation of four councillors immediately after the last Council election, the Council has sought people with particular talents to enrich the skills and experiences of the Council. The people co-opted by the Council were Dr Meredith Doig, Mr Keith Ryall, The Hon. Justice Tony Pagone and Mrs Vivienne Corcoran. We also thanked Ms Katerina Kapobassis for her time with us as one of the two Vice Chancellor’s representatives. Katerina was replaced by Ms Joanne Ligouris, Executive Manager of the Faculty of Arts. Our collective wisdom has been further developed by the appointment of some members directly to our standing committees.
graduateunionannualreport • 4
Recently, we have been a very busy Council. We have accepted the need to revise a very old constitution and a set of regulations. This is a work in progress but it is nearing its end. It has also resulted in the identification of other matters which need documentation to help guide us and future Councils. Further details may be seen in the report from the Governance and Policy Review Committee. We have undertaken the large task of forming a strategic plan for The Graduate Union which we will follow with development of a specialised business plan. The early input to the strategic plan was developed during a two day weekend retreat of the Council at The Graduate Union and the development process is now drawing to a close as we refine the plan into practical and measurable steps.
Many plans require the two ingredients of time and money. Time we almost certainly have, but money is always an issue, particularly as we currently have a debt of $7.0 million mainly due to the new Stella Langford building being built without a repayment plan. Your Council is very aware of the significance of this risk and is in consultation with the bank and is planning a benefaction programme. The generous bequest from Dr Phillip Law has enabled more work to be undertaken on our buildings, as can be seen from the House Board report. During the Chairman’s cocktail evening we unveiled a bronze plaque to provide a lasting recognition to Dr Law. We farewelled our long serving Assistant Secretary, Lyn Weston who retired after 10 years with us. In recognition of Lyn’s service to The Graduate Union and in particular to the Council, the Council conferred on Lyn the title of Honorary Life Member during a special evening of Councillors with Lyn and husband Rob.
women’s forums, Friday night drinks, mail out of newsletters and much more. Thank you for giving up your time for others. My particular thanks go to our relatively new CEO, Dr Kerry Bennett. We have encountered many challenges which neither Kerry nor her selection panel anticipated, all of which resulted in a very much larger work load for her. This did not distract her from improving management practices, improving financial management and improving documentation for preparation of Councillors prior to their meetings. Somehow Kerry has maintained her happy attitude and gained many close friends from our regular members. Cr David Sparks Chair of Council
This is the last of my allowable three years as Chairman of the Council. It has been a difficult time during which it has been necessary to face up to some difficult decisions; to appoint a new CEO, a new President and to achieve our goal of improving our governance documentation. For all of this and more, I am grateful to have had the confidence of my fellow Councillors and to have shared with them the road blocks to progress and the satisfaction of achievement. I am particularly grateful to the Committee chairs who have taken on the leadership of the Committee work. There are many others who have made the Graduate Union the success it is today. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated staff that clearly enjoys their work. We have many volunteers who organise or run our language classes, bridge evenings, Sunday music events,
5 • graduateunionannualreport
The Head of College’s Message Welcome to the 2012-2013 Annual Report, meeting, events and accommodation services the aim of which is to provide members with a
management. Following analysis of requirements,
summary of this historically significant period of
redundancies and efficiencies, we are now mid-
productivity and achievement for The Graduate
way through a staged programming and testing
Union.
schedule and already seeing how these system
2012 has been a year of great and necessary improvements are enabling us to meet better change and it has been the hard work, the current and future anticipated increases in professionalism, ethics and sheer resilience of
membership numbers and requirements.
all my colleagues here on staff that has enabled
The reports from the Chair of Council and from
us to both continue operations while also reinforcing the foundations so that we can meet the challenges ahead.
the Chairs of each Standing Committee indicate significant progress with the governance, policy and financial control reforms recommended
As members will glean when reading this
in 2010, 2011 and 2012 reviews. Key to these
annual report, every part of the ‘business’ of
reforms has been the ethics and professionalism
The Graduate Union has been subjected to a
of those Councillors who have weathered storms
significant restructure.
which began mid-2010 and which are now
Our capital improvement programme has been
subsiding because of their hard work. On behalf
deliberately aggressive to confine the negative effects on revenue generation to 2012 and to facilitate a rapid recovery of losses thereafter. Hence, while income from meeting services was affected (by about $100K) through room closures
of The Graduate Union, I extend sincere thanks to these Councillors, and particularly to Mr David Sparks who completes his term as Chair of Council on the 31st May, 2013 and who has provided inspirational leadership during most
during the major ground floor refurbishments,
challenging times.
the results for late 2012 and early 2013 illustrate
In conclusion, we are moving from a passive
that the subsequent increase in bookings has led to a near full recoup. Similarly, any negative effects on accommodation income while rooms were closed for installations and refurbishments are being reversed as we return to high occupancy rates.
to an active membership model and I thank members - resident and non-resident alike - who are supporting a return to what we were in 1911: egalitarian, acknowledging of the privilege of our education and realising our potential to give back using the collective of qualifications, skills,
Another major change in 2012 (continuing in
experiences, cultures and passions.
2013) has been the development of a system to integrate all ‘back-end’ operations, from finance and
membership
database
management,
through marketing and communications, to
graduateunionannualreport • 6
Dr Kerry M. B. Bennett CEO and Head of College
Council Members
Cr David Sparks Chair of Council
Cr Andre Cleghorn Cr Phillip Cobbin Chair of House Board Vice-Chair of Council Chair of the Accounting and Audit Committee
Cr Cheryl Kidston Chair of the Governance and Policy Review Committee
Cr Vivienne Corcoran
Cr Meredith Doig
Cr Jane McKellar
Cr The Hon Justice Tony Pagone
Cr Keith Ryall
Cr Kingsley Davis Chair of the Membership Committee
Cr Glenda Fisher
Cr Leo Santalucia
Vice Chancellor Representatives
Cr Siôn Lutley
Cr Jo Ligouris
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Councillor Attendance Your Council works hard to sustain and grow our Association. Many of your Councillors attend The Graduate Union for meetings weekly and contribute much more than is indicated in the schedule of governance meetings from the 1st of August 2012 to the 9th of April 2013, shown in the table below. The University of Melbourne also contributes significantly, and our gratitude is extended to the ViceChancellor’s representatives on Council, Joanne Ligouris (from November 2012) and Siôn Lutley, for their dedicated and professional service to governance and our Association.
92
Council P A 7 7
P 4
A 4
A&A P A 4 3
15
67
7
4
4
2
4
Cleghorn, A
16
81
7
4
4
4
Davis, K
15
73
7
5
Fisher, G
20
70
7
5
4
2
Kidston, C
15
100
7
7
4
4
McKellar, J
11
91
7
7
Santalucia, L
15
100
7
7
Coopted Members Corcoran, V From Jan 2013
3
100
1
1
Doig, M From Oct 2012
8
80
4
3
Pagone, T From Dec 2012
4
80
3
2
Ryall, K From Oct 2012
9
82
4
4
Ligouris, J From Nov 2012
5
83
4
4
Lutley, S
5
42
7
4
Total
%
Sparks, D Chair
24
Cobbin, P Vice-Chair
HB
4
M P 5
A 5
5
5
4
3
4
3
5
3
4
4
4
4
4
3
4
4
3
3
2
2
4
4 2
3 3
2
2 2
4
3
5
1
Vice Chancellor Representatives
HB A&A M G&PR P A
2
1
House Board Accounting and Audit Committee Membership Committee Governance and Policy Review Committee Possible number of meetings that could be attended Actual number attended from 1st August, 2012 to 9th April, 2013 Chair of the Committee
* Please refer to the previous Annual Report for attendance over the remainder of 2012
graduateunionannualreport • 8
G&PR P A 4 3
Strategic Plan To ensure that The Graduate Union remains relevant and continues to be a viable and thriving Association over the long term, Council has been undertaking a comprehensive and detailed strategic planning process. With the imperative of ensuring long term sustainability, the focus has been on growth and development of The Union and on the accountability of Councillors and staff in moving the organisation forward. Accordingly, as part of the strategic planning work, Council examined the raison d’être of the organisation, its place in the market, aspirational goals, key strategic priorities, relevant governance structures and evaluation mechanisms. The planning process has involved a detailed analysis of the likely impacts on the organisation over the next three to five years. Having identified these, Council then attached contingency and forward planning thinking to each impact and thence defined key strategic priorities, together with associated key result areas and performance indicators. The output of that process is providing the framework for the provision of all services of the Graduate Union as well as key actions to be undertaken in the short to medium term. Here, we present the mission, vision and values which underpin the Strategic Plan.
Vision Within five years The Graduate Union will be renowned as the pre-eminent Australian membership association of graduates of universities from around the world, living, meeting and learning within a vibrant and active collegium which advances education and its application for the good of society.
Mission The Graduate Union brings together graduates - from graduation, through careers and into retirement - in an active international membership network, residential college and meeting place for the socially responsible advancement and application of education.
Values of Members
Values of the Organisation
Collegiality
Responsibility, Accountability and Stewardship
Universal Friendship
Contribution and Performance
Life-Long Learning
Professionalism, Integrity, Transparency and Ethics
Social Conscience and Responsibility Intellectual Challenge and Contribution Intercultural and Interdisciplinary Experiences
Welcome, Encouragement, Support and Inclusion Respect for Differences and Integration with Diversity Focus on the Strengths and Integration of Graduates
9 • graduateunionannualreport
Graduate Union Council Election As a result of the call for nominations published in the February issue of The Melbourne Graduate six valid nominations have been received for the seven positions advertised. A poll will therefore not be necessary and the successful candidates will be declared elected by the President at the Annual General Meeting to be held on Friday, 31 May at 7.30pm. In accordance with The Graduate Union Election Regulation, the terms of office of the candidates were determined by lot on Wednesday, 20 March 2013. The first four candidates listed will have terms expiring in May 2016 and the other two candidates with terms expiring in May 2015. The personal statements provided by the candidates, which follow, have been standardised only by listing the surname first, followed by other names, the listing of degrees and diplomas and the inclusion of the names of the proposer and seconder of the candidate. Ronald G Ritchie Returning Officer
Personal Statements from Candidates
In submitting their nominations for election to Council, each candidate provided a personal statement. These are presented as follows.
Francis Ryall, Keith BSc.DipED(Melb), BEd(Monash), GradDip(HR)(RMIT) Proposer – Paul Carlin Seconder – Jane McKellar
Keith’s interest in the development of young graduates started in 1972 when he established a Human Resources function with the Australian Wheat Board. In 1978, he was headhunted to Arthur Andersen/Andersen Consulting to establish an HR function, with the emphasis on recruitment and retention of accounting, finance, business and IT graduates. In 1988, he was the inaugural Secretary/ Treasurer of the Australian Association of Graduate Employers Ltd and the following year, National President. Keith completed a B.Sc.Dip.Ed. Melbourne University (1966), a B.Ed. Monash University (1972) and a Grad.Dip. in HR RMIT University (1974). He was resident at International House, University of Melbourne (1963-65) and later served on the I. H. College Council from 1994-2008. Keith is also an Immediate Past District Governor for Rotary International District 9800. He is passionate about the future of the Graduate Union and the wonderful facilities of Graduate House and proudly stands for election.
graduateunionannualreport • 10
Sparks, David BSc(Elec Eng)(UNSW) Proposer – Gwyneth Anne Campbell Seconder – Merren Cliff
As Chairman of the Council for three years, I have participated in the need for Council to make important staff changes and for the Council to address overdue governance issues. I am very proud of what the Council has achieved during my term as Chair. I have been very active in seeking for your Council people who are highly motivated and talented and hence very good for our future. The current work of the Council will provide an excellent footing to secure the future of the Graduate Union. If re-elected I would be excited to participate in the planning and implementation of the opportunities which we see available to us. It has been my pleasure to have attended almost all of the luncheons and lectures etc which we provide for members and if re-elected I will continue to provide such close support to the staff.
Corcoran, Vivienne BA(Melb), GradDip(Marketing)(Monash) Proposer – Merren Cliff Seconder – Gwyneth Anne Campbell
More than 30 years’ experience in business has provided me with broad industry knowledge and networks. My training and roles as a director of for and not for profit organisations has honed my commitment to good governance. Having had experience of a number of universities and colleges and being a committed member of professional associations relevant to my work and skills, I am knowledgeable and passionate about life-long learning. As a marketer, director and strategist, my clients tell me I am passionate, intuitive, strategic and practical. I am able to identify, distil and communicate key issues quickly such that everyone understands what needs to be done. It is this collection of skills and experience that led me to be co-opted to Council to help define and grow the Union so it can remain a relevant organisation for the future. I seek re-election to continue this work.
11 • graduateunionannualreport
Santalucia, Leo BBus(Accounting)(Monash), GradDip(Accounting&Finance)(RMIT) Proposer – Andre Cleghorn Seconder – Glenda Fisher
A life member since 2007 and a Councillor since 2011, I have been fortunate enough to not only enjoy the benefits of the association but also contribute to some of its direction and governance in recent years. With over 25 years’ experience in sales, marketing, strategic planning, financial and customer relationship roles in property, financial services and general insurance industries, I offer strong business acumen and a vast knowledge in the corporate governance and stewardship of mutual entities to design and drive strategic change. If re-elected to Council, I believe I can continue to contribute to the effectiveness & efficiency of the Graduate Union Council by ensuring the interests of members and residents are acknowledged and enriched in order to achieve the agreed goals and objectives that flow from our Mission of embracing academic, cultural and general diversity within a secure and collegiate environment.
Kidston, Cheryl BSocStuds(Queensland) Proposer – Andrew Kingsley Roberts Seconder – Phillip Edward Cobbin
Members have supported the governance reform agenda which the Graduate Union has implemented in very recent years, and I have been grateful to see members respond positively to the need for change. As the outgoing Chair of the Governance and Policy Review, I have been closely connected and involved with Council in pursuing these improvements. I am seeking re-election to bring continuity and commitment to these endeavours, which should see us migrate from being an incorporated association to a Company Limited by Guarantee under Commonwealth Corporations Law by the end of this year. A transition of this nature will demonstrate our increasing maturity and governance excellence and will reflect our status as a significant partner in the post graduate educational sector. With this huge but essential task behind us we will bring renewed focus to residents and members interests to build an even stronger association of graduates.
graduateunionannualreport • 12
Pagone The Hon. Justice Tony LLB(Monash), DipEd(Monash), BA(Monash), Master of Laws(Cambridge) Proposer – Colin John Cox Seconder – David Norman Sparks
I was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria in May 2007. Prior to this I was a Queens Counsel at the Victorian Bar, specialising in taxation law and also practising widely in commercial, constitutional, public and human rights law. I have also been a member of the Victorian Bar Council, the Taxation Institute of Australia (during which time I served as Chairman of the Victorian State Education Committee), and the Law Council BLX Executive. I was also appointed a Professorial Fellow, Law Faculty, University of Melbourne in 2002, and reappointed in 2007 and 2012. I have also served on a number of Boards including ACSO, in which I was Chairman from 2002 to 2007, Co.As.It, in which I was President between 2006 and 2010, and School council member at Melbourne Girl’s Grammar between 2003 and 2007. I also teach in the post graduate programs at Melbourne University.
13 • graduateunionannualreport
Membership Committee What are we really trying to do? The Graduate Union consists of its members. The Union has three foci. It is an association of graduates, a graduate residential college and a provider of facilities for academic and professional development meetings. The Membership Committee is a standing committee of the Graduate Council. It has three primary tasks. This Committee promotes membership of the Graduate Union by recruiting and retaining members. The Committee makes recommendations on the provision of activities, services and facilities for members. The Committee works with the CEO and the House Board to provide an extraordinarily broad range of functions for members at The Graduate Union. Statistically, 2012 has been a good year. The chart below shows that membership breached the 2000 membership ceiling increasing, by 139, from 1928 to 2067 members.
Number of Members 1400
1323 1303
1200 1000 800
end 2011
600
end 2012
469
400 262 249
200
320
23 46
0 Life
Regular
Resident
Organisation
Income from the membership business unit in 2012 was $1,180,654. The primary earners were the meeting services unit and the dining room food unit as can be seen in the accompanying chart on the next page. The College has 114 rooms which host 600 residents each year. 1500 – 2000 people meet each month at The Graduate Union for academic and professional development meetings.
graduateunionannualreport • 14
During the past two years there has been a resurgence in the activities provided for members at The Graduate Union. A glance at the Association website or the monthly Newsletter reveals a feast of these events. Such experiences include the Monthly Luncheons, Twilight Lectures and Sunday Music Days for the family with the most eminent of speakers and performers. There are Residents Meet and Greet evenings, Wine Tastings, Friday Drinks and Dinner, Women’s Forum, and an Information Technology and Communication seminar series. The breadth of intellectual and current cultural stimulation could scarcely be bettered. For these exceptional presentations we are indebted to the innovative thinking and enthusiasm of the CEO Dr Kerry Bennett and the ardent and wholehearted support of her staff. However, it has to be said with regret that these remarkable and inspiring activities are enjoyed by a comparatively small inner core of the membership. A high proportion of our non-resident members are inactive and the non-participating members are mainly life members. The Melbourne University Graduates Association, as it then was, when founded on 4th May, 1911, was constituted to bring the life and thought of the University and the community in more direct contact, to provide public lectures by distinguished visitors and to bring graduates of the University into closer touch with each other. The objects of the Union are now to assist with higher education and postgraduate studies, to foster relations between graduates of all universities and to develop an association of graduates who support these objects. During the recent part of this year the Membership Committee has turned its thoughts and deliberations to the raison d’être of the Association particularly with respect to membership. For most of the year the residential facilities operate close to capacity. Generally the meeting rooms are booked out well in advance. However the Association was founded to provide for non-residential postgraduates. That is how it operated and prospered until well into the 1980s. In 1963 membership peaked at just over 4000. It could be said, unkindly, that if the Association member numbers reduced
15 • graduateunionannualreport
significantly, the Union would be running a business with the very worthwhile purpose of primarily accommodating resident graduates. Do the inner core of active members, other than retirees, who support the Association have a need for it? The Committee looked at recent studies. Research shows that most of the traditional membership clubs are suffering from a severe reduction in members. Members are resigning; members are passing away. When many of these private clubs were established in the 1800s they were very important for networking and social activities. Younger professionals seem to have lost interest in being part of such institutions, preferring the pub, sporting clubs, the mobile phone and social media. The more egalitarian clubs thrive in a strong other primary purpose. These include the RACV, sporting clubs such as the Melbourne Cricket Club and Kooyong Lawn Tennis Association and University House. Some regard the traditional clubs as a relic of a bygone age. Generational, cultural and economic forces are combining to challenge the way in which associations operate. Baby Boomers contributed to the rise and number of most member organisations from the 1970s onwards. However from 2011 they began to retire and associations can no longer rely on these active, engaged and supportive Baby Boomer members to support them. To thrive, associations must be attractive to all generations. Members must be recruited and nurtured. It is necessary to find out what younger members want from an association. What is the value which must be delivered to them and how is that value communicated to both prospective and existing members so that they are motivated to join and remain? How does the club create value, including value for their membership fee, for adherents? The programme of the association must be interesting, relevant and tailored for them. There needs to be a successful private social network in the association. The membership at all levels must be carefully managed and fostered. Generations X and Y do not have the devotion shown by Baby Boomers. They are involved in short-term memberships and experiences and then move on. These are some of the challenges facing The Graduate Union as it commences its second century. For us it is Operation Next Generation. Working with Dr Bennett and her staff, the Membership Committee has identified a number of areas for attention in order to complement and take advantage of the revived activity momentum in the Association. The intellectual presentations and events are outstanding. The car park makes attendance easy and attractive. Attendees do not leave disappointed. Graduate House also aspires to provide business and networking facilities, opportunities to meet friends, to be a place for exchange of views, to offer a relaxed environment, to make available a connection with the University and be inclusive. The challenge is to get more people along and reconnected. A professionally authored survey has been sent out to determine the needs of members and their satisfaction with what is currently provided. In the age of the global village, resident members are shown to be joining an international collegium, rather than coming and going from a temporary hostel. This is the membership of a global collective. Membership of our multinational Association allows all members to use the collective intelligence of the membership to address major issues both local and international for the public good. Discussions have been held with members and residents to progress ideas and initiatives. Graduate House provides modern facilities and a family friendly atmosphere. There is a warm and welcoming ambience with stimulating activities. This is a period of great social transition. We are
graduateunionannualreport • 16
reinventing ourselves. The Membership Committee and indeed the Graduate Council seek to ensure that the Association moves with and adapts to these changes for the benefit of all members and the wider community. I acknowledge and thank the members of the Committee: Vice-Chair Cr Keith Ryall, Cr Andre Cleghorn, Cr Vivienne Corcoran, Mr David Eyres, Cr David Sparks and Dr Kerry Bennett. I also recognise the considerable contributions of former Chair Cr Glenda Fisher from 2007-2012, who is presently on leave of absence from this Committee. Cr Kingsley Davis Chair of the Membership Committee
17 • graduateunionannualreport
Governance and Policy Review In the inaugural report from this Committee in August 2012, Council foreshadowed the necessity to review our Rules to improve our governance and ensure compliance with changing legislation. At that time Council could not have predicted how much time and effort would be required to ensure we have a sound proposal to present to members during 2013. As the year progressed, we came to terms with: • the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for Profits Commission (ACNC), which will establish minimum standards of governance with which we have to comply; • the enactment of the new Victorian Association Reform Act 2012 and the subsequent release of the Model Rules for State registered Incorporated associations; • the impacts of these developments on the decision of 2012 to remain an incorporated association by updating our Rules for good governance and compliance. Council will explain these developments in more detail as the year progresses. However the important conclusion of the work undertaken in 2012/2013 is that Council is now preparing a proposal to become a Company Limited by Guarantee under Commonwealth corporations’ law, which will also fit more neatly with the requirements of the ACNC. This proposal will be put to members during 2013. It is a mature step forward, fostered by this Committee, and supported and driven by full Council. This governance reform package will include a new Constitution, with supporting Regulations, which I am confident members will receive as a modern and understandable model for governance of our member-based organisation, one which accurately reflects how we operate now and into the future. Amidst these time consuming developments the Committee guided the appointment of our new President through to fruition, attracted and recruited new Committee members with undisputed knowledge and experience of governance, and revised and adopted several new policies. These policies have included: •
adoption of the Council Code of Conduct as a Regulation binding on all Councillors;
•
a review and update of our Election Regulations;
•
a review of our Access to the Register of Members Policy;
•
the adoption of Privacy Principles; and
•
the adoption of a policy relating to Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying.
It has been a privilege to work with this powerful team as a Committee surging forward with improved standards and practices, and I invite you, as members, to appreciate and applaud their efforts over this past shortened year. Cr Cheryl Kidston Chair of the Governance and Policy Review Committee
graduateunionannualreport • 18
Accounting and Audit Committee The Accounting and Audit Committee supports Council by providing oversight and advice to management across a range of activities relating to finance, accounts, administration, risk, compliance, reporting, accountability and audit.
Policy development initiatives Throughout the year the Accounting and Audit Committee has been engaged in a process of finalising a series of policy initiatives designed to further enhance financial administration. Policies covering capital expenditure, investment strategy and debt management were finalised and presented to Council for endorsement. The Committee has also paid particularly close attention to our bank borrowings and has monitored negotiations with the National Australia Bank (NAB). The Committee has been particularly mindful of the coming transition period when these borrowings are due to be repaid. These negotiations have progressed satisfactorily and the NAB has agreed to maintain the same level of support and service as in the past.
Financial performance 2012 In 2012, The Graduate Union incurred a small deficit of $55,302 compared with an underlying surplus in 2011 of $109,279. Operating revenue over 2012 was marginally higher than that for 2011, as were most expense categories. Increases in employment expenses and professional fees were offset to some extent by reductions in communication expenses. Cash and cash equivalents totalled $1,332,000 by end 2012, and total property, plant and equipment was valued at just over $22,500,000.
Operating Income A breakdown of operating income is shown in this chart. Revenue from donations and bequests is not illustrated.
Capital Expenditure A total of $380,000 was committed and spent on capital works. The major projects for the year were the installation of additional bathroom facilities in the Stella Langford Wing and new airconditioning units in the Main Building. These works were predominantly financed under the terms of the Philip Law Bequest. Additionally, a new audio-visual system was installed in the conference rooms of the main building and a significant rolling refurbishment program has been largely completed. Phillip Cobbin Chair of the Accounting and Audit Committee
19 • graduateunionannualreport
House Board Overview The House Board has long been the standing committee of The Graduate Union responsible for building services and developments and for overseeing the provision of facilities for residence and for meeting services. I would like to thank members of the House Board for the exceptional amount of work they have done over the past 12 months.
The William Berry Wing The residential rooms are being progressively repainted carpeted and refurbished. The progress has been slower than expected because this work can only be done when we have vacant rooms and with the current high occupancy rates we often have very few vacant rooms. An archway has been cut between the terraces on the first floor to allow the corridor to connect all seven terraces. Previously, members and staff had to go up and down stairs to get from one terrace to another. This was particularly inefficient for house keeping staff carrying items from one room to another.
Main Building The remaining funds from the Dr Phillip Law bequest have been used to install reverse cycle airconditioning in the residential rooms in the main building. (The majority of the bequest has been used for building the Stella Langford Wing toilets, William Berry Wing rewiring and WBW air-conditioning) Many of these rooms, particularly those on the top floor have been nearly unusable during hot weather. The timing was superb as that work was completed just prior to our recent heat wave. Reverse cycle heating in winter should be much less expensive than the previous electric heating in the rooms so there should be an ongoing cost saving. Integrated switches have been installed so that air conditioning cannot be forgotten on when no one is in a room, they will automatically switch off.. The audio visual systems in the Stillwell and Potter rooms have been replaced and are now state of the art, keeping our function facilities up with the best available. New floor boxes have been installed so that cables will not have to be laid over the floor, reducing the risk of people tripping.
Car Park With the increase in the number of functions that we are holding in our meeting rooms we are finding an ever increasing use of our car park. I believe that on some busy days that it is almost full. The car park is an important attraction for groups using our academic and professional development facilities because otherwise parking is so difficult in the area. If you come to a function at Graduate House you can use our car park at no cost. If you want to use the car park at another time such as when you are going to see a film nearby or visiting the university, you can use the car park for only $5.00 per day.
graduateunionannualreport • 20
Working Parties The Graduate Union has long convened Working Parties for special projects and we have decided to make more use of this very efficient way to carry out projects. These working parties are much more informal than the Council or even the five standing committees of the Graduate Union. Generally there are a few members or a standing committee that convene the working party, in this case the House Board. There are also several Graduate Union members that have specific skills that will help us with this particular project. If you would like to join a working party or you have particular skills then please volunteer to help your Graduate Union and join us on a working party.
Naming of the Areas Working Party This was a small working party of only three members set up to look at all the areas at The Graduate Union, determine which ones had been named and which ones were still available to be named in honour of significant individuals or benefactors. Once this work was done we realized that it was a much larger project than initially envisioned and led us to consider benefaction more generally. The working party has evolved into the Benefaction Working Party.
Benefaction Working Party This new and larger working party hopes to meet soon and consider all aspects of benefaction and fund raising relevant to The Graduate Union.
Phillip Law Relief Working Party Following the generous bequest to The Graduate Union by Dr Phillip Law, we decided to honour Dr Phillip Law by naming the member’s area near the bar as “The Phillip Law Lounge” and commissioning a relief of Dr Phillip Law to be placed on the wall of the lounge. The working party met with the artist Michael Mazaros and his superb work is now on the wall for us to enjoy.
Front Entrance Working Party Following the construction of our two newest major buildings we have realized that our entrance is not obvious to visitors who are confronted by a row of doors from our buildings to Leicester Street. The Front Entrance working Party hopes to design a striking entrance which can be covered to keep people dry during inclement weather. This working party is still new so we will have to wait to see what they come up with.
Stella Langford Wing Toilets Working Party This project was mentioned briefly in last year’s report and has now been completed. The project may not seem significant however it was desperately needed when we had functions in the Stella Langford Wing. As well as new toilets, the project has provided some much needed storage space. The quality of the work is exceptional and the builders kept disruption to a minimum. This project was made possible by the generous Dr Phillip Law bequest.
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William Berry Wing Development Working Party After the refurbishment of the William Berry Wing residential rooms we would like to look at the other areas. This new working party hopes to redesign and refurbish the offices, resident’s kitchens, games and TV rooms at the rear of the William Berry Wing. This will be a staged redevelopment as funds become available. It would be great to receive assistance from another generous benefactor. Andre Cleghorn Chair of House Board
Donate towards the betterment of The Graduate Union today! For enquiries contact us on (03) 9347 3428 or by email at admingh@graduatehouse.com.au
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The Stillwell Room and Family The Stillwell Room of today is situated on the ground floor of the main building of The Graduate Union from 216 to 220 Leicester Street, Carlton.
The Stillwell Room
It is used frequently by our organisation and non-resident members for a variety of purposes that include committee, government and research meetings, education forums and small formal dinners. It is fully equipped with the latest audiovisual technology and neighbours the Ian Potter Room from which it can either be closed off or opened to allow for larger gatherings. The Stillwell Room was opened March 1965 in the now named William Berry Wing of terraces following the receipt of a bequest in the will of Frank Leslie Stillwell. It was used as a common room where resident and non-resident members met daily to read, to converse and to rest. Following the death of her mother in 1996 and annually since then, Elizabeth Shaw (Mrs Michael Wright; great niece of Frank Leslie Stillwell whose portrait by Orlando Dutton hangs in this room) has given generous donations for the decoration of the room. With construction of the main building from 216 to 220 Leicester Street in 2005, the Stillwell Room was relocated to its current ground floor site. The following page shows a part of the Stillwell family tree and illustrates the connection between Frank Leslie Stillwell, the seventh of eight siblings, and his great niece Elizabeth Jean Shaw who is the grand-daughter of Alfred Stillwell (1883 - 1941), an older brother of Frank Leslie. The grandfather of Frank Leslie Stillwell, John Samuel Stillwell, migrated from London in the ship Kent in 1855 and settled in Melbourne where he set up a printing firm which was later known as Stillwell and Stephens. His son, Alfred (Frank Leslie’s father), was born in 1849 and one of John’s grandsons, Harry Stanley (an older brother of Frank Leslie), continued the printing business into
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John Samuel Stillwell
Alfred Stillwell 1849 - 1926
Lilian 1881 - 1952
Florence 1880 - 1968
Effie 1877 - 1950
Grace Mary 1878 - 1949
Mary Eliza née Townsend 1856 - 1948
Harry Stanley 1886 - 1996
Alfred 1883 - 1941
Frank Leslie 1888 - 1963
Etta 1910 - 1996
Frank Shaw
Michael Wright
Elizabeth Shaw 1940 -
Olive Henrietta 1890 - 1982
prosperity. By the early 20th century, four of Alfred’s eight children were attending The University of Melbourne. What is more extraordinary, for that time in particular, is that three of these four were women. There were several women in later generations who also graduated with degrees from The University of Melbourne. Frank Leslie Stillwell (1888-1963) is the subject of the portrait in the Stillwell Room and is best known as one of Australia’s foremost geologists, particularly in the field of minerals. Much of his story is captured in the many publications and memorabilia which are in The Graduate Union library on long term loan from Elizabeth Jean Shaw. These include an obituary by Professor Edwin Hills, many of Frank’s awards and medals and his diaries from early expeditions. The family photograph on the page opposite, taken on the 10th August, 1901, shows Frank Leslie’s parents (Mary Eliza and Alfred) seated in the middle surrounded by their eight children. Standing at the back, from left to right, are Alfred (Elizabeth Shaw’s grandfather), Florence, Lilian and Harry Stanley. Seated to the left of the parents is Effie, the oldest of the eight children, and to the right, Grace Mary, the second eldest. The two youngest children, Frank Leslie and Olive Henrietta are seated at the front. graduateunionannualreport • 24
The Stillwell family
A picture of the young Frank Stillwell when in Antarctica.
Frank was educated at Auburn State School and then Hawthorn College. He gained a Bachelor of Science (1911) and a Master of Science (1913) in the footsteps of two older sisters, Effie (MBBS, 190102) and Florence (MSc, 1903). Graduating with first-class honours, he had won all the exhibitions and scholarships open to Geology undergraduates every year. After graduating he worked as the geologist with Douglas Mawson on the Australasian Antarctic Expedition from 1911 and 1913, during which Mawson gave his name to Stillwell Island. Frank’s report on ‘The metamorphic rocks of Adelie Land’ led to his being awarded a Doctor of Science from The University of Melbourne in 1916. From 1914 to the early 1920s, Frank Leslie Stillwell worked at the University of Adelaide (19141915), assisted the Commonwealth Advisory Council of Science and Industry during World War I and worked as a geologist in country New South Wales and Victoria (1919-1921). After travelling to mining sites in Europe, South Africa and North America (1922-1923) he became interested in mineragraphy, the study of polished surfaces of mineral aggregates to determine mineral identity and relationships. From 1927 to his retirement in 1953, Frank was a research petrologist for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (later to become CSIRO - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation). In retirement, he continued his service to the Royal Society of Victoria which he had joined in 1910 serving in various positions that included presidency (1953-1954). He was conferred with many honours that included: •
The Polar Medal
•
Order of the British Empire (OBE)
•
The William Branwhite Clarke medal (1951) Royal Society of New South Wales
•
Correspondent of the Geological Society of America (1952)
•
Elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (1954)
•
Stillwell Anniversary Volume (1958) Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
•
The naming of a new mineral ‘Stillwellite’
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Stillwell Female Graduates As noted on a plaque in the Stillwell Room, Elizabeth Jean Shaw provided her generous donation in memory of her mother (Etta) and of three of her mother’s aunts (Effie, Florence and Olive) – the sisters of Frank Leslie Stillwell. The following gives an outline of the remarkable lineage of successful Stillwell female graduates. Effie Stillwell (1877-1950) was the first born female of the eight children. She attended South Melbourne College (no longer in existence) and: ‘... became the second ever female mathematical exhibitioner in Victoria and the first to gain a place in the honours list in physics and chemistry. She also secured first place in all three subjects at the Ormond College scholarship examination’. Pawsey, M. (1990). John Bernard O’Hara: poet and school proprietor, 18621927. In M. R. Theobold and R. J. W. Selleck. (Eds) Family, School and State in Australian History (pp. 91-113). Sydney, Allen and Unwin.
A picture of Frank Stillwell in 1966 when he was with the Royal Society of Victoria
Effie went on to become a medical student and graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1901-02. Her career was spent almost entirely as a medical missionary in Patna, in the north of India, working for the Zenana Bible and Medical Missionary Society. For this work in India she was awarded the Kaiser-i-Hinde Medal for Public Service in India, an award from the British monarch between 1900 and 1947 to civilians of any nationality who rendered distinguished service in the advancement of the interests of the British Raj. She retired back to Melbourne in 1937 and died in 1950 aged 73. Florence Clucas (nee Stillwell; 1880–1968) also attended South Melbourne College as a State School Exhibitioner, meaning that she originally attended a State school then won a scholarship to South Melbourne College (personal communication with Margaret Pawsey and Australasian Schoolmaster, January, 1897, p. 125). Majoring in Chemistry, Florence gained a first class honours in Mathematics, placing second for the mathematical exhibition, and honours also in Latin and Physics (BSc, 1901). She followed her bachelor’s degree with research for which she was awarded a Master of Science (the degree by thesis at that time). She married Ernest Clucas who later became Director of the Royal Mint in Melbourne and whose younger sister Elizabeth (Bessie) was also to gain an MBBS at the University of Melbourne (1908-09). As was the custom in the early 20th century, married women did not take paid employment but participated extensively in voluntary, charitable work. Florence Clucas was the Honorary Secretary of the Australian Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), a position nowadays that would be classified as CEO and remunerated. She was also an early supporter of St Hilda’s college and in her will left a bequest to St Hilda’s. The Florence Clucas Entrance Exhibition Scholarship is named after her. Olive Stillwell (1890-1982) was the younger sister of Frank. Olive was educated at Presbyterian Ladies College (when PLC was still in East Melbourne) and was head prefect in 1907 and 1908. She received prizes for Mathematics, Latin and Debating. At Melbourne University she was awarded the Alexander Sutherland prize for English Language and Literature, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1912, a Master of Arts in 1914 and a Graduate Diploma of Education, also in 1914.
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Early in her career she was a teacher at Fintona Girls School but then went to India where she taught and subsequently became headmistress of the United Missionary Girls’ High School in Calcutta. She retired in 1951 and died in 1982.
The Next Generation Etta Shaw (nee Stillwell) (1910-1996) is Elizabeth Jean Shaw’s mother. As with her Aunt Olive, Etta was also educated at PLC, and went on to major in physics and mathematics at The University of Melbourne graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1931 and a Graduate Diploma of Education in 1933. She then taught at state secondary schools until she married (1935) Frank Shaw who was later to become the first Professor of Pharmacology at The University of Melbourne. Because The University did not award doctorates at that time, they travelled to London for Frank to undertake research and gain his PhD. As a married woman who was thus not able to gain a paid teaching post, and in order to fund Frank’s research and their living and travelling expenses, Etta and Frank leased a large house in Kensington which Etta ran as a guest house for genteel folk of limited means. They returned to Australia (after spending three months travelling in Europe) shortly before the start of World War II and started a family. During the war Etta worked for short periods on war research at the Fisherman’s Bend armaments laboratory. After the war, and the required exit of married women from paid work again, her interests outside the family included extensive voluntary work, in particular for The University, including raising money for the rebuilding of Wilson Hall after its destruction by fire and for the building of International House and St Hilda’s College.
The Third Generation As mentioned earlier, Elizabeth Jean Shaw (Mrs Michael Wright) (1940- ) is the daughter of Etta Shaw (nee Stillwell) and the great niece of Frank Leslie Stillwell. Continuing in the footsteps of her great aunt Olive and her mother, she also attended PLC (still in East Melbourne). Like great aunt Effie she studied medicine at The University of Melbourne graduating with a MBBS in 1962. After initial posts at Prince Henry’s Hospital (now no longer in existence, having been subsumed into the Monash Medical Centre) she became a Senior Teaching Fellow in the Department of Microbiology at Monash University where her research led to the award of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 1970. Concurrently, she was a resident tutor at University Women’s College, now University College. Before accepting a post-doctoral research fellowship at Hammersmith Hospital in London, England, she worked in Melbourne at Fairfield and the Royal Childrens’ Hospitals. In London, she went on to become a Senior Lecturer and then Reader at St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College, The University of London, and a consultant microbiologist to the hospital. In 1986 she transferred to The Royal London Hospital where she worked until retirement in 1996. In parallel, from 1981-2000, she was Consultant Microbiologist to King Edward V11’s Hospital Sister Agnes. In London she met and subsequently married Michael Wright who worked for the Bank of England. In her retirement she continues to follow the traditions of her married female forbears spending her time doing voluntary charitable work in the community. The Graduate Union is most grateful for the annual generous donations from Elizabeth Jean Shaw, which are used for the upkeep of the Stillwell Room, and for her long-term loan of publications and memorabilia associated with her great uncle.
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January
February
March
The Welcome to College Barbeque
Pancake Day
Twilight Lecture with Professor Gary Egan
Sunday Music Concert with The Heather Stewart Trio Monthly Luncheon with Mrs Wilma Farrow
Monthly Luncheon with Mr Kim Sampson
The Highlights of
July
August
September
The William Berry Dinner
Annual General Meeting
Monthly Luncheon with Professor Graham Brown
Scholarhsip winner Matthias Kรถnning
Twilight Lecture with Professor Emeritus David Pennington AC
Sunday Music Concert with Pep Talk Monthly Luncheon with Miss Zora Sanders
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College Photograph Day Monthly Luncheon with Dr Sheridan Palmer
April
May
June
Sunday Music Concert with Wilma and Friends
Monthly Argument Commencement
Sunday Music Concert with Hoang Pham
Monthly Luncheon with Mr Bruce McBrien OAM
Monthly Luncheon with the Hon. Gareth Evans AO QC
Monthly Luncheon with Ms Jenny Davies
October
November
December
Sunday Music Concert with Greta Bradman
End of Academic Year Celebration
Chairman’s Cocktail Party
Monthly Luncheon with Dr Ralph Audehm
Monthly Luncheon with Mr Shane McSweeny
Inauguration Ceremony of Professor Rosenfeld as President MV Anderson Award Recipients Unveiling of the Phillip Law Bronze Relief Christmas Celebrations
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Academic and Professional Development Meeting Services
We offer various sized rooms and flexible set up options to cater for the needs of any function.
I am pleased to report that we had over 50 Organisational members, and over 19,000 people utilising our facilities in 2012. I believe our success is founded on repeat business. We listen to our client’s needs and deliver events that meet those specific requirements. In doing this, we strive to build long term relationships with our clients. We value all feedback, as this helps us stay in touch with customer needs and improve our services accordingly. I would like to acknowledge the Academic and Professional Development Meeting Services team; Guest Services and Function Manager Bill Mihelakis, Guest Services and Function Supervisor Marwa Tantawy and all floor staff who work together with the Catering Team, Head chef Kris Reid and the culinary section. We pride ourselves on making each event a success by offering excellent customer service and a high standard of catering. In December 2012, our talented Systems Development Manager Alex Skaria, developed a customised Events Booking System software which is tailored to meet our precise requirements. Entering client’s information and requirements has never been easier and by the click of a button a booking is created. The software also generates running sheets, signage and invoices from a single entry with ease. We can now see number of attendees, revenue, cost and profit and loss of each function at a glance and we have found this to be a very successful and time-effective system. Among our major projects completed in 2012 included the construction of a new toilet block and storeroom in The Stella Langford Wing. This was completed in August 2012 to cater for the increasing numbers attending our meetings and functions. The Ian Potter and Stillwell Rooms now have a new lectern with microphone, and the installation of floor boxes in the Ian Potter and Stillwell Rooms has
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provided an excellent solution for power, data and audio visual requirements while not compromising function space. Ceiling data projector have also been installed in both the Stillwell and the Ian Potter Rooms. It gives me great satisfaction that the Academic and Professional Development Meeting Services business unit has received so many repeat cliental, such great feedback and so many guests enjoying their time at The Graduate Union. We aim to encourage customers into long term valued members of our organisation. Rosie Ellul Hospitality Manager
Give the Gift of Membership to a friend, family member or colleague who has graduated from anywhere in the world! For enquiries contact us on (03) 9347 3428 or by email at admingh@graduatehouse.com.au
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Building Services and Housekeeping
There is much happening in the Building Services and Housekeeping departments at Graduate House. Apart from the many daily projects such as reliable housekeeping, the replacement of light globes, the repairing of doors, tagging and testing new electrical equipment, painting, gardening and general maintenance we also have completed some major projects and will continue to undertake others that are coming up very soon. Because of their age the Terraces need continual maintenance inside and out. To date we have completed painting 30 out of the 41 resident’s rooms in the terraces. We plan to do more when rooms become available. In the meantime, we have started to paint and maintain the corridors and outside areas. We have also completed a full thoroughfare with a new archway on the 1st floor for safety and practical reasons, and have straightened all carpet in the corridors and on the stairs, as well as installing stair grips. In the main building, we have installed reverse cycle air-conditioning into every resident’s room. This will make the rooms more comfortable, especially in the summer. We are also upgrading the ladies toilets in the main building; we have started by replacing the old toilet holders. Some of the upcoming larger projects we are embarking on are expansion of the office space, involving the addition of a new office. We also plan to have a new rear fence with shelter to accommodate resident’s bicycles. We plan to update the fire and evacuation alarm system, so that our residents have the best possible safety measures, should an emergency occur. All of the maintenance that is performed or coordinated by the Building Services department ensures that residents, members, staff and guests of The Graduate Union enjoy their time and are kept in a safe environment. We do encourage and rely on all guests to provide comments or feedback on their stay, particularly relating to the reporting of any equipment faults or maintenance issues. The sooner we hear about an issue, the sooner we can fix the problem! George Jaksic Building Services Manager
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Culinary Section
2013 began slowly, but it is very safe to say we are back up to normal production. After the success of last year and the immensely busy final months of 2012, the calm was warmly received, rest assured we welcome the rise in pace with open arms as 2013 continues. The slow start gave us an opportunity to train and develop two of our new staff members, Hannah as a kitchen attendant, and Keith as a trainee chef. In February, we received the fantastic news that Hannah had received a scholarship in New Zealand, so sadly for us, we only had the pleasure of Hannah’s company for a short while. Since then we have welcomed Pete to the team. Pete is doing extremely well in his first kitchen attendant position, and brings a bright personality that blends in very well with the kitchen staff. Keith was one of our work experience students from a local hospitality school here in the CBD. Keith possesses qualities such as enthusiasm, dedication, and a willingness to learn in all situations. He is a welcome addition to the kitchen and I can see him going from strength to strength. Keith is responding extremely well to on the job training, and is now carrying the big responsibility of the Breakfast Buffet two days a week. I would also like to extend my thanks, as always, to Nelson, Basma and Draga who continue to provide excellent, friendly, professional and high quality service to The Graduate Union Culinary section; and to wish Mark all the very best for the future, and particularly with his course of studies. Being a new year, we are experimenting with different ideas, recipes and cooking methods, with a focus on balanced nutrition. This is a great time for all staff in the culinary section and gives me a great opportunity to further develop my team. Kris Reid Head Chef
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Live Learn Meet 2012 - 2013 Duty Residents
Melina Glasson
Tim Stephens
Zoe Ma
A special thanks to Melina Glasson and Tim Stephens for their dedicated work as The Graduate Union Duty Residents during 2012 and we welcome Zoe Ma to the Duty Resident team for 2013.
Our Resident Members Multidisciplinary Yes, the pie graph below is illegible. It is a snapshot of the disciplines of the resident members who were in college one night early in 2013. It illustrates not only that our college is multidisciplinary and that there is great opportunity to learn from great minds over breakfast and dinner, but also the potential for this collective to contribute realistically to local and global projects of significance.
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Multicultural Our resident members come from all parts of the world. The world map shown below is another snapshot of the resident members in college one night earlier in the year. Each day this profile changes as new members arrive for study, research or sabbaticals and as others depart for their next life stage in another part of the world. The Graduate Union is proud to provide a residential facility for these incredible people. Their experiences and cultures help shape The Graduate Union into this now renown international college and association. We strive always to foster membership beyond residency so that we can work collectively and internationally to realise the full potential of our graduate membership at any career or post-career stage.
Resident Representatives on House Board
Jasper Follows
Huiting Wang
We are very pleased to announce the appointment by Council of Jasper Follows and Huiting Wang to House Board as the representatives of our resident members.
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Reciprocity Worldwide
The Graduate Union enjoys reciprocity with similar organisations all around the world. We have formal agreements in Asia, Europe and the USA and, in coordination with the Association of College and University Clubs (ACUC), access to nearly one hundred clubs which participate in an international reciprocity program.
AUSTRALIA
ACT: University House NSW: NSW Masonic Club and CTA Business Club WA: Trinity Conference and Accommodation Centre SA: Kathleen Lumley College
HONG KONG
Graduate House and Robert Black College, University of Hong Kong American Clubs International (Member of ACUC)
SINGAPORE
FRANCE
Six Cottages
UNITED KINGDOM
London: Oxford and Cambridge Club; Goodenough Club; The St James’s Club and Hotel Scotland: University of Edinburgh; University of Glasgow and The Burn
The NETHERLANDS
University of Amsterdam (ACUC)
SWEDEN
The National University of Singapore Society (NUSS)
Karolinska Institute, Stockholm (ACUC)
NEW ZEALAND
Harvard Club of Boston; University Club of St Paul, Minnesota; University Club San Francisco; The Graduate Club Association, New Haven, Connecticut
Auckland University Club
ITALY
ESU di Padova Universita degli Studi di Sassari
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
CANADA
University Club of Toronto University of British Columbia
Sharon Willoughby was a guest at Graduate House in January 2013. She is currently undertaking her doctoral studies with the Australian National University (ANU) and has kindly provided this article on her experience of benefiting from a reciprocal arrangement with The Graduate Union. Tutoring at Melbourne University’s summer school and living at Graduate House over the last week has been a welcome walk down memory lane. The last time I spent a whole week on campus was in 1989; the Berlin Wall fell as I wrote my Honours Thesis in the New Zoology building. I remember feeling as if my life and indeed the whole world teetered on the brink of endless possibility. I worked for the next three years at Monash University in the Department of Genetic and Evolutionary Biology. Then as so many of us did, I strapped on a backpack and headed to London. I stayed on living and working in Cornwall and Devon for the next six years eventually returning to Melbourne in 1999. Since then I have worked for the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) Melbourne and for the last ten years at the RBG Cranbourne as part of the landscape planning group for the Australian Garden. In May 2012 I started a PhD at the Australian National University in the Fenner School of Environment and Society. I am jumping disciplines, or at least becoming interdisciplinary, writing my thesis in history looking at the idea of ‘Gardening the Australian Landscape’. I chose to stay at Graduate House because I wanted to be close to campus at a place where I would feel safe and welcome. The nods of understanding I have received as I have again buried my head in my pile of reading speaks to the value of a collegiate atmosphere. If you are ever at ANU I would encourage you to try University House. Like Graduate House it provides a welcome haven for scholars. It seems fitting to be back at Melbourne University and staying at Graduate House, if only for two weeks, as I reboot my academic life. Sharon Willoughby PhD Scholar, Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU
Give the Gift of Organisation Membership to a Not for Profit Group of Your Choice! For enquiries contact us on (03) 9347 3428 or by email at admingh@graduatehouse.com.au
37 • graduateunionannualreport
Membership 2012 NEW MEMBERS We extend a warm welcome to the new members of our Association.
Life
Honorary
Dr Adam Jenney Mrs Lynette Weston (H)
Ms Joanne Ligouris Mr Sion Lutley Major General Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld
Regular Colonel John Beckwith Ms Kerry Biram Dr Colin Burvill Dr Edward Darby Ms J. A. Marion Binari De Saram Ms Jennifer Gill Ms Mary Gillet Mr William R. Harman Dr Christopher Hogan Mr Ned Letcher Dr Austin Lovegrove Ms Margeret Mathias Rev. Prof. John Morgan Ms Mary Morris Dr Elizabeth Mulllins Justice Tony Pagone Prof. John Polesel Dr Brian Salter-Duke Mr Dennis Shore Mr John Stella Mr John Styles Prof. Sabine Timpf Dr Zita Unger Mr Christopher Edward Wade Ms Lesley Walker Mr Aaron Wu Miss Xiao Ju Zhang
graduateunionannualreport • 38
Organisation representatives Mrs Jennifer Boden Mr Mateusz Buczko Ms Gorica Buzanin Ms Anna Davey Ms Gabrielle De Wan Mrs Maria Ferella Dr Richard Frampton Mr Patrick Freeland-Small Mr Peter Fullerton Mr John Hearn Mr Robert Heaton Ms Gail Jacks Mrs Erica Kecorius Ms Jennifer Kendall Ms Velga Lapins Ms Marie Mylonas Ms Rebecca Rossi Ms Anne Rudolph Prof. Robert Stimson Ms Leonardo Stroscio Mr Chris White Prof. Charles Zika
VALETE
BEQUESTS AND DONATIONS
Our condolences are extended to families and friends.
Our gratitude is extended for your generous support of The Graduate Union through donations and bequests:
Mr Malcolm J Archer, Life member 1976 Dr Simon Berry, Life member 1970 Mr John N Black, Life member 1960 Dr David E Bland, Life member 1946 Dr Michael C Butler, Life member 1954 Mrs Helen Greenwood Carroll, Life member 1975 Mr Alan Alexander Cohn, Life member 1952 Miss Lydia B Eady, Life member 1951 Colonel Donald C Fenwick, Life member 1973 Mrs Joan Garde, Life member 1968 Dr Maurice M Gooey, Life member 1955 Mr Donald M Hart, Life member 1946 Mrs Jean Hughes, Life member 1961 Dr E Koadlow, Life member 1966 Mr Clive S Landau, Life member 1954 Mr Hans Lorraine, Member 1955 Dr John (Jack) A McDonell AM, Life member 1959 Dr John Raymond Nicholas, Life member 1980 Dr Alan G Parker, OAM, Life member 1963 Prof Emeritius Alan G Shaw, Life member 1941 Mr Derek Shew, Life member 1957 Senator S E Spindler, Life member 1967 Dr Margaret Sussex, Life member 1975 Professor Jan R Stockigt, Member 2011 Mr William Tetley, Life member 1965 Miss Frances D Van Brummelen, Life Member 1956 Mr John Waterhouse, Life Member 1958
Dr Phillip Law The William Berry Postgraduate Trust Mr D Adams Mr L Bailey Mrs M Carr Ms E Carvosso Dr A Casey Dr P Castelucci Mr P Cenek Mr S Chua Mr L Dawes Ms Eltham Dr J Galbraith Dr F Galvin Mr G Hardy Mrs M Hill Mr G Israel Miss G Jones Miss B Keay Miss M Kelleher Mr B Krahnert Dr L Lloyd Dr J Mckellar Mrs M Merchant Mr E Miller Mr E Muntz Mr G Parkes Mr I Proctor Mr J Rowan Mr R Skilbeck Dr B Taylor Dr G Tippet Ms H Tossell Dr G Vaughan AO Dr R Weber
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Monthly Luncheon Review Mrs Wilma Farrow Caroline Chisholm burst into the monthly luncheon in February and commenced a spirited discourse about her outstanding life of service. Mrs Chisholm was a progressive 19th-century woman who, seeing a need in society, set out to meet that need. It is easy to see why she appeared for many years on the Australian $5 note. Wilma Farrow, aka Caroline Chisholm, is a great admirer of women who have made a difference and she is determined they will not be forgotten. Wilma is a frustrated Shakespearean actress whose dreams of a career on the stage ended with the birth of her children. However, she is now using her dramatic talents to play feisty women of renown, such as Caroline Chisholm and Vida Goldstein.
Mr Kim Sampson Kim Sampson gave an informative, timely and interesting presentation on the topic of ‘Influenza’. Mr Sampson has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Influenza Specialist Group (ISG) since 2006. ISG came into existence from a shortage of vaccines in 1990 and criticism about manufacturers. The objectives of the ISG are to increase understanding, develop educational tools and information, and act as an independent voice between government and industry. Kim spoke to the challenges faced in activating the general public to obtain vaccinations particularly in the face of new and increasingly virulent and dangerous influenza viruses.
Mr Bruce McBrien OAM Mr Bruce McBrien’s affection for his city of Melbourne was very apparent during his insightful and informative presentation. Born in 1926, the same year as Queen Elizabeth II, he started life on a housing estate, built by the ‘AV Jennings’ of the day, in the new outer suburb of Brighton which was also progressive in introducing nature strips. The audience was captivated by Bruce’s reminisces. Some remembered well these times when tradesmen travelled the streets in horse-drawn carts hawking their wares and other local identities such as the ice man lugging blocks of ice for the ice chest; the ice cream man (not Mr. Whippy!); and the dustmen who ran alongside their cart, and who were usually local footballers, emptying tin rubbish bins and throwing lids with wild abandon!
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The Hon. Gareth Evans AO QC The Chair of Graduate Council, David Sparks introduced Professor, The Honourable Gareth Evans. He gave background information of his many academic qualifications, his career as an academic lawyer, barrister and Queen’s Council until he entered Federal Parliament in 1978 as Senator for Victoria. Gareth Evans was a Member for Parliament for 21 years, ultimately becoming Foreign Minister in 1988, a portfolio he held until 1996. Diverging from his stated topic ‘Making Australian Foreign Policy: Who Matters?’ he confirmed what we already knew, that there is never a dull moment in politics! He entertained us with anecdotes about the various political issues and the personalities of the various protagonists.
Ms Jenny Davies Jenny Davies’s interest in Flinders Street Station began after learning that her own grandparents met at a dance in the Station’s ballroom. From this she decided to ‘have a look around’. When this turned out to be more difficult than she imagined, not to be deterred, she found a station master willing to take her on a 40 minute tour of the upper levels during which she heard many stories about the building and the people associated with it. Jenny soon realised that there was much more to know about Flinders Street Station. On a clear, sunny Melbourne day, while standing on the roof and seeing it from its best vantage point, she wondered why no one had ever written about this magnificent old building and thence she set forth to do just that.
Professor Graham Brown Professor Brown is the Foundation Director of the Nossal Institute for Global Health and has an illustrious career in the health and medical research fields of infectious diseases and immunity. He has received the Order of Australia for his work in the field of science. Professor Brown began by providing us with some background information on malaria – what the disease is, its persistence in many countries and how its control and elimination is being tackled. Malaria comes from a female mosquito bite as she seeks blood prior to laying eggs. The malaria parasite enters the blood stream when the mosquito pierces human skin. The parasite reproduces easily to cause fever and sweating with signs and symptoms that resemble the flu. A blood test is required to confirm malaria.
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Miss Zora Sanders Zora Sanders graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts in 2009. During her undergraduate years her philosophy was be involved in all things. It was when working for the student union newspaper ‘Farrago’ that she started her internship as a publisher, writer and storyteller. Zora certainly has a way with words. She brought images alive with stories of career fantasies that successively turned from enthusiastic explorative and wild imagination to the cold hard realities of what each career she entered into entailed.
Dr Sheridan Palmer Dr Palmer’s talk covered the more significant cultural changes in postwar Melbourne, a time when many European refugees immigrated and introduced Australia to the “modern” in art, architecture, literature and education. It was this influence which raised Australia’s international standards whilst at the same time strengthened multiculturalism. In her view, Dr Palmer felt that this post-war period gave direction to Australia’s existing modernists such as Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker, Noel Counihan and John and Sunday Reed.
Dr Ralph Audehm A General Practitioner (GP) who worked previously with Diabetes Australia Victoria, Dr Audehm’s interest is in public health within and beyond GP clinic rooms. His presentation, entitled “Just another Pill?”, Was on how medications are used in primary care. Dr Audehm outlined the problems and benefits of the rapid and increasing use of prescription pills. He explained ‘polypharmacy’ as now being the norm and outlined the significant challenges for practitioners in balancing their understanding of lots of medication being of benefit and lots of medication causing problems.
Shane McSweeny In his role as an occupational therapist, Shane sees it as being extremely important for people with no or low vision to explore reallife experiences so that they are free to ‘make the mistakes’ in a safe environment with him alongside as a supportive coach. His input is before, during and after such excursions. Hence, before a group of young males visits a ‘pub’, he works with them on personal hygiene, grooming and dressing strategies. While at the pub, he provides support for interaction with the opposite sex, for example, giving tips for approach and for a listening style of conversation.
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Our members The Deflasking of Orchids - Andre Gregory Cleghorn
Preparation of materials • Sieve some fine pine bark (3-5 mm) to remove any dust and fill a plastic pot with it. • Pour boiling water over the bark to sterilise it and to remove any remaining dust. Allow it to cool. • Fill another pot with medium pine bark (8-10 mm) and sieve and sterilise in the same way with boiling water. • If the seedlings are to be planted into used containers, these will have to be disinfected beforehand and for this job it is recommended that you soak them in 10% White King (0.4% sodium hypochlorite) for at least half an hour. • Lastly, as far as preparations go, fill the pots or punnets to a quarter of their depth with the coarse pine bark for drainage and then cover with a layer of fine pine bark.
De-flasking procedure • Choose plants that have a good root system, but are not too crowded. Fewer large plants are better than many small ones. • Fill a container with tepid boiled water and carefully hold the clump of the seedlings over the container with the roots only in the water and wash all the agar from the roots. • Spread the plants onto paper towelling and allow them to partially dry and harden for about 20 minutes. • Place the seedlings into the prepared pots and fill with mix. • It is usually better to plant 10-15 seedlings in a punnet or pot (100-150 mm) than to individually plant into 25 mm tubes.
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Growing On • Place the plants into a humid box. A Yates seedling tray and Grow Top are ideal but a foam fruit box covered with a sheet of glass is also suitable. • For the first week, leave the air vents closed, provide heavy shading and place in a warm position, preferably indoors near a south-facing window. • Check the plants daily for excess humidity and if they are too wet open the vents for a while. • After the first week open the air vents of the humid box but leave under heavy shading. A week later remove the Grow Top and reduce the level of shading. The plants may appear a little stressed with some leaf tip burn, but this is better than allowing them to become too soft and weak under high humidity. • After about one month move the plants to your normal seedling growing area, which should preferably be a protected part of your greenhouse with overhead covering and 70% shading in summer. • If you spray the seedlings with an anti-transpirant oil (for example, ‘Envy’) you can more quickly reduce the humidity because the oil will reduce water loss by the plant’s leaves.
Remember • Fungicides are not needed unless the seedlings are obviously infected with fungi. • Spring and autumn are the best times for de-flasking unless you are able to provide bottom heat during winter or can keep the plants inside your house. • Make the changes in humidity, temperature and light intensity from flask to greenhouse for your seedlings as gradual as possible. Andre Gregory Cleghorn Member since 1993
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Dr Olive Marion Hamilton Having recently attained OBE (Over Beautiful Eighty) status, I gathered some memorabilia for our family barbecue, Olive’s Birthday Extravaganza. This led me to reflect on the scope of my formal educational journey. I was born in Merriwagga from a farm fourteen miles distant, in Central New South Wales at the east of Coorain. I did my first year of school here by correspondence with lessons from the Victorian Education Department at Napier Street in Fitzroy. Our mother home tutored my two elder brothers and me. Transport to the nearest school at White Tank, about 15 miles east of Merriwagga was not possible. In 1938, an epidemic of poliomyelitis caused schools to be closed but in 1949, the year of my matriculation, the epidemic was active again but this time, Victorian schools did not close. We moved to Salisbury West, Victoria in 1939 to the farm that the Hamilton family owned since 1883. The three of us attended the same school, though not at the same building as our father and his siblings. It was four miles to school and Bruce, the elder of my brothers, who was then ten years old, drove the gig with the three of us. The entire school, called S.S. 1773 Salisbury West, then had one teacher and 13 pupils. In 1942 we moved to Bendigo for our further education. While my brothers went to the Junior Technical School and the Bendigo School of Mines, I went to Quarry Hill Primary School and into Grade 5. There were at least 57 in the class. I then went on to Bendigo High School.
Photo of SS 1773 the whole school. Brother Ian was absent on that day.
Photo of Olive as a baby. In schooling years, she was driven to school in this horse and carriage.
Grade 5, Quarry Hill Primary School, Bendigo in July 1942
After a year as a student teacher in Bendigo Teachers’ College and The University of Melbourne, I taught in government high schools in Wodonga and Bendigo. During my six years of teaching in Bendigo, I was an active member of the Operatic Society. It was a musical comedy company and we performed in twelve musicals, in which nearly all of them were American. I then taught in several Metropolitan high schools. I retired as Principal of Princes Hill Secondary College. Les van der Sluys, whose lovely prints hang in the table tennis room at Graduate House was on my staff. Up until 1970, female teachers in the Education Department received 70%-75% of male salary. I saw other changes during my career, ranging from unqualified temporary teachers to qualified temporary teachers, from underfunded, efficient and centralised bureaucracy to underfunded, overloaded, and decentralised bureaucracy. In 1978, the Education Department of Victoria opened the Institute of Educational Administration (IEA), which ran one month long residential courses designed to teach principals how to better
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administer their schools. In July 1980, the Equality Program began and it was the first time there were equal numbers of men and women participants. By the end of the month, the Program was also known as the Party Program, and the party went on for more than thirty-two years after that. Those who attended IEA Program 8 have always attested to the worth of the program both professionally and personally. A core group of that Program meets for lunch at The Graduate Union every couple of months, joined by their partners, friends and colleagues who completed other IEA programs.
Olive Hamilton in 1961
I then became the Principal of Altona North High School. Living at the Geelong Travel Lodge for that month and studying with teachers from all sections of education ranging from government and non-government sectors to participants from Western Australia, it felt a little like being a University student again, but with money.
In 1982, upon the recommendation of the Faculty in Educational Administration and in cooperation with the Institute of Educational Administration Victoria, and having completed gruelling studies and demonstrating endurance and resilience to otherwise satisfy requirements for the degree of Doctor of Pedagogicial Persistence (PPD), I was accordingly admitted to that degree with “all rights, privileges and immunities provided thereunto”. I was granted special permission of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for this and awarded with a certificate with seal signed by Chairperson Thomas Sergiovanni, President’s Representative Chief Illiniwek, Faculty Representative Paula Silver and IEA Director Colin Moyle. To loosely paraphrase C. Northcote Parkinson (1957), when organisations are flourishing, they are often found in the equivalent of tin sheds and temporary premises. The IEA, having been in various motels in Shepparton and Geelong, opened its permanent purpose built elegant home in 1985. It was closed by 1993. In 1983, at aged 50, I had been thinking of applying for an Education Department Travelling Scholarship. A very senior administrator in the Department, no less then a Deputy Director of Secondary Education, said that if I didn’t apply soon, I would be too old. He had been a recipient of one of the two annual scholarships. I have never let my good friend Hec (see the next member story), forget these comments. I am most grateful for them. I was successful and spent six months investigating local involvement in school governance, the methods school councils use to maintain both indigenous and introduced minority cultures and how school administration operates with a multi-lingual school population. I visited Canada, Washington D. C., Sweden and Britain. Preceding this, I spent nine months working in head office in Nauru House, as one of two government representatives on the Agreement Implementation Committee, established to oversee the industrial agreement between the Education Department and the Victorian Secondary Teachers’ Association. In the course of this time, I travelled to each of the state’s twelve Education Regions.
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During two January school vacations, I did voluntary labouring work in Fiji, and helped in a library in Tonga. After retirement from the paid work force, my work included reading for the blind, driving for Red Cross, water exercise leader and the most satisfying of all, Community Visitor and Community Guardian with the Office of the Public Advocate. As a transition to retirement, I completed a Master of Urban Planning at The University of Melbourne. Dr Olive Marion Hamilton Life member since 1967
Hector Harold Gallagher I left Northcote High School in December 1941, two weeks after Japanese planes bombed Pearl Harbour, with a Leaving Certificate that qualified me to enter Melbourne University. My family’s experiences in the depression of the 1930s gave a safe job with the Government or a bank, number one priority. I was lined up for a position with the State Savings Bank of Victoria. Their leadership were quick decision-makers, for within one week of Pearl Harbour, they decided not to employ sixteen year olds fearing they may be called up for military service on turning the age of seventeen. My banking career prospects disintegrated and I later became a Supernumerary Junior Clerk in the Victorian Railways.
Aircraftman Class 2 Photo taken in July, 1943
I joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on turning eighteen and trained as a Navigator Wireless Operator. In 1945, we were forming up 92 Squadron at Kingaroy. Our Squadron Education Officer, Bob Sims who is also a graduate from Melbourne University, talked about doing University subjects by correspondence so I decided to do Economic Geography 1 as the first subject of a Commerce Degree. At the end of Term two we had to sit for an examination paper. Half of it was short answer questions. The other half consisted of essays which required a knowledge of a text book written by Zimmerman. I did the short answers part well but found the essays far too demanding. Bob Sims advised me to write TIME on my paper and send it off. I took his advice. When the corrected papers came back with 49 out of 50 for the short answers they included a comment from lecturer Molly Bayne: “Was it really time or haven’t you read Zimmerman?” I thought ”I am in the hands of a genius. She is 900 miles away and can see right through me”. I am grateful to Molly Bayne, she set me on the right track early in my career.
I was discharged in October 1945. On Cup Day, 1945 I sat the Economic Geography 1 exam in the old Wilson Hall. I had sat many examinations in that old Wilson Hall. Several were on Cup Days. Two memories haunt me. As I sat waiting for inspiration during an exam, my eyes would wander up to the ceiling. Embedded in the Angels’ shields, like darts, were steel nibbed pens! How did they get there? Within seconds of the finish of the Melbourne Cup the name of the winner would be known to all in Wilson Hall. Remember, this was in the days before transistor radios, mobile phones and all the other electronic wizardry of today. How did it happen?
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In 1946 I entered Melbourne Teachers College and successfully completed the one year course for Trained Primary Teachers Certificate. I was able to do this, and complete the remaining eleven subjects for my Commerce Degree, with assistance from the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme. I have written a history of this Scheme, “We Got a Fair Go”, a copy of which is in the Library of the Graduate Union. I completed my Bachelor of Commerce Degree in I952 and graduated in 1953, after ten years! I did not fail a subject. My first four subjects were done by correspondence - one at Kingaroy, one at Teachers College and two whilst I was teaching in oneteacher rural schools. In 1949 I was transferred by the Education Department to Westgarth Central School and commenced three subjects whilst teaching halftime. I contracted poliomyelitis in June of that year and was unable to sit any exams. In 1950, whilst still in hospital, Bob Sims provided me with carbon copies of notes he took in lectures and I was able to complete two subjects by correspondence. Six down and six to go! I returned to half time teaching and study and completed the remaining subjects in 1951 and ‘52. I gained Honours in five subjects in those two years. I mention this because attendance at lectures and time to discuss matters with fellow students is so important. For financial reasons, many of today’s students are not able to spend enough time on campus, at tutorials and talking with fellow students. When compared with support given to ex-service personnel between 1945 and 1952 we are treating today’s student population poorly. As a community we are the losers! I enjoyed my years as a teacher and as a lecturer at Rusden Teachers College and Monash Faculty of Education. In 1967 I joined the Board of lnspectors of Secondary Schools and retired in I985 from the position of Assistant Director of Secondary Education. Hector Harold Gallagher Life member since 1968
Hector Harold Gallagher’s book, We Got a Fair Go, is located in the Education Section of The Graduate Union Anderson Library, under the label EDU 0003.
“I have enjoyed reading ‘The Melbourne Graduate Vol 67 No 3,’ WITHOUT MY READING GLASSES! Thanks to editors for interesting content and special thanks to the designer who selected the print just the thing for ancient eyes. Best wishes to you all for a happy, healthy and peaceful 2013. “ Hec Gallagher
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John Edward Farrell I graduated in Electrical Engineering from our great University in 1956. Within six months of graduation, I commenced four years in the United Kingdom in simulator design for anti-submarine warfare, returning to Australia to set up the simulator in Sydney. This led to four years in the Control Engineering design and start-up of one of the petrochemical plants in Victoria, followed by six years in the start-up and management of the Computer Control Division of a large US Computer Corporation. This was the last big business job in my career. It so happened that we had designed an Australian product that competed with one that was emerging from the parent US corporation. The potential conflict caused me – and some of my elite engineering group - to leave the company – in good grace – and enter the world of small business. My commitment to actions that support cross disciplinary activities commenced at this time.
John Farrell, second row left, with his family celebrating his mother’s 110th birthday. Photo from the front page of the Herald Sun, November 27th
During the following decade, we designed, manufactured and marketed leading-edge products in the Information and Communications Technology sector, now the leading industry in the world. I spent most of my time in international operations and most of the engineers in my group finally started their own businesses. A catastrophic decision by the Federal government – to cease Australian industry participation in government foreign purchases - led to my serious concerns about big business control of the government and its devastating effects on small business in the areas of retailing, franchising and contracting. This led to my being asked to set up the not-for-profit advocacy - National Federation of Independent Business - in the Canberra region, followed by a request to take over the federal presidency. In this capacity, I have tackled the serious knowledge deficiencies in the law and commerce professions, deficiencies that have disabled their protection of the “lifeblood of the nation” - small business. The NFIB has successfully designed and implemented solutions to many of the problems and now needs to prevent their occurrence in the first place. This is where I believe that The Graduate Union may be able to assist by following its charter of “engaging in intellectual and social stimulation for the wider community of Graduate Union members”.
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I thus plan to provide talks to Members, using easy-to-understand business logic and basic mathematics, to illustrate the merge points of law and commerce with engineering, the driving force in modern society. This will enable the GU attendees to better understand the trade practice issues that are currently being ignored and will also upgrade their professional performance. John Edward Farrell Life member since 1975
Marie Tuirean Dowling Colin Watson joined The Graduate Union on the 1st March, 1952. As a Bachelor of Commerce, he realised that the then Life membership fee was the best bargain he would ever see. Colin served in The Graduate Council from 1996 till shortly before his death in 1999. Colin Watson and Marie Dowling were married at Graduate House on the 14th June 1979. Their celebant was Dally Messenger III who most kindly provided a talk on civil celebrancy in early 2013. The ceremony was in the library and the dinner afterwards was in the dining room then located on the ground floor of the William Berry Wing. Uniquely, these two librarians were married in a library by a former librarian! Prior to Marie’s marriage, her step-daughter (daughter of Marie’s new husband) had been married by Dally Messenger III as well. Marie Tuirean Dowling Life member since 1996
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Our Organisation Members
Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) Organisation Member since 2008 Dental Health Services Victoria is the leading public oral health agency in Victoria and, as such, plays a key role in supporting dental practitioners at The Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne and at the 58 community dental agencies across Victoria by providing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities. These activities are designed to help clinicians understand new techniques and materials being used in the sector and give them an opportunity to learn from their peers. DHSV’s CPD activities are held every second week throughout the year and topics cover a mix of clinical and other professional areas. To kick off the 2013 program we will cover Metacognetics: Mindfulness based stress management for dentistry in February 2013 and Endodontics: Rotary NiTi lecture and hands on training in March 2013. Our participants really enjoy our comprehensive programs and love taking in the surroundings at Graduate House. The friendly staff and excellent catering are just icing on the cake! Julie McCormack Manager DHSV Clinical Training Unit (03) 9341 1133.
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Modern Language Teachers Association of Victoria Incorporated Organisational Member since 2010 It has been a privilege to use the first-rate facilities offered by Graduate House for the Modern Language Teachers’ Association of Victoria Committee meetings and Professional Learning (PL) activities, always enhanced by fine catering, allowing participants to work in a relaxing and professional manner. In September 2012, International Expert Professor Do Coyle offered a seminar on Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) to more than one hundred teachers of Languages. In the same month, teachers celebrated the end of two of our long term Professional Learning Programs, one of which is a Mentoring project and the other, a project recognising Highly Accomplished Teachers of Languages. November 2012 saw the final Committee meeting for the year followed by dinner and a month later in December, the Annual General Meeting and banquet took place at Graduate House. “An army marches on its stomach” .... Napoleon MLTAV is a dynamic not-for-profit association which supports languages education and advocating for teachers and students in the area. The association has links to similar associations in Australia and beyond. MLTAV publishes a biennial journal, Languages Victoria, a news bulletin, LanguagesConnect, and has an informative website www.mltav.info.asn.au. The Publications team is always interested in overseas contributions. MLTAV is always interested to hear from languages champions - people for whom multilingualism is very important in their personal or professional lives and who would be willing to share their experiences. Please contact us via info@mltav.asn.au. We look forward to hearing from you!
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social media With the latest advancements in technology and the rapid emergence of internet and wireless options in recent years, The Graduate Union has established social media channels to engage with diverse audiences.
This channel was started in July 2011 and has more than 180 followers from Australia and abroad. We follow over 700 organisations, primarily in the education, not for profit and public interest sectors. Over Twitter, we introduce and market The Graduate Union, send out tweets on collegiate events at Graduate House and re-tweet ideas and news of importance.
Our Facebook site was commenced in August 2011 and we now have over 125 members - or likes - the majority of whom are our past and current resident members. We use the no-cost join-up capacity of this channel to become members of the Facebook sites of universities, student bodies, charitable institutes and professional experts nationally and internationally. Collegiate events and educational news, such as those relating to scholarships, internships, fellowships and key tips on university life, are promoted through this channel.
The Graduate Union entered LinkedIn in August 2011 to build connections with professionals and to promote our services across a range of special interest groups. Our events and services form the primary notices disseminated through this network.
Our presence on Google Plus has been since its launch in November 2011. We now have several subscribers in our circles, mostly in the education and not for profit sectors, and have been added to the circles of more than thirty other Google Plus users. Collegiate events are promoted through this social media channel and our services and facilities are marketed.
Our YouTube channel was also opened in November 2011. Collegiate events at Graduate House – monthly luncheons, twilight lectures, Sunday concerts and other educational and social events have been broadcast through this medium. The Chairman’s Cocktail Party held in December 2011 and Laureate Professor Peter Doherty’s lecture at the November Twilight Lecture have been the most viewed uploads. Use of internet-based social media enhances the public profile and reputation of our Association at national and international levels. It is an economic and efficient means of promoting our services, facilities and products and of informing existing and potential members of key activities and benefits.
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College Merchandise and Garb Graduate Union Merchandising The Graduate Union now has a number of items for purchase Our gift range includes:
-
reusable keepsake cups pens metal handbag holders cylinder holders mugs key chains
Our apparel range is made from the highest quality materials. These items are available at our offices and can also be purchased online from our website. They include:
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windcheaters with hoods crew neck t-shirts for ladies and men polo shirts for ladies and men merino pullovers knitted vests caps
windcheater with hood $50 Cap $20
womens polo $40
mens polo $40
merino pullover $110
knitted vest $50
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t-shirt $30
Meet the Team Kerry Bennett - CEO/Head of College It is a pleasure to work alongside this fantastic group of people. The team here at The Graduate Union are highly experienced, expertly trained and all with a passion to bring out the best in The Graduate Union. From our offices, to our bistro, bar and culinary sections, through to housekeeping and building services departments, you would struggle to find a set of more dedicated, hard working, friendly and altruistic people.
Office Staff
Daniel Clark
Rhonda Lu
Alex Skaria
Punam Kunwar
Operations Manager
Executive Assistant
System Development Manager
System Finance Officer
Diana Bachman
Nelly Anala
Poonam Anala
Shirley Ho
Accommodation Manager
Membership Manager
Graduate Collegiate Officer
Editorial Coordinator
Eliah Castiello
Zac Matthews
Jaimy Skaria
Editorial Officer
Graphic Designer
Social Media Strategist
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Hospitality and Guest Services Staff
Rosie Ellul
Bill Mihelakis
Marwa Tantawy
Hospitality Manager
Functions and Guest Services Manager
Functions and Guest Services Supervisor
Sujata Manandhar
Aneesh Haridas
Vanessa Bevan
Guest Services Staff
Guest Services Staff
Guest Services Staff
Mason Terret
Claudia Trainer
Prakash Thapa
Guest Services Staff
Guest Services Staff
Guest Services Staff
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Culinary Section
Kris Reid
Nelson Hu
Basma Tantawy
Head Chef
Chef
Cook
Keith Turney
Draga Jeftic
Peter Convery
Trainee Chef
Kitchen Services Staff
Kitchen Services Staff
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Building Services and Housekeeping Staff
George Jaksic
Ray Stojanovic
Scott Nelson
Anne Ladkins
Building Services Manager
Building Services Officer
Building Services Officer
Head Housekeeper
Sheila Bevan
Anna Condello
Stana Stojanovic
Roshan Dhital
Housekeeping Staff
Housekeeping Staff
Housekeeping Staff
Housekeeping Staff
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Staff News It has been another busy year at The Graduate Union! Many new promotions and events have been put in place in 2012 and to meet the demand of the workload involved in organising these functions, there has been a significant increase in manpower (and our current resolve to expand the administration office spaces!). The most significant change to our staffing was the departure in August of Lyn Weston who had been with the Association for eleven years. Lyn took a well deserved overseas vacation and we wish her all the very best in her future plans. Rosie Ellul is enjoying the challenge in her new position as Hospitality Manager. 2012 has been a busy year with bookings for academic and professional development meetings and Rosie has been grateful for the great assistance from Bill Mihelakis, who, in his new role as Function and Guest Services Manager, looks after the need and requirements of the conference attendees, along with Function and Guest Services supervisor, Marwa Tantawy. Sujata Manandhar continues to work with us on a casual basis while undertaking part-time studies in accountancy. Other Guest services staff include Vanessa Bevan, Aneesh Haridas and Diana Sui. Mason Terret joined the team in December and we recently welcomed also Claudia Trainer and Prakash Thapa. The success and great feedback received From left : Marwa Tantawy, Rosie Ellul, Bill Mihelakis, Mason Terret, is evidence of the dedication shown Eliah Castiello, Punam Kumar, Daniel Clark, Vanessa Bevan, Sujata Manadhar and Diana Sui by each team member. The culinary section of Graduate House continues to excel under the guidance of Head Chef Kris Reid. The training and development in the kitchen is ongoing with fantastic results as new ideas are implemented to cater for the increasing numbers of members and guests using our facilities and to ensure that our resident members have a varied and healthy diet. Recently we welcomed trainee chef, Keith Turney, who is now employed after a period of hospitality training, and Peter Convery who is the new morning kitchen services staff while Draga Jeftic continues with the evening kitchen shift. We have also said farewell to Harry Singh, wishing him all the best as he embarks on his business venture and to the wonderful Mark Woloszyn who will be sorely missed, wishing him all the best with his studies at Melbourne University. Congratulations to chef, Nelson Hu on the arrival of his son, Kingsley Hu, on January 4th, 2013. Nelson specialises in Asian cuisine and prepares the weekday breakfast while Basma Tantawy does weekend breakfast and occasional Nelson and Serena Hu weekend function catering. Both also contribute significantly to the weekday with baby Kingsley operations of the culinary section.
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From replacing a light bulb to clearing a blocked sink, the Building Services team have worked tirelessly in overseeing the general maintenance of Graduate House. Both George Jaksic and Ray Stojanovic work hard towards the betterment of The Graduate Union. Refurbishment works to the William Berry Wing continue to progress well as repairs and painting works are scheduled to the convenience of the residents. We are pleased to have Building Services Officer Scott Nelson join the team. His expertise in painting and skills in restoration is much appreciated. The dedicated team from the housekeeping department, Anne Ladkins, Sheila Bevans and Anna Condello, are, as always, diligent and will always go the extra mile behind the scenes. The workload for this department has increased significantly so we have been very pleased to recently welcome to the housekeeping team two new staff members, Stana Stojanovic and Roshan Dhital. This will assist in supporting the increased use of our facilities in the evenings and on weekends. The demolition of the arch on Level 1 of the William Berry terraces means that for the first time, all seven terraces are connected by the same corridor. We would like to congratulate our maintenance staff for this monumental achievement. The office staff have seen another incredibly busy year and many changes. We congratulate Accommodation Manager Diana Moyses on her wedding and welcome her back from her honeymoon as Mrs Diana Bachman.
Poonam Anala
Eliah and Zac at work
Jaimy Skaria
Punam Kunwar jumps between her duties as a System Finance Officer as well as covering reception and front office duties. She is also responsible for the coordination of the reciprocal arrangements with other associations around the world. Nelly Anala is the new Membership Manager while Kay Davies had taken over the task of coordinating pre and post-function activities in her role as Collegiate Officer. With Kay leaving soon, we welcome Poonam Anala to this role. The Publications and Social media team consists of Shirley Ho, who undertook training in 2012 in Adobe In-Design and now oversees the editing of the Monthly Newsletters, the Annual Report and The Melbourne Graduate. Also contributing to the publications are Eliah Castiello and Zac Matthews. Eliah writes articles and sources news of interest to graduates while Zac provides the graphics and artwork. Eliah and Zac are full-time students at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and at Swinburne University, respectively. Jaimy Skaria is our new Social Media Strategist who is responsible for keeping our Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other outlets up to date. She is also a part-time student pursuing a degree in accounting from La Trobe University. The team were happy to welcome back Rhonda Lu, after twelve months of maternity leave. Rhonda could not have returned at a better time (early December 2012) to help us all move successfully
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through the very busy end of year period. Having worked here now for several years, Rhonda also brings a long term and comprehensive understanding of the functions required to support governance and the CEO/Head of College. The increasing workload in administration has meant an urgent need to redesign our back end systems. Fortunately, we have on board our very clever Alex Skaria, who has worked closely with all staff to develop a tailored system that will meet many of our information management requirements more effectively. After the test-running, Rosie reports that it has made the process organising meetings much quicker and easier. The membership system has also been test-run and proven to be efficient. The Wedding of Alex Skaria and Prisci Thomas Our wonderful Alex returned to India to marry Prisci Susan Thomas on the 22nd December, 2012. The Ceremony was held at Contour Backwaters Resort in the state of Kerala, India. The wedding was brilliant, with more than 950 guests. The fanfare of the Christian wedding began with the engagement party hosted by Prisci’s family on the 20th December in the town of Tiruvalla, two days before the wedding. The party commenced at about 11am with prayers and finished in the afternoon, followed with lunch. About 500 close relatives and friends came and blessed the occasion.
Alex and Prisci with Alex’s Family
Alex with his siblings
On the wedding day, family and friends arrived at Contour Backwaters Resort at Changnacherry. It was a fun filled Christian wedding mixed with beautiful Indian traditions. The wedding commenced in western tradition with the bridal march. As Canon music was played, the groom, Alex, entered the wedding hall with his father, followed by other members of the family. The bride and her father entered next to the tunes of Here comes the bride. The wedding ceremony commenced with prayers and sermons from leading pastors of the church. For the solemnization, Alex took Prisci’s hand and together they took their oath to each other and the Pastor declared them husband and wife and gave the benediction. The reception celebrations started right after the wedding with Alex and Prisci changing into traditional Indian attire and being carried onto the stage by their family with singing and dancing. Buffet counters were opened for guests to have lunch. Family and friends were invited on stage to take pictures with the newlyweds. Photographers set up their video stands to capture every moment of the wedding and reception. The siblings and cousins played pranks on the newlyweds
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Kay Davies (left) and Lyn and Rob Weston with Alex and Prisci
Alex and Prisci cutting the wedding cake
making them drink bitter guard juice and showering them with confetti and snow spray as they cut the cake.The wedding and reception came to a close at about 3pm, with both families returning to Alex’s family home for drinks and refreshments as per tradition. They later headed to Prisci’s home where the bride and groom stayed for a couple of days. They spent the month of January in India celebrating. Alex was able to bring his new bride to Australia on a tourist visa and is hoping to obtain a spousal visa in the coming months. Alex returned to work at the beginning of February and they both wish to thank all staff and members for their support and encouragement. Thank you Kay As of April 22nd, The Graduate Union bids farewell to Kay Davies. Kay started her work here at The Graduate Union in 2011 as a graduate collegiate officer and soon became an invaluable part of the team. She has been involved in the organisation of member functions including Twilight lectures, monthly luncheons and Sunday music concerts throughout the year and has fast become much loved by many of our members. All the staff here at The Graduate Union wish Kay all the best in her future endeavours and would be most happy for her to come back at any time!
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The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. Incorporated Association Registration Number (IARN): A0023234B Australian Business Number (ABN): 55 610 664 963
Financial Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2012
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963
IARN: A0023234B
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2012
CONTENTS
Page
Council Report
1
Statement of Comprehensive Income
2
Statement of Financial Position
3
Statement of Changes in Equity
4
Statement of Cash Flows
5
Notes to the Financial Statements
6
Statement by Councillors
14
Independent Audit Report
15
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Council Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2012
IARN: A0023234B
Your Councillors submit the financial report of The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Incorporated for the financial year ended 31 December 2012. Council Members The names of Councillors throughout the year and at the date of this report are: President – Major General Professor Jeffrey V Rosenfeld AM (from December 2012) Chair - Mr D N Sparks Vice-Chair – Dr P E Cobbin
Ex-officio and nominees of the Vice- Chancellor Ms K Kapobassis (to August 2012) Ms J Ligouris (from November 2012) Mr S Lutley (from February 2012)
Members Dr D Bellair (to August 2012) Mr J A Binns (to August 2012) Mr A G Cleghorn Dr M A Doig (from October 2012) Mrs G J Fisher Ms C A Kidston Hon Justice T G Pagone (from December 2012) Mr L Santalucia
Dr C Booth (to May 2012) Mr R K Davis Mr D G Eyres (to May 2012) Dr R W Gibson (to August 2012) Dr J C McKellar Mr K Ryall (from October 2012) Dr R G Weber (to August 2012)
Councillors’ Remuneration The Councillors of the Association have received no benefits during the financial year for the performance of their duties as members of Council. Principal Activities The principal activities during the financial year were the operation of a residential college affiliated with The University of Melbourne and the provision of facilities for members of the Association to enjoy educational, social and intellectual activities. Significant Changes No significant change in the nature of these activities occurred during the year. Operating result The deficit from activities for the financial year amounted to $55,302. Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Members of the Council: Mr D N Sparks – Chair of Council
Dated this sixteenth day of the month of April in the year of 2013. 1
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Statement of Comprehensive Income For the Year Ended 31 December 2012
IARN: A0023234B
2012 2011 Note $ $ Revenue 2(a) 3,019,127 2,956,508 Donations 2(b) 12,194 665,313 Employment expenses (1,394,092) (1,046,318) Interest and bank fees (570,228) (575,939) Catering expenses (447,283) (443,352) Repairs and maintenance (189,018) (183,716) Communications expenses (134,275) (180,470) Professional fees (136,992) (118,668) Utilities expenses (78,559) (74,752) Legal expenses (16,899) (64,620) Depreciation (36,413) (43,133) Rates and Government taxes (35,332) (39,434) Insurance expenses (42,532) (37,869) Centenary celebrations 0 (33,958) Scholarship (5,000) (5,000) Surplus/ (deficit) for the year
(55,302)
774,592
Total Comprehensive Income for the year
(55,302)
774,592
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements 2
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Statement of Financial Position As at 31 December 2012
IARN: A0023234B
2012 2011 Note $ $ ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 5 1,331,999 1,635,775 Trade and other receivables 6 11,150 32,984 Inventories 7 18,075 12,748 Prepayments 140,837 130,907 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,502,061 1,812,414 NON CURRENT ASSETS Property, Plant and Equipment 8 22,517,343 22,173,376 TOTAL NON CURRENT ASSETS 22,517,343 22,173,376 TOTAL ASSETS
24,019,404 23,985,790
LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables 9 504,852 432,281 Short term provisions 10 98,019 76,674 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 602,871 508,955 NON CURRENT LIABILITIES Borrowings 11 7,000,000 7,000,000 TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 7,000,000 7,000,000 TOTAL LIABILITIES
7,602,871 7,508,955
NET ASSETS
16,416,533 16,476,835
EQUITY Reserves 14,430,836 14,423,642 Retained Earnings 1,985,697 2,053,193 TOTAL EQUITY
16,416,533 16,476,835
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements 3
TheThe Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc.
ABN: 55 610 664 963 ABN: 55 610 664 963 Statement of Changes in Equity Statement by Councillors For For thethe Year Ended 31 December 2012 Year Ended 31 December 2012 2012
Retained Earnings $
IARN: A0023234B
IARN: A0023234B
Reserves $
Total Reserves $
Total Equity $
Revaluation Building Residents’ Bursaries Stillwell Reserve Reserve Assistance Reserve Collection Reserve Balance at 1 January 2012
2,053,193
13,869,777 498,128
37,549
7,688
10,500 14,423,642 16,476,835
Surplus/(Deficit) from ordinary activities/Donations
(67,496)
0
9,919
1,235
1,040
0
12,194
(55,302)
Transfers from reserves Reserves Transfers from
0
0)
0
0
(5,000)
0
(5,000)
(5,000)
13,869,777 508,047
38,784
3,728
Balance at 31 December 2012
1,985,697
2011
Retained Earnings $
10,500 14,430,836
Reserves $
Total Reserves $
16,416,533
Total Equity $
Revaluation Building Residents’ Bursaries Stillwell Reserve Reserve Assistance Reserve Collectio Reserve n Balance at 1 January 2011 Surplus from ordinary activities/Donations Revaluation increments/(decrements)
Balance at 31 December 2011
1,753,191 14,446,575
26,439
35,438
6,898
10,500
0 471,689
2,111
790
0
474,590
774,592
0
0
0
0
(576,798)
(576,798)
2,053,193 13,869,777 498,128
37,549
7,688
10,500
300,002
0
(576,798)
14,525,850 16,279,041
14,423,642 16,476,835
1
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements 4
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Statement of Cash Flows For the Year Ended 31 December 2012
IARN: A0023234B
2012 2011 Note $ $ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Receipts from accommodation and catering 2,871,094 2,803,848 Receipts from subscriptions 111,114 97,299 Donations and Other Income 15,604 674,085 Payments to suppliers and employees (3,017,850) (2,980,733) Net cash provided by operating activities
14
(20,038)
594,499
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Property rentals Interest received Funds expended on development and renovations Funds expended on asset purchases
34,809 61,832 (353,951) (26,428)
35,777 60,886 (187,703) (39,949)
Net cash used in investing activities
(283,738)
(130,989)
Net increase (decrease) in cash held Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of financial year
(303,776) 1,635,775
463,510 1,172,265
Cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year
1,331,999
1,635,775
5
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements 5
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2012
IARN: A0023234B
The Financial Statements cover The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. as an individual entity incorporated in Victoria under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Vic). 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Preparation The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne Inc. has elected to early adopt the pronouncements AASB 1053 Application of Tiers of Australian Accounting Standards and AASB 2010--2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from Reduced Disclosure Requirements to the annual reporting period beginning 1 January 2011. The Financial Statements are general purpose financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards, Australian Accounting Interpretations and the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Vic). Australian Accounting Standards set out accounting policies that the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) has concluded would result in a financial report containing relevant and reliable information about transactions, events and conditions. Material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of this financial report are presented below and have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated. The Financial Statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based on historical costs, modified, where applicable, by the measurement at fair value of selected non current assets, financial assets and financial liabilities.
(b) Income Tax Tax effect accounting has not been applied as the Association is exempt from Income Tax under Section 50-B of the Income Tax Assessment Act, 1997 (Cth). The Association has also been endorsed as a tax concession charity for Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Fringe Benefit Tax by the Australian Taxation Office.
(c) Property, Plant and Equipment Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair values as indicated less, where applicable, any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Freehold land and buildings Freehold land and buildings are shown at their fair value (being the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction) based on periodic , valuations by external independent valuers, less subsequent depreciation for buildings. Increases in the carrying amount arising on revaluation of land and buildings are credited to a revaluation reserve in equity. Decreases that offset previous increases of the same asset are charged against the revaluation reserves directly in equity. Any accumulated depreciation at the date of revaluation is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the net amount is restated to the revalued amount of the asset.
6
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2012
IARN: A0023234B
Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment are measured on the cost basis, less depreciation and impairment losses. The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually to ensure that it is not in excess of the recoverable amount from these assets. Depreciation The depreciable amount of all fixed assets is depreciated on a straight line basis over the asset’s useful life commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. The depreciation rates used range from 5% to 37.5% based on the type of asset. Asset Revaluations The freehold land and buildings are as per independent valuation by Thomson Maloney and Partners Pty Ltd T/A Charter Keck Cramer as at 31 December 2011.
(d) Inventories Inventories which consist of beverages, food products and merchandise are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
(e) Employee Benefits Provision is made for the Association’s liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to the end of the reporting period.
(f) Revenue and Other Income Revenue from accommodation is recognised upon the delivery of services to residents. Revenue from catering is accounted for on an accruals basis. Interest revenue is recognised on a proportional basis taking into account the interest rates applicable to the financial assets. All revenue is stated net of the amount of GST.
(g) Goods and Services Tax (GST) Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Tax Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the Statement of Financial Position are shown inclusive of GST. Cash flows are presented in the Statement of Cash Flows on a gross basis, except for the GST component of investing and financing activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows.
(h) Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts.
7
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2012
IARN: A0023234B
(i) Impairment of Assets At the end of each reporting period, the Association reviews the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset’s carrying value. Any excess of the asset’s carrying value over its recoverable amount is expensed to the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Association estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs.
(j) Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Association has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflow can be reliably measured.
(k) Comparative Figures When required by Accounting Standards, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation for the current financial year.
(l) New Accounting Standards for Application in Future Periods The AASB has issued new and amended accounting standards and interpretations that have mandatory application dates for future reporting periods. The Association has decided against early adoption of these standards. A discussion of those future requirements and their impact on the Association is as follows: AASB 9 Financial Instruments and AASB 2009-11 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 [AASB 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 101, 102, 108, 112, 118, 121, 127, 128, 131, 132, 136, 139, 1023 and 1038 and Interpretations 10 and 12] (applicable for annual reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2013). These standards are applicable retrospectively and amend the classification and measurement of financial assets. The Association has not yet determined the potential impact on the Financial Statements. The changes made to accounting requirements include: - simplifying the classifications of financial assets into those carried at amortised cost and those carried at fair value; - simplifying the requirements for embedded derivatives; - removing the tainting rules associated with held to maturity assets; - removing the requirements to separate and fair value embedded derivatives for financial assets carried at amortised cost; - allowing an irrevocable election on initial recognition to present gains and losses on investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading in other comprehensive income. Dividends in respect of these investments that are a return on investment can be recognised in profit or loss and there is no impairment or recycling on disposal of the instrument; and
8
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2012 -
IARN: A0023234B
reclassifying financial assets where there is a change in an entity’s business model as they are initially classified based on: (a) the objective of the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets; and (b) the characteristics of the contractual cash flows.
AASB 13: Fair Value Measurement and AASB 2011–8: Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 13 (applicable for annual reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2013). AASB 13 defines fair value, sets out in a single Standard a framework for measuring fair value, and requires disclosures about fair value measurement. AASB 13 requires: - inputs to all fair value measurements to be categorised in accordance with a fair value hierarchy; and - enhanced disclosures regarding all assets and liabilities (including, but not limited to, financial assets and financial liabilities) to be measured at fair value. AASB 2012–2: Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Disclosures – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (applicable for annual reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2013). AASB 2012–2 principally amends AASB 7: Financial Instruments: Disclosures to require entities to include information that will enable users of their financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements, including rights of set-off associated with the entity’s recognised financial assets and recognised financial liabilities, on the entity’s financial position. This Standard is not expected to significantly impact the association’s financial statements. AASB 2012–3: Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (applicable for annual reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2014). This Standard adds application guidance to AASB 132: Financial Instruments: Presentation to address potential inconsistencies identified in applying some of the offsetting criteria of AASB 132, including clarifying the meaning of “currently has a legally enforceable right of set-off” and that some gross settlement systems may be considered equivalent to net settlement. The Association does not anticipate early adoption of any of the above accounting standards
9
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2012
IARN: A0023234B
2 Revenue and Other Income Revenue from Continuing Operations 2012 2011 2(a) $ $ Revenue - Accommodation 1,640,386 1,648,439 - Catering 1,162,576 1,105,334 - Subscriptions 111,114 97,299 - Interest received 61,832 60,886 - Property rentals 34,809 35,777 - Other Income 8,410 8,773 Total Revenue 3,019,127 2,956,508 2(b) Donations - Donations - Building 9,919 662,412 - Donations - Other 2,275 2,901 12,194 665,313 3 Key Management Personnel Compensation The totals of remuneration paid to key management personnel of the Association during the year are as follows: - Short-term employee benefits 294,220 171,667 - Termination benefits 24,650 0 318,870 171,667 4 Auditor’s Remuneration Remuneration of the auditor of the Association for: - Auditing or reviewing the Financial Statements 9,606 10,000 - Other services 0 0 9,606 10,000 5 Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash on hand 1,350 1,350 Cash at bank 123,900 231,568 Term deposits (includes donations and bequests) 1,206,749 1,402,857 1,331,999 1,635,775 The interest rates on short-term deposits varied from 2.9% to 5.2% (2011 - 4.7% to 5.2%). Maturity range was from 30 to 90 days.
10
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2012 6 Trade and Other Receivables CURRENT Accounts receivable GST refund ` 7 Inventories CURRENT Beverages, food products and merchandise - at cost 8
Property, Plant and Equipment Freehold land at independent valuation as at 31 December 2011
IARN: A0023234B
11,150 0 11,150
22,768 10,216 32,984
18,075
12,748
12,100,000
12,100,000
Freehold buildings and improvements at independent valuation 9,900,000 9,900,000 as at 31 December 2011 22,000,000 22,000,000 Capital improvements - at cost
Plant and Equipment – at cost Accumulated Depreciation
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
11
353,951 353,951
0 0
582,792 (419,400)
578,998 (405,622)
163,392
173,376
22,517,343
22,173,376
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2012
IARN: A0023234B
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc.
55 610 664 963 IARN: A0023234B ABN:Movements in carrying amounts by Councillors Statement Movement in the carrying amounts for each class of property, plant and equipment between For the beginning andDecember the end2012 of the current financial year. the Year Ended 31
Property $ Balance at 1 January 2011 Additions Disposals Depreciation expense Revaluation increment/(decrement) Balance at 31 December 2011 Additions Disposals Depreciation expense Revaluation increment/(decrement) Carrying amount at 31 December 2012
Plant and Equipment $ 279,338
Total $
22,247,680
Capital Improvement $ 38,637
2,000
185,703
39,949
227,652
(43,133)
(43,133)
(249,680) 22,000,000
(224,340) 0 353,951
(102,778) 173,376 26,429
(576,798) 22,173,376 380,380
(36,413)
(36,413)
163,392
22,517,343
22,000,000
353,951
22,565,655
9 Trade and Other Payables CURRENT Unsecured liabilities Trade payables 60,447 64,041 Accruals 63,264 62,926 Net GST payable 13,938 0 Prepaid accommodation and bonds 367,203 305,314 504,852 432,281 10 Provisions CURRENT Employee benefits 98,019 76,674 11
Borrowings Secured Liabilities - Commercial bill
1,000,000
- Commercial bill)
1,000,000
6,000,000 6,000,000 7,000,000 7,000,000
The commercial bills are interest only and mature 31 December 2015 The $1 million and $6 million commercial bills are secured over freehold land, buildings and improvements at 216-220 and 222-228 Leicester Street, Carlton. 2
12
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2012 12
IARN: A0023234B
Contingent Liabilities At 31 December 2012 the Association had contingent liabilities in relation to payroll tax of $107,316. This arose as a result of a State Revenue Office review of the exempt status of the Association. An assessment for the years 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2011 was issued on 7 February 2012. An objection has been lodged with the State Revenue Office and no outcome was received by date of signing by Council of these Financial Statements.
13 Capital Commitments At 31 December 2012 the Association had outstanding commitments of $75,000 in respect of air conditioning units for the main building accommodation rooms. 14
Events After the Balance Sheet Date Except for any financial impact of the matter referred to in Note 12 above, there have been no matters or circumstances which have arisen since the end of the financial year which may significantly affect the operations of the Association, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the Association in subsequent years.
15 Cash Flow Information Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations with Surplus/(Deficit) Surplus/(Deficit for the year (55,302) 774,592 Depreciation 36,413 43,133 Changes in assets and liabilities - Decrease/(increase) in trade, other receivables and inventories (38,411) 4.423 - Increase/(decrease) in trade payables, accruals and reserves 15,917 (257,632) - Increase/(decrease) in employee benefits 21,345 29,983 Net cash provided by operating activities (20,038) 594,499 16
Trusts The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated is not a trustee of any trust at the date of this report, except for the Residents Assistance Reserve and the Bursaries Reserve (See Statement of Changes in Equity). Funds associated with these reserves are deposited separately with the National Australia Bank.
13
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. ABN: 55 610 664 963 Statement by Councillors For the Year Ended 31 December 2012
IARN: A0023234B
In the opinion of the Council: 1. the Financial Report, as set out on pages 2 to 13, presents a true and fair view of the financial position of The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. as at 31 December 2012 and its performance for the year ended on that date in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including Australian Accounting Interpretations) of the Australian Accounting Standards Board. 2.
At the date of this Statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Inc. will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.
This Statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Council and is signed for and on behalf of the Council by:
Mr D N Sparks – Chairman Dated this sixteenth day of the month of April in the year 2013.
14
A. L. Law, FCA 10 Bennett Street, Balwyn, VIC 3103 Phone 9830 1242, Mobile 0417 013 395 ABN 45 614 724 892
Chartered Accountants
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATE UNION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE INCORPORATED Report on the Financial Report We have audited the accompanying financial report of The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated, (the association), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2012, the Statement of Comprehensive Income, Statement of Changes in Equity and Statement of Cash Flows for the year then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information and the statement by members of the Council. Council’s Responsibility to the Financial Report The Council of the association is responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 and for such internal control as the Council determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers the internal control relevant to the association’s preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view, in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the association’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the Council, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Opinion In our opinion, the financial report of The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated is in accordance with the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981, including: (i) giving a true and fair view of the association’s financial position as at 31 December 2012, and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and (ii) complying with Australian Accounting Standards.
Name:
Anthony L. Law FCA, Registered Company Auditor
Address:
10 Bennett Street, Balwyn, Victoria, 3103
Dated this:
16th day of April 2013. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
THE GRADUATE UNION of The University of Melbourne Inc. Australian Business Number: 55610664963 Incorporated Association Registration Number: A0023234B 220 Leicester Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia Telephone: +61 (0)3 9347 3428 Facsimile: +61 (0)3 9347 9981 www.graduatehouse.com.au sec@graduatehouse.com.au
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